👑 LeBron steals the show, the NBA's Year 3 Phenomenon and Kerr next on the block? - October 27th Edition

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

Who I’m Watching for Tonight (10/27/23)

In the NBA, there have been breakout stars in their third year for each of the last 4 years. Edward’s playoff ascension, Tatum and Garland’s first all-star games, and SGA taking his game to a whole new level all happened in their third year 🚀 

This has me eyeing 3 guys from tonight’s slate of games who have all entered their third year in the NBA:

1. Evan Mobley - Mobley was an all-defensive big right from the start. That’s no small feat. He definitely stepped up his efficiency and passing in year 2. Now, it's time for him to mesh everything and assume a more offensive role with the team. His performance in the PS last year left room for improvement and his season opener was mediocre by his standards. Given the preseason buzz surrounding his talent, I'm eager to see what he brings to the table.
   

2. Jalen Green - Oof man. I was excited. With no KPJ and a lineup of veteran PGs and defensive wings, coupled with rave reviews and highlights of Green in open runs getting good work in. But what do the Rockets do? They come out in the first game of the season and get wrecked by the Magic. Green was terrible (10 points on 2-10). He needs to rebound – the shields of excuses from the past two seasons are gone.
   

3. Scottie Barnes - The Raptors' defense was intimidating in their first game, and Barnes was everywhere. He recorded 5 blocks, 4 steals, and contributed with 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 17 points. With VanVleet out of the picture, I'm betting on Barnes becoming more of an offensive hub. Considering the early turbulence in Chicago, highlighted by player-only meetings, Barnes is primed for a big night.

What Stood Out to Me Last Night (10/26/23):

No specific MAJOR thought, so I’ll share my notes:

• Dame and Giannis seem like they don't need to adjust their games at all to play alongside each other. How often do two players, each averaging 30+ points per game, not have even the slightest fit issues? Even Steph and KD had to compromise a bit, especially Steph. This duo could be truly special.

• I must mention Oubre's 27 points off the bench. While his 9-11 shooting might be unsustainable, his on-court activity was evident.

• KD, with his two main co-stars missing? He's no stranger with this scenario and remains incredible.

• And then there's LEBRON JAMES 👑 . He’s WAY too old to be doing this. I’m so glad his minutes restriction wasn’t enforced last night 🕰️ . He was playing so hard down the stretch of the game.

Random NBA Thought

It's wild to observe the contrasts in the league sometimes.

So two nights ago, I was watching the Spurs game led by Pop, who has been at the helm forever - since 1996/97.

Then I’m watching the games yesterday and I see Nick Nurse coaching the Sixers, even though he won a championship with Toronto just five years ago. Right after that game, for the only other of the night, I see Frank Vogel with the Suns, having clinched a title only four years ago now coaching another team.

And the Bucks just replaced Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin.

That literally means the head coach of 2019, 2020, 2021 have all been fired.

Does that mean Kerr is next? 😅 

Old School Memory Fantasy Style

Considering we just saw Bron/KD matchup (their respective FDP tonight were: Bron: 51.1 fantasy points and KD: 53.2 fantasy points)

So I thought it’d be fun to use a matchup in this section today and highlight the FIRST time KD and LeBron faced off in the finals in 2012. This was the championship clinching game for the Heat and Bron’s first chip.

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