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TSN Basketball Analyst

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FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS:

1. EVAN TURNER (Celtics): Been really impressed with his play. He's a guy that's never going to be a great 3-point shooter that you can sag off defensively but he's a solid defender, can score, rebound and create scoring chances for his teammates. He's one of those players that you've got to love/appreciate what he does do and find a way to bite your tongue about the things he's poor at. He has the ability to help you win. He might not be the ideal picture of efficiency yet he's in the middle of the prime action when he plays.

2. HASSAN WHITESIDE (Heat): They're rolling and he hasn't been a big part of it of late due to injury and reduced role. He's got an expiring contract and it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see him moved by the Feb 18 NBA Trade Deadline. The man can block shots and rebounds like a beast. Yes, he's got flaws but he's got positives, too. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. He'll be a guy to keep an eye on in the next 10 days.

3. GORDON HAYWARD (Jazz): In spite of multiple injuries that have decimated their lineup throughout the season, the Jazz sit at 25-25 and in the final playoff spot in the West. Hayward has been terrific; a better pro than I thought he would have been coming out of Butler University. He's consistent, plays hard and makes lots of positive plays. Productive nightly for Coach Quin Snyder (20 ppg, 5 rpg, 4.2 apg and his shooting #'s are respectable at 44%, 36 3PT% & 83 FT%) who has done a nice job guiding his club through adversity. The Jazz matched Charlotte's offer sheet two summers ago and there was a question if it was worth it. Based upon the new money coming into the NBA landscape, he's been a guy who is giving you sound return on investment.

4. ALLEN CRABBE (Blazers): Like his game. Has good offensive skill set (11.3 ppg & 3 rpg / 47 %, 38 3PT% & 87 FT%) where he can score on the perimeter, break you down off the bounce and score in the lane. Love his compete level on the defensive end and he has sound lateral quickness. Getting an opportunity to play extended minutes with lots of playing time available with the multiple off-season departures Portland had and has taken advantage of the chances given. Improved player that is proving his value.

5. FOULING POOR FREE THROW SHOOTERS: I really don't understand all of the controversy. You're a bad FT Shooter; shame on you. Figure out how to make some. The only recommendation I would make if they'd like to speed games up and reduce fouling and FT's is to institute college basketball's approach to fouls which they do by half: bonus (1+1) on the seventh foul and double bonus (2 Shots) on the 10th Team Foul. Considering the gift of the lack of Pressure 1+1's that pro players never have to take, how much more do you want? You get fouled, you get 2 FTs with no front end pressure; make them. Want to speed it up a bit and make defences think twice about fouling? Penalize them per quarter for a certain number above five team fouls ( 7 or 8?) and award an extra FT or possesion if you'd like. In addition, since we're talking about speeding up games, let's reduce a full timeout per team. These are pro players so you don't need so much stoppage/instruction time late in games. I know, it will never happen. Timeouts sell commercials which equals money. If so, then reduce a few 20-second timeouts then. The bottom line is you're fouled, the onus is on you to be skilled enough to make the FTs.