Columnist image

TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

A few quick NBA thoughts for this week:

1. Russell Westbrook (Thunder): His numbers are awesome. He's got 38.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG and 11.7 APG. That's downright nasty. This man is on a mission.  

I'm counting the days until Wednesday, Nov. 9 when I get to see him and Kyle Lowry go head-to-head. Both guys bring incredible passion and toughness to the table. Westbrook takes no prisoners with his all out style. He's absolute must-viewing on a nightly basis if you love the NBA.

2. Allen Crabbe (Blazers): This man quietly does his job and is very sound for his team with 13 PPG while shooting an impressive 45 per cent on his threes. He's a good two-way player who will commit to any role you ask of him.  He plays the game hard and the right way.

3. Doug McDermott (Bulls): The 2-0 Bulls are playing fine so far, catching the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers on the second night of back-to-backs. There's concerns about their three-point shooting, but if this man can shoot it like he did against the Pacers on threes, there won't be a whole lot to worry about. He's got a terrific stroke.

4. Rudy Gay (Kings): I've been impressed with how he's played in the first three games for his team. Obviously, he's not too pleased with the organization and has made it known that he'd prefer to be elsewhere. If he continues to play with the efficiency he's exhibiting (shooting 51 per cent and getting to the free throw line 24 times already), there will be plenty of folks calling about his services. The best way to get traded is to create interest by playing well.

5. Patty Mills (Spurs): They're off to a 4-0 start and a guy who kind of plays under the radar but really gives them some mojo is Mills. He's an energetic defender who pushes the ball hard in transition and is an aggressive scorer. And I love his motor. He's not a big name but he's a big part of what makes this franchise so good.