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How does the most recent spherical of Kyrie-drama influence the Raptors? No person in sports activities appears to convey drama as constantly and loudly as Kyrie Irving, for no less than some time longer, a member of the Brooklyn Nets. His newest commerce demand, after discovering his means out of Cleveland and Boston beforehand, makes the ultimate few days earlier than the NBA’s February 9 commerce deadline fairly a bit extra fascinating. Is there a crew keen to gamble on an ultra-talented, however extremely distracting participant that misses tons of video games for one cause or one other? Higher but, is any crew really keen to commit long-term to such a wildcard?

Solely the Lakers make any sense.

However what it does is probably reduce the suitors for the likes of O.G. Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. as a result of a crew or two may wish to go for Irving. That is likely to be a stretch although, as we are able to’t see groups lining up for Irving. What’s an even bigger deal, Raptors-wise, is how nearly each crew would wish to see if this implies famous person Kevin Durant is accessible once more. If he’s, it would possible be more durable to maneuver Anunoby as a result of Durant is a a lot larger fish. If he’s not out there, the Irving market shouldn’t be an enormous deal in these components.

AROUND THE RIM

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  I don’t love speaking about all-star snubs (they need to broaden the rosters to fifteen gamers to keep away from this annual subject), however not having Siakam on the crew is fairly egregious. His offensive numbers are at worst equal to these of DeMar DeRozan and Julius Randle (at worst, I’d argue they’re higher) and he’s a wonderful defender, versus these two being properly beneath league common. Chicago and Toronto have almost equivalent information and even should you think about New York’s success, each crew within the league would quite have Siakam over Randle for a cause. He’s higher and he has been higher this yr. I’d additionally quibble with Jrue Vacation making the crew and Jimmy Butler not, particularly since they’ve missed across the similar variety of video games (the one argument for Butler ever to not make it’s what number of video games he isn’t out there for). Within the West I’d in all probability choose De’Aaron Fox over Damian Lillard this season however that’s a choose’em scenario. Add Anthony Edwards to that argument too. Jaren Jackson Jr. was an fascinating alternative too.
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  Was odd to see Scottie Barnes hoist up seven three-pointers a recreation after he bought up six. Till these two video games Barnes had not tried six or extra three-pointers since December 5 and he’d solely executed it 5 instances all season. Put one other means: Barnes has tried 13 three-pointers in February, in simply two video games. In all of January (16 video games) he tried 33. He hit 9 in January. He’s already hit 5 this month.
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  Houston is such a puzzling crew. What are they doing? Simply ready till they see in the event that they get one of many two potential franchise changers on the prime of this draft it appears. However what about creating the younger guys? Kids appear to pop out and in of the rotation on a weekly foundation. Eric Gordon retains enjoying, which helps no person. Don’t you wish to see what you’ve in gamers like TyTy Washington, Josh Christopher (excellent in summer season league and in opposition to the Raptors on Friday) and others? Don’t you wish to work out who’s a part of the core together with Jalen Inexperienced, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun and the incoming high-lottery choice? A as soon as nice franchise has been spinning its wheels for too lengthy. Solely Charlotte appears extra misplaced. And I perceive the enchantment of Inexperienced, particularly after watching the ascension of Anthony Edwards, one other scoring guard with athletic presents, however they need to have picked Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes and even Franz Wagner (although that will have been seen as a attain).

THREE STARS

1 Fred VanVleet

2 Gary Trent Jr.

3 Alperen Sengun

Honourable point out:

Eric Gordon, Josh Christopher, Pascal Siakam

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