NBA Takes…with Teresa: Unhappy players, trades, and an All Star game during Covid!
The Pelicans are talking trades, and the NBA and NBAPA are discussing the All-Star game. Who wants off their team? First, they make their Covid protocol stricter, then make plans for a super spreader. What gives?
The All-Star game
Voting has opened and will last until February 16. Starters will be announced on February 23. The NBA and NBAPA have decided to have an All-Star game. I found out how to vote but couldn’t find the game’s date, No fans (so far) but all the players.
Twenty games were postponed in the last three weeks. There are no valid reasons as to why they would risk players’ lives. I have no more to say.
Who wants out?
First up, Bradley Beal. No explanation is needed. The Wizards are last in the Eastern Conference with a 3-12 record. But he signed a huge contract, $127,171,313 over five years. Why? John Wall was traded for Russell Westbrook. Too late to cry, I want out! You made your bed when you signed the contract. Beal has not formally requested a trade, but social media is all abuzz.
John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks did not sign his contract extension. Hmmm…do you think he wants out or just more money? So far, Mr. Collins has shown what his value is to any team in the league. At the end of the season, he will be a free agent, and the Hawks will be out of one of their best players for zilch.
The Knicks’ Dennis Smith Jr. has been sitting on the sidelines for a while now. In three games, he’s played a total of 9.3 minutes and had three points. DSJ has asked the Knicks if they would allow him to play in the G League bubble to gain some playing time. I admire this young man for asking for what he needs. This can only help his confidence and his game. Don’t get it twisted. Smith is only 23, and he is a baller. Somewhere in there is a beast of a point guard.
Who should want out
Kevin Love is the one player I feel should have left the Cavaliers the same time LeBron did. In my opinion, Kevin Love was the Chris Bosh of the Cleveland big three. LeBron used him until he used him up. I hope he is not being blackballed because he was honest about his mental illness. Something that could help fans and players alike. Even for the NBA, that would be treacherous.
Russell Westbrook. No need for explanation.
Trade Rumors
Lonzo Ball trade is the hottest rumor going on now. Once you find out your team is shopping you around, do you stay or fight to stay? For me, if you don’t want me, I don’t want you! Also included in the trade rumors is J.J. Redick.
The Portland Trail Blazers
Why? Why are the Portland Trail Blazers eighth seed in the Western Conference? They made great moves in the offseason but were they enough? Personally, I think it’s time for CJ to move on. He has not stepped up enough to help Damian Lillard. I don’t see them as the second-best backcourt in the league anymore. Do you agree it’s time for the Blazers to say goodbye to CJ McCollum?
This and that
- It is rumored that the Knicks want to trade for Derrick Rose. Wasn’t he a Knick already? Didn’t he go AWOL? Love you, D but no deal. NYK already has an old player of Tom Thibodeau’s, Taj Gibson.
- Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, and the Memphis Grizzlies have all their players back from Covid protocol.
- Russell Westbrook let his anger of being on a 3-12 team boil over. He was ejected in Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. In a tiff with the spitting Rajon Rondo, Westbrook found himself with his second technical of the night. C’mon Russell, don’t stoop to his level. You’re better than that and him!
I could stay here all night, but I’ll have to save some for next week. Until then, please stay safe!