Battle of the Unicorns & Perimeter Bigs - 11/14/23

Welcome to “Hoop’d There It Is” - Your daily 5-6 min dive into all things NBA.

What Stood Out to Me Last Night (11/13)

1. Kristaps Porzingis: A Masterclass in Efficiency

Kristaps Porzingis is redefining efficiency this season, leading the league with a staggering 69% True Shooting Percentage. Averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists with 1.3 blocks on merely 11 FGA per game, his shooting splits (56/40/83) are nothing short of remarkable. Porzingis' synergy with Tatum, Brown, and Jrue is palpable, as they exploit mismatches and capitalize on Porzingis' uncanny ability to find open teammates amidst double teams. His passing has been particularly impressive, setting up backdoor cuts and open threes. The Celtics are thriving with this trio, evident in the four games where each scored 20+ points.

2. De'Aaron Fox's Triumphant Return Sparks Kings' Offensive Surge

De'Aaron Fox marked his return with a stellar performance against the Cavs, dropping 28 points and dishing out 6 assists on 11-20 shooting, Fox rekindled the Kings' offensive firepower with 132 points v. the Cavs 12th rated defense. The Kings are starting to turn it with three straight wins now after back-to-back losses against the Rockets.

3. Raptors' Win Over Wizards: A Struggle Beyond the Arc

The Raptors' victory over the Wizards was a testament to their gritty play-style, despite a glaring weakness in three-point shooting. None of the starters made a three-pointer, contributing to an abysmal 0-11 performance from deep. This trend in roster construction by Masai Ujiri focuses on versatile forwards capable of defending and multi-faceted court play but lacking in shooting. Pascal Siakam, despite his struggles from beyond the arc, delivered a powerhouse performance with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Scottie Barnes’ defensive prowess, highlighted by a career-high 5 steals, was pivotal in this uphill battle in which the Raptors complete a comeback over the Wiz. The Raptors, with more spacing and improved three-point shooting, could significantly elevate their offense, which currently ranks 28th in the league.

Who I’m Watching for Tonight (11/14)

1. Clippers vs. Nuggets: A Telling Matchup

The Clippers, currently 0-4 with Harden, face a critical game against the Nuggets. Harden's performance, particularly his -67 impact, has become a focal point. A win could start reversing this narrative, but a loss might amplify the criticisms surrounding the team's dynamics with Harden.

2. The Duel of the Unicorns: Chet vs. Wemby

A highly anticipated matchup, Chet faces off against Wemby, bringing together two of the most unique talents in the league. Their distinct playing styles and exceptional skills make this more than just a game; it's a glimpse into the future of the NBA.

3. Warriors vs. Timberwolves: A Rematch with High Expectations

Following their recent competitive battle, the Warriors and Timberwolves face off again. The last game's narrative was dominated by the Timberwolves' defensive clampdown in the late third and early fourth quarters. The Warriors, known for their resilience, will be looking to adjust and counter the Timberwolves' stifling defense.

Random NBA Thought: The Evolution of the NBA's Big Man

In tonight's intriguing matchups, one aspect that stands out is the evolving role of the NBA's big man, a theme underscored by the Chet vs. Wemby showdown. This evolution has been profound and multifaceted, reflecting broader changes in the league's style of play.

Traditionally, big men were the towering centers who anchored a team's defense and dominated the paint on offense. However, over the past few decades, we've witnessed a shift. The modern NBA big man is no longer just a towering figure guarding the rim; he is expected to have a diverse skill set.

This transition began with big men extending their range, with players like Dirk Nowitzki and Rasheed Wallace illustrating that bigs could be just as lethal from mid-range and beyond the arc as they were in the paint. The emphasis on floor spacing and three-point shooting in recent years has further accelerated this shift. Defensive forwards capable of guarding the paint and the perimeter began with the likes of Kevin Garnett and then later Draymond Green.

Today, players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jokic, who can shoot, pass, and dribble, are redefining what it means to be a center or power forward.

Now, with players like Chet and Wemby, we are witnessing the next phase of this evolution. They are not just skilled big men who can shoot and pass but also possess the agility and speed to defend smaller, quicker players on the perimeter. This versatility challenges the traditional dichotomy of positions in basketball, blurring the lines between guards, forwards, and centers.

The evolution of NBA big men is more about their expanding skill set and versatility than an increase in height. It's about the transition from the traditional, physically dominant centers like Shaquille O'Neal to the versatile, multi-skilled players like Dirk Nowitzki and Nikola Jokic, and now to prospects like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren who combine unprecedented height with guard-like skills. This evolution reflects a shift in the game style rather than a linear increase in player height and begs the question of if player x grew up in this era, how different would his game be today and vice versa.

See how we’re looking to change traditional fantasy basketball at hoopdfantasy.com