The NBA offseason is in full swing now and there have been a number of Australians in the headlines, with Josh Giddey traded to Chicago early in the piece while Josh Green was the latest countryman to land on a new team.
With all of that in mind, foxsports.com.au has you covered with all the latest news on every Australian in the NBA and what is in store for those who will be wearing new colours.
JOSH GIDDEY (Chicago Bulls)
Starting with the biggest name of the lot because for the last three years, Giddey had been one of the faces of the Oklahoma City rebuild.
But, as has been well-established by this point, he was forced into a role that didn’t play into his strengths as the talented Thunder roster rose to new heights in the 2023-24 season.
That is all old news though. So, what is new for Giddey in Chicago?
Well, for starters he won’t be coming off the bench given what the 21-year-old said at his introductory press conference for the Bulls.
Giddey opens up on trade to Bulls | 01:12
“I just said to him at this point in my career, I’m 21 years old, it wasn’t something that I was overly eager to do,” Giddey said of his chat with Thunder GM Sam Presti.
You would suspect Giddey wouldn’t be eager to do that at the Bulls either, especially when you consider he would have been a lot closer to contending for a title at Oklahoma City.
At this stage it looks like Giddey will be starting in the backcourt alongside Coby White, who is a nice fit alongside the Australian after shooting 38 per cent from deep on seven attempts per game last season.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago’s young guard who emerged down the stretch, looks more likely to settle into a bench rotation role.
Elsewhere, DeMar DeRozan’s departure for Sacramento will only further open up more opportunities for this to be Giddey’s team.
That is true to a degree, of course, given the Bulls won’t want to just give Giddey the keys entirely considering how much White showed in a prominent role last season.
But it will still be a much better set-up for Giddey in terms of getting his hands on the ball more while the Bulls won’t be expected to compete for a playoff berth either, meaning there should be less pressure and hence more chances for Giddey to make — and learn from — mistakes.
Gaze: Bulls a ‘better fit’ for Giddey | 00:59
“It was going to be hard to tap into my full potential, in my opinion, on a team like [Oklahoma City] with so many talented guys who needed the ball in their hands, who were great with the ball in their hands,” Giddey said.
“A change of scenery was going to maybe unlock more of that for me. Being able to make the game easy for everybody, being able to get guys involved, distribute the ball and get other players confident around me is the thing I pride myself on doing.
“And it’s hard to do that in a role when the ball isn’t in your hands a lot. … That’s probably the big thing coming in here. I want to be the pass-first point guard I am.”
Bulls fans will get a look at the pass-first point guard in Giddey at this year’s Olympics after the 21-year-old thrived in a similar role at the FIBA World Cup.
The big question for the Bulls as a whole is what happens with Zach LaVine, who is due to make $43 million next season, $46 million in 2025-26 and has a $49 million player option for 2026-27.
At this stage, the Bulls are still looking to offload him but may find it hard to get the kind of return they are after given LaVine’s contract and the fact they have so little leverage in negotiations.
JOSH GREEN (Charlotte Hornets)
As will be consistent with all the younger Australian players moved this offseason, this trade takes Green further away from competing for a title but will ultimately help his development.
At Dallas, Green was restricted to a rotation role where he was more of a 3-and-D guy than anything else, complementing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
There were times that Green excelled in that role, most notably in Game 5 of the NBA Finals when he made four 3-pointers on his way to 14 points off the bench in a loss to the Celtics.
But for the most part Green’s form would fluctuate depending on how he was shooting the ball.
Josh Green was traded to Charlotte. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
What didn’t falter though was the energy and hustle Green offered on both ends of the floor and he will be an important player in setting the tone and culture for a Charlotte team that is still in the early stages of forming its own identity.
Green has an opportunity to start at the two for the Hornets but either way he will see more minutes than he did at the Mavericks and have more freedom, like Giddey, to make mistakes and learn from them.
At Dallas, if Green made too many missteps he risked having his minutes squeezed in the rotation for a team that has title aspirations.
It is easy to forget Green is still only 23 years old and he has previously shown his potential when operating as the primary ballhandler in games without Doncic or Irving.
He may not have as many wins on the board in Charlotte but don’t be surprised if Green emerges as a breakout player of sorts with the added responsibility.
DYSON DANIELS (Atlanta Hawks)
Likewise, Daniels is another player who will benefit from getting a fresh start in the upcoming season.
New Orleans traded Daniels as part of a move that saw the Pelicans land Dejounte Murray and it is expected to be just the start of more major changes at Atlanta, who may be heading towards a rebuild of sorts.
With that in mind, Daniels also has a legitimate chance to see playing time — at least more than he was getting at New Orleans, another Western Conference contender on the rise.
In fact, there is every chance he could share the backcourt with Trae Young, should he stay at the Hawks, given the Australian’s elite defence would be the perfect match alongside him.
Dyson Daniels will have more opportunities with the Hawks. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Daniels’ point of attack defence in particular will keep him on the court, while any growth on the offensive side of the ball will determine just how high his ceiling is.
The young guard out of Bendigo looked hesitant and lacked confidence at times when playing for the Pelicans, whether it was with his shot or driving to the rim.
If Daniels can overcome that mental battle and develop his perimeter shooting, he could end up being a key piece of Atlanta’s future but at least his defence gives him a solid floor and an asset the Hawks desperately need right now as constructed.
JOE INGLES (Minnesota Timberwolves)
It wasn’t supposed to be like this for Ingles, who told reporters after Australia’s second warm-up game against China that he hoped he would be a one-team player in his NBA career.
“The crazy thing is I only wanted to play for one. I really just wanted to play for one,” Ingles said, per ESPN.
Instead Ingles played eight seasons at Utah until he tore his ACL and was traded to Portland, where he remained sidelined by injury and didn’t see a single minute on the court before becoming a free agent.
The veteran wing then secured a one-year contract with the Bucks, only to then agree to another short-term deal with the Magic the following season and now Minnesota is the next stop for the Boomers legend.
Although Ingles revealed he could have easily already been on the Timberwolves this time last year.
“They actually tried to get me last year as well,” Ingles said.
Ingles landed at Orlando instead, where he was the oldest player in a young roster that exceeded expectations and will likely continue to rise up the Eastern Conference standings.
Ingles signs one-year deal with Wolves | 00:39
But unlike Giddey, Green and Daniels, Ingles is heading to a team that is a genuine title contender next year.
The Timberwolves knocked off defending champions Denver in this past season’s playoffs before going down to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semi-finals.
In Minnesota, Ingles will reunite with former Jazz teammates Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert.
He will also team up with one of the league’s most rapidly ascending superstars — and best trash talkers — in Anthony Edwards.
“He’s good,” Ingles said of Edwards’ trash talk.
“I’ll save it for someone else. (But) it’s exciting. It’s obviously a really good team. Western Conference finals this year. Just going in there fully understanding the role they have for me. Trying to help Rudy, trying to help Ant, trying to help all these guys get better and hopefully go further.”
Ingles described it as a “basketball opportunity that was too good to give up”.
Realistically, the 36-year-old will slot into a similar bench role to Kyle Anderson, who signed a three-year contract with Golden State.
He can still shoot the ball and is a valuable veteran locker room presence while his familiarity with Conley and Gobert is obviously also a plus.
JOHNNY FURPHY (Indiana Pacers)
From an Australian veteran to the country’s newest NBA export.
Furphy was projected as a mid-to-late first round pick but was instead made to wait until the early stages of the second round for his name to be called.
The Indiana Pacers traded up to land the Victorian, who Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told ‘The Wake Up Call’ on 107.5 The Fan was actually the 14th-ranked prospect on their big board.
“He is a guy that our scouts had as the No. 14 player in the entire draft, and we got him at 35, so we feel pretty fortunate there,” Carlisle said.
At19 years old, Furphy offers plenty of upside with his combination of shooting, athleticism and length at 6-foot-9.
Johnny Furphy during his time at the Kansas Jayhawks. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But Furphy is very much a developmental player who still needs to add plenty of weight to his frame to be able to handle the physicality of the NBA.
That is something both Furphy and Chad Buchanan are aware of though, with the Indiana general manager telling reporters the team believes the former Kansas wing has “a lot of room to grow”.
“Both his body physically and his game,” Buchanan said.
“He’s obviously very young in age, but we liked a lot of things about him that felt like aligned with who we are as an organisation and how we play.”
Specifically, Indiana likes to push the pace and that is a stylistic fit for Furphy, who had highlight finishes in transition during his time at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence.
The way Furphy moves, or more accurately, glides down the court also makes him an ideal piece for the high-tempo offence Indiana runs.
“I think the Pacers run a super exciting play style. Their team dynamic is something I can envision myself fitting in really well,” Furphy said in his introductory press conference.
“Just how fast they play. How different players impact the game. I can kind of envision myself doing that.”
Pacers nab exciting Aussie with pick 35 | 01:48
Furphy, who said slipping out of the first round of the draft is “definitely a motivation” for him moving forward, will likely struggle to find playing time early in his Pacers career and Buchanan hinted at as much.
“The reality is our roster is in a situation where it’s going to be tough for a young guy to come in and play,” the Pacers GM said.
“We have a lot of good young players already on the roster. We have a lot of established roles already. We feel like we’re willing to be a little bit more patient with a young player like Johnny.”
But that is honestly for the best since Furphy was viewed as more of a high-upside project player heading into the draft, so the Pacers are taking the right approach with him.
One of the key focuses for Furphy will be developing his game off the ball as it is his best chance of seeing playing time on an Indiana team that is not short of playmaking options.
“That’s something I’ve had to do my whole life,” Furphy said.
“Playing with a lot of different teams, learning how to play without the ball in my hands. That’s something I feel like I do really well.
“Being able to impact the game without the ball. Playing in transition, rebounding, cutting. That’s something I can see myself doing.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
It all comes down to this for Simmons. A contract year and potentially the season that will decide if he still has a career in the NBA.
After multiple injury setbacks and false starts, could this finally be the season when Simmons puts it all together and shows glimpses of the talent that made him a three-time All-Star?
If it is another disappointing season for Simmons, the Nets will likely just count down the days until his $40.3 million contract expires because it is hard to see any team being incentivised enough to take on his salary without a sudden turnaround in form.
Of course, on the flip side, the best case scenario for the Nets is that Simmons does start to show signs of improvement — or at least enough to increase his trade value.
Ben Simmons is on an expiring contract. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
The worst case scenario is that Simmons is playing poorly, stays on the roster and walks in free agency next summer.
But at least they’d be rid of his salary at that point as the Nets play towards the future.
If anything, trading Mikal Bridges should theoretically give Brooklyn the chance to feature Simmons more in the offence, if that is still a feasible plan at this stage of his career.
Should Simmons return to health and remind everyone of his potential when running the offence, maybe a team could come to the negotiating table?
PATTY MILLS (Miami Heat)
Mills is a free agent and while he would obviously welcome the chance to return to Miami, the ball is in the Heat’s court.
Although the fact Milwaukee added Delon Wright in free agency would only increase the veteran guard’s chances of scoring another contract.
If Mills is offered the chance to re-sign with Miami it would be on a one-year, veteran-minimum deal where he would be a depth piece more than anything.
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
With Green out of the picture, it leaves Exum with even more responsibility should Doncic or Irving go down injured as the team’s next best option at point guard.
Otherwise, Exum will remain locked into a key rotation role for the Mavericks given his energy on both ends along with his playmaking and distributing chops.
Outside of Exum, 22-year-old guard Jaden Hardy also stands to benefit from Green’s move while the Mavericks also traded for Quentin Grimes, who will help fill the void left by the Sydney native.
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
It looks at this stage like Landale’s $8 million salary with the Rockets for next season has been fully guaranteed, although it is hard to see the Australian having a prominent role given he is now behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.
Regardless, Landale’s salary could be used in a future trade alongside Houston’s growing draft capital should the Rockets decide to make a big, all-in move.
For now, Landale will be a frontcourt depth piece and may see some minutes in the rotation after proving himself down the stretch for Houston as he finished the season strong.
Landale averaged 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in his final two months for the Rockets after an injury to Sengun saw him take on greater responsibility in the Houston frontcourt.
MATISSE THYBULLE and DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
Not much is expected to change for Thybulle and Reath, who will likely both settle into rotation roles off the bench for a Trail Blazers team that is still in the early stages of a rebuild.
The only real notable addition Portland made this offseason via free agency or trade was Deni Avdija while Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons are staying put for the time being despite speculation they could be on the move.
Elsewhere, the Trail Blazers added Donovan Clingan in the draft, which specifically will make it harder for Reath to see significant minutes in a crowded big man rotation which includes Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
JAYLIN GALLOWAY (Milwaukee Bucks)
Galloway is currently signed on a two-way contract for next season and will feature for Milwaukee’s G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
In the meantime, Galloway will be in action for the Bucks at the NBA Summer League again, where he will play alongside NBL Next Star AJ Johnson, who Milwaukee drafted in the first round this year.
AUSTRALIANS AT THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
The NBA’s Summer League is also already underway as rookies, second-year players and some NBL-rostered Australian talent will be looking to make an impression.
Melbourne United’s Jack White impressed enough at the Summer League back in 2022 to earn a contract with the eventual NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets.
Here are a few names to look out for at this year’s edition:
It was a telling reminder that as much as Giddey struggled to live up to his potential with the Thunder this past season, he is still a very talented player.
This season was just a case of Giddey being the victim of circumstance, forced to take on a role that didn’t play to his strengths as new emerging stars were born in Oklahoma City.
“It’s a different role,” Giddey said when asked if suiting up for the Boomers at the upcoming Paris Olympics could help him build towards the 2024-25 NBA season.
“I’m going to have the ball in my hands a lot more with Australia, initiating the offence and setting guys up.
“That’s who I am as a player and to do that is exciting.”
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Josh Giddey is looking forward to playing for the Boomers again. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
That is who Giddey is as a player but it is not who he was last season.
He played more off the ball as the accelerated development of Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren made Oklahoma City rethink the nucleus of its offensive identity.
Sometimes Giddey made the new role work. He scored 21 points, including 4-for-7 from three-point range, as the Thunder took a 3-0 series lead against the Pelicans.
The month of March also gave Oklahoma City a glimpse of what Giddey’s ceiling could look like when confident and comfortable in the role. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
For the Thunder, that stretch and the series against the Pelicans, along with Giddey’s first two seasons in the league when playing a more ball-dominant role, show he still has some value in Oklahoma City, especially if Williams or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was to go down.
But with Giddey extension eligible this summer, the question is how much he will be after and what sort of figure the Thunder will land on considering Williams and Holmgren will also soon be extension eligible, while Gilgeous-Alexander is a super max candidate.
The other option for Oklahoma City is to trade Giddey this summer to land a player who is a cleaner fit on the roster.
With that in mind, foxsports.com.au looks at four teams that could be potential landing spots for Giddey should a trade eventuate in the off season.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Fit-wise, this seems like the best bet because the Spurs need a point guard the offence can run through.
Any potential landing spot for Giddey needs to surround him with shooting.
However, like most of the teams that have a need at point guard, the Spurs aren’t a perfect option given they need shooters, too, having gone 34.7 per cent from three-point land in the past season.
That ranked them third worst in the league, although the Spurs made the 16th most and attempted the 11th most, so there is some additional context to that initial number that doesn’t make the situation look as bad as it sounds.
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The broader point here is that San Antonio needs a ball handler who can play with and get the most out of Victor Wembanyama.
Giddey could be the bigger playmaking guard to do just that for the Spurs, although they have also been linked with Atlanta’s Trae Young and could consider a move for Darius Garland if Cleveland extends Donovan Mitchell.
San Antonio also has the fourth and eighth picks in this year’s draft, which it could instead use to select a point guard.
Giddey’s deficiencies as a shooter and in defence are also weaknesses any team trading for him would consider, but at least at San Antonio it would be easier to try hide his flaws on the defensive end with Wembanyama lurking in the paint.
Gregg Popovich is the right kind of coach to get the most out of Giddey defensively.
UTAH JAZZ
The Thunder can only dream of a trade with the Jazz that centres around Lauri Markkanen, who would be the perfect kind of player to complete Oklahoma City’s starting line-up.
Markkanen is coming off another stellar year with the Jazz. For the second straight season he shot more than 39 per cent from deep, and averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds.
He the shooting, rebounding and switchability to thrive in a Thunder team that has been purposefully built from the start to prioritise players with positional size and versatility.
Unfortunately for Oklahoma City, it would take quite the haul to land Markannen considering the Jazz seems to view him as untouchable in trades, instead hoping to build around him.
The Jazz does make sense as a potential Giddey destination given it also has a need at the point guard position considering 30-year-old Kris Dunn and the very raw Keyonte George are its two leading options.
Could Josh Giddey end up in Utah? Joshua Gateley/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Dunn, having been in the league for eight seasons now, doesn’t really match its timeline if it is looking to build towards the future, while George profiles as more of a scoring guard than a pure point guard.
If Markkanen is off the table, what would the Jazz have to offer that could be appealing to Oklahoma City?
Maybe Walker Kessler as a back-up big, although if the Thunder moves on from Giddey it would also need to address the vacant starting power forward role, should Williams move to his more natural position at small forward and Lu Dort combine with Gilgeous-Alexander in the backcourt.
Perhaps that could bring John Collins into the equation as a more affordable option for Oklahoma City?
BROOKLYN NETS
This would be an interesting scenario because it would result in Giddey teaming up with fellow Australian Ben Simmons, who has a similar issue when it comes to his shortcomings as a shooter.
However, in the event that Brooklyn traded for Giddey you have to remember that Simmons is on an expiring contract so there is every chance he is either off the team at the end of next season or even before then, if the Nets find a potential trade partner at the deadline.
In other words, trading for Giddey would be a long-term move even if the fit with Simmons on the court at the same time would be pretty awkward.
In the short-term, Brooklyn could always find ways to stagger their minutes.
Plus, you would have to think any involvement from Brooklyn in a potential trade would involve sending Nic Claxton to Oklahoma City and that takes one other non-shooter out of the equation.
Although, that in itself poses another different question. Would the Thunder even entertain a trade with the Nets if it centred around Claxton?
Could Nic Claxton be a target? (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
As much as the Thunder was urged to address its lack of size before this season’s trade deadline, Oklahoma City instead made a smaller move around the margins for Gordon Hayward.
It didn’t work out but it spoke to the fact Oklahoma City isn’t going to make a move for the sake of it.
Claxton offers rim protection and rebounding but isn’t an outside shooting threat, while his passing is also not as developed as some of the other bigs who could be available.
Either way, Claxton is a free agent this summer so if Oklahoma City was to acquire him it would involve a sign-and-trade.
As for Giddey’s fit at Brooklyn, the Nets have a need at point guard because Simmons and Dennis Schroder are their main options heading into next season.
Schroder is also on a $13 million expiring deal, an attractive contract that makes him a potential trade asset in the near future.
Giddey’s passing and vision would make him a nice fit in a Nets offence that thrived playing in transition last season.
More than anything, though, having a real playmaker would help create opportunities for Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges.
Speaking of Bridges, he would be a great fit for the Thunder but it is hard to see the Nets giving him up without asking for a lot – and potentially too much – in return to justify it.
Instead, a three-and-D specialist such as Cam Johnson may be the more realistic trade target.
CLUTCH Brown makes sloppy Pacers pay | 01:08
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
If Washington was to make a move for Giddey, it would likely involve giving up Deni Avdija.
But in turn, Oklahoma City would have to give up a whole lot more than Giddey, including a collection of first or second-round picks, to land the rising Wizards forward.
Avdija placed sixth in Most Improved Player voting this year, having averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists, and has the kind of well-rounded skill set that would make him a valuable asset now and into the future for the Thunder.
Avdija can play at small and power forward, giving him the kind of positional versatility that the Thunder loves, while he also shot a career-high 37.4 per cent from downtown.
While not a primarily playmaker, Avdija has the ideal mix of ball handling and passing that still sets him up well for more of a connective role in Oklahoma City’s offence.
Really, for all the reasons above, you would think this trade would be a non-starter but it largely depends on the future of Tyus Jones.
Jones is a free agent this summer and if he leaves, the Wizards will have a glaring hole at the point guard position and could do much worse than taking a gamble on Giddey’s upside given what he flashed in his first two seasons in the league.
If Jones stays, it is unlikely the Wizards will be motivated enough to move Avdija unless they received a decent haul of draft picks in return along with the Australian.
Even still, Avdija is also on a very team-friendly contract given his ascending value.
He is set to earn $15 million, $14 million, $13 million and $11 million over the next four seasons.
Josh Giddey has endured a tough third season in the NBA and opened up on the learning process in a recent interview ahead of the playoffs.
Speaking of which, there could be up to seven Australians featuring in the post-season this year, so what could their roles look like?
Below foxsports.com.au looks at how all the Australians in the NBA have been tracking in recent weeks.
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JOSH GIDDEY (OKC Thunder)
It still remains to be seen just how heavily Giddey will factor into Oklahoma City’s plans in the playoffs but the Australian is doing his chances of earning a prominent role no harm recently.
In case you’ve missed Thunder games this season, NBA teams have made little secret of their strategy to either sag off Giddey completely beyond the arc or at most put a big on the young guard.
Sure, Giddey has made them pay from time to time but largely it is a sacrifice worth making if it means clogging the paint and the ability of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to get clean looks at the rim.
But recently Giddey has started to look more like himself again, averaging 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists this month while shooting a solid 34.3 per cent from beyond the arc.
Josh Giddey has been playing well recently. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The outside shooting hasn’t always been there like it was in a loss to Milwaukee on Monday, where Giddey went 4-for-6 from downtown to actually force the Bucks to start closing in on him.
But both Giddey and the Thunder have come up with different ways for him to make an impact without the ball in his hands, most notably using the Australian as a screener more.
It wasn’t something coach Mark Daigneault had given much thought to before this season but OKC had to be flexible given the new way rival teams were defending Giddey.
“And being open to that and understanding that that’s his path forward when he gets played like that, and that’s what’s best for the group when he’s on the court getting guarded like that.”
Full strength Bucks dominate OKC | 00:56
What was most pleasing from Giddey’s standout game against Milwaukee, where he had 15 points in the first half alone, was the confidence in which he was shooting when given an open look.
There was no hesitation, no suggestion that the missed shots or way teams were defending him was getting to him. It has been a learning experience for Giddey though.
“It ain’t a secret,” Giddey told Lorenzi in a raw interview earlier this month.
“It certainly takes its toll. You start to question yourself and you see things on social media. As much as I try to stay off of it, it’s hard to ignore and you start to buy into it a little bit.
“When you see enough of that s***, you start to believe it, and that’s a tough thing to deal with. And I’ve tried to avoid it as much as I can, but [it] kind of naturally just finds its way back to me.
“Sometimes it can be a confidence killer. Seeing a big guard gap you and daring you to shoot the ball. But you have to stay confident. You have to trust it because the second you don’t, they win and it falls into their hands.”
If Giddey fell into the trap he would also have likely seen his minutes reduced as Oklahoma City leaned more heavily on new acquisition Gordon Hayward.
But Hayward, who the Thunder traded for at the deadline, hasn’t shot at nearly the same volume as Giddey and hasn’t done enough as it stands to pose a significant threat to his minutes in the playoffs.
That could of course change given Hayward’s post-season experience while opposition teams may only target Giddey even more heavily too.
More games like the one against the Bucks though will continue to build Giddey’s confidence as OKC prepares for its first playoff run with this young group.
“He got off to a really good start, made some shots and played well, especially in that first stretch,” coach Daigneault said after the loss to the Bucks.
“That was a bright spot tonight but obviously we needed the team to play like that.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
Nothing new to report on Simmons, who earlier this month was ruled out for the remainder of the season before undergoing surgery for the nerve impingement in his lower back.
It casts even more uncertainty over his playing future as Simmons enters the final year of his contract with the Nets on an expiring $40 million salary.
What direction Brooklyn goes in from that point is unclear at this stage, although Erik Slater, a reporter from Clutch Points and host of Bleav in Nets, told foxsports.com.au a buyout is unlikely.
What is next for Ben Simmons? Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“Nobody’s going to want to sign Ben, he’s not a player that is going to have that much interest, I feel, on the market,” Slater said.
“This is his last big contract, so there’s no reason for him to leave money on the table. That should rule out a buyout.”
Instead, the more likely scenario is that the Nets let Simmons’ contract expire and free up cap space to take a swing at one of the league’s big-name free agents in 2025.
Otherwise, they could look at making a trade that would send a host of role players to Brooklyn in exchange for Simmons, whose expiring contract would be appealing to a team looking to get off long-term money on their books.
“If I had to guess right now, I would think the overwhelmingly likely scenario is that they just let him expire,” Slater said.
“It’ll ultimately depend on how teams are viewing their cap sheet and who’s looking to get off some long-term money and whether the Nets could potentially be interested in those pieces.”
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Daniels has already been ruled out of New Orleans’ game against Oklahoma City but is very much closing in on a return.
The Bendigo product has been sidelined since early February after being diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The Pelicans though have gone to another level in Daniels’ absence to put themselves in a strong position to contend for fourth seed in the West and possible home court advantage come the playoffs.
Daniels said last week that he was “hopefully” going to be ready in a week or two.
Dyson Daniels is nearing a return. Chris Gardner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Look for the Pelicans to ease Daniels into the action before building him up ahead of the post-season, where the Australian along with Herb Jones will be New Orleans’ two crucial pieces on defence to match up against some of the league’s biggest stars.
Daniels told reporters after his first full practice last week that this was the “biggest injury of his career” and while it was “tough” to watch from the sidelines it gave him a new perspective on assessing the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
“I’ve taken a lot of things from what the team is doing well and what we can do better,” Daniels said.
“It’s [the rehab process] been tough. A lot of earning mornings spent in the weight room, just strengthening exercises and stuff like that. A lot of conditioning. The stuff you don’t want to do but have to do.
“… I’m super excited [to be nearly back]. We’re in a really good position right now. We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas, keep pushing. Fourth spot is right there for us with home ground advantage.”
Bench CLEARED – Draymond incites scuffle | 00:43
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
Another Australian on the mend is Josh Green, who went down with an ankle injury after stepping on Derek Lively II’s foot in a game against the Thunder earlier this month.
Coach Jason Kidd told reporters on Monday that Green is out of his boot and doing some pool work.
“So trending in the right direction,” Kidd said, although Green is still not in a position to start on-court activity yet.
The hope for Dallas is that Green will be healthy enough to see playing time before the post-season so he has a chance to ramp up towards the consistent 20-plus minutes he was seeing before the injury.
Kidd though added he was comfortable with the Dallas rotation with or without Green, which brings us to his Mavericks teammate Dante Exum.
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
Exum shapes as a serious X-factor for Dallas off the bench in the playoffs and showed his value against San Antonio, coming up clutch late to help seal a 113-107 win.
Luka Doncic had an off shooting night against the Spurs, going 6-for-27 from the field, and while that usually would result in a Mavericks loss it wasn’t the case last Thursday.
Instead, 16 points from Exum, who went a perfect 4-for-4 from deep, helped Dallas home as coach Jason Kidd declared post-game that the Australian was “huge” down the stretch.
“Dante played amazing,” Doncic added post-game.
Those kinds of performances are the ones that will see Exum earn Kidd’s trust in the post-season.
Exum followed it up with a scoreless game against Utah in 15 minutes but he only attempted one shot in the game which saw four of Dallas’ starters hit double figures, with Doncic leading the scorers on 34 points.
Dante Exum got plenty of praise from his teammates. Sam Hodde/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
And that is the thing with Exum. He is not always going to be making shots or putting up points but that doesn’t mean he isn’t making an impact, as teammate Kyrie Irving pointed out in his assessment of the Australian’s game against the Spurs.
“He’s a pressure reliever,” Irving said.
“He’s like one of those Swiss army knives that you can throw in there at any point, can play with anybody out there at any point and it makes a big difference for us, takes a tonne of weight off our shoulders.”
Exum will be a valuable piece in the playoffs, offering Kidd a third ball-handling option off the bench while his defensive versatility is also obviously a plus.
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
Where did that come from?
After seemingly looking destined for a reserve role with the Rockets, injuries have opened the door for Jock Landale to suddenly emerge as a key piece of Houston’s playoffs push.
The Rockets are the league’s most in-form team, having won 11 of their last 12 games to threaten the Warriors, who sit just ahead of Houston in 10th position.
Houston’s rapid rise is particularly impressive given it has been without standout centre Alperen Sengun, who went down injured earlier this month and was feared to be at risk of missing the entire season.
However, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported there is a “very real chance” he could be cleared to return before the end of the regular season.
In the meantime, Landale has taken advantage of his increased playing time since Sengun’s injury, scoring double figures in five of seven games without him.
That included 15 points in the first quarter alone in Houston’s most recent win against Portland.
Jock Landale has made the most of his opportunity. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Landale also has made a big impression on the defensive end, recording a career-high seven blocks in Houston’s 137-114 road win over the Washington Wizards.
“It was great,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said of Landale.
“We acknowledged him in the locker room, about that. He was part of the unit that really got us going, from an energy standpoint. Meeting guys at the rim, making the right plays in there, and deterring shots, even if he didn’t block it.”
“It is always good to get an opportunity to get out there with the boys to make a push toward the Play-In Tournament,” added Landale.
“I think we have gained some good traction. That’s where my mind has been; having a lot of fun.”
Vibes are clearly immaculate at Houston and after a tough start to the season Landale is also enjoying his basketball, described by commentator Craig Ackerman as the “most popular man in a Rockets uniform tonight” after playing a leading role in the team’s 103-101 win over the Spurs.
Landale obviously feels comfortable too, comfortable enough to cheekily call out teammate Dillon Brooks after he was ejected in Houston’s win against the Bulls.
“Dillon Brooks, if you’re listening. This ain’t Memphis, man. Stop getting yourself ejected. We need you out here. We need that physicality,” Landale said.
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
The hope for the Magic is that Ingles is really about to show his worth as Orlando prepares for its first post-season run with its young, developing core.
The Magic sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and are locked into a playoff berth with a chance of pushing up the standings to earn home court advantage.
It is an impressive step in the right direction for a team that undoubtedly has even better days ahead given its relative inexperience, although that is why Ingles was brought over in the first place.
Ingles’ poise and steady presence as the creator for the second unit should see him earn a consistent role for the Magic in the playoffs, even if he has been regularly targeted on the defensive side of the ball.
Joe Ingles will be a much-needed veteran presence. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
Reath proved a handful in his latest start against the Nuggets, once again proving his all-round skillset by finishing at the rim and draining a trio of 3-pointers on the way to 24 points in a 114-111 loss.
The 27-year-old also had eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in the game and is shooting at 38.3 per cent from downtown, excellent numbers for his position.
A feature from ESPN’s Andrew Lopez on Tuesday lifted the lid on Reath’s journey to the NBA and the mentorship big man Deandre Ayton has provided since he entered the league.
“He ain’t backing down from s***,” Ayton said of Reath to ESPN.
“He loves the challenge and he competes. I tested him and I’m a crazy m*****f*****. But Wop got it. Wop can play on any team in this league. Any team.”
Fellow Australian Matisse Thybulle also recalled in the ESPN story how the Trail Blazers locked room was convinced Reath wasn’t going to be stuck in the G League much longer after a dominant showing in his Rip City Remix debut against the South Bay Lakers.
Reath exploded for 37 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the game.
Duop Reath has been a big success story this season. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“After the game, everybody’s joking as we’re walking out the gym like, ‘Well, Wop just played himself out of the G-League’,” Thybulle said.
He was right too, with Reath called up to make his NBA debut against the Lakers two days later and he has never looked back since that point.
“I told Matisse as soon as I walked on the court to do my warmup, the lights were a little bit brighter at Crypto.com Arena,” Reath told ESPN.
“It felt like this is how I visualised it, the warmup, my pre-game warmup, everything was the way I visualised it. And I was just telling him, yeah, ‘Man, dreams do come true’.”
Portland is in the middle of a rebuild and out of playoff contention so there won’t be any post-season basketball for Reath.
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
The same goes for Blazers teammate Thybulle, who has been sidelined since early last week with a sprained ankle.
Thybulle was a game-time decision for Portland’s game against the Rockets before later being ruled out.
Despite the injury setback the Australian still comfortably leads the league for blocked 3-point shots (25) and Portland will welcome his disruptive defence and improved outside shooting when the Australian returns for the final stretch of the season.
Matisse Thybulle is closing in on a return. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
Mills has been given more playing time since making the move to Miami, benefiting from injuries to fellow guards Josh Richardson and Tyler Herro.
Herro has now missed 15 straight games with a foot injury and there is no real clarity on when he could return while Richardson has already been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder.
Mills should see steady minutes until Herro is healthy and had a solid game against Cleveland on Monday, scoring 10 points to go with three assists, two rebounds and a pair of steals.
As a whole though Mills has struggled from 3-point range since joining the Heat, shooting only 20.0 per cent.
He will need to improve on that number to have any chance of seeing any significant playing time in the post-season for the Heat.
Obviously Mills has other intangibles to offer Miami like his general leadership and locker room presence but his 3-point shooting is still his greatest on-court strength.
Patty Mills has a big opportunity. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
JAYLIN GALLOWAY (Milwaukee Bucks)
Galloway is continuing to produce plenty of highlights in the G League since being snapped by the Milwaukee Bucks after his impressive season with the Sydney Kings in the NBL.
The 21-year-old put a Salt Lake City defender on a poster in his Wisconsin Herd debut and backed it up last week with a ferocious dunk.
Galloway had six points, three rebounds, one assists, one steal and one block in the 125-111 win over Capital City Go-Go, later scoring a career-high 13 points in a 105-85 victory against the Raptors 905.
Galloway also had four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in that win.
The young Australian won’t feature in Milwaukee’s post-season action but could push for minutes in the rotation next season with more impressive performances this year.
The NBA trade deadline has passed and while no Australians are on the move, there were some key calls made by their respective teams that could have a flow-on effect.
From Josh Giddey’s post-season minutes at OKC to Jock Landale’s future in Houston and a crushing injury blow for Dyson Daniels — the latest edition of Australians in the NBA covers it all. Plus, which Australian is enjoying a career-best run of form?
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Silly Simmons shove escalates quickly | 01:03
JOSH GIDDEY (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Giddey opened up last week about how this season had been his most challenging in the NBA — and it is only going to get tougher for the Australian from this point.
With an eye towards the playoffs, the Thunder have a big call to make as to how they address Giddey’s glaring shortcomings as a shooter and on defence.
Giddey’s role as the primary playmaker was a relatively seamless fit in his first two seasons at Oklahoma City but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rapid rise to superstardom and Jalen Williams’ growth has seen the ball taken out of the Australian’s hands more often in his third year.
Add in the emergence of Chet Holmgren in his rookie season and Giddey has quickly found himself relegated to the fourth option, if that, and it is not a role his game is built for.
For instance, the 21-year-old has gone from assisting on 43.0 and 38.1 per cent of OKC’s points in his first two seasons in the league to 29.9 per cent in the 2023-24 season.
In turn, it has seen Giddey become more of an off-ball option for the Thunder, something he isn’t suited for given his inconsistent outside shooting.
Giddey’s best game of the season, a 24-point effort against Toronto in double overtime, showed what he is capable of when hitting a few 3-pointers while also attacking the paint with more decisiveness and finishing through contact.
Now, the expectation isn’t that Giddey will be putting up 24 points or even double figures on a consistent basis.
It has been a tough run for Giddey. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
He just needs to improve his outside shooting to a respectable rate while his rebounding in particular is another area Giddey could really be of value to a Thunder team that has often been dominated on the glass this season.
At this rate though, Giddey’s strengths as a playmaker no longer marry up with the once prominent role he had in OKC’s offence and his minutes could only dwindle further as opposition defences target his weaknesses even more in the playoffs.
That is where the addition of former Hornets veteran Gordon Hayward could come in handy as he offers a similar skillset to Giddey with better shooting.
Hayward could either solidify himself as a starting option with Giddey running the second unit or, at minimum, may be a closing option with much-needed experience to help OKC in the post-season.
All of this is not to say Giddey is suddenly a bad player. He is still a very talented playmaker who is just being asked to do the one thing he has never been that good at.
GIDDEY’S SHOOTING THIS SEASON IN NUMBERS
In the paint
Field goals made: 58
FG attempted: 151
FG%: 38.4
Mid-range
Field goals made: 20
FG attempted: 38
FG%: 52.6
Left corner 3
Field goals made: 17
FG attempted: 41
FG%: 41.5
Right corner 3
Field goals made: 5
FG attempted: 21
FG%: 23.8
Corner 3
Field goals made: 22
FG attempted: 62
FG%: 35.5
Put him in a team of shooters that needs one primary facilitator to pass the ball around and Giddey would start looking like the record-breaking rookie that put the NBA on notice.
Giddey scored 11 points against Dallas last week, a number which looks solid on paper but isn’t that great considering he went 3-for-9 from deep despite being left wide-open by the Mavericks defence. s
The fact he continually took those shots that were given to him is a good thing in the sense that it shows his confidence isn’t wavering while passing open looks isn’t exactly what you want to be doing anyway.
Giddey just isn’t shooting efficiently enough at the moment to make teams play for that strategy, while his finishing at the rim lately has also been a point of concern.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault did not seem too worried post-game though, telling reporters the team had also tried a number of different tactics to combat the strategy which has been employed by a number of teams to neutralise OKC’s halfcourt offence.
“We’ve seen it all year, so it’s nothing new for us,” Daigneault said.
“We want to have a diversity of attacks against it, which includes the cutting and includes using him as a screener depending on who the five is. We thought that was effective today. “And then he’s got to shoot with confidence when he has the open shots. (The game plan) was effective today for a number of reasons outside of just him … we’ve attacked it well in the past, so we’ve got to keep learning from it and growing.”
Star teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who teams have been able to double more while leaving Giddey open, pointed towards the Australian’s big game against the Raptors as proof to not overreact too much to his recent struggles.
“He had some open looks,” Gilgeous Alexander said. “Missed some, made some. That’s the game of basketball. They go in, sometimes they don’t.
“Josh was left open against Toronto, (he) played his balls off.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
After missing one game with a knee contusion after an awkward fall earlier this month, Simmons has been able to largely stay healthy for the Nets as he slowly works his way back from a lengthy layoff.
The 27-year-old is still on a minutes restriction and it is unclear when exactly that will be lifted but even in limited playing time Simmons is showing signs of growth.
Simmons was more aggressive as a scorer against San Antonio, setting the tone early even if it led to a turnover as he attacked the rim on a play with 8:30 left in the opening quarter.
Spotting Victor Wembanyama outside of the paint, Simmons instinctively drove towards the basket for the finish but was called for a travel.
While the result wasn’t there the process certainly was and the Australian was rewarded later in the second quarter as a cutting Simmons went right to the basket off a Mikal Bridges pass.
That was just the start of a season-high night for Simmons, who had 13 points, five assists, three steals, two blocks and three rebounds in the 123-103 win.
Ben Simmons is starting to look more comfortable. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It was just a glimpse of the well-rounded player Simmons can be and it is not like he needs to be piling on the points anyway given this Nets roster isn’t short of outside shooting options.
You only have to look at Simmons’ scoreless game against the Sixers, where he did not attempt a single shot and yet was impactful on both ends of the floor in a 136-121 victory.
Simmons is finally starting to look like his old, confident self after missing a significant period of time at the start of the season due to a nerve impingement in his lower back.
Erik Slater, a reporter from Clutch Points and host of Bleav in Nets, had told foxsports.com.au ahead of this season that the summer surgery Simmons underwent — a microdiscectomy — was partly to blame for his lack of progress last year.
“There was a study done by the National Library of Medicine that broke down outcomes for NBA players who have had the surgery and basically what it found was that players in the first season post-surgery typically saw a decrease in player efficiency rating, minutes played and in other metrics but in the second post-operative season they typically returned to their average level of play,” he said at the time.
Of course, another injury has only delayed Simmons’ growth but the Australian told Brian Lewis of The New York Post after the Spurs game that he is “feeling better” now.
“It’s one of those things where it’s just up and down each day. But I’m just staying with it. The storm doesn’t last forever,” Simmons said.
“You know, I’m gonna get back to where I was. So just staying on it. And you know, each day is a day to get better.”
ABSURD game winner from clutch Curry! | 00:43
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Unfortunately for Daniels, the Pelicans’ first-round pick is set for a stint on the sidelines after it was announced on Tuesday he had been diagnosed with a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.
New Orleans did not provide a timeline for his return to play, stating the team would evaluate treatment options for the Australian.
While Daniels’ offensive game remains a work in progress the Pelicans will miss his elite defence, which was continuing to see him earn consistent minutes as part of their rotation.
You only had to look at Daniels’ recent showing against the Los Angeles Clippers for proof of it as the young Bendigo product put on a defensive masterclass, recording four steals and two blocks.
The first came on Kawhi Leonard as the sneaky Australian picked his pocket, taking it straight to the rim to lay it home for the score.
Daniels then blocked a Russell Westbrook shot before recovering to force another miss from the Clippers point guard and getting the defensive rebound.
Dyson Daniels is now sidelined with injury. Harry How/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
A disruptive Daniels later stayed with and then blocked Norman Powell before active hands from the Australian saw him pick up another steal, this time on James Harden to spark a fast-break opportunity for New Orleans.
An anticipatory Daniels then pounced on a pass from Westbrook as he attempted to keep the ball in, taking it to the rim for the dunk.
Both Daniels and teammate Herb Jones were praised by coach Willie Green for their defensive impact in the statement win over the Western Conference heavyweights.
“Those guys were dominant defensively and that’s what they’re capable of doing,” Green said.
“Dys and Herb switching screens, physical, blocking shots, igniting our break. Two young perimeter players that can defensively pretty much guard anybody in the league in my opinion.”
“Dyson had four steals, that’s tough and two blocks — that’s six stops right there. That’s pretty impressive, I can’t lie,” added Trey Murphy III.
Daniels had 10 points in that win over the Clippers and also had a handy pair of 3-pointers to go with a block and steal in the Pelicans’ most recent 139-122 loss to the Lakers.
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
Consistency.
It has been hard to come by at times for Josh Green and for a number of reasons, be it injury-related or more a matter of drifting in and out of the starting team.
But Green has been enjoying the best statistical stretch of his career as of late, averaging 17.0 points while shooting 50.8 per cent from deep in his first five games to open February.
“It’s great that Josh is playing at a high level,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told reporters ahead of Dallas’ game against Washington.
“Just understanding that he’s a young player, his career has just started. Again, the work he has put in this summer and with his national team, you can see he’s comfortable. I think the big part, not just with Josh, is our health.
“If we can stay healthy you’ll have a chance to become consistent with minutes and play. You’re going to make or miss shots but I think the big thing with Josh is if he can stay healthy, you can see that he’s getting better.
Josh Green is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“He’s young, he’s starting to feel more comfortable bringing the ball up, which we’ve asked him to do. He’s picking up full court, which we’ve asked him to do and I think he’s really enjoying his role right now.”
The improvement of Green’s outside shooting has been particularly important in helping space out Dallas’ offence, leaving Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to handle the ball more and in turn create open looks for the Australian and his teammates as defences lock in on the superstar pair.
Green has proven himself particularly lethal shooting corner 3s, leading the NBA with 21 in his past 15 games while shooting a league-high 47.7 per cent from the area in that period.
And when Green isn’t shooting he is moving off the ball like he did against the Wizards, initially handing the ball off to Irving before cutting towards the basket for a ferocious dunk.
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
It has been a frustrating few months for Exum, who had forced his way into a starting role with the Mavericks after an impressive stretch only to have his momentum derailed by injury.
Exum, who battled injuries throughout his career before a stint in Europe, missed time in early January with a heel injury and has now been sidelined for eight straight games with a right knee issue.
Exum had a stellar December, averaging 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 53.3 per cent from downtown before being restricted to just 12 minutes due to injury in a 127-90 loss to the Jazz.
The Australian later returned after just over three weeks and lasted only two more games before again going down, this time with the knee injury.
Dante Exum is out injured. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
It looks increasingly likely that Landale will be on the lookout for a new NBA team next year after the Rockets traded for Memphis Grizzlies big man Steven Adams.
Landale was already going to be battling for minutes behind Alperen Sengun when he first arrived at Houston but an ankle injury and concussion saw the Australian dealt an early setback as he struggled when on the court and fell further down the team’s big-man rotation.
The 28-year-old saw just seven minutes in Houston’s 111-90 loss to the Timberwolves and didn’t get on the court in the Rockets’ 132-129 defeat to the Pacers.
Now, having only been guaranteed one season of his four-year $32 million contract he signed with Houston in free agency last summer, Landale’s future at the franchise is in the air.
The Rockets didn’t get traded before Friday’s deadline and that makes sense given his $8 million, non-guaranteed contract could be used as a salary filler in an offseason trade.
Landale spoke to the Houston Chronicle earlier in the week about the possibility of being traded and said it was something he had learned to block out, putting all his focus into factors he can control. The Australian also touched on his injury-interrupted start to the season, telling the Chronicle he came to the organisation on “half an ankle”.
Jock Landale had an injury-interrupted start to the season. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“My ankle was completely (messed up) when I first got here,” Landale said.
“I wasn’t in a good spot health-wise to go out and compete. My biggest asset is how hard I play and moving around the court and getting on the boards. My body couldn’t keep up with the level of play I was used to playing.
“Around game 20, we really figured out my rehab process, and I got to a point I was healthy and could be back to the Jock Landale the Houston Rockets had signed. That kind of created an identity at that point. It’s been tough to crack back into the rotation since then. I definitely feel I’m ready to go.”
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
No change after the deadline for Ingles, who will be the same valuable veteran presence off the bench for the Magic as they continue to push for a playoff berth.
Orlando was tipped to be one of the more active teams at the deadline but didn’t make a single move to its roster, which in a way isn’t that surprising given the team needed to weigh up the benefits of any potential move with the threat it posed to the squad’s strong chemistry.
Ingles is clearly one of those players who has contributed to the positive vibes at the Magic this season if you go off Paolo Banchero’s recent comments on JJ Redick’s ‘The Old Man and the Three’ podcast.
Ingles may be the oldest player on the roster at 36 years old but he still knows how to relate to the squad’s young and emerging talent, including Banchero, who said the Australian “takes the cake” as one of the team’s most sarcastic personalities.
Banchero recalled the first time he ever met Ingles at Summer League, just after the Boomers veteran had signed with the Magic in free agency.
“He was talking s*** before we even put our shoes on,” Banchero said.
“It was just us two that showed up that day coincidentally… me and him were going to shoot together… so it was just him talking s***, how he was going to outshoot me. And I was like, ‘Okay, it’s gonna be this kind of workout’.”
Just one glimpse into how Ingles and this young Magic core have seemingly become a match made in heaven, with the Australian’s playmaking and decision-making proving a key asset to help run the second unit.
DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
The Blazers are another team that didn’t do much at the deadline, acquiring backup forward Dalano Banton from the Boston Celtics for a protected second-round pick.
Otherwise, they are standing pat as they look to build towards the future with a mix of youth and experience.
Reath has been an underrated find for Portland this season, earning his NBA debut after Robert Williams III underwent season-ending knee surgery and later thrust into an even more prominent role after Deandre Ayton went down.
Even with Ayton now healthy Reath has maintained a solid role off the bench for the Blazers, proving an effective finisher at the rim which when combined with his threat as an outside shooter makes him a versatile scoring option in the frontcourt.
Duop Reath and fellow Australian Josh Giddey. Joshua Gateley/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Reath credited Portland’s coaching staff for simplifying his role in his rookie season.
“I think it’s just staying ready,” Reath said.
“Just keep on working and just being prepared but then again, the coaches have been helping me too letting me know what my role is and being very clear what they want from me. That makes it very easy.”
Reath missed Portland’s last game with a knee injury but the nature of it is unknown at this point.
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
Thybulle shaped as a potential trade target for a few contending teams, with the Milwaukee Bucks making a lot of sense given their need for a defensive stopper of his quality.
But no trade eventuated and there was no real reporting of note ahead of the deadline that seemed to suggest the Blazers were receiving calls about Thybulle, whose improved 3-point shooting this season has helped add to his repertoire.
Thybulle’s outside shooting has been a bit streaky lately but it hasn’t stopped him from regularly seeing more than 20 minutes on the floor for Portland, averaging 4.7 points and 1.3 steals while shooting 34.0 per cent from downtown last month.
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
After initially struggling to see any playing time in Atlanta Mills has started to get more minutes for the Hawks, averaging nine minutes in three games this month.
A potential Dejounte Murray trade could have opened up even more opportunities for Mills but instead Atlanta opted to keep him at the deadline, meaning the guard-heavy Hawks won’t have many more minutes to offer Mills at this point.
Mills has a $6.8 million expiring contract and could fit into any offseason deals for salary-matching purposes.
Friday’s February 9 NBA trade deadline (all times AEDT) is fast approaching.
While a few big trade dominoes have already fallen, there’s still several big-name stars that could be on the move and teams looking to shake things up otherwise.
And so we’ve come up with one mock (but realistic) trade for all 30 teams ahead of Friday’s cut off to make roster changes for the second half of the season.
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LeBron stars as Lakers down Knicks | 01:18
To keep things simple, we haven’t included pick protections, swaps or gone in depth with which picks specifically are being moved. However all picks moved are legally owned by that team (in any future draft), and all trades work from a salary cap perspective.
Read on for foxsports.com.au’s mock trade for all 30 NBA teams (*all stats and records accurate at the time of writing on 6th of February).
ATLANTA HAWKS
Hawks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins
Warriors receive: Clint Capela, AJ Griffin, second-round pick
The shake-up both teams need? The Hawks take a punt on Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins despite Kuminga’s career not yet living up to his Pick 7 draft spot and Wiggins falling away dramatically since Golden State’s 2022 title run. In fact, Wiggins’ four-year, $109 million contract is now basically a negative asset, so Atlanta is almost doing the Warriors a favour by taking him off their books and creating flexibility. Not only would it provide a different dynamic and much needed perimeter defence to to Atlanta’s current mix, but also the ability to commit to a youth movement at some stage — so the Hawks almost hedge their bets here. They also stay the course with Dejounte Murray, despite all signs pointing to a trade, and instead try and retool the roster around him and Trae Young. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, head coach Quin Snyder is pushing the Hawks front office to keep Murray, too. Despite previously being linked to trades, a Clint Capela move hasn’t gained any traction in the lead into this deadline, even though Atlanta has the veteran and Onyeka Okongwu locked in a time share at centre. But with Capela not helping the team win, holding back Okongwu from reaching his potential and being marginalised himself, it makes a lot of sense for Atlanta to trade Capela and adjust other parts of its roster (though his latest injury setback may complicate matters). The Warriors probably push to get a first-round pick instead of a second rounder, but this solves a lot of their problems — both short and long-term.
BOSTON CELTICS
Celtics receive: Alex Caruso, second-round pick
Bulls receive: Prayton Pritchard, Svi Mykhailiuk, two first-round picks
Despite the huge price, a move that would really tip over Boston as the clear championship favourite (if it isn’t already). Though some big man insurance for Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford would also be nice, Pritchard is the only roster spot the Celtics could still use an upgrade. Adding Caruso would add more size and double down on their already elite perimeter defence with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White and create a truly formidable backcourt in the playoffs. Even if he’s only a role player, Caruso wouldn’t come cheap as one of the most courted players in the league, so Boston would need to pay up to secure the defensive stud – even if two first rounders seems like an inordinate price. Plus, the Bulls, despite being potential deadline sellers, could just as easily hold Caruso unless the right deal comes along, so the onus is on other teams to make an offer they can’t refuse.
Golden State power past Grizzlies | 00:42
BROOKLYN NETS
Nets receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Spencer Dinwiddie, two first-round picks, second-round pick
With it becoming hard to trust Ben Simmons to stay on the floor and Spencer Dinwiddie being more of a scoring guard, the Nets are clearly crying out for a true playmaker to assist their arsenal of wings. Plus, it doesn’t appear Brooklyn is yet willing to go down the full rebuild route – a direction it could’ve taken after trading away Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. With Murray, on a modest $18 million deal, the Nets get a proper gauge of how good this team can be in the second half of the season before they can always reset over the US summer, if needed. It’s no secret the Hawks have been shopping Murray, their most appealing trade asset, despite handing over three first rounders to acquire him from San Antonio two years ago. Murray’s pairing with Trae Young simply hasn’t worked, with Atlanta sitting a whole five games below .500, as the team now looks to flip him by the deadline. Considering this season is a write off for the Hawks, the obvious move would be to deal him for draft picks — with reports claiming Atlanta wants at least two first rounders back in any deal — and an appealing expiring contract like Dinwiddie’s $20 million deal to open up cap space for next off-season.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Hornets receive: Davis Bertans, first-round pick
Thunder receive: PJ Washington
Having already parted ways with Terry Rozier, the aim for the Hornets at the deadline should be selling their veterans – ideally Gordon Hayward and Kyle Lowry – for draft picks or long-term assets otherwise. However getting off Hayward ($31 million) and Lowry’s ($29 million) contracts and getting something in return would be tricky, making them more buyout candidates unless another team gets desperate. It makes Miles Bridges and Washington more likely trade candidates given they have real value. Here, Charlotte takes on Davis Bertans’ $17 million deal, which has reportedly been reworked next season to just over $5 million guaranteed, in exchange for PJ Washington and a first-round pick. Sure, Washington has proven to be a solid piece, but it might be the ideal time to capitalise on is his trade value given he doesn’t appear to be part of the Hornets’ future core. It continues Charlotte’s commitment to a proper rebuild and to its long-term future under new management, where everyone bar LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams should be available for trade.
The number one goal for the Bulls at the deadline should’ve been parting ways with LaVine’s mega contract (in year two of a $215 million, five-season deal). But that’s now highly unlikely given teams wouldn’t be willing to give much up at all to acquire the two-time All-Star. In fact, given LaVine’s injury history, Chicago would probably now need to attach assets to a deal, so it’s probably wiser to wait on that front. And so trading DeRozan becomes the next priority given his impending free agency status and it being unlikely he’s a part of the Bulls’ long-term future. A trade with the Knicks, a reported suitor for DeRozan and in need of additional scoring/playmaking after trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, could be ideal given New York’s wide collection of picks. Plus, Fournier’s $18 million deal is extra valuable as it has a team option for next season, so Chicago could use it as a trade in the off-season if it wanted. Grimes meanwhile comes cheap and fits into the age demographic with the likes of Pat Williams and Coby White.
Reaves takes out Celtics in Lakers win | 01:34
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Cavaliers receive: DeAndre Hunter
Hawks receive: Caris LeVert, two second-round picks
As good an addition as Max Strus has been, the Cavs are reportedly still looking for a 3-and-D players, so moving one of their depth players, like LeVert (who’s expendable after the emergence of Sam Merrill and their most movable salary if they try something bold), for a true upgrade on the wing feels like the most profitable move. It might be tough to convince Atlanta to part ways with former Pick 4 Hunter for any package that doesn’t include a first-round pick, however Cleveland doesn’t have any first-rounders it can move, and LeVert offers value in his own right and would give Atlanta more flexibility to trade Dejounte Murray. There’s also been suggestions the Cavaliers could consider blowing up their star core given the team bizarrely got rolling when both Evan Mobley and Darius Garland were sidelined, however seems more likely they wait and see how the team functions when healthy again before trying anything drastic.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Mavericks receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes, Jaden Hardy, first-round pick
Whether it’s now or in the off-season, the Mavericks clearly need to make a move — namely an upgrade at power forward — so Kyle Kuzma should be their main priority in terms of who’s available. Kuzma would provide size, rebounding and another true scorer alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who can create his own shot. Though Kuzma doesn’t exactly help the Mavericks’ defensive issues, he’d raise the overall floor of this team and a make it a bigger threat in the Western Conference. If the Mavs can get away with dealing Grant Williams, whose first season with the team has been underwhelming, instead of Tim Hardaway Jr. (they’d likely need to off-load at least one) for a meaningful addition to their rotation, that’d be a win.
After losing Bruce Brown and Jeff Green last off-season, there’s both a void of leadership and general veteran talent off the Denver bench. And so the Nuggets would ideally add another piece at little cost — both in terms of trade and salary — that can help them in the playoffs. Grimes ($2 million deal) ticks both those boxes, having shown promising signs at the Knicks as a clear upgrade on Strawther. Why would New York do it? Reports have claimed Grimes is disgruntled with his role, while they add other long-term assets to help make a move for a big-name superstar. It’s most likely the reigning champs stand still at the deadline given there’s not many levers they can pull. The Nuggets aren’t trading any of their starters, and Reggie Jackson’s $5 million deal is their next most movable piece. However Jackson has been an important sixth man for Mike Malone’s team this season and valuable insurance whenever any of their starters get hurt, plus the guard is on a modest deal. It’s also tricky for Denver to upgrade Jackson without also sending out one of its starters. If the Nuggets somehow finds a way to make a move, expect it to be on the periphery.
Maxey leads 76ers with 51-point haul | 01:16
DETROIT PISTONS
Pistons receive: Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, first-round pick, second-round pick
Kings receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Killian Hayes
The Pistons last trade deadline weren’t prepared to part ways with Bogdanovic, one of their few reliable and consistent performers. But amid another another horror season for Detroit, who has the worst record in the NBA and suffered the longest losing streak in the team’s history, you have to wonder if that might have shifted. If the Pistons can get a first-round pick for Bogdanovic, 34, a useful rotation player like Huerter or Harrison Barnes and a young player like Davion Mitchell, it’s a good deal for Detroit from a long-term perspective. There would of course be no shortage of suitors for the Croatian forward if indeed he was available. Killian Hayes meanwhile reportedly wants out of Detroit, and a fresh start elsewhere for the former Pick 7 is probably best for both parties. The Pistons should otherwise be open to anything and everything — perhaps bar moving Cade Cunningham — with an emphasise on adding long-term assets in a bid to dig the franchise out of its current mess.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Warriors receive: Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Chris Paul, Terrence Jackson-Davis, two first-round picks
The last The Warriors are desperate for an upgrade at centre and shake-up at large, so here they get help in multiple areas in a final bid to make things work in Steph Curry’s prime. A line-up of Vucevic, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Caruso and Steph Curry would be fascinating, with Vucevic and Caruso providing big boosts both ends of the floor. The question is, would it be enough to make the 20-24 Warriors a genuine contender again? Giving up such draft capital and Paul’s $30 million contract — essentially an expiring deal — would be an all-out commitment to winning over prioritising the future. But so long as the Warriors have Curry, they’re committed to winning, aren’t they? If Golden State doesn’t try something bold, this season has arguably reached a point where the team is better off standing still and waiting until the off-season to reassess its direction instead of making a trade for the sake of it.
Reports state the Rockets asked the question of Mikal Bridges and made an offer of multiple first-round picks, however the Nets showed no interest in moving the star forward. But what if Houston made an offer the Nets couldn’t refuse? The Rockets could sell the idea of a combination of win-now pieces, long-term assets and avoiding the need to bottom out – which the Nets have wanted to steer clear from. Former Pick 2 Green is still just 21 and could be anything, Eason, 22, is one of the brightest young players in the NBA and Landale offers insurance behind Nic Claxton, who’s on an expiring deal. It’s some price, but would immediately raise the floor of Ime Udoka’s team with a potent big three of Bridges, Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. Ironically, the Nets still owe the Rockets future picks from the infamous James Harden trade in 2021. Having reportedly been in the market for a backup centre, the Rockets already made a move last week. They off-loaded Victor Oladipo and a very of second-round picks for the injured Steven Adams, who will serve as Sengun’s backup next season, casting more uncertainty around Landale’s future in Houston.
The Pacers already made arguably the biggest splash of any team by acquiring Pascal Siakam. So are they done yet? ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski interestingly revealed after the Siakam trade that the Pacers tried to get both Siakam and OG Anunoby, but were unable to meet the asking price set by the Raptors. It means Indiana could yet look to make another big move by the deadline, plus they have the assets and trade-friendly contracts to make it happen. Portland’s Jerami Grant, despite talk he isn’t available, would be the ideal addition as an upgrade on the wing who could fit in as the Pacers’ third star – a role he’s most suited to – alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam. Given the Blazers’ reluctance to deal him (even though it makes sense), the Pacers would need to stump up in a deal. Grant would provide valuable two-way production on the wing, in particular on the defensive end, where the Pacers would be desperate to boost their No. 26 rating and become a legitimate contender in the East.
Much like Denver – there’s probably no necessity for the Clippers to make a move. For LA has virtually no draft capital to trade (next six first rounders are owed out from the Paul George/James Harden), nor do they need to do anything after taking their big swing on Harden in a move that’s paid massive dividends, having gone 24-6 over their last 30 games. Even the Clippers’ defence is ranked No. 8 in the NBA in their last 15 games, so it’s not like they need to address anything specific in a great spot to be. The Harden trade did however cost the Clippers a key chunk of their forward depth – they lost Robert Covington, Nic Batum, Marcus Morris Sr. and KJ Martin – so they could use some additional depth and a legitimate stretch five to play with their stars. It makes Washington an obvious target, with the Clippers here handing over their last remaining tradeable first-round pick and $16 million in expiring funds if PJ Tucker opts out of the last year of his $11 million deal (which you’d expect he did if he got traded to Charlotte). Tucker could also immediately reach a buyout with the Hornets to sign with a contender.
LA LAKERS
Lakers receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, Lakers’ two first-round picks
Pelicans receive: D’Angelo Russell
A three-team trade! The Lakers are the side that have reportedly been most active in talks for Dejounte Murray – talks that however hit a snag, with the Hawks wanting either Austin Reaves to be included in a deal or a third team to take on D’Angelo Russell. Enter New Orleans, who are in need of a more pure point guard despite CJ McCollum currently filling the position. The Pelicans substitute some of their depth to address that need, the Lakers, despite Russell’s strong play of late, get a clear upgrade at point guard and genuine two-way player, while Atlanta gets useful pieces and draft stock for Murray (and probably can’t expect too much more). Who says no? Despite the Lakers’ urgency to make another win-now move to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they could wait until the off-season given the team unlocks the option of trading three-first round picks to target an even bigger fish.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Grizzlies receive: Jonathan Isaac, two second-round picks
Magic receive: Luke Kennard
The soft tanking/asset building continues in what’s become a write-off season for the Grizzlies including campaign-ending shoulder injury to Ja Morant as well as Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart also facing long-term stints on the sidelines. And so everything Memphis does now should be with an eye towards the 2024/25 season, leaving veterans like Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Xavier Tillman Sr vulnerable in a trade if it can get draft capital back or cap space otherwise. The much-improved Magic should be prepared to stump up for a shooter given they have the worst three-point shooting efficiency in the NBA – making Kennard a natural target. Isaac’s $17 million deal is non guaranteed for next season, so the Grizzlies in this deal could open up sufficient cap space in the off-season and add to their chest of second-round picks – having landed three from Houston last week in the Steven Adams deal.
MIAMI HEAT
Heat receive: Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Josh Richardson, Nikola Jovic, first-round pick
Is there a player who would be more suited to the infamous ‘Heat Culture’ than Caruso? The Terry Rozier was trade was supposed to take the Heat to another level, but the’ve in fact gone the other way and struggled badly since the guard’s arrival. While Miami could easily stand still and work things out as is, don’t be surprised if it has another move up its sleeve. Bringing in Caruso would not only be a big upgrade on Josh Richardson, but also provide more of a defensive balance in the backourt staggered with Rozier and Tyler Herro – and create a healthy dilemma of which two players get to start. Miami is fully committed to winning now, and adding Caruso to the playoff mix would only further make Erik Spoelstra’s side even more feared come playoff time. Seriously, no one would want to play them.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Bucks receive: Matisse Thybulle
Trail Blazers receive: Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, second-round pick
There’s been reports the Bucks are in the market for Dejounte Murray, but it feels unrealistic given their lack of trade capital – they have no control over their own first-round picks for the next season drafts and even limited second rounders to play with. As nice as Murray would be, bringing in a dedicated defensive perimeter stopper at a cheaper price to play alongside Damian Lillard feels the more likely – and arguably best – scenario to help off-set the loss of Jrue Holiday. Despite his offensive deficiencies, Thybulle makes plenty of sense for the Bucks to help boost their near bottom 10 defensive rating and to provide more versatility to their line-up. While it’s hard to gauge the dual American-Australian’s value, a team might be able to get Thybulle cheap-ish given his offensive issues.
NBA Wrap: Hot Curry dismantles Philly | 03:56
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Timberwolves receive: Monte Morris
Pistons receive: Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr.
The Timberwolves would love a more reliable backup point guard – and some insurance behind the 36-year old Mike Conley. Tyus Jones would be the dream target, however the Timberwolves likely don’t have the draft capital required to satisfy Washington in a deal unless the asking price lowers. Minnesota likely needs to look a tier down, with Morris one of the best value backup point guards who’s gettable. Reports have linked Minnesota, whose general manager Tim Connelly drafted Morris in Denver, to the 28-year old, in the final year of a three-season $27 million deal. It feels like the Pistons are selling Morris cheap here – and they’d probably want a pick thrown – though he’s battle injury in recent times and about to become a free agent. Plus Detroit gets a couple of veterans to help nurture its young group.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Pelicans receive: Tyus Jones
Wizards receive: Larry Nance Jr, Jose Alvarado, first-round pick
Could this be the move that tips the Pelicans over as a legitimate contender in the West? Though they could also use an upgrade at centre, adding a pure point guard could unlock everything for the Pelicans, given their array of weapons lack a true playmaker running the show. Jones is known to be on the trade block and feels like the most likely Wizard to be moved, on an expiring $14 million deal. Some reports have claimed Washington wants two first rounders back in a trade, plus there will be a host of teams ling up to land the 27-year old, so New Orleans would need to make a juicy offer despite Jones’ impending free agency status. There would however be obvious defensive deficiencies in the backcourt given the lack of size of a Jones and McCollum. Size is one of the Pels’ greatest strengths too, so Jones could also slot into a sixth-man role. Given New Orleans’ logjam of guards, it’d be pretty well be forced to give one back to Washington, with Alvarado seemingly the most expendable.
NEW YORK KNICKS
Knicks receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Evan Fournier, first-round pick
The missing piece? If the Knicks are serious about trying to win it all this season, which, based on form, they should be, but staying flexible long-term, this might just be their best play. Recent reports have claimed New York has cooled on Brown, who, like Fournier, has a team option for next season, and that the Knicks are eyeing a bigger fish. But who else is available that can really propel them? Perhaps Dejounte Murray – but is he worth the price when the Knicks could wait it out in hopes that a certain guard for the Cavaliers becomes available? DeMar DeRozan? Maybe, but he’d also come at a greater price and it’s hard to say if he’d genuinely take them to the next level or if they’d be wasting assets on a short-term rental. The Knicks are also reportedly circling Jordan Clarkson, but he’s got three more years to run on his deal and thus would give New York less flexibility to target a bigger fish down the line. It feels like Brown, who can play multiple roles and buys in on both ends of the floor, and New York could be an ideal match and is the type of player Tom Thibedou would love. It’d also be the second trade between these teams in as many months after the Anunoby for RJ Barrett/Immanuel Quickley swap, which was of course the Knicks’ big swing, so they might well stand pat this week. But it’s also opened the need for more scoring and playmaking, making Brown an obvious target.
Giddey’s Thunder succumb to Timberwolves | 00:36
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Thunder receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Davis Bertans, two first-round picks
If the Nets aren’t keen to pay Claxton, who’s due for a bumper raise this off-season – when he comes out of contract – the Thunder should be ready to strike. There’s been calls for OKC to add more size and a seasoned body to pair with Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, while the Thunder would ideally find someone who fits the age demographic of the rest of their budding core. It makes Claxton a natural target. Sam Presti is armed with a bounty of draft picks, and you’d think he’d need to hand over a minimum of two in exchange for Claxton. If pure picks didn’t satisfy the Nets, who don’t appear to be keen to rebuild, there could however be a potential issue in terms of making salaries match in a deal for the $9 million Claxton. Bertans’ $17 million deal is clearly OKC’s most movable piece and gets it done in a straight swap, but Brooklyn wanting other player/s would really complicate matters. Vasilije Micić ($7 million deal) and Tre Mann ($3 million) could also be used separately, while the Nets would probably prefer a package centred around Josh Giddey, but it’s hard to see the Thunder parting ways with the Aussie young gun just yet.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Magic receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: Jonathan Isaac, first-round pick
While Bogdanovic isn’t considered to be on the trade block, he’d be an ideal target for the Magic, who rank dead last in the NBA in three-point shooting efficiency. This is of course a much-improved Orlando side that is now looking to round its squad with veterans and would be desperate to add shooting alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Would say Isaac’s non-guaranteed deal (basically $17 million in cap space) and a first-round pick interest Atlanta if it was ready to waive the white flag on this season? It’s not far from the type of haul the Hawks would get back in a Dejounte Murray trade, so would they be better served instead moving a bench player then reassessing their direction in the off-season? Orlando has a host of other pieces it could dangle including Gary Harris and Cole Anthony.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Sixers receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Jaden Springer, two-second round picks
Fair to say news that Joel Embiid requires surgery has changed everything for Philadelphia, who reports throughout the season linked the team to the likes of Pascal Siakam, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. You sense the Sixers would however now be keen to take all their assets into the off-season and gear up for the 2024/25 campaign, plus the team, as constructed, has space to sign a max contract-level star in a rare spot to be for one of the chief contenders. Some have argued Philly could target a starting calibre centre to replace Embiid, but that feels like a waste of resources from a bigger picture perspective. The Sixers could otherwise still consider trading a collection of their expiring deals for an upgraded player also on an expiring as something of a mini swing – provided it doesn’t cost many additional assets – if they’re confident Embiid can get back at some stage. If things continue to go south for the Raptors and Brown’s market cools down, could Philly pry him for effectively two second-round picks and give up Jaden Springer? Springer’s $4 million deal for 2024/25 and Embiid’s $51 million deal are Philly’s only guaranteed contracts for next season, so the team could talk itself into a deal it opened up more cap space (albeit $4 million) and kept all its first rounders. This is more food for thought though, as it feels more likely the Sixers stand still at the deadline and hold all their picks with their superstar centre’s season potentially over.
Bucks fall short in Rivers’ first game | 01:18
PHOENIX SUNS
Suns receive: Miles Bridges
Hornets receive: Nassir Little, Josh Okogie, three second-round picks
Scary areas for the rest of the NBA. It’s hard to think a trade like this could go through, but reports have stated the two teams are in active discussions over a Bridges trade, so all indications are a deal is looming. It comes despite Phoenix having virtually no assets other than a handful of second-rounders it picked up last off-season, so it’d literally be all-in on this roster. You suspect a Suns package would centre around Little and a collection of those picks, and the fact that’s the likely framework is a showing of how much Bridges’ value has dropped amid his off-court transgressions despite a strong season on the court, averaging over 20 points per game. The forward is playing on a one-year, $7 million deal and set to become a free agent at the end of the season. From a basketball perspective, it’s hard to say how Bridges would fit into Phoenix as juicy it sounds from a fantasy basketball mentality. The Suns would have some seriously potent small ball line-ups to double down on their high-octane offence, but the bigger question marks on them are on the other end of the floor. Plus it’d all come down to how Bridges buys into a different role than the one he currently has in Charlotte.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Trail Blazers receive: Even Fournier, Quintin Grimes, first-round pick
Knicks receive: Malcolm Brogdon
The deadline should be pretty simple for the rebuilding Blazers – trade Brogdon for the best possible package. Portland has done a great job building up his trade value by showcasing the always consistent Brogdon to potential buyers. But the Blazers priority should now be selling high and bringing in long-term assets – ideally a first-round pick and another young piece to put with their young core – while handing the starting point guard duties to Scoot Henderson. Here, the Blazers convince the Knicks to give up Fournier (to make salaries match), Grimes as well as a first-round pick, though New York would push to keep Grimes. But this deal is intended to favour to Blazers, who would also open up salary cap space with Fournier’s non-guanteed money for next season. There’s also been suggestions Portland should look to trade Jerami Grant, but the team doesn’t appear to be keen to.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
Kings receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, first-round pick
Sacramento gets the forward upgrade it needs without selling the farm. Kuzma doesn’t solve all the Kings’ problems, but better than Barnes at both ends of the floor and would be well suited to Mike Brown’s up-tempo style. Sacramento would suddenly boast a starting line-up of De’Aron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Kuzma, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis in what would be a real handful for any team. Does this make the Kings a contender to come out of the West? Probably not. Does this make the Kings better overall and in a better position in the off-season with more talent on their roster? Almost certainly.
Simmons shines in explosive Nets return | 01:15
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Spurs receive: Chuma Okeke, second-round pick
Magic receive: Cedi Osman
While the Spurs have been linked to Dejounte Murray, they’re likely better served trusting the process – to steal a phrase from a rival organisation – and sticking with the youth movement. That means selling their veterans for long-term assets – either young players or picks – with the likes of Doug McDermott, DeVonte Graham, Cedi Osman, Zach Collins the types they should be willing to explore moves for. Though the aforementioned names likely wouldn’t yield the Spurs much more than second-round picks, the above idea would at least give San Antonio another draft asset, while Orlando brings in another shooter. Given both Okeke and Osman are on expiring deals, that’d be a win for San Antonio. Yes, not the most exciting deal, and the Spurs would ideally bring in a young player currently devoid of opportunities, but you sense this is the most realistic play the team should pursue.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Raptors receive: Davis Bertans, first-round pick
Thunder receive: Bruce Brown
Much like Portland with Brogdon, it’s operation get the best package available for Bruce Brown — or dance with whoever is willing to hand over a first-round pick. The Raptors only recently acquired Brown in the Pascal Siakam trade with the intention of forwarding him to a contender by the deadline. Assuming the reported key Brown suitors like the Lakers and Knicks pursue other moves, the Thunder could be a sneaky team to watch in the Brown sweepstakes given their bounty of picks, plus Bertans’ contract for next season is only $5 million guaranteed. And so the Raptors would open up a ton of cap space in the off-season and add a first-round pick, while the Thunder get another piece to help their playoff push at a cheap-ish price. A win-win.
UTAH JAZZ
Jazz receive: Markelle Fultz, first-round pick
Magic receive: Jordan Clarkson
Are the Jazz buyers or sellers? It’s to hard to tell. But unless they can make a move for another genuine star who will help take them to another level, which, it doesn’t feel like there’s one out there, their best option is flipping one of their parts to add to their suite of picks. Sure, Utah has turned its season around to sit well and truly in the playoff mix, but it’s also created strong trade appeal with the team’s veterans. Taking on Fultz’ expiring $17 million deal would also open up cap space for the off-season. It’s worth noting that the Jazz owes the Thunder a first-round pick this year (top 10 protected), so unless Utah is really bad, its top pick this year is likely going out the door.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Wizards receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxwell Lewis, first-round pick
Lakers receive: Tyus Jones
If the Wizards can move Jones for a useful player like Gabe Vincent, and most importantly, a first-round pick, they should pull the trigger. It’s worth noting Jones, despite being one of the most sought after players at the deadline, is on an expiring deal and due to become a free agent, so it’s unlikely teams get silly and overpay for the guard (though this is the NBA) with much more than this. If the Lakers fail to land a bigger name, you’d expect something like this to interest them and have Jones come in and run their second unit. Kyle Kuzma is on also on the trade block, but Washington would only part ways with the forward for a big price.
It continues to be a rollercoaster season for Giddey.
Though he’s had some good games mixed in, the 21-year old Aussie hasn’t quite been able to capture the same consistency of his first two brilliant NBA campaign amid the emergence of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams moving into a bigger role for the Thunder, the West’s No. 2 seed.
There was some good news last week after it was confirmed Giddey wouldn’t face charges following a police investigation into his alleged relationship with an underage age, though the NBA is still probing the matter.
A weight off the shoulders for what would no doubt be a distraction for Giddey including getting booed by nearly every opposition fan base, he produced one of his best games of the season thereafter against Utah.
The OKC guard racked up a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double with six assists, which marked his second 20-plus point game of the campaign.
Can Giddey get going this season? (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS
For Locked On Thunder’s Rylan Stiles, Giddey being more aggressive in the paint and scoring more efficiently inside the arc is the key to his growth as a player.
“You’re going to want Josh Giddey to get better at scoring inside the arc – that’s going to really be the swing for him. Because he’s just not going shoot enough three-pointers to where it even matters to adjust to him on the perimeter,” Stiles observed.
“That’s not his fault, that’s just not going to be his style of play. And that’s not going to be how the Thunder play – they are not going to feed him 10 three-pointers a game.
“So for Giddey, when he’s played some of his top games of he season, he’s been doing damage at the rim and inside the arc. That’s where you’re going to want to see him thrive.
“That’s where he thrived in FIBA, he can do it. And when he does, it’s going to really unlock things for him.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
Injuries have again plagued Simmons this season, but he appears to be finally nearing a return.
The Aussie, who joined the Nets on their three-game road trip in Portland and LA, warmed up ahead of his team’s upset win over the Lakers, where he was seated courtside for the match at Crypto.com Arena in the most promising sign yet he’s ready to play.
Simmons has been slowly ramping up his activity from a back injury that’s sidelined him since early November. He’s now considered to be on the home stretch of his rehab, which includes participating in five-on-five practice.
The 6-foot-10 guard has featured in only six games, averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists for a 17-25 Nets side that sits outside the play in and would be desperate for the former All-Star to get back.
You sense when Simmons does make his return, the Nets will take an ultra conservative approach with him in gradually increasing his workload.
Simmons closer to return in Brooklyn win | 01:06
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Though Daniels’ role has fluctuated as times on a stacked Pelicans team that might have the deepest rotation in the NBA, the youngster has been a valuable defensive weapon whenever called upon by Willie Green.
And the basketball world is taking notice.
Speaking on The Lowe Post, ESPN journalist Zach Lowe recently made mention of Daniels’ tenacity and hustle in an approach that sets the 20-year old apart from others.
“When Dyson Daniels and Herb Jones are on the floor together … it’s not safe to dribble. Dyson Daniels probably denies people at the grocery store … if it’s him and you for the last grapefruit, he’s gonna use his shopping cart to deny you access,” Lowe said.
The numbers back it up.
In statistics put out by Bball Index on X (formerly Twitter), Daniels this season has been the No. 2 ranked point of attack defender – a defender who’s basically on the frontline/perimeter guarding the opposition’s primary initiator.
The only player ranked ahead of Daniels is Boston stud and All-Star smoky Derrick White in a fair endorsement of the emerging Aussie’s impact and willingness to buy in defensively.
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
Green has overcome an injury-disrupted start to his season to get going in recent times.
Over his last three games, the 23-year old has averaged 13 points on 53 per cent shooting, two three-pointers, for rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes.
It included Green in the Mavericks’ win over New Orleans last week hitting a huge clutch three to clinch the win late or Dallas.
It’s clear Jason Kidd sees something in the young gun and views him as a key part of his team’s future.
Not only is Green showing better signs on offence, he was also recently praised by teammate Grant Williams for his work on the defensive end of the court.
“When Josh picks up full court and guards Jalen Brunson in that game. No one would really see that, and how much Jalen was pissed in that game … Josh sets the tone when he starts,” Williams said.
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
The career resurrection of Exum was one of the great stories of the early stages of this season before a heel injury has since sidelined the guard for the last eight games.
He recently went through full practice though and is listed as doubtful – not out – to play on Tuesday, so there’s signs a return is on the horizon, even if it’s a few games away yet.
A video uploaded to social media showed Exum getting light three-point shots up in the part of his game he’s really improved in. The Aussie has shot 45 per cent from beyond the arc on 1.7 makes per 36 minutes in a key to his NBA revival.
His uptick in form was most prevalent when the Mavs were dealing with a series of injuries, so it’ll fascinating what Exum’s role is – whether he starts or comes off the bench and how many touches he gets – as well as how he fares overall when he returns on Dallas’ full-strength squad.
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
The centre remains in a lessened role for Houston, effectively functioning as its third-string centre behind Alperen Sengun and Jeff Green.
So limited has Landale been despite signing a four-year, $32 contract last off-season that his 8.9 minutes per game are the lowest of his three seasons in the NBA after previous stints at Phoenix (where he averaged 14.2 minutes er game) and San Antonio (10.9).
While the arrow has been pointing down for Houston in recent times – the team has lost six of its last eight games – it’s still hard to see a pathway to bigger minutes for Landale with Sengun, one of the most improved players in the league, holding down the pivot spot.
It could put Landale on trade watch in the lead into the February 9 deadline should the Rockets make a move including being one of many reported suitors for Bruce Brown.
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
Jinglin’ Joe is back!
After a 13-game absence due to a an ankle injury, Ingles returned for the Magic a fortnight ago in a welcome inclusion to shore up the team’s bench and get its season moving back in the right direction.
In fact, the numbers with Ingles in and out of the team are telling.
In the 14 games the veteran has missed overall this season, Orlando is 5-9, compared to 18-11 with him in the side.
This isn’t to put all of Orlando’s improvement and success on Ingles, as he’s just an 18-minute a game player off the bench. However it highlights the impact the Aussie has had on the team and his importance as a steady playmaker and wise head in the second unit as well as overall leader on a young side.
DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
After an epic stretch where Reath was getting heavy starters minutes for Portland while Deandre Ayton was sidelined, the 26-year old Aussie centre has moved back to the bench.
Reath showed plenty during that period though – he averaged 13.4 points, seven rebounds, 1.7 triples on 41 per cent shooting with an overall true shooting percentage of 61 per cent over a nine-game run.
Even in Ayton’s return against Indiana over the weekend, Reath played 19 minutes off the bench in a slightly heightened role to what he’d had previously. Reath backed that up with 16 points, two threes, three rebounds, four assists and one block in 22 minutes against the Lakers on Monday.
Chauncy Billups now knows if Ayton gets into foul trouble or isn’t playing well, Reath is a genuine option he can bring in to impact the game.
Sometimes all it takes is waiting for your opportunity.
Reath has been one of the most impressive Aussies in the NBA this season and now figures to have a bigger role to play for the Boomers in this year’s Paris Olympics.
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
Though it’s been a grim season for the rebuilding Blazers, Thybulle has been an important piece in their rotation as still one of the game’s premier defenders.
Not necessarily a direct correlation to playing good defence, he still ranks equal-third in total steals in the NBA this season.
Tybulle has importantly plugged holes when the team has suffered injury setbacks, with the forward’s versatility one of his strengths. Now with Shaedon Sharpe set to miss a couple of weeks, Thybulle should benefit in a larger role.
One area Thybulle has really improved as a Blazer since being traded from Philadelphia last year is his three-point shooting – he’s averaged 1.4 triples for the team on 37 per cent efficiency – the best returns of his career.
Given the 26-year old doesn’t appear to be in the Blazers’ future plans, he could also be on trade watch ahead of the deadline.
In fact, the Bucks are one team that have been linked to Thybulle – a link that makes sense given the team has struggled on the defensive end of the court despite having built a juggernaut offence around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
NBA reporter Chris Haynes, who first revealed Milwaukee as a surprise suitor for Dejounte Murray, mentioned Thybulle as another name to watch as a potential defensive upgrade for Adrian Griffin’s side.
“(The Bucks) do require a point of attack defender. There’s a lot of guys out there that fit that mould – allow me to throw some names out there that could help Milwaukee – you’re talking about somebody like Alex Caruso, Dorian Finney-Smith and Matisse Thybulle,” Haynes said on #thisleague UNCUT podcast.
“These are all names out there that are circulating that have some links to the Milwaukee Bucks as being that guy they can plug in to be that point of attack defender.
“Milwaukee is being very aggressive out there, that’s what I’ve heard, in surveying the market and seeing what’s available. (General manager) Jon Horst, he’s working those phones for sure.”
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
In what’s been a tough campaign for the veteran in Atlanta getting little to no opportunities, Mills might now have his best chance yet to show Hawks coach Quin Snyder he deserves more minutes.
Trae Young has entered concussion protocols to open up short-term opportunities in the Hawks’ backcourt, with Mills looming as one of the beneficiaries.
Mills already showed he was ready when his name was called. The sharpshooting guard got his biggest run for the season when Young missed the team’s win over Miami on the weekend, dropping a season-high 11 points with three tripes in a season-high 18 minutes.
More of that please, Snyder!
Atlanta is also a team expected to shake up its roster by the deadline, with Dejounte Murray likely on the move. And so Mills’ situation appears fluid including the possibility of the beloved Aussie finding a new home, with his expiring deal a movable asset.
We’ve just about hit the midway point of the marathon 82-game NBA season.
And so we’ve ran through all the 30 teams and graded them based on their performance in the first half of the campaign. Read on to see foxsports.com.au’s report card for every NBA side so far in the 2023/24 campaign.
*All stats accurate at time of writing on the 17th of January
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ATLANTA HAWKS (16-23) – D
Atlanta is seven games below .500 to sit outside the play-in in a season getting away from the franchise despite Jalen Johnson taking a big leap in year three. Dejounte Murray is reportedly on the trade block with several teams interested, and a move feels likely. Murray’s back-court pairing with Trae Young simply hasn’t worked – despite Atlanta giving up multiple first-round picks to land Murray – amid the team’s woes – particularly defensively despite scoring a bunch at the other end under the Young-led offence. It’ll be intriguing what avenue the Hawks take if Murray is traded given they’re currently built to contend for playoffs. And can we free Patty Mills, please?
BOSTON CELTICS (31-9) – A+
It couldn’t be going more according to script for Boston right now after its big off-season splash. The Celtics hold the best record in the NBA, are ranked top three in both offensive and defensive rating as the clear championship favourites and could have as many as four All-Stars. No matter what moves other teams make by the trade deadline, the Porzingis-Tatum-Brown-White-Holiday starting five is clearly the premier opening unit in the league. Perhaps the only concern is the fact that, given the Celtics are the clear No. 1 side, opposition sides have a whole season to pick them apart and try and decipher a way to beat them in the playoffs. Though it’s hard to see them losing a seven-game series to anyone as things stand.
The Celtics will look to go one better this season. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
BROOKLYN NETS (16-23) – D+
After a promising start to the season where the Nets navigated a host of injures to stay around .500, the wheels are starting to come off – having dropped eight of their last nine games. Ben Simmons remains sidelined with a lower back injury that’s kept him off the court since early November in yet another tough setback for the Aussie and big blow for Brooklyn. You can’t help but ponder the impact an up-and-running Simmons would provide at both ends of the floor – particularly for the Nets’ 21st ranked defence. It feels like a team still searching for its identity after blowing up the Irving-Harden-Durant big three, while it has a host of role players that could appeal to teams ahead of the deadline.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS (8-29) – F
Any hope the Hornets had of making a run for the play-in this season vanished when LaMelo Ball suffered yet another ankle setback in late November in another grim season for the franchise. Ball returned from his 20-game absence last week, and while there’s still a whole half of the campaign to go, even the star guard mightn’t be able to help this sinking ship. Charlotte has just one win from its last 17 games, and is ranked bottom four in offensive and defensive rating. As big a void as Ball leaves, the Hornets are a legitimate lottery team without him, which doesn’t bode well for their overall prospects. Sitting seven games outside the play-in, the team with the longest playoff drought dating back to 2016 looks set for that drought to continue.
CHICAGO BULLS (19-23) – C
Recovering from a slow start to the season, when they looked destined to blow up their roster, the Bulls are officially back in business. Along with a much-improved defence, Coby White has led the revival and given the team more flexibility with what direction is takes after the emerging guard stepped up in a big way when Zach LaVine was sidelined. Even with LaVine back in the mix, Chicago has won four of its last six games to sit a game and a half inside the play-in. Heck, the Bulls are now just three games behind Orlando in a wild turn in fortunes for both sides.
Will the Bulls be sellers at the deadline? (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (23-15) – A-
Sometimes, less is more. The Cavaliers have charged back into the season without both Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Not that Cleveland was ever going that bad, but the team has suddenly won 10 of its past 12 games to climb into the fourth seed in the East. With the full frontcourt to himself, Jarrett Allen has gotten back to some of his absolute best form and been central to the Cavs’ sixth-ranked defence, while Donovan Mitchell continues to do Donovan Mitchell things. If they can seamlessly reintegrate Garland and Mobley without disrupting he current chemistry and keep up this level of play, look out.
DALLAS MAVERICKS (24-17) – B-
Any team with Luka Doncic running the show is going to be an offensive powerhouse, and that’s again been the case, however the Mavs have again struggled at the other end of the floor. Under the lead of Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs got off to a particularly hot start before sliding down the West standings in recent times while the pair have battled injuries, going 6-5 in their last 11 games. Doncic is putting together another MVP calibre season, but Dallas just hasn’t been good enough to make him a legit contender against the likes of Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum. Another fun story has been the revival of Aussie Dante Exum’s career, now playing alongside fellow countryman Josh Green as key pieces fir the Boomers moving forward.
DENVER NUGGETS (28-14) – A
The Nuggets are basically in ‘we won the title and are just cruising until late April’ mode while keeping the wins ticking over. Nikola Jokic has been a juggernaut yet again to sit firmly in contention for his third MVP, leading a starting five that can hang with any other in the NBA. Jamal Murray will however probably miss out on that elusive All-Star honour, for now at least, given the sheer amount of superstar guards in the league. The only concern around the Nuggets is their bench and depth as a whole – despite Peyton Watson showing promising signs in year two, specially in recent weeks – but any team that wins a championship tends to lose key role players, like Denver lost Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, and suffer as a result.
The Nuggets are contenders again. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DETROIT PISTONS (4-36) – F
Fair to say it’s going to be a long season in Detroit. Owning the worst record in the NBA and having suffered a 28-game losing streak – the longest ever losing streak in a single season – there’s been problems everywhere. It includes the Pistons being a mess at both ends of the floor amid a lack of cohesion and chemistry, injuries, players struggling to fill certain roles and Monty Williams constantly juggling the rotation. The team will now just hope to take something away in the second half of the season, perhaps most importantly, establishing their rotation and the guys who are going to lead this team into the future. It’s also not a good season to be bad, with a draft class that isn’t believed to have a consensus top prospect like Victor Wembanyama and Paolo Banchero of recent years.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (18-22) – D-
It’s been a turbulent season in Golden State – largely due to Draymond Green and the franchise’s overall decline – as it stares down the potential end of its golden era. A loss to a Grizzlies side missing Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart was a new low. There’s only so much Steph Curry can do, with his fellow veteran stars struggling to impact the way they have in recent years to see Golden State’s next wave of talent take on bigger roles. Four games below .500 and currently sitting outside the play-in, the Warriors have had major issues on the defensive end of the floor and loom as one of the big teams to watch ahead of the trade deadline to retool their roster and make one last run while Curry is in his prime.
The Warriors will likely make changes before the trade deadline. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
HOUSTON ROCKETS (19-20) – B+
One of the big improvers have proven themselves as a legitimate playoff threat. Behind the Rockets’ group of exciting youngsters including a true breakout season from Alperen Sengun, the lead of new head coach Ime Udoaka’s as well as valuable off-season additions Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets have established a tougher identity and emerged as a serious basketball team. Though Houston has had issues offensively and is just 4-14 on the road – where it simply must improve – the Rockets have been one of the better defensive teams this season to show Udoka is really making his mark. Most importantly, the future is bright (though we’d like to see more Jock Landale right now please).
INDIANA PACERS (23-17) – A-
It’s been some sort of fun season in Indiana as one of the most watchable teams in the league. That’s correlated to wins too, with the Pacers sitting sixth in the East and of course making the In-Season Tournament Final. Tyrese Haliburton has evolved into a superstar before our eyes, leading Indiana’s powerhouse offence that’s ranked No. 1 in the NBA in shades of the Steve Nash-Phoenix Suns era. For this team to become more legit, it does need to tighten up defensively – where it’s ranked bottom five – while it also be curious to see if the Pacers make any moves by the deadline – and if they’re buyers or sellers.
LA CLIPPERS (26-14) – A-
The turnaround from a mockery to a legit contender in the James Harden era has been one of the most remarkable stories of the season. Yes, if you’re not on the Clippers bandwagon yet, it’s time to start believing. LA’s recent 18-3 run saw it climb into the fourth seed in the West, it’s ranked top six in offensive rating and has shown signs it can be a strong defensive unit. Following concerns that their stars would all need the ball to be effective, Russell Westbrook has selflessly embraced a move to the bench, while Harden has flourished as a facilitator and made Tyron Lue’s squad more polished and organised. It’s helped Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the rest of the team be the best version of themselves – a team that’s deep and loaded with veterans. Leonard signing a reduced three-year extension mid-season tells you everything you need to know.
The Clippers have turned things around. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
LA LAKERS (20-21) – C-
It hasn’t been nearly as rosy in the other LA camp in a season fast going south after the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament triumph. Sure, they’ve battled injuries and thus have struggled with continuity of rotations. But both Anthony Davis, who’s been at the peak of his powers, and the evergreen LeBron James, who’s still dominant at age 39, have been healthy for virtually the entire season, and still, LA is alarmingly outside the play-in amid a grim 4-7 stretch. It’s the offensive end of the floor where the Lakers have really struggled, and you sense they’ll address that at the trade deadline in some shape or form. We’ve seen this story before, with the Lakers starting slow out of the gates last season before going on an epic run all the way to the conference finals in the second half of the campaign. They’ll need to get a move on though as pressure builds on Darvin Ham.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (15-25) – D-
Who walked under a bunch of ladders? It’s been a genuine season from hell for the Grizzlies ruined by injury. If Ja Morant missing the first 25 games of the season wasn’t bad enough, the superstar guard, after playing just nine games, underwent campaign-ending shoulder surgery. Then Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane were ruled out for at least six weeks with their own injury setbacks … yikes. At this point, Memphis just has to accept it’s going to be a wasted season. But in a silver lining, it should end up with a high draft pick to add to the rest of the returning cast next year – a squad that’s shown it can be a legit contender. For now though, the Griz face a long 42 games ahead – where they could be seller’s at the trade deadline – as Jaren Jackson Jr. and a bunch of role players and youngsters attempt to steer the ship in the right direction. We’re sparing them a fail given how brutal their injury luck has been.
MIAMI HEAT (24-16) – A-
There might be better teams in the NBA, but there’s arguably none with a better culture and overall professionalism than the Heat. Despite battling injuries to each of their big three superstars, Miami somehow still sits fifth in the East and is again well placed to make deep playoff run. Erik Spoelstra, who was recently rewarded with a lucrative eight-year extension, has again done a sensational job of getting the best out of his team, which is ranked top 10 in the NBA defensively, while rookie Jaime Jaques Jr. has made an instant impact as a key member of the rotation already in a great story. No one would want to come up against the Heat in the playoffs.
Can Jimmy Butler and the Heat do it again? Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
MILWAUKEE BUCKS (28-12) – A
Despite criticism around whether the Bucks are good enough defensively to win the championship, they’d be more than content with where things sit overall. Still figuring things out with a new rotation including the addition of Damian Lillard, the Bucks’ juggernaut offence led by the superstar guard and Giannis Antetokounmpo has carried it to the second seed in the East with the third-best record in the NBA. It includes a statement mauling over the Celtics last week, where you saw how dominant this Bucks side can be at its best. Antetokounmpo’s MVP-calibre season has in many ways gone under the radar, while Khris Middleton is back up and running and looking like the Middleton of old again after off-season surgery. If Milwaukee can sharpen up defensively, it’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (28-11) – A+
The No. 1 seed in the West, yet somehow still something of a dark horse in the title race. The Rudy Gobert-Karl-Anthony Towns twin tower frontcourt is finally living up its immense defensive potential, with Minnesota having claim to the best defensive rating in the league. Anthony Edwards continues to get better as one of the most exciting rising superstars in the league, even if at times the Wolves’ offence relies too heavily on the forward. It’s the defensive end of the floor Chris Finch’s side can consistently hang its hat on that should take it far in the playoffs, particularly if Minnesota finishes top three in the West.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (24-17) – B
There’s a lot to like about what the Pelicans are doing in an overall promising season for a team on the rise. So much hinges on Zion Williamson, with the former No. 1 pick still struggling to consistently produce at a superstar level he’s capable of every game. Until Williamson fulfils his enormous potential, the Pelicans just aren’t in the same echelon as the West’s best teams – even if co-stars Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are turning in big seasons and New Orleans has arguably the deepest team in the NBA. That includes exciting Aussie young gun Dyson Daniels, whose role continues to grow in Willie Green’s rotation.
NEW YORK KNICKS (23-17) – A-
Has the OG Anunoby trade turned the Knicks into a legit contender to come out of the East? While it might be too early to say, New York has certainly taken a big leap forward since the defensive stud’s arrival in the Big Apple – and it appears to be closer to the likes of Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Tom Thibodeau’s side is 6-2 since acquiring Anunoby – a stretch it’s been ranked first in the NBA defensively – including taking the scalps of the Timberwolves and 76ers. The trade has also helped simplify the Knicks’ offence around Jalen Brunson, the engine of this team, and Julius Randle, who deserves credit for turning around his season after a slow start.
OG Anunoby has made an immediate impact. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (27-1) –A+
Many predicted the Thunder would make a leap this season, but not many saw them becoming a genuine contender to win the whole thing. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an insanely high level as a legit MVP contender, Chet Holmgren has provided more than the Thunder could’ve dreamt of in his first year, and basically the rest of the supporting cast has gotten better including a big second-year leap from Jalen Williams. Josh Giddey still hasn’t quite hit his straps despite an uptick in form in recent weeks, but there’s plenty of time for the 21-year old to turn things around in what looms as an important second half of season for the Aussie. Sitting second in the West with the fourth-best record in the league and the second-best net rating, Mark Daigneault is a worthwhile Coach of the Year candidate.
ORLANDO MAGIC (22-18) – B+
Starting the season in such strong form including occupying the second seed in the East for a key stretch, the Magic, hampered by injuries, have lost their way in recent times. Orlando has dropped six of its last nine games to slide down to a play-in spot, currently sitting eighth in the East. Both Markelle Fultz and Joe Ingles recently returned from injury in a welcome boost, but Franz Wagner’s ongoing absence continues to hurt them. Producing an All-Star calibre season, Paolo Banchero needs more help, making the Magic an interesting team to keep an eye on as potential buyers at the trade deadline. Still, they have a top-three ranked defence and are one of the big improvers.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (26-13) – A
The Sixers are again one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference, with Joel Embiid arguably the most dominant player in the league. Should Embiid play enough games, the superstar centre will be firmly in the mix to claim a second-straight MVP, having led the team at both ends of the floor – where it’s ranked top five both offensively and defensively. Running partner Tyrese Maxey has also been superb as the frontrunner for Most Improved Player of the Year, and the collection of players Philly got in the James Harden trade has helped round its roster with considerable depth. The big question is whether Darryl Morey thinks the current roster has enough to contend for the title, or if he looks to make another big move by the deadline. For as constructed, the Sixers would have space for another max contract in the off-season.
Joel Embiid is an MVP candidate again. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PHOENIX SUNS (22-18) – C-
While we don’t have a proper gauge on how good the Suns could be with their Durant-Booker-Beal big three on the court together amid constant injury setbacks, that’s becoming a concern at the midway point of the season for one of the most hyped teams going into the campaign – and rightfully so. This is a team too talented to only be sitting in the play-in right now. In saying that, Phoenix has looked much better recently, going 7-3 over its last 10 games, while the team is ranked 11th in offensive rating and 16th in defensive rating in areas of their game with clear upside with more continuity. Again, everything is predicated around their stars staying healthy, which has proven hard to trust. No matter, it’s a team you wouldn’t want to face in the post-season. Need to see more.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (10-29) – D
The youth movement is in full effect at Portland, and at least you can see the vision, with Scoot Henderson recently getting greater opportunities as the starting point guard alongside Anferne Simons in the back-court. You sense that trend will only continue in the second half of the season, even when the Blazers get all their players back from injury, as the franchise commits to prioritising the development of their young guns and getting more high-end draft picks. Deandre Ayton’s absence has opened the door for Dup Reath to draw several starts at centre, with the 26-year old Aussie making the most of his opportunities in an impressive stretch.
SACRAMENTO KINGS (23-17) – B+
Another team that always seems to put on a show every game it plays, with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the way again for the Kings. Their high-octane offence has dipped slightly from last season – dropping from first to 14th – though it’s more a by-product of the rest of the league scoring more. Keegan Murray has meanwhile produced the best stretch of his career in recent weeks as a legit third option, and he should only get better and better from here on in. Sitting seventh in the West, you get the impression the Kings are a move away from being legit contenders in the stacked conference.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (7-32) – D-
Outside of Victor Wembanyama, there hasn’t been a whole lot to get excited about for the Spurs, who sit dead last in the West in what’s been a dismal season for the once powerhouse franchise. It included San Antonio suffering a franchise record 17-game losing streak earlier this season, where it was clear how inexperienced and far behind this young team is. Gregg Popovich has officially given up on the Jeremy Sochan point guard experiment, with Tre Jones recently being reinstalled in the role. The only thing saving them from a fail has been the aforementioned Wembanyama, with the prodigal No. 1 draft pick as good as advertised, if not better, locked in a battle with Chet Holmgren for the Rookie of the Year award.
Victor Wembanyama has enormous potential. Alex Slitz/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
TORONTO RAPTORS (15-25) – D
A team that has the tools to be competitive has very much underwhelmed – a whole 10 games below .500 in the East’s 12th seed. And so the franchise has continued to retool its roster by sending OG Anunoby to the Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley in a move that gives the Raptors two exciting young pieces to move forward with. Maybe Barrett can reach his potential, or at least become the best version of himself, in his home country, while Quickley shapes as the team’s long-time point guard. There’s still a potential Pascal Siakam trade to come at the trade deadline, with Toronto on blow it up watch.
UTAH JAZZ (22-20) – B
Here they come! The Jazz’s dire start to the season is now a distant memory, having won six games in a row including 12 of their last 14 to get above .500 and climb into the ninth seed in the West, currently sitting above Houston. Over its last 15 games, Utah ranks top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating and has the league’s fifth-best rating. Lauri Markkanen probably isn’t getting enough respect for backing up his epic All-Star season, while Colin Sexton has been outstanding since getting moved into the starting line-up. It wouldn’t be a shock if the Jazz sold one of their veterans, like Jordan Clarkson or Kelly Olynyk, to a contender at the deadline in the perfect sell-high moment to get Utah more long-term assets.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (7-32) – F
The only bigger disappointment in the Eastern Conference than the Pistons has been the Wizards. While not many thought Washington would do much this season, it was hard to foresee it being this bad. For a team in tanking/rebuild mode, there hasn’t been many positives by the way of exciting young players, with Pick 7 Bilal Coulibaly having some bright moments but being held back at times. Heck, the Wizards would’ve probably been better off keeping Chris Paul and his expiring deal instead of effectively flipping him for Jordan Poole, who suddenly has one of the worst contracts in the NBA.
After a rough patch for Giddey as he adjusts to a different Thunder system and plays through the ongoing off-court investigation, he’s starting to turn things around.
Over his last 13 games, the Aussie has averaged 12.6 points on 53 per cent shooting from the field and 82 per cent shooting from the line with 6.2 rebounds, five assists and 1.3 three-pointers to help revive his season, while it came in the midst of an 80 Thunder run.
It included Giddey scoring 20-plus points with four-plus triples in two of his last five games.
The outside stroke in particular is encouraging in the part of Giddey’s game he’s still looking to become more consistent with.
If he can start punishing opposition sides when they leave him open at the three-point line, not only will he start commanding more time on the court — currently averaging a career-low 25.2 minutes per game — it’ll also help unlock another level for the 24-11 Thunder.
For at times, Giddey has played himself off the court as OKC coach Mark Daigneault has extended opportunities to others who’ve been greater positives and thus helped the team win games.
Not only is Giddey shooting the ball better, he generally looks more comfortable out on the floor and is getting to better spots for better looks at the bucket, or to execute the right play.
Locked On Thunder’s Rylan Styles after the team’s win over the Celtics earlier this month was impressed by Giddey’s ability to make adjustments in game as a sign of maturity from the 21-year old.
“This was when Josh Giddey hit his stride last year — the end of December, through January and into the Rising Stars game — that’s where he hit his peak,” Styles noted.
“The beginning of this season was inexcusable and was not up to Josh Giddey’s standards, the Thunder’s standards or anyone’s standards … but we’ve seen this song. If he can build some consistency, he might build into form.
“It feels like Josh Giddey has been around forever, (but) he’s 21 years old. Giving him some time to figure it out isn’t the worst thing in the world and it’s paid off the last few weeks.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
We still don’t know when we’ll next see Simmons, who’s been sidelined since early November with an impingement in his lower left back.
But the most recent update suggested it mightn’t be too far away.
Nets coach Jacque Vaugh revealed over the weekend the 26-year old was able to get some on-court work done and was progressing in his rehab.
“That’s not right!” – Celtics robbed?! | 00:43
“He actually had a workout today,” Vaughn said of Simmons, who’s featured in only six games this season and missed the last 30.
“Still progressing, which is good. The ability to get on court with multiple bodies around him (Simmons). So, that’s kind of where he’s at and just building from here. So, some good signs moving forward.”
As important as it is for the Nets to play the long game with Simmons, who has a history of lower body injuries, they’d be desperate for him to return, having dropped 11 of their last 14 games tom currently sit just inside the play-in qualification.
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
It’s been a solid start to the year for Daniels, who’s seen his minutes trend up despite the Pelicans getting back to full strength.
What Daniels’ role would look like when the likes of CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy returned from injury was an unknown, but it’s clear Willie Green views Daniels as a key member off his bench.
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The young Aussie has averaged 7.5 points, one triple, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals in 24.5 minutes across four games in January, providing his usual defensive tenacity.
It’s Daniels’ offensive game he’s sill looking to develop, however he had his best scoring effort for the season in New Orleans’ 133-130 blowout win over Sacramento this week.
The 20-year-old dropped 14 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting including 2-of-2 from downtown, adding five rebounds and six assists in 29 minutes.
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
After missing 12 games through December with a right elbow sprain, Green is back and starting for the Mavericks.
He had his best game since returning from the injury against Golden State on December 31, scoring 18 points with three triples.
Speaking after the game, the 23-year old said he was embracing an “aggressive” approach, taking on more responsibility on the offensive end while Kyrie Irving was sidelined.
“I’ve always been the guy just waiting for my turn and trying to be the best teammate I can be,” Green said, per DallasBasketball.com.
“But I think a part of that is I need to understand that I can’t pass up open shots. So I just came out aggressive.”
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Green initially suffered the injury in a game against Memphis in early December. After initially trying to play through it, he couldn’t shoot without experience pain, thus requiring a stint on the sidelines, while he suffered the same injury last year.
“It’s unfortunate,” Green said. “I finally felt like I was getting into rhythm right before the injury. So I was kind of devastated about that. It’s always tough getting plugged into a team in the middle of a season off an injury, especially team is playing really well.”
The Mavs showed their faith in Green by re-signing him to a three-year $41 million deal, and he’ll now look to make an impact as a key part of the rotation in the team’s playoff push.
DANTE EXUM(Dallas Mavericks)
Despite being sidelined for the last three games with a right plantar fascia sprain — an injury he’s battled since the end of December — Exum has very much rejuvenated his career at the Mavericks after a two-year stint in Europe.
Stepping up for Jason Kidd’s squad while it battled injuries, Exum dazzled in December — he averaged 15.3 points on 60.6 per cent shooting from the field and 84 per cent from the line with 1.6 triples on 53.3 per cent shooting, adding 3.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and one steal.
With it, Exum commanded a bigger role for the Mavs even when they got back to full strength, with Kidd opting to move him into the starting line-up permanently.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or coming off of the bench,” Exum said at a post-game press conference on December 22.
“I think, for me, it’s always going into the game with the same mindset. Obviously, it’s nice to start and be rewarded by that, but I want to go in, win every game and play as hard as I can. As long as I’m on the court and I’m able to do that.”
While Exum has thrived in the starting line-up, it still remains to be seen how he’ll fare playing alongside Kyrie Irving, who’s return from injury coincided with Exum’s latest setback.
Kidd however suggested the plan is to deploy Exum, whose two-year, $6 million contract suddenly looks like serious value for Dallas, as a third ball handler to supplement Luka Doncic and Irving.
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“When we got him, that’s kind of the role (we envisioned for him), the third point guard,” Kidd said during a postgame press conference on December 24.
“But what he’s done is put himself as a starter, and we’ll keep him as a starter. If we’re healthy tomorrow, he’s going to start with Kai (Irving) and Luka.
“When you have three ball handlers, I think we’ve figured that philosophy out. That ingredient of having three playmakers out there makes the game easier for Kai and Luka and puts a lot of pressure on their defence. To have Exum out there, it helps.”
Fellow Aussie Josh Green recently heaped praise on Exum after the team’s win over Golden State on December 31, saying “his pace is amazing.”
With the pair now both slated for big roles on the same team, the Mavericks will be must-watch for Aussie hoops fans.
“He plays so fast, but also like so slow sometimes. He has a very good stop on him. He’s very good,” Green said.
“(On the) World Cup team, he’s very good with his back to the basket and posting up and being able to create a shot for himself. He’s very impressive.”
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
Landale continues to see limited minutes for the Rockets as they opt to play smaller and deploy Jeff Green as Alperen Sengun’s backup centre.
It comes despite Landale being rewarded for his strong form for Phoenix last season with a four-year, $32 million deal.
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That’s a reasonable chunk of salary to be sitting on the bench most nights, so could Landale be on trade watch for a team in the market for another big?
It’s tough to see the situation changing anytime soon for the much-improved Rockets, who are 18-17 and in the playoff mix.
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
Ingles on Wednesday will miss his 13th-straight game due to an ankle injury, and the 36-year old Aussie veteran’s return doesn’t appear to be on the horizon given he doesn’t have a timeline.
After Orlando enjoyed such a strong start to the season, Ingles’ absence has coincided with the team falling away, dropping seven of its last 12 games … coincidence?
While that decline mightn’t seem too drastic, the Magic, who once occupied the second seed in the East, are now sliding towards .500 with a 21-15 record.
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The team has missed Ingles’ playmaking off the bench even moreso with Markelle Fultz battling a knee injury, leaving Jamahl Mosley’s backcourt thin.
That along with the Magic’s general improvement makes it one of the more intriguing teams to keep an eye on ahead of the trade deadline.
Ingles signed a two-year, $22 million deal with Orlando in the off-season.
DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
With Deandre Ayton sidelined for the Blazers, Reath is making the most of his opportunities.
Drawing starts at centre in the team’s last two games, he’s averaged 15.5 points, 10 rebounds, two triples and 1.5 blocks in 34 minutes.
That’s boosted by Reath racking up his first NBA career double-double in an overtime win over Brooklyn this week — Reath tallied 15 points and personal bests in rebounds (13), blocks (three) and minutes (41).
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It comes after Reath starred for Portland with a career-best 25 points in Portland’s win over Sacramento on December 28, with the floor-spacing big’s outside stroke proving particularly valuable.
Signed to a two-way deal for the Blazers, the 27-year old is now not only making his case to have it converted to a standard NBA contract, but also to start at centre for the Boomers at the Paris Olympics.
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
Thybulle’s role for the Blazers has been inconsistent this season, starting in 13 of his 34 appearances.
That’s been partly due to Portland battling a host of injuries, with Chauncey Billups’ squad only getting healthy in recent times.
Not Thybulle though. He missed only his first game of the season in Portland’s overtime win over Brooklyn this week, but played only 14 minutes off the bench in their previous game against Dallas, with his time on the court trending in the wrong direction.
Still however one of the game’s elite defenders, it wouldn’t be a shock if the 26-year old was traded for the second time in 12 months given the 10-25 Blazers are prioritising giving opportunities to their youngsters.
Thybulle’s total 56 steals this season ranks second in the NBA to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
The veteran Aussie has stepped foot on the court just once in 2024, playing eight minutes against Washington on January 1.
It continues a frustrating season in Atlanta for Mills, who’s on an expiring contract that could make him a movable trade asset for the Hawks.
Underwhelming at 14-21 and Dejounte Murray rumoured to be on the trade block, the Hawks are seen as a team that could shake things up ahead of the February 9 deadline. Should that happen, Mills’ situation could change.
The sharpshooter’s current lack of time on the court is less than ideal preparation for Mills for the Boomers’ Paris Olympics campaign.
From Dante Exum’s sudden emergence at Dallas to a new problem for Josh Giddey at Oklahoma City, there is plenty of Australian storylines to keep an eye on in the NBA.
Plus — the two words that sum up Patty Mills after the veteran guard played his second game for the Hawks.
That and more in our latest wrap of all the Australians in the NBA!
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DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
Exum, the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, had everything he needed to be a solid role player in the NBA.
He had the defensive instincts. He had the playmaking skills. He had the length and versatility. All that was missing was a consistent jumper.
He may have just found it and in the process unlocked the enormous ceiling that saw him taken early in the draft by the Utah Jazz all those years ago.
Development in the NBA — and any sport — is not a linear process.
Exum’s recent resurgence is proof of it, having headed overseas after a string of unfortunate injuries derailed the early stages of his career in the NBA.
After two years in Europe, Exum is back in the league and thriving. He is also doing so on a two-year, $6.2 million deal — a contract which is quickly proving a bargain for Dallas.
Only the first year is guaranteed but if Exum even puts up half the production he had on Wednesday against the Lakers he won’t be leaving the Mavericks anytime soon.
Exum made a career-high seven 3-pointers in a 26-point explosion against Los Angeles to improve Dallas’ record to 4-0 with the Australian in the starting line-up.
“He’s playing at a high level right now on both ends,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said post-game.
“With the injuries, it’s given him confidence and you can see that, not just shooting the 3s but attacking the basket there in the first quarter getting that layup, not just settling.”
Exum is currently in the five for the injured Kyrie Irving (right foot), although he could have very well played himself into a permanent starting spot even when the superstar guard returns given the way he is performing.
“He’s on one right now, Dante Exum,” ESPN journalist Zach Lowe said on NBA Today.
“He’s making a case to start when the Mavs are healthy and if he can hit enough 3s, he’s not going to shoot 7-for-9 every game, but if he can hit 40 per cent from the corners he’s big, he’s rangy, he can kind of make those connecting passes.
“They might have something cooking here.”
Either way, Exum will certainly see more minutes when Irving returns given the value he is offering Dallas on both ends.
Aussie Exum POPS OFF for 7 x threes | 01:40
“We’ve talked about how his IQ is extremely high,” added Kidd.
“He knows how to play the right way. Luka (Doncic) or Kai (Kyrie Irving) or whomever he’s out there with, those guys trust him and you saw that with Luka.
“Luka probably has to lead the league in double teams. He’s been double-teamed for a majority of the game. His trust with his teammates, if it’s not Timmy [Hardaway Jr.], it’s Exum.
“… You trust that the guys are going to make the right play or take the shot. Tonight, Exum was the one he was looking for.”
And Exum consistently made his shots, with Doncic describing the Australian’s performance as “amazing”.
“His plays, his defence, and obviously his shooting today. He has been amazing for us,” added the Slovenian.
The shooting has not always been there for Exum, which is why the Lakers and other teams have played their five on him and sagged off daring the 28-year-old to shoot the ball.
So, Exum worked. And worked some more, until he was confident in his shot even if the buckets weren’t always falling.
“The guy goes into the gym two hours before practice with our shooting coaches getting extra reps up every single day,” Tim Hardaway Jr. said post-game.
“That is just credit to his work. He has calmed down, he is knocking down his shot and shooting with confidence. That is what we need.”
Luka Doncic reacts after a basket by Dante Exum. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Josh Giddey has seen similar treatment from opposition defences and the way Exum rebounded on Wednesday is proof that sometimes patience is all that is needed.
“I think it started in L.A and then a lot of teams started to put their five on me,” Exum said.
“So, ever since then I have been in the gym working. Credit to the staff and even our players. Constantly trusting me to shoot the ball and to pass it to me.
“It was trust in myself and confidence to keep shooting it. I think how Luka plays and he can find anyone at any point. Knowing guys are going to help off to double him, and I have to be ready. I try to put myself in the situation where I can be on the floor.
“I don’t want to be the guy that is taken out because I can’t hit that shot.”
JOSH GIDDEY (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Giddey already has plenty going on off the court, with the NBA still investigating the Australian over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
On the court though there are issues for the 21-year-old too, who has seen his minutes reduced this season and has been particularly absent in crunch time for the Thunder.
A loss of playing time was always on the cards for Giddey, not so much because of his own poor play, but because of the depth of young talent Oklahoma City is starting to put together.
Both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have quickly emerged as key parts of the Thunder offence while even rookie Cason Wallace continues to push for a larger role.
Giddey, on the other hand, has regressed from his sophomore season as he struggles to consistently find his rhythm on offence without a consistent jumper.
That, in turn, has seen opposition defences start to not just put their centre on him but give Giddey plenty of space to operate with too, daring him to shoot the ball.
“I was talking to him about it this morning and he’s like, ‘It’s the first time I’ve gotten played like that,’ which I think is an important point,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said last week.
“He’s been here for two years and I look at it as a compliment to our offence that we’re seeing that now.”
Josh Giddey is facing a fresh challenge. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
While there have been some suggestions Giddey could move back to the bench to help run the second unit, coach Daigneault does not sound too concerned just yet.
That doesn’t mean he is naive to the issue though. In fact, as Daigneault later pointed out, OKC has experimented more with Giddey playing alongside the second unit even if he does start the game.
It is all part of the Thunder trying to find out what pieces fit where in a young team that still has its best basketball ahead.
The only issue is that OKC is playing well enough right now that there is some level of urgency. But again, Daigneault is not losing sight of the bigger picture.
“We need to develop the solutions, but I look at the fact that three out of our last four opponents have gone to something that’s totally unconventional for them as a compliment to our offence, our base offence and just a challenge for us now that we have to evolve,” he said.
“I don’t want the emotion of the moment to get in the way of the perspective that this is a process we’re going through right now. It’s the first time that we’ve had a good enough offence probably, collectively, that we’re seeing the kitchen sink. And now that we’re seeing the kitchen sink, we have to calibrate, we have to improve.”
Daigneault also went on to add that given this is all new for Giddey, it is important the Thunder gives him time to first “see” what is being thrown at him and then try “calibrate it”.
As for any immediate adjustments, Daigneault had one request for Giddey.
“The only thing I said to him today which is important is that he plays on the catch,” he said.
“I think the quicker you play against that stuff the harder it is for teams to calibrate. But if you’re fast on the catch, if you either shoot it or move it quickly, teams can’t size it up in the middle of the possession.
“There were a couple last night where he seemed indecisive and the biggest thing [is] we’re fine with him shooting open 3s, those are good shots. If he shoots it, shoot it. If not, move it quickly so we can maintain that advantage.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
There are not any significant updates to report on the injury front as Simmons recovers from a nerve impingement in his back.
Although Simmons, who has not played since early November, has entered the next phase of his rehabilitation and is looking at a return in a “matter of days to weeks, as opposed to weeks to months” according to his agent Bernie Lee.
“He’s been doing well, slowly taking steps. He’s starting to move around a little bit now. He’s starting to be able to run on some underwater treadmill stuff. So he’s starting to get around and move,” Lee added in an interview with The New York Post.
In the meantime though, former Sixers teammate Joel Embiid had some interesting comments about Simmons when speaking about the Australian on Tyrese Maxey’s podcast.
Embiid’s relationship with Simmons was the source of much media speculation during this time at Philadelphia.
Of particular emphasis was Embiid’s comments after a 4-1 playoffs series loss to the Hawks, where he described the moment Simmons passed up an open dunk as a “turning point” in the game.
Joel Embiid in September 2021 denied reports of a rift with teammate Ben Simmons amid reports that the Australian star was seeking to leave the franchise. (Photo by Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP
Embiid also said in the wake of Simmons’ trade to Brooklyn that it was “unfortunate” that winning was “not the biggest factor” for the three-time All-Star.
“It’s unfortunate that for him having his own team and, I guess, being a star was more his priorities,” Embiid added at the time. Now though, speaking on Maxey’s podcast, Embiid leapt to Simmons’ defence, declaring he “never” thought the Australian actually needed to be much of an outside shooting threat to succeed.
In fact, Embiid went as far as to say Simmons was “the one that got away”.
“I’ve always been one of those people that didn’t believe that he didn’t actually need a jumper,” Embiid said.
“He was so good, he’s just a monster, physically. Like someone who’s freaking [6-foot-11], just running up and down the floor faster than whatever, almost as fast as [Maxey].
“Think about it, 6-11, freaking jumping hard, guarding one-through-five, like a freaking monster.
“So I never believed that he actually needed the jumper, I just believed that if he could find a way to get his free throw [percentage] to 75, 80 percent, that would have changed everything.
“Because if you think about it, if you believe that he could make shots, what would he do? He would keep attacking, attacking, attacking, and never stopping. And then what would the defence have to do? He was already such a great playmaker, making the guy, the game, easy for everybody else.
“I think that’s the perfect match … I think that’s the one that got away. I just hate the fact that the way things happened.”
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PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
The ultimate professional or, as Hawks coach Quin Snyder put it, “the epitome of stay ready”.
And Mills has had to stay ready, only seeing 22 minutes of action so far for Atlanta.
Five of those minutes came in garbage time as the Hawks breezed past the Wizards.
Against the 76ers last week though Mills saw a more prominent role, playing 17 minutes as he scored three points to go with two assists, one rebound, a block and a steal.
“I think that’s who he’s been as far as the way that he plays,” Snyder said post-game.
“He puts a stamp on the game with his defence, with his activity, his energy, his voice. He’s the epitome of stay ready. He hasn’t been playing and then obviously gets an opportunity tonight.
“I thought that group changed the game when they came in the first quarter at the end there and really gave us a boost… it’s not easy to play against Patrick Beverly pressuring you 90 feet. But that’s what Patty’s done. I just have tremendous respect for him as a player and it is also reflective of who he is as a person and as a teammate.”
As for why Mills isn’t seeing more minutes, it is a simple case of the Hawks having plenty of youth depth at the guard position.
In other words, Mills isn’t needed at the moment. But if injuries strike or his name is called, you can guarantee the 35-year-old will be ready.
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
While Exum is thriving with more playing time at Dallas, Irving’s injury is a missed opportunity for Green, who is dealing with his own injury setback.
Green played some of his best games for the Mavericks last season when either Irving or Doncic was sidelined, scoring 20 or more points in three consecutive weeks for the first time in his career.
Green is currently sidelined with a sprain in his right elbow and is expected to miss multiple weeks according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Daniels took full advantage of a string of injuries to Pelicans starters earlier in the season, earning a prominent role and playing some of the best basketball of his young career.
It was always inevitable though that the returns of C.J. McCollum and Trey Murphy III would see Daniels’ minutes take a hit.
Daniels only saw six minutes in a 127-117 win over Sacramento but that proved to be an outlier for the young guard, who has clearly earned some level of trust from the coaching staff.
Daniels went on to get 17 and 28 minutes in games against the Lakers and Timberwolves before being inserted back into the starting line-up after Zion Williamson went down injured.
Williamson (ankle) is considered day-to-day so Daniels could see a few more starting appearances before the end of the month.
Daniels only played 16 minutes against the Wizards, although it ended up being a blowout victory for the Pelicans anyway as they ran out 142-122 winners.
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JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
Landale has seen limited playing time for Houston, not figuring in the Rockets’ big-man rotation in five of their past five games, missing two with an illness.
The former Suns centre did eventually get some minutes against the Grizzlies, seeing at least 10 minutes of action for just the second game in his last nine appearances.
As a whole though Landale is unlikely to see any significant playing time without an injury to starting big man Alperen Sengun
Landale is on a four-year, $32 million contract but has no guaranteed money after this season, giving Houston flexibility to move off him should the Australian fail to make an impact.
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
At 36 years old, Ingles continues to prove age is just a number. The same goes for this young Orlando squad, which as a whole is playing with a maturity and poise beyond its years.
Usually a team like the Magic would struggle with consistency, flashing their enormous ceiling and then following up those high games with agonising lows that proved just how far they have to go.
Instead, this Magic team has quickly figured out its identity and sits second in the Eastern Conference with a 16-7 record alongside Ingles’ former team Milwaukee.
Ingles is playing a slightly different role with Orlando but it is the same idea in the sense that he has worked hard to find the balance between initiating and facilitating the offence.
It is one of many points Ingles touched on in a recent interview with CBS Sports, where he spoke about his comeback from a torn ACL and what he has learned playing with the Magic.
Joe Ingles has been a key addition. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“The good thing is we do have a young group, and it’s different to what I’ve been around, but it’s a nice change, too,” Ingles said.
“It’s fun. I’m the oldest by a mile, but it feels like the energy is there every day.”
Ingles signed a two-year, $22 million contract (second year not guaranteed) with Orlando and said his recent deal is a good reminder of the important function role players have in even the best, star-studded NBA teams.
“That first team I was with, with Gordon [Hayward] and Rudy [Gobert] and Derrick Favors, for me it was about perfecting that role of helping those guys,” Ingles said.
“And then you go to another team, and with Milwaukee last year it was like play with Giannis, play with these guys and try to help them. And I think the more players can realise, like, you can make so much money being a good role player.”
Ingles is coming off a standout game against the Cavaliers where he had 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block.
Ingles did briefly exit the game with an ankle injury but later returned.
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
Thybulle already was of plenty of value to this young Portland line-up as the team’s best perimeter defender but now he has really starting to make progress with his jumper.
The 26-year-old has at least two 3-pointers in his last five games and just as importantly has been an efficient outside shooter too, going 3-for-5 from deep in his last three.
Thybulle is now shooting at a career-high 42.4 per cent from 3-point land and still maintaining the same level of impact on defence, with nine steals and four blocks in his last five games.
He is a solid piece with room for plenty more growth with the way he is shooting right now.
DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
Like Thybulle, Reath is also really starting to prove himself after a season-ending injury to Robert Williams III left Portland in need of big-man depth.
Reath has offered that and more, shooting well enough from downtown to earn the respect of opposition defences.
When he isn’t shooting himself Reath is also making an impact off the ball as an active screener, opening up shots for his teammates.
Reath is currently averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season while he has seen a steady increase in minutes during his last three games.
What are the Power Rankings? This is our attempt to rank every NBA team from best to worst. We take wins and losses into account, but also the quality of opposition faced and whether teams are likely to get healthier or improve going forward. It’s a little bit ‘who’s hot and who’s not’; part predictive, part analysis of what’s happened. If Team A is above Team B, we’d probably tip A to beat B at a neutral venue.
Every NBA team analysed in our Power Rankings.Source: FOX SPORTS
1. BOSTON CELTICS (14-4)
Who else but? Continuing on from last campaign’s dominant regular season, the Celtics appear to have gotten even stronger with the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Integrating such key pieces to a rotation can take time for teams to adjust, but not Boston, having posted a top eight offensive rating and top three defensive rating. Still undefeated at home, the Celtics’ +9.6 point differential is the best in the league. Not only do they have top-line stars, most notably Jayson Tatum, who’s having another MVP-calibre season, but Joe Mazulla’s rotation is arguably the deepest and most talented in the NBA. It’ll help them mitigate injuries (provided they don’t come at the business end of the season). Can anyone stop them? The clear best team in the league right now.
2. DENVER NUGGETS (13-6)
The reigning champs have been in cruise control in the early parts of the season, while Jamal Murray has been limited to eight games due to a hamstring injury … yet they still sit second in the West standings at 13-6 and have a top 10 offensive and defensive rating. It included a particularly strong start to the season before the Nuggets hit a lean patch, dropping four of five games as their less experience and depth compared to last season showed. But a road win over the Clippers on the second half of a back-to-back without Murray, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon displayed championship DNA at its finest and would build huge belief in the second unit and team as a whole. Jokic remains out-of-this-world good as the current frontrunner for the MVP in what’d be his third overall. Oh and they’re also the only other team still unbeaten at home.
‘Wait a minute!’ Smith blasts ‘idiots’ | 02:01
3. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (13-4)
One of the big surprise packages so far, Minnesota is emerging as a legitimate contender before our eyes. In fact, it’s the Wolves we thought we were getting last season after three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert joined the team, as his twin tower frontcourt pairing with Karl Anthony-Towns is starting to flourish. Sitting first in the West with the best defensive rating in the entire NBA – built around Gobert, and great size and flexibility that’s really troubled opposition – the Wolves have taken the leap into the top tier of teams. Then there’s the Anthony Edwards piece, with the star guard evolving into a MVP-level superstar that plays both ends of the floor and has a certain dog and killer instinct about him that reminds you of some of the game’s all-time greats.
4. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (13-5)
The new-look Bucks are starting to figure things out – and that’s a scary prospect for the rest of the NBA. After a slow start, Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine games and is beginning to live up to the hype after recruiting Damian Lillard to join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo and create one of the most dominant one-two offensive punches in the NBA. Though the Bucks have the fourth-best offence in the league, there’s still issues at the other end of the floor, with a bottom 10 defensive rating. Brook Lopez is starting to rediscover his dominant defensive form from last season, but misses having Jrue Holiday out on the perimeter, while Khris Middleton is still ramping up to full health after off-season knee surgery. If they can make improvements on the defensive end to at least be middle of the road, the Nuggets showed last season you don’t necessarily need to have an elite defence to win it all. Could they simply score their way to a title?
5. PHILADLEPHIA 76ERS (12-6)
Couldn’t have navigated the James Harden trade saga much better. It was addition by subtraction for the Sixers, with Harden’s departure paving the way for Tyrese Maxey to evolve into a superstar – even if he’s cooled off from his epic early-season heights – while Joel Embiid continues to do Joel Embiid things. The star centre has also improved as a facilitator, averaging a career-best 6.6 assists per game. Philly also added a host of handy role players in the Harden trade plus assets it could use to recruit another star by the trade deadline. They sit top four in the East and have the second-best points differential (+8.7) in the NBA, having shown a ruthlessness to really crush teams. Nick Nurse’s team has the second-best offence – playing with more movement and freedom than last season – to go with a top 10 defence. A team with all the tools to make another deep playoff run.
6. ORLANDO MAGIC (13-5)
The other shock riser – and this one has been even more unexpected – including riding a current seven-game winning streak. Orlando was seen as a fun, budding team on the rise, but not many could’ve predicted Jamahl Mosley’s side would be this good, this fast. The Magic have the third-best record in the East and their improvement has largely come behind a more robust defence – currently the second-best in the league. They simply have guys who compete hard every game like Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony, while Paolo Banchero has taken his game to new heights alongside co-star Franz Wagner, an elite running partner who’s still somehow underrated. Joe Ingles has also provide invaluable leadership and stability off the bench. The Magic, who’ve taken down arguably the best two teams in the NBA in Boston and Denver, have done all of this with Markelle Fultz missing most of the season with a knee injury!
Booker torches the Garden with dagger 3 | 00:37
7. PHOENIX SUNS (11-6)
The Suns are coming. Despite Bradley Beal being restricted to three games due to a back issue and Devin Booker also battling injury, they’re still sitting in the upper echelon of the always competitive West. Kevin Durant has wound the clock back to look like… well, prime Kevin Durant, while Booker too has had some monster performances top really ascend his status to the top-line superstars. What’s also been encouraging is how recruits Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen have stepped up with more opportunities and Jusuf Nurkic might have found his perfect landing spot. It’s the defensive end of the floor where there’s still some issues, but sitting 11-6 despite their new big three having never played together yet and there’s huge reason for optimism in the Valley of the Sun.
Giddey starts for OKC amid investigation | 00:50
8. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (11-6)
Another big improver and team that looks genuinely ready to contend, perhaps slightly ahead of its time. OKC is ranked top seven both offensively and defensively and doesn’t seem to fear anyone. The impact of former Pick 2 Chet Holmgren has been significant, with the gun big man emerging as the unlikely frontrunner for Rookie of the Year over Victor Wembanyama, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be crazy good to back up his breakout 2022/23 season. Mark Daigneault is generally getting better production across the board from the likes of Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, allowing him to be more flexible with his line-ups. The hovering allegations about Josh Giddey have been the only real downside amid an indifferent start to the season for the Aussie, but there’s so much to like about what the Thunder are doing. And all of this with a mountain of draft picks at their disposal to upgrade the roster when they see fit. Look out.
9. DALLAS MAVERICKS (11-6)
The forgotten contender in the arms race following last season’s big disappointment, even after they acquired Kyrie Irving. But Luka Doncic looks like a man on a mission – with a better roster around him including a barrage of three-point shooters. It’s the offensive end of the floor where Dallas has really excelled – boasting the No.3 offensive rating – while they do have a ways to improve defensively to be taken more seriously as a legit contender. But the Doncic-Irving duo has proven to be a real handful, plus in Dereck Lively II the Mavericks have a promising big man for the first time in several years. It’d be nice to see more consistency from Josh Green, though the Aussie remains an important member of the rotation and has had some bright moments.
Kings topple Warriors for Group C throne | 00:57
10. SACRAMENTO KINGS (10-7)
The beam is starting to come alight. After a 2-4 start to the campaign where the Kings looked like a big regression contender, they’ve rediscovered their spark, going 8-2 over their last 10 games including 4-2 over a recent road trip. The offence from last season is starting to come back too, led by De’Aaron Fox amid a spectacular start to the season from the star guard, who’s averaged a career-best 3.1 three-pointers per game. And Mike Brown’s team has improved at the other end of the floor to become middle-of-the-road defensively. Keegan Murray hasn’t quite taken the second-year leap in what could really propel the Kings to another level, which might be more likely to come in the forward’s third season.
11. LA LAKERS (11-8)
It’s been an up and down start to the season for the Lakers — and perhaps they’re ultimately not the contenders we thought they were amid a host of other Western Conference sides improving. While it’s still early days, LA has had issues at both ends of the floor — mainly the offensive end (ranked bottom three in three-point shooting) — as Darvin Ham works through finding his best line-ups after a few off-season changes to the roster. They’ve also been affected by injury and have struggled on the road (3-6). Beyond Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who’s still freakishly good at near age 39, there’s a lack of other consistent production, even if D’Angelo Russell has bounced back from a disappointing playoff series, while Austin Reaves hasn’t had the breakout season come expected in year three and has been moved to the bench.
LeBron suffers WORST loss in NBA career | 00:51
12. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (10-8)
The Cavs have overcome a slow start to the season to get on a roll in recent times, having won six of their last eight games. We frankly haven’t seen Cleveland at full strength enough yet this season to get a real grasp of where this team is at – a team that finished top four in the East last season. The core remains as talented as some of the top sides and the addition of Max Strus has been a big win to add much-needed three-point shooting on the wing. The Caves don’t really want for anything, though there’s question marks of whether the Even Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt is viable long-term given the spacing issues. It comes in an important juncture and season at large for the franchise as it’ll be hoping to convince Donovan Mitchell to stick around long-term, in one of the potential trade narratives to keep an eye on.
13. NEW YORK KNICKS (10-7)
When it’s all clicking for the Knicks, they’re a strong unit. Jalen Brunson proved last season was no aberration, backing up his breakout campaign to again lead this team, while Julius Randle and RJ Barrett haven’t been quite as consistent even though the latter has shown an improved three-point stroke. New York does have a top-five ranked defence and the 11th-best offence, but Tom Thibodeau’s squad has struggled against the best teams in the league. From that perspective, how far can a Brunson-Randle-Barrett trio go — even with an improved roster around them? Might be one big move away from seriously contending.
Knicks stun Heat with comeback in NY | 01:16
14. INDIANA PACERS (9-7)
With Tyrese Haliburton in this kind of form, anything might be possible. Haliburton is putting together an All-NBA level season, averaging stupidly good numbers across the board (25.9 points on 51 per cent shooting, 3.8 triples and 11.9 assists per game). It’s been key to the team’s promising 9-7 start to the season, with claim to the league’s No.1 offensive rating while averaging 127 points per game. It’s completely opened the Pacers up defensively though …and where’s Haliburton’s help coming from? Myles Turner’s minutes are down, while Rick Carlisle seemingly can’t decide if he wants to develop Benedict Mathurin as a starter or just play veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield heavy minutes, with the latter more of a win-now move. Bruce Brown has been a handy addition, but he’s more a role player than anything. Another team to watch ahead of the trade deadline.
15. MIAMI HEAT (10-8)
Another team that’s hard to figure out, albeit hampered by injuries, As if coming off an NBA Finals appearance as the eighth seed didn’t already make it tricky enough! The Heat have at least navigated the majority of the opening weeks without star guard Tyler Herro, who looked set for a huge breakout season as Miami’s leading scorer, and they’ve clearly missed his offence. The good has been good — including a seven-game winning streak and Bam Adebayo rolling in a career-best season to take on the mantle as Miami’s alpha. But the bad has been bad — opening the campaign 1-4 and currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, while there’s question marks of the team’s depth.
16. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (10-9)
One of the biggest enigmas in the NBA … are still an enigma? There’s been some good and some bad — including a five-game losing streak — and they’ve all-round just been an average side. It’s a somewhat disappointing return for a franchise that spent parts of last season as the No.1 seed in the West and could be so much more with Zion Williamson. But the former No.1 pick hasn’t yet lived up to expectations and has appeared frustrated at times with how the team is going and his role. Frankly, we haven’t seen Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum on the court together enough to get a proper gauge of how good they can be. McCollum’s lung injury did open the door for Dyson Daniels to play more minutes though and show a glimpse of the Aussie young gun’s promising future.
17. LA CLIPPERS (8-9)
Still adjusting to life with James Harden, the Clippers might’ve worked things out. After starting the Harden era 0-5, Tyronn Lue’s side has since won five of its last seven games as it starts to move up the West standings. There were always to be growing pains with Harden and a need to fine-tune rotations, which has ultimately seen Russell Westbrook move to the bench. Well, over their last six games, the Clippers have the best defensive rating in the league, while Harden is coming off his best game yet as a Clipper with a season-high 26 points, five triples and five steals. Paul George’s hot start to the season hasn’t been talked about enough too amid the team’s struggles.
18. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (8-10)
It’s hard to know what to make of Golden State at times and how much we judge Steve Kerr’s team on reputation. Some predicted the addition of Chris Paul would take the Warriors to the next level, but right now they’re sitting just inside the Play-In qualification. It’s been the same story as last season — they rely too much on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson has been inconsistent and unreliable, Draymond Green has been engulfed in drama and the young players haven’t stepped up (but haven’t necessarily had opportunities to). Andrew Wiggins has meanwhile fallen off a cliff to leave a big scoring void, but Kerr doesn’t quite seem prepared yet to pass the baton to the next crop. They’ve gone 2-8 in their last 10 games and Paul has already suffered his first injury setback of the season.
Curry tops Wemby in battle of the stars | 01:11
19. HOUSTON ROCKETS (8-8)
Ime Uodka has done some sort of job in his first 16 games as Rockets coach. A team considered a potential improver looks like a genuine playoff team. It’s been a bit of a seesaw — with revolving winning and losing streaks — but this team is highly disciplined defensively, helped by the addition of Dillon Brooks, is deep and has beaten reigning champion Denver twice. Having an established point guard in Fred VanVleet has provided more overall structure and Alpereen Sengun looks like a mini Jokic in a brilliant breakout season from the 21-year old centre. And to think the Rockets tried — and failed — to land Brook Lopez in the off-season in what would’ve almost certainly prevented Sengun from doing what he’s doing now. A really impressive start in H-Town in a big tick overall. Now just to replicate their home form (8-1) on the road (0-7) — and more Jock Landale too please!
20. ATLANTA HAWKS (8-9)
One thing you can count on with Atlanta — it’s going to score in bunches. The Hawks have the No. 5 offensive rating this season while averaging 122.5 points per game — trailing only Indiana — driven by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Jalen Johnson’s emergence has offset John Collins’ departure, and so the forward’s injury leaves a big hole in Quin Snyder’s streamlined rotation — that has featured Patty Mills for all of five total minutes this season. After a promising start to the season, the Hawks have gone 2-5 over their last seven games, so they have a few things to figure out ahead of tough upcoming schedule including playing Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Denver in their next five games. Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu remain locked in a minutes split at centre, but you sense it’s only a matter of time before Okongwu is given full rein.
21. BROOKLYN NETS (9-8)
The Nets have managed to keep their head above water despite battling a host of injuries to the likes of Ben Simmons, Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas. Considering the amount of changes to the line-up, Brooklyn would be happy to currently be sitting ninth in the East including currently riding a three-game winning streak. The team has also had the sixth-toughest schedule in the league, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, while Mikal Bridges hasn’t quite had the breakout season some anticipated yet. With all that in mind, there’s a fair bit of upside when — or if — the Nets get fully healthy.
22. TORONTO RAPTORS (9-10)
Offence has been the main concern for the Raptors — in particular their bottom-five ranked three-point shooting. As good as Scottie Barnes has been in a breakout season from the forward, it’s hard to get a grasp of this team’s identity. One game it’s Barnes leading the charge, the next it’s Pascal Siakam, while OG Anunoby has struggled amongst it all and Jakob Poeltl has been used sparingly despite costing the team a first-round pick and getting a juicy contract extension. Could they be sellers at the deadline? Dennis Schroder has at least enjoyed a strong season as the team’s new point guard to get back to some of his best form of years past.
23. UTAH JAZZ (6-12)
Lauri Markkanen is doing everything he can, but fair to say this season hasn’t started nearly well as last for the young Jazz. You could see it going either way in Utah — but it’s been tough goings for Will Hardy and company. After struggling in the opening games before getting injured, Walker Kessler now finds himself coming off the bench, though that should change soon, while Keyonte George has moved into the starting line-up in Hardy’s bid for more playmaking and movement in that opening five. The Jazz however still have major issues at both ends of the floor, and at some stage, they’ll need to commit to a path of either competing for the playoffs or rebuilding, as right now it feels like they’re trying do both but failing to achieve anything.
24. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (5-11)
Just when the Hornets were starting to turn their season around, the near worst possible thing happened – LaMelo Ball suffered another setback to his troublesome ankle that required surgery earlier this year. At full strength, Charlotte has a solid roster that could contend for the playoffs, but it hasn’t had all its key pieces on the floor together at once, with Ball central to everything. Controversial forward Miles Bridges has taken no time to get up to speed since returning from suspension, and now he and Terry Rozier in particular will need to take on a much bigger load with the Hornets’ franchise superstar sidelined for the next several weeks.
25. CHICAGO BULLS (5-14)
If it wasn’t already clear, it’s time to blow it up. Things are a mess for the Bulls right now — a team built to win now is a ways off and is sitting all the way down as the Eastern Conference 13th seed amid a five-game losing streak — including dropping eight of their last nine. If Chicago’s situation doesn’t improve, which, right now, it’s hard to see how it does, expect one — or both — of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to be wearing a different jersey by the trade deadline. At least then Chicago can start building with a new nucleus, because the current one is stuck in NBA purgatory — where no team wants to be.
26. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (5-12)
Going according to script after the Damian Lillard trade as the Blazers prioritise developing their emerging crop of youngsters including Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, who should eventually take over the starting point guard job. Portland recently snapped an eight-game losing streak, with its offence the key area letting it down. Anfernee Simons having only played one game due to a thumb injury clearly hasn’t helped. Elsewhere, Aussie duo Matisse Thybulle and Duop Reath are getting more opportunities in the rotation to show their worth, with the former’s defensive prowess again proving valuable.
27. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (4-13)
When is Ja Morant free to return again? It’s the question the Grizzlies would be repeatedly asking themselves amid a grim 4-13 start to the season as perhaps the most disappointing team. Because sure, having no Morant for over a quarter of the season is significant, but the Grizzlies have looked like a lottery team without him. It includes the Griz being ranked dead last in three-point shooting with the second-worst rated offence. Unlike Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled to step up with extra offensive opportunities. And as if it couldn’t get any worse, Marcus Smart is now sidelined for the next several weeks after suffering a nasty ankle injury. They did finally end their 0-8 winless drought at home — the last team to do so — after beating Utah on Thursday.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (3-14)
The Spurs are probably lucky they’re not even lower (not that there’s much scope). But it’s been the very definition of growing pains and teething issues for the rebuilding team in welcoming Victor Wembanyama into its young core despite the No.1 pick’s sensational start to his career. San Antonio is in the midst of a 12-game losing streak to sit dead last in the West, while its -12.9 point difference is the worst in the NBA. Maybe expectations were simply set too high amid the hype around ‘Wemby’ — but just because they’re not playing well doesn’t mean their future isn’t bright. The Spurs are simply in experiment and trial and error mode — so even a Play-In appearance feels unlikely right now. Devin Vassell missing five games due to an adductor injury hasn’t helped their cause.
Spurs fall short despite Wemby heroics | 00:51
29. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (3-15)
Not that the Wizards were expected to be any good this season, but it’s probably been even worse than imagined, with Kyle Kuzma the sole shining light. It took for Washington to play the Pistons to end a nine-game losing streak and pick up its fifth overall win nearing the quarter-way mark of the season. Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones have underwhelmed, though neither have played big minutes amid some curious rotation decisions from Wes Unseld Jr. Ranked bottom 10 at both ends of the floor, the Wizards are officially in all-out tank mode and could be sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
30. DETROIT PISTONS (2-16)
Perhaps the most alarming thing is that the Pistons started the season 2-1 and looked like a sneaky improver! Well, they’ve since lost 15 on the trot to hold the worst record in the NBA, with the eighth-worst defence and fourth-west offence. This is a team some thought could start climbing the standings after spending years going to the draft. But Detroit is still behind newer rebuilding teams like Portland, San Antonio and Washington, while Monty Williams can barely figure out his rotation and which players will help take this franchise forward. Having Cade Cunningham back has been important and rookie Ausar Thompson and second-year centre Jalen Duren have both impressed, but it looks set to be another long season in the Motor City — even if Bojan Bogdanovic’s imminent return will help.
