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TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

1.  NIKOLA MIROTIC (Bulls): His presence has been big helping Chicago get on track and suddenly winning is a habit.  He's produced major numbers (20 ppg, 7 rpg, 51% shooting and 50 per cent from beyond the arc). He's an outstanding shooter and overall offensive player. That takes a significant load of pressure off of teammates, which allows them to settle into their proper roles. He and Bobby Portis have functioned effectively on the floor despite their acrimonious relationship away from the floor.      

2. MONTREZL HARRELL (Clippers): Super high energy guy off the bench for Doc Rivers who gets after it on the offensive glass and plays very hard defensively. He is shooting 63 per cent from the floor while averaging close to 7 ppg. Every team needs a few guys like him that do all the dirty work and his willingness to do it will keep him employed for a good, long while. Hustle is a talent.        

3. BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC (Kings): He is having a nice rookie season averaging 10 ppg while shooting 45 per cent from the floor and 36 per cent from the three-point territory. He looks like a keeper to me. He is super tough and feisty defensively. There is no backing down in his game. He's got a smooth shooting stroke and moves well without the ball. I like him a lot. He is mature and focused. He is the perfect example of the benefit of a player coming into the NBA ready to play after spending some years overseas. That’s a huge advantage to a team’s developmental model as his professional approach saves the Kings precious time on Bogdanovic’s rookie contractual clock.    

4. DWIGHT POWELL (Mavericks): The Canadian out of Stanford's numbers won't wow you (6 ppg, 5 rpg and 53 per cent from the floor); but if you watch the games you realize his value. He's an ideal plugger and steady role player that you can match with many groups. You can count on him to deliver a consistent and steady effort. He is not the type of player that you need to run plays for. He'll guard, rebound and do the little things that coaches respect and teammates enjoy having in a colleague.          

5.  TOMAS SATORANSKY (Wizards): He did a solid job holding things together as a reserve combo guard while John Wall was injured. He is a big guard who plays a rugged style. He pairs good vision with a sound floor game and a decent feel for the system that he's playing in. He doesn’t try and do too much and stays within the expectations of his role. He has looked more and more confident with each game he plays and the additional duties required of him. Now when called upon, he'll be a more reliable and productive player for the remainder of the season.      

6  HELLO JACK.ca: Lots of demand out there for the ‘Hello’ toques, hats and various T-Shirts for the holidays. They make for a fun stocking stuffer. I appreciate the interest and support.

Enjoy!