Jack Armstrong returns with his thoughts on Kyle Lowry, Isaiah Thomas' return to the Nuggets' lineup and more.
1. TERRENCE ROSS (Magic): I really like how the former Raptor is playing these days. He torched his former team on Sunday afternoon with 28 points and nine rebounds. He's playing excellent defense and bringing lots of energy and spirit consistently and has really developed into an invaluable bench piece for them.
2. KYLE LOWRY (Raptors): It's fun watching him and Marc Gasol operate the two-man game together. These guys are super smart. They instinctively feed off of each other’s ability to read and react rapidly. It's going to be enjoyable to see them continue to grow their chemistry as teammates.
3. DAVIS BERTRANS (Spurs): This man can stroke it from in deep, shooting 48%. He has a quick release and knows how to move without the ball to get open shots. Bertrans fits their draw and kick team-oriented style perfectly.
4. ENES KANTER (Blazers): I love this pickup for them off the bench. I always hear from folks that he’s a poor defender and occasionally too opinionated. I get that. At the same time, the man can score and rebound at a high level. To get a reserve like this in the buyout market is an absolute steal. Smart move.
5. ISAIAH THOMAS (Nuggets): Awesome to see him back in the lineup in Denver after a long rehab. Averaging 11 PPG in his first three games. What a luxury to have an explosive and proven hired gun coming off the bench. He’s pumped up to play and will provide a future added jolt to their offensive firepower.