NBA Takes…with Teresa – Blazers Preseason, Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving and more
The preseason has begun, and for the rookies, new team members, and those coming off an injury, it’s time to bring the A-game.
These are my opinions and in no way reflect the opinions of Pacific Northwest Sports or its contributing writers.
Many fans believe the preseason is meaningless. For me, it’s a window to the season to come. I saw a lot this weekend. I saw a Damian Lillard who could easily be MVP this year. Many young players are playing all-star caliber basketball. I also saw the team I love take a turn for the better – finally. My favorite vet came off the bench and was the game-high scorer. Basketball is back, and it’s gonna be better than ever.
The Portland Trailblazers
I couldn’t wait to see how the new pieces on the Portland Trail Blazers fit. Derrick Jones, Jr. and Robert Covington have so far proved to be the right move. Carmelo Anthony is coming off the bench and showing it doesn’t bother him a bit. In the Blazers’ first preseason game, Melo played 23 minutes, made his first four shots, ending up with 21 points on the night. He was the Blazers’ leading scorer. Can you say the sixth man of the year? The depth of the Blazer team this year could take them to the western conference finals.
Obtaining Robert Covington, Enes Kanter, and Derrick Jones, Jr. in the offseason was a homerun. Harry Giles, I like the way you send a message. Can everyone hear him now?
The Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving started the game shooting lights out. Wow, they were stunning… Yeah right. They were up against a Washington Wizards team without any stars. No Bradley Beal or Russell Westbrook. Monday, the analysts were praising the duo, and I was sitting there like…what? But who were they playing? Let’s see how they do in the regular season against real teams like the Celtics and the Sixers.
NBA This and That
- James Harden, you blew it. You’ve lost your leverage. I don’t care how good you are. You can’t be trusted. An MVP doesn’t behave like this. You went against the League COVID protocol. You’re disrespectful. Sit down somewhere and come to grips with the fact that you and D’Antoni are no more.
- This weekend I saw a side of the Knicks I haven’t seen in a long time. Defense. Thank you, Tom Thibodeau. Now can you keep them on track with that?
- Kyrie Irving, you say a lot that means nothing for a guy who doesn’t want to talk. Do you ever make sense, man? Just play ball and stay healthy.
- Daryl Morey, keep the Philadelphia 76ers intact.
- The Clippers gave Paul George a boatload of money, and they lost both their preseason games. Are you sensing what I’m sensing? Tension in the air.
This is the last week of the NBA preseason. Next week the real drama begins. Will Harden get traded? Will Kyrie Irving keep quiet? Some of these players are straight-up divas.
Don’t forget to leave your opinions and comments below. Let me know how you feel about the upcoming season.
See you next week!