Team Canada Basketball Thread

[TooBad]

Once again I feel the need to play devils advocate. No here knows much about what is going on with Wiggins. He is clearly in a slump but to write him off seems silly.

Wiggins is definitely a subdued and non-firey personality (that is easy to read into as lazy or doesn't care). This could be the type of personality that wouldn’t respond well to Thibs’ demanding coaching style. Perhaps he needs more positive reinforcement than tough love. Hopefully it’s just a slow burn and Jimmy's personality will eventually rub off on him. The eye test tells me his defense has much more effort than last season (I think most T-Wolves fans agree with this) so maybe there’s hope the offense will follow.

According to Darren Wolfson, Wiggins reached out to Drew Hanlan (renowned shooting coach) on his own and is flying him in to work with him. That even Wiggins recognizes something needs to change (and isn’t, you know, coasting along happy to have locked up that max contract), says something.

There is an ebb and flow to seasons and careers (see Trey Lyles, Dwight Powell) and I just think it is too early to call Wiggins a bust or even undeserving of his max contract. He was actually looking pretty good earlier in the season - certainly like he turned the corner on the defensive end. I remain tantalized by Wiggins’ physical tools on defense, especially now that he’s actually playing with some awareness on that end. But now his offense has fallen off a cliff.... if Wiggins was shooting his career avg. we would be talking about an improved player. Ya...he is hot garbage right now on offense, but it seems pretty clear he can be much better there.

He was supposed to be a generational player and was being compared to Tmac and Kobe coming into the league so I don't think its too early to call him a bust. Although, I will say that Tmac/kobe shooting wise are comparable to him (but both of them were much better rebounders/passers/defenders/scorers). It may be too early to call him a scrub though. Wiggins is shooting 63% from the FT this season...Andre Drummund is also.

[Big Mac Biyombo]

Greatest Night in Canadian NBA History?
Olynyk 32 pts 7 rebs 2asts 1 stl 1 blk (12-15 shooting) - Beat the Celtics, a team the Raps lost to without Irving, on his own.
Murray 30 pt 4reb 3ast 2 Stl (10-17 shooting)
Lyles 15 pts 1 reb 1 ast (5-9 shooting)
Joseph 11pts 3 reb 2 ast (5-9 shooting)
Powell 9 pts 1 reb (3-5 shooting)
Brooks 9 pts 2 reb (3-6 shooting)
Wiggins 7 pt 5 reb 2 ast 2 stl 1 blk (3-12 shooting) - what an embarrassment this guy has become (got destroyed by both Murray and Lyles tonight)
Stauskas 3pts (1/2 shooting)

Combined 116 pts!

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

I don't know if I'd say that's the greatest night in Canadian NBA history. Steve Nash won back to back MVP's and dropped 48 on the Mavs in the 2005 playoffs.

As a combined effort I am talking (Yesterday was the day you would use to brag about how far your country has come in basketball). Steve Nash is still the greatest Canadian basketball player ever (For now) and has received the greatest Award with the MVP trophy's. I would argue that the 26 pts Olynyk had in game 7 was a greater performance than the 48 pt effort Nash had in gm 4 because he was doing it in an elimination game and tookover the 4 quarter with 14 pts (the game was a 2-4 pt game with under 6 min).

I was with you until that.

[TooBad]

I don't know if I'd say that's the greatest night in Canadian NBA history. Steve Nash won back to back MVP's and dropped 48 on the Mavs in the 2005 playoffs.

As a combined effort I am talking (Yesterday was the day you would use to brag about how far your country has come in basketball). Steve Nash is still the greatest Canadian basketball player ever (For now) and has received the greatest Award with the MVP trophy's. I would argue that the 26 pts Olynyk had in game 7 was a greater performance than the 48 pt effort Nash had in gm 4 because he was doing it in an elimination game and tookover the 4 quarter with 14 pts (the game was a 2-4 pt game with under 6 min).

I was with you until that.

Haha just my opinion. Game 7 takeovers in the 4th is where real players prove themselves.

[mojo13]

Once again I feel the need to play devils advocate. No here knows much about what is going on with Wiggins. He is clearly in a slump but to write him off seems silly.

Wiggins is definitely a subdued and non-firey personality (that is easy to read into as lazy or doesn't care). This could be the type of personality that wouldn’t respond well to Thibs’ demanding coaching style. Perhaps he needs more positive reinforcement than tough love. Hopefully it’s just a slow burn and Jimmy's personality will eventually rub off on him. The eye test tells me his defense has much more effort than last season (I think most T-Wolves fans agree with this) so maybe there’s hope the offense will follow.

According to Darren Wolfson, Wiggins reached out to Drew Hanlan (renowned shooting coach) on his own and is flying him in to work with him. That even Wiggins recognizes something needs to change (and isn’t, you know, coasting along happy to have locked up that max contract), says something.

There is an ebb and flow to seasons and careers (see Trey Lyles, Dwight Powell) and I just think it is too early to call Wiggins a bust or even undeserving of his max contract. He was actually looking pretty good earlier in the season - certainly like he turned the corner on the defensive end. I remain tantalized by Wiggins’ physical tools on defense, especially now that he’s actually playing with some awareness on that end. But now his offense has fallen off a cliff.... if Wiggins was shooting his career avg. we would be talking about an improved player. Ya...he is hot garbage right now on offense, but it seems pretty clear he can be much better there.

He was supposed to be a generational player and was being compared to Tmac and Kobe coming into the league so I don't think its too early to call him a bust. Although, I will say that Tmac/kobe shooting wise are comparable to him (but both of them were much better rebounders/passers/defenders/scorers). It may be too early to call him a scrub though. Wiggins is shooting 63% from the FT this season...Andre Drummund is also.

If you bought so fully into the hype that you are so emotionally down trodden by his so-far lack of superstar success, that you hold a personal grudge against him I don't know what to tell you. In most draft years the modern hype machine builds up the top three players to supposedly be the next generational talent. This is ridiculous as history clearly shows this is not reality and most of these guys end up being good, but not great players (with a good chunk of them just being mere role players or even wash-outs like Bennett, Williams and Thabeet). The hype machine created unrealistic expectations where anything but MVP level for Wiggins is a disappointment. If you continue to fall for this $hit - I can guarantee you will be disappointed with RJ Barrett even if he hits his ceiling. Hype gets page views.

2007 - Oden, Durant, Horford
2008 - Rose, Beasley, Mayo
2009 - Griffin, Thabeet, Harden
2010 - Wall, Turner, Favors
2011 - Irving, Williams, Kanter
2012 - Davis, Gilchrist, Beal
2013 - Bennett, Dipo, Porter
2014 - Wiggins, Parker, Embiid
2015 - KAT, Russell, Okafor
2016 - Simmons, Ingram, Brown
2017 - Fultz, Ball, Tatum

Wiggins is only 22 and his story is not written yet... at this stage of his career he is a top three player on a playoff contending team. I don't know if I can say that for more than half the guys on the list above.

Give him more time....release the hate... Be happy that he still has the potential to be a solid starter on a good team and maybe even an all-star in his prime years which are still 4-5 years out. The next Lebron he ain't but still could be the next Derozen. And his is still clearly among the top 2 or 3 Canadian players.

[Pooh_Jeter]

I've been thoroughly disappointed with Wiggins this year, but everything about the TWolves doesn't pass the smell test. They are 19-13, but it feels like the team is a house of cards right now.

Back to Wiggins, his shooting has seen incremental improvements over the course of his career, but this year has been a disaster. Not only the 3 point shooting, but his FT percentage has dropped 13 points. Considering he has been at 76% each of his first 3 seasons on a ton of shots it doesn't make sense. I haven't heard of him adjusting his shooting motion so it has to be injury/confidence issues, no?

Back to the T'Wolves. It's no surprise that everyone's raw numbers are down, but you would think with that much talent the efficiency of everyone would improve. Wiggins has seen the biggest drop, but KAT, Butler and Teague have all dropped off compared to last season. I'm talking raw numbers and their advanced stats. Shabazz was a decent bench player for them but has been one of the worst rotation players in the league before he was completely dropped from their lineups. Of the guys who haven't seen a drop in their overall production, it's mainly been a case of just remaining static and not actual improvement.

[TooBad]

Once again I feel the need to play devils advocate. No here knows much about what is going on with Wiggins. He is clearly in a slump but to write him off seems silly.

Wiggins is definitely a subdued and non-firey personality (that is easy to read into as lazy or doesn't care). This could be the type of personality that wouldn’t respond well to Thibs’ demanding coaching style. Perhaps he needs more positive reinforcement than tough love. Hopefully it’s just a slow burn and Jimmy's personality will eventually rub off on him. The eye test tells me his defense has much more effort than last season (I think most T-Wolves fans agree with this) so maybe there’s hope the offense will follow.

According to Darren Wolfson, Wiggins reached out to Drew Hanlan (renowned shooting coach) on his own and is flying him in to work with him. That even Wiggins recognizes something needs to change (and isn’t, you know, coasting along happy to have locked up that max contract), says something.

There is an ebb and flow to seasons and careers (see Trey Lyles, Dwight Powell) and I just think it is too early to call Wiggins a bust or even undeserving of his max contract. He was actually looking pretty good earlier in the season - certainly like he turned the corner on the defensive end. I remain tantalized by Wiggins’ physical tools on defense, especially now that he’s actually playing with some awareness on that end. But now his offense has fallen off a cliff.... if Wiggins was shooting his career avg. we would be talking about an improved player. Ya...he is hot garbage right now on offense, but it seems pretty clear he can be much better there.

He was supposed to be a generational player and was being compared to Tmac and Kobe coming into the league so I don't think its too early to call him a bust. Although, I will say that Tmac/kobe shooting wise are comparable to him (but both of them were much better rebounders/passers/defenders/scorers). It may be too early to call him a scrub though. Wiggins is shooting 63% from the FT this season...Andre Drummund is also.

If you bought so fully into the hype that you are so emotionally down trodden by his so-far lack of superstar success, that you hold a personal grudge against him I don't know what to tell you. In most draft years the modern hype machine builds up the top three players to supposedly be the next generational talent. This is ridiculous as history clearly shows this is not reality and most of these guys end up being good, but not great players (with a good chunk of them just being mere role players or even wash-outs like Bennett, Williams and Thabeet). The hype machine created unrealistic expectations where anything but MVP level for Wiggins is a disappointment. If you continue to fall for this $hit - I can guarantee you will be disappointed with RJ Barrett even if he hits his ceiling. Hype gets page views.

2007 - Oden, Durant, Horford
2008 - Rose, Beasley, Mayo
2009 - Griffin, Thabeet, Harden
2010 - Wall, Turner, Favors
2011 - Irving, Williams, Kanter
2012 - Davis, Gilchrist, Beal
2013 - Bennett, Dipo, Porter
2014 - Wiggins, Parker, Embiid
2015 - KAT, Russell, Okafor
2016 - Simmons, Ingram, Brown
2017 - Fultz, Ball, Tatum

Wiggins is only 22 and his story is not written yet... at this stage of his career he is a top three player on a playoff contending team. I don't know if I can say that for more than half the guys on the list above.

Give him more time....release the hate... Be happy that he still has the potential to be a solid starter on a good team and maybe even an all-star in his prime years which are still 4-5 years out. The next Lebron he ain't but still could be the next Derozen. And his is still clearly among the top 2 or 3 Canadian players.

Funny thing is that Barrett has received less hype than Wiggins and probably deserves more. As of right now I would honestly prefer Murray/Lyles and Olynyk on my team over Wiggins. Even a rookie like Dillon Brooks (I am not sure how his PER is so low) is contributing more for his team than Wiggins. Dillon Brooks is better at defense than Wiggins at Offense and is also shooting a higher 3pt percentage (Developing into a 3 & D player). This is Wiggins 4th year now and he was averaging 3 more pts in his Sophomore season taking the same number of shots. Bennett was out of the league by his 4th year. How long are we supposed to wait before judging a #1 pick? Also, how many player have drastically improved after following Wiggins career path?

[mojo13]

He was supposed to be a generational player and was being compared to Tmac and Kobe coming into the league so I don't think its too early to call him a bust. Although, I will say that Tmac/kobe shooting wise are comparable to him (but both of them were much better rebounders/passers/defenders/scorers). It may be too early to call him a scrub though. Wiggins is shooting 63% from the FT this season...Andre Drummund is also.

If you bought so fully into the hype that you are so emotionally down trodden by his so-far lack of superstar success, that you hold a personal grudge against him I don't know what to tell you. In most draft years the modern hype machine builds up the top three players to supposedly be the next generational talent. This is ridiculous as history clearly shows this is not reality and most of these guys end up being good, but not great players (with a good chunk of them just being mere role players or even wash-outs like Bennett, Williams and Thabeet). The hype machine created unrealistic expectations where anything but MVP level for Wiggins is a disappointment. If you continue to fall for this $hit - I can guarantee you will be disappointed with RJ Barrett even if he hits his ceiling. Hype gets page views.

2007 - Oden, Durant, Horford
2008 - Rose, Beasley, Mayo
2009 - Griffin, Thabeet, Harden
2010 - Wall, Turner, Favors
2011 - Irving, Williams, Kanter
2012 - Davis, Gilchrist, Beal
2013 - Bennett, Dipo, Porter
2014 - Wiggins, Parker, Embiid
2015 - KAT, Russell, Okafor
2016 - Simmons, Ingram, Brown
2017 - Fultz, Ball, Tatum

Wiggins is only 22 and his story is not written yet... at this stage of his career he is a top three player on a playoff contending team. I don't know if I can say that for more than half the guys on the list above.

Give him more time....release the hate... Be happy that he still has the potential to be a solid starter on a good team and maybe even an all-star in his prime years which are still 4-5 years out. The next Lebron he ain't but still could be the next Derozen. And his is still clearly among the top 2 or 3 Canadian players.

Funny thing is that Barrett has received less hype than Wiggins and probably deserves more. As of right now I would honestly prefer Murray/Lyles and Olynyk on my team over Wiggins. Even a rookie like Dillon Brooks (I am not sure how his PER is so low) is contributing more for his team than Wiggins. Dillon Brooks is better at defense than Wiggins at Offense and is also shooting a higher 3pt percentage (Developing into a 3 & D player). This is Wiggins 4th year now and he was averaging 3 more pts in his Sophomore season taking the same number of shots. Bennett was out of the league by his 4th year. How long are we supposed to wait before judging a #1 pick? Also, how many player have drastically improved after following Wiggins career path?

Wiggins was ROY. 6th youngest player to 2,000 points. 8th youngest player to 5,000 points. Among players during their age-21 seasons (last year), his scoring average ranked 12th in NBA history. Not counting teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, who ranked just ahead of him last season, all 10 other players ahead of Wiggins developed into All-Stars. Every retired player ahead of him save Terry Cummings is in the Hall of Fame. Hence, the still high expectations for Wiggins' future. So what's his career path? It sure isnt comparable to Bennett.

Yes - his scoring has been empty, inefficient and seemingly fallen-off significantly this year. But do you really give up on that still tangible potential? Loads of guys have had major improvement in the 3-5th seasons. Jimmy Butler would be the first to come to mind who didn't show much until he was 24 or 25. Wiggins arguably put up better scoring stats than Paul George at 21, Harden too, and looks much better than Derozen at the same age (who shot less than 10% from three at age 21).

I'm probably not going to change your mind, which is fine by me. But its getting old see you rip on him at every point - we get your position. If he is doing this at 25 or 26 I'd be with you. Right now at age 22 - it is way too early to know what Wiggins is.

[Pooh_Jeter]

TooBad is severely overestimating the hype that Wiggins received. During his Senior year in high school he got plenty of hype, but even then there was a realization that he was still raw. After his freshman year at Kansas there was no doubt that while he was still a nice talent he had plenty of work to do to realize his potential. Embiid established himself as the best prospect in the class, but obviously had the injury concerns. He was neck and neck with Jabari Parker as a prospect.

I saw way more tempered Paul George takes on his potential going into the draft than that of a generational talent. I get being disappointed that he hasn't taken a bigger leap as a player, but comparing his progress to generational talents is unfair considering that hype train was never legitimate.

[TooBad]

TooBad is severely overestimating the hype that Wiggins received. During his Senior year in high school he got plenty of hype, but even then there was a realization that he was still raw. After his freshman year at Kansas there was no doubt that while he was still a nice talent he had plenty of work to do to realize his potential. Embiid established himself as the best prospect in the class, but obviously had the injury concerns. He was neck and neck with Jabari Parker as a prospect.

I saw way more tempered Paul George takes on his potential going into the draft than that of a generational talent. I get being disappointed that he hasn't taken a bigger leap as a player, but comparing his progress to generational talents is unfair considering that hype train was never legitimate.

His hype tempered after College because like his NBA career and FIBA career he under-performed. In his final NCAA game vs Dwight Powell and Stanford he got upset and he was the reason for it (he had 4 pts on 1-6 shooting in the most important game of his NCAA career). That was the event that really hurt his hype IMO. Embiid wasn't a sure thing to be the #1 pick even when healthy, him and Wiggins were fighting each other all year long for the #1 spot. Having said all that, a lot of people felt that Wiggins would still thrive in the NBA because there was no Zone D, the three point was further out and 3 in the key was a rule (all these rules would open up the floor for him). So yeah the hype died down a bit but many credited his struggles to the NCAA rules and felt he'd be the guy they thought in the NBA.

[Hair Canada]

Wiggins is only 22 and his story is not written yet... at this stage of his career he is a top three player on a playoff contending team. I don't know if I can say that for more than half the guys on the list above.

Give him more time....release the hate... Be happy that he still has the potential to be a solid starter on a good team and maybe even an all-star in his prime years which are still 4-5 years out. The next Lebron he ain't but still could be the next Derozen. And his is still clearly among the top 2 or 3 Canadian players.

Wiggins was ROY. 6th youngest player to 2,000 points. 8th youngest player to 5,000 points. Among players during their age-21 seasons (last year), his scoring average ranked 12th in NBA history. Not counting teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, who ranked just ahead of him last season, all 10 other players ahead of Wiggins developed into All-Stars. Every retired player ahead of him save Terry Cummings is in the Hall of Fame. Hence, the still high expectations for Wiggins' future. So what's his career path? It sure isnt comparable to Bennett.

Yes - his scoring has been empty, inefficient and seemingly fallen-off significantly this year. But do you really give up on that still tangible potential? Loads of guys have had major improvement in the 3-5th seasons. Jimmy Butler would be the first to come to mind who didn't show much until he was 24 or 25. Wiggins arguably put up better scoring stats than Paul George at 21, Harden too, and looks much better than Derozen at the same age (who shot less than 10% from three at age 21).

I'm probably not going to change your mind, which is fine by me. But its getting old see you rip on him at every point - we get your position. If he is doing this at 25 or 26 I'd be with you. Right now at age 22 - it is way too early to know what Wiggins is.

Mojo, I generally agree with what you say and I really like how rationed and patient you are about it, making sure to put things in perspective.

It's very true that Wiggins will likely still come out the slump. He has three years and the beginning of this season to show us that he can score in bunches and that's not something that is likely to just go away at his age. I also agree that just tagging him as lazy and uncaring is probably too harsh and I see your point about his introverted personality.

As for the "next DeRozan", two years ago I thought that should be his floor and actually quite liked the comparison. A similar physical profile (Wiggins has a slight advantage here), both were players who did not do much else except for scoring, both took a couple of years to take off, both feel very comfortable with the long 2 (a shot that has gotten really bad rep in recent years), and both were not great on defense, to put it mildly.

But DeRozan has since continued to improve every year, first by becoming an even more efficient and consistent scorer, and then this year as a playmaker. I think he's a great example of a player who every year adds something to his game and is never just happy with what he has (not even after signing the max deal).

Wiggins? Now in his fourth year in the league, he still hasn't shown that he has this in him. And again, I'm not that worried about the shot. He's already shown he has it, even this season, and is likely to come back on this front. I'm more worried about the other aspects of the game. He is showing some improvement on defense, but that's almost inevitable given his physical tools and considering he was probably one of the worst defenders in the league last year. but really nothing else.

So I hope I'm wrong, but it's really hard for me to see him become the leader and best player of a good playoff team like DeRozan is this year (and was for the last couple of years).

All that said, I think in terms of the national team he can still be a valuable asset once he regains his confidence. But I wouldn't want him to be the leader of this team, as I thought he would become until last year. This role should stay with Co-Jo and probably Murray, at least until Barrett proves otherwise.

[Pooh_Jeter]

Wiggins is only 22 and his story is not written yet... at this stage of his career he is a top three player on a playoff contending team. I don't know if I can say that for more than half the guys on the list above.

Give him more time....release the hate... Be happy that he still has the potential to be a solid starter on a good team and maybe even an all-star in his prime years which are still 4-5 years out. The next Lebron he ain't but still could be the next Derozen. And his is still clearly among the top 2 or 3 Canadian players.

Wiggins was ROY. 6th youngest player to 2,000 points. 8th youngest player to 5,000 points. Among players during their age-21 seasons (last year), his scoring average ranked 12th in NBA history. Not counting teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, who ranked just ahead of him last season, all 10 other players ahead of Wiggins developed into All-Stars. Every retired player ahead of him save Terry Cummings is in the Hall of Fame. Hence, the still high expectations for Wiggins' future. So what's his career path? It sure isnt comparable to Bennett.

Yes - his scoring has been empty, inefficient and seemingly fallen-off significantly this year. But do you really give up on that still tangible potential? Loads of guys have had major improvement in the 3-5th seasons. Jimmy Butler would be the first to come to mind who didn't show much until he was 24 or 25. Wiggins arguably put up better scoring stats than Paul George at 21, Harden too, and looks much better than Derozen at the same age (who shot less than 10% from three at age 21).

I'm probably not going to change your mind, which is fine by me. But its getting old see you rip on him at every point - we get your position. If he is doing this at 25 or 26 I'd be with you. Right now at age 22 - it is way too early to know what Wiggins is.

Mojo, I generally agree with what you say and I really like how rationed and patient you are about it, making sure to put things in perspective.

It's very true that Wiggins will likely still come out the slump. He has three years and the beginning of this season to show us that he can score in bunches and that's not something that is likely to just go away at his age. I also agree that just tagging him as lazy and uncaring is probably too harsh and I see your point about his introverted personality.

As for the "next DeRozan", two years ago I thought that should be his floor and actually quite liked the comparison. A similar physical profile (Wiggins has a slight advantage here), both were players who did not do much else except for scoring, both took a couple of years to take off, both feel very comfortable with the long 2 (a shot that has gotten really bad rep in recent years), and both were not great on defense, to put it mildly.

But DeRozan has since continued to improve every year, first by becoming an even more efficient and consistent scorer, and then this year as a playmaker. I think he's a great example of a player who every year adds something to his game and is never just happy with what he has (not even after signing the max deal).

Wiggins? Now in his fourth year in the league, he still hasn't shown that he has this in him. And again, I'm not that worried about the shot. He's already shown he has it, even this season, and is likely to come back on this front. I'm more worried about the other aspects of the game. He is showing some improvement on defense, but that's almost inevitable given his physical tools and considering he was probably one of the worst defenders in the league last year. but really nothing else.

So I hope I'm wrong, but it's really hard for me to see him become the leader and best player of a good playoff team like DeRozan is this year (and was for the last couple of years).

All that said, I think in terms of the national team he can still be a valuable asset once he regains his confidence. But I wouldn't want him to be the leader of this team, as I thought he would become until last year. This role should stay with Co-Jo and probably Murray, at least until Barrett proves otherwise.

DeRozan regressed following his 2nd season and again after his first all-star appearance. Despite what has become gospel, DeRozan hasn't improved every year. That being said, the improvements he has made from his rookie year to now have been outstanding.

DeRozan has also had the luxury of being a major focal point of this team since his 2nd season with minimal interruption. The short lived Rudy Gay experiment was really the only time he saw his touches impacted and it wasn't close to the extent Wiggins has seen a drop off this season. Wiggins has the physical tools to impact the game beyond just scoring, but the mind set and motor just isn't there.

[CharlieTO]

Naz Long signed a two way contract with the Jazz last night and is gonna suit up for tonights game against OKC. Congratulations to him! That's a great Xmas gift. This is a huge opportunity for him, I hope he takes it and runs with it.

[mojo13]

Naz Long signed a two way contract with the Jazz last night and is gonna suit up for tonights game against OKC. Congratulations to him! That's a great Xmas gift. This is a huge opportunity for him, I hope he takes it and runs with it.

Ya that's great. And a little surprising too as it seemed he wasn't playing too well in the G. He was getting minutes and putting up points, but fairly ineffeciently. Naz has seemingly been cut by Team Canada a couple times now, and has is eligble to play for Greece. I have no idea why Basketball Canada didn't include him on the AmeriCup team and lock him into Canada by playing a FIBA event.

Also saw that Vuvuvic broke his hand and that should open up a role for Khem Birch with the Magic. He has been looking really good in the G. Maybe he can get enough minutes to show he is at least Biyombos equal.Khem has averaged 14PTS/10REB/2.5BLK/2.6AST/1.2STL in 17 games for Lakeland this year.

News out of Europe that Barcelona tried to poach Kevin Pangos but Coach Saras was adamant Zalgiris refuse a buyout. Zalgiris seems in the middle of their best season in a long time, and led by Pangos who has become a fan favorite. I can see a fan revolt if they sold him off right now.

[UcanUwill]

Magic should shop Vuc anyway, unless there is no market for him, I think he is one of the most overrated players in the league, and some contender might be tempted.

Pangos team news. Just signed veteran Beno Udrih, so a little more competition at that position now.

[SharoneWright]

Naz Long signed a two way contract with the Jazz last night and is gonna suit up for tonights game against OKC. Congratulations to him! That's a great Xmas gift. This is a huge opportunity for him, I hope he takes it and runs with it.

Ya that's great. And a little surprising too as it seemed he wasn't playing too well in the G. He was getting minutes and putting up points, but fairly ineffeciently. Naz has seemingly been cut by Team Canada a couple times now, and has is eligble to play for Greece. I have no idea why Basketball Canada didn't include him on the AmeriCup team and lock him into Canada by playing a FIBA event.

Unforgivable. The Golden Age of Canadian basketball is saddled with atrocious management whose job performance seems to have mostly involved sitting on their butts.

[mojo13]

Magic should shop Vuc anyway, unless there is no market for him, I think he is one of the most overrated players in the league, and some contender might be tempted.

Pangos team news. Just signed veteran Beno Udrih, so a little more competition at that position now.

That is really interesting with Udrih.
Could Zalgiris be thinking of selling Pangos to Barca?

Dee Bost (back up PG) wasn't playing well and was cut a week or two ago and Zalgiris has been in the market for guard help. Both Udrih and KP can play each guard spot, so this may be Zalgiris doubling down on a good season and going all in.

They were are also rumored to be looking at Kuzminskas (Ex-NYK).

[UcanUwill]

Magic should shop Vuc anyway, unless there is no market for him, I think he is one of the most overrated players in the league, and some contender might be tempted.

Pangos team news. Just signed veteran Beno Udrih, so a little more competition at that position now.

That is really interesting with Udrih.
Could Zalgiris be thinking of selling Pangos to Barca?

Dee Bost (back up PG) wasn't playing well and was cut a week or two ago and Zalgiris has been in the market for guard help. Both Udrih and KP can play each guard spot, so this may be Zalgiris doubling down on a good season and going all in.

They were are also rumored to be looking at Kuzminskas (Ex-NYK).

In dont think they are looking to sell Pangos. I would be pissed if that happened.

[CharlieTO]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone on the board!

[Mirotic12]

That is really interesting with Udrih.

Could Zalgiris be thinking of selling Pangos to Barca?

Dee Bost (back up PG) wasn't playing well and was cut a week or two ago and Zalgiris has been in the market for guard help. Both Udrih and KP can play each guard spot, so this may be Zalgiris doubling down on a good season and going all in.

They were are also rumored to be looking at Kuzminskas (Ex-NYK).

Pangos is more of a two guard on offense (he's mostly a shooter). Udrih is more of a ball handler. So I don't think it has any bearing on Pangos. But who knows, Barca is desperate to sign any decent player.

Pangos team news. Just signed veteran Beno Udrih, so a little more competition at that position now.

I doubt Udrih does much. He's clearly over the hill, and he wasn't even that good of a FIBA player in his prime. If he averaged like 8/5 that would be a definite success IMO. And Pangos is more of an off the ball player anyway.

[TooBad]

Naz Long signed a two way contract with the Jazz last night and is gonna suit up for tonights game against OKC. Congratulations to him! That's a great Xmas gift. This is a huge opportunity for him, I hope he takes it and runs with it.

Wow that's awesome...I never saw him as an NBA player though. I don't understand how this guy made it either, he has a 37.4% FG in the G-league and is only shooting 30% from the 3. There are a lot better players in the g-league who don' get this chance but either way good for him.