From Distance: Short and Sweet

four point play….

1. In recent MVP conversation, the national media is using on/off numbers to prop up LeBron’s candidacy. How many times do we have to go through this nonsense before they recognize that the huge disparity they are seeing is actually a condemnation of LeBron’s style more than evidence of his brilliance?

Almost every team that LeBron has played on over the last decade has been terrible when he sits. It isn’t because his teammates are so terrible. It is because LeBron’s complete dominance of offensive Xs and Os makes it impossible for a team to function without him.

Have they ever considered that the leader of the team should empower his teammates in a way that allows them to flourish without his singular talent on the floor?

Ultimately, I can’t envision a scenario in which the Greek Freak doesn’t win his second MVP award. He is absolutely, by far, the best player in the NBA this season. Regardless, it is obnoxious to hear how LeBron’s primary weakness as a leader is actually somehow a strength.

So yes, LeBron is having a fantastic season, unbelievable really for someone who has been in the league so long. If he wins the title this season, James should probably be considered the greatest player of all time. He still isn’t the MVP of this regular season, and it is precisely BECAUSE his team is terrible when he isn’t on the floor.

He has never taught anyone how to fish. And when his coach tries to, he complains, steals the rods and fills the boat. That isn’t a terrible thing, but it isn’t a good thing (Sheesh, we all talk like that lunatic now).

Giannis for MVP.

2. It’s not looking good for those of us who want to see Zion Williamson in the NBA Playoffs. The Pels have let go of the rope over that last week dropping their last three. Zion has been a monster, driving directly through defenders chests while displaying an insanely quick first step. For as entertaining as he is, Zion hasn’t been enough for the Pels.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have fought through a tough schedule to stay at .500. I wouldn’t count on that going forward. Their remaining schedule is loaded with playoff teams and road games. If Ja Morant can somehow keep Memphis in playoffs, he ROY award will be all but guaranteed.

Most people have assumed the Blazers would make a push at some point. They are still four games back in the loss column. They are alive, but I’d rather watch Ja get his feet wet, the Spurs maintain their streak (just because), or Zion rain fire down upon the mortals around him than watch Dame and C.J. dance in isolation.

3. The Cavs have certainly played a more aggressive brand of defense since Beilein left the sideline. Some of that has to do with scheme while most of it has to do with effort and rotation. J.B. has the Cavs switching more actively on off-ball screens. It is isn’t a huge disparity, but there has been a difference.

More impacting has been the addition of Andre Drummond. Even with Andre out of the lineup, his presence has been felt via energy and rotation. Larry has played more with Kevin Love both as 4s and 5s, but also with Tristan or Andre with Larry at the three.

Nance and Drummond are both among the most active defensive players in the league. Toss in Porter’s effort, and Dellavedova’s recent uptick in play, and you have the makings of an adequate defense.

Collin has been strong on the offensive end over the last couple weeks. His defense is still rather terrible, but a defense can survive with one minus defender if the other players are locked in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKvd-USMHRQ

In short, the Cavs are between “watchable” and to legitimately “fun” these days. No easy task for a team sitting in last place in the conference in early March.

4. The Nets and Magic have interesting talents that make little sense together and/or have no real future together. It is likely that both teams will get swept in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. I can only imagine where Vegas sets the betting lines. Can you see the Raptors or Bucks losing a single game to either of those teams?

The Raps and Bucks defenses are just too multi-dimensional to let limited offenses breathe in the Playoffs. Both  the Magic and Nets are better teams than the Wizards, but I can at least envision an el fuego game coming out of Beal and the bomb happy Wiz.

Quickie: 

Everyone is worried about getting sick. One would think that this hyper-awareness of germ transmission would in effect, lower overall cold and flu season numbers. Is it possible that coronavirus will actually make society healthier? OR, will we learn that many of the things we usually do as society to fight colds and flus are actually useless activities? I suppose it will be very difficult to know without a test group, but at least both scenarios are on the proverbial table.