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TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

1. JABARI PARKER (Bucks): Lost for the season - what a shame.  He was having a nice rookie campaign.  Bucks have been a surprise at 13-12 and will really miss him. He was averaging over 12 ppg and over five rpg and looking every day like he'd emerge as the Rookie of the Year on a solid team.  Based upon what I've seen so far, he'll be a good one for a long time.

2. KYLE O'QUINN (Magic): Back in the lineup for them and I love his athleticism and toughness. Averaging close to nine ppg and five rpg off the bench. He reminds me a bit of a young Amir Johnson. He plays with good energy and is a tough guy.  Good second effort.  I like his game.

3. VINNY DEL NEGRO: Hearing his name associated with the Kings job and I'm wondering why.  He did a solid job in both Chicago and LA (Clippers) but when it was time to take the next step both of those teams fired him and brought in Tom Thibodeau and Doc Rivers to take it to the next level.  Mike Malone is a good coach- - what level do they think DelNegro is going to take this further? I guess they have all the answers.  We'll see. I'm a skeptic.

4. COURTNEY LEE (Grizzlies): Some guys just fit a system and serve their purpose. This guy does.  Averaging 12 ppg and shoots an impressive 54 per cent from three-point range.  On many other teams his value wouldn't be appreciated. Here, they need him and respect him.  With terrific post guys like Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, you need a floor spacer who doesn't need plays run for him.  He makes sense.

5. DIVISION GAME (Raptors vs. Nets): First meeting between these two teams this season after their 11 games last season were so tight.  Very little separation then between the two in 2013-14. Closest team to Toronto in the Atlantic Division currently.  New season: same close competitive situation or a distancing.  Good test for the Raps tonight. Folks will say it's not personal - it is.