It’s that time of year. Christmas is here. The NBA and JBL teams are being ravaged by health and safety protocols. JBL teams are trying to figure out their chances - which is much harder to do in a year like this with so many uncertainties and unknowns. Nevertheless, my week 10 chronicles is all about the wish list for each JBL team. And I will do my best to avoid the ‘stay healthy’ part as that clearly applies to all 14 JBL rosters these days.
OK here we go….
Belllingham – as I write this, Ham is now our 14th place team. If the season finished today – that would mean no Kawhi as a keeper. So, this is not the place Ham wants to finish obviously. So how does he get himself out of the basement? It’s about trying to find those categories that you can gain points in and which categories are write-offs. Like blocks – Ham isn’t going to catch anyone – so is Jarrett Allen really an asset to the squad? Could he be swapped for someone to get some steals or more ATO or some 3PT%? Trying to move up to get a 2nd keeper (9th-12th) should be the short-term target. Is there a 2nd worthy keeper on this roster right now? Is it Cole Anthony? If it isn’t him, acquiring a possible 2nd keeper should be priority on the Santa wish list. On top of that, return to form for Dinwiddie would be nice. His 12ppg must be very disappointing. At this stage, just doing anything would be good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv61yEcOqpw
Norfolk – it’s been awhile since Norfolk was out of the basement. So now that they are in 13th they would be looking at 1 keeper. The big question is – who is that stud keeper for next season? So far, I don’t see one here on this roster. So that should be the #1 item for Santa this holiday season – a STUD keeper. Norfolk has the assets with guys like JJJ, Beal, Porzingis and a few others that could help out contending JBL rosters. Need some FG% - come get Montrezl Harrell. Need some scoring – hello Mr. Beal. Need some blocks – welcome JJJ or Porzingis or Drummond. So Santa – bring Norfolk that stud keeper.
Cali – the theme team continues and I think we can see how difficult this idea can be. Maui tried the all B names last year and Cali’s international squad is seeing similar success (or lack there of). I do see room for improvement with this roster. Let’s face it – missing 2 weeks of Giannis is going impact some categories. It seems a big rebounder would be nice gift from Santa. Cali is just 45 rebounds away from +60 points. Cali could go +26 with some better 3pt shooting too. And like the other teams, does Cali have that sure-fire stud keeper for next season? I think Timelord is that guy. But is there another one? And does that player have to be an international player? Or is this theme team a one-year wonder? Is Dillon Brooks worth $7 bucks (not in my eyes – but hard to ignore almost 20ppg). Cali just needs to make sure that he has some good keeper options ready for next season. I appreciate whoever took the time to put this together.
Idaho – oh boy, Santa gets 67
letters a month from this guy already. But what’s one (or several) more present
for under the tree? This stars and scrubs team really wants consistency. He’s
got his keepers lined up for next season. He’s got the big name players. And
then he’s got all these FA’s that are hot and cold. But the one thing Idaho
could use would be some Nick Nurse faith in Chris Boucher. Imagine if could go
back to that stretch last season where he was almost a nightly double-double
with multiple blocks per game? And since Idaho likes to be greedy – what about
a return to 2017 form for Victor Oladipo? Or how about a trade for Marvin Bagley?
Idaho’s like the kid who walked into Hamley’s in London and wants a hundred
gifts from every floor.
Seoul – the former champion
is fading away with all these man-games missed. Seoul has now played the fewest
JBL games in the league. When that happens, the counting JBL categories –
points, rebounds, steals and blocks are really impacted. Seoul is now last in
Points so when you only get 20 points from that category – winning the title is
going to be tough. So what does Seoul want to Christmas. How about a magic 8
ball so he can determine if Zion is going to be of any use this year (or next)?
Does Seoul keep him and just reside himself that this year is over and he can start
again with Zion and others next season. Or does he go for it – sell Zion off
for major assets and try to make a run? I
know what I would be doing – but a magic 8 ball that could confirm the best
route to go would be very handy right about now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Les52Y0QIzQ
Arctic – while the shine has
come off the Circle Jerks recently due to players missing time – there is still
hope. That hope comes in the return, for
away games, from Kyrie Irving. Arctic must be hoping that Santa brings him
30ppg games from him – since he’s got to make up for lost time. As currently
constructed, I think 5th to 8th and 3 keepers is a good
target to shoot for. Also, could Santa maybe talk some sense into Kyrie? But
hey, to each their own. Please Santa – bring Arctic some hyped up Kyrie for
Xmas. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-just-kyrie-irving-things-4-instances-of-him-saying-some-absolute-weird-stuff/
Vancouver – a recent mover to
the left hand side of the Scoreboard, the Jizzlies are starting to climb the
ladder. I think the 2 things the Jizz would like under the tree is for the Cade
breakout to continue and for CJ McCollum to either find his game or a new home.
Cade is up to 19-6-6 with 17 steals in last 10 games. He’s also shooting 44%
from deep. So yes please, some more of that. That’s like getting more gravy on
your turkey and mashed potatoes. Please sir, may I have some more? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex2r86G0sdc.
Also, it does appear Portland is ready and willing to shake things up. It has
to be CJ doesn’t it? So what does he play like without Dame? Will he expand his
game? Or will he still be 2nd fiddle? A big move for CJ could be
most excellent for the Jizzlies.
Juan de Fuca – when you look
at the Juan roster you won’t find many true point guards. Is it any wonder then
this team is 13th in ATO? So Santa, how about bringing Juan some ATO.
Juan is 1st in blocks so maybe they could move a shot-blocker for
some ATO? There could be some good trading partners out there as some teams
have decent ATO and need blocks. Now, has Juan been the initiator of any recent
offers? I wonder. Juan hasn’t made many
trades lately in the JBL – likely because they need all 3 heads of the syndicate
to agree on things. And we all know what that’s like! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxRkHXisdzU
Brussels –
our defending champ is currently in 6th place. Guess what he wants from
Santa. I think it could be one of two things. Either a new brain for Daryl Morey
and/or a trade for Ben Simmons. How long is this going to drag on for? Everyone
knows who Ben is and what his strengths and weaknesses are. No one needs to see
him return to the court to see what he can do. Get on with it already. How many
different trade offers and permutations of a deal can be thought of? It’s
getting to be too much. I feel like my brain is starting to fail me reading all
of this nonsense. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_AOfzrQYV0
Golden –
sitting in the worst possible spot in the standings – 5th place
currently. Why is this the worst spot? Firstly, you missed out on a ‘money spot’
– if that really matters to anyone anymore. You also missed out on 4 keepers
and now just get 3 players. And to top it off – you only get 5 ping pong balls
in the rookie lottery. If you are going to miss out on the money spots and only
get 3 keepers - you might as well shoot
for 8th. 3 keepers and 8 lottery balls. Anyways, Golden needs some
stocks for Christmas. Plain and simple. Golden’s steals have been better this
week but there are still no blocks in site. Nurkic and Holmes and Beef Stew
have not been pulling their weight at all. It might be time for Santa to bring
the Godfather some of this guy. Mother of Pearl! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY2nVQNlUB8
French Lick –
slowly but surely the 4-time champ is climbing the points totals. Up to 4th
now and anxiously awaiting the return of Klay Thompson. Who? That’s right. He’s
the forgotten man. Does anyone remember how French acquired Klay? It was last
year in a deal with Idaho. Klay for Duncan Robinson was the deal. I know.
Easily forgotten. Anyways, I’m sure French is asking Santa to the return to
glory Klay Thompson. He’s been out of the league for 2+ years and it’s hard not
to route for this unknown guy. Good luck
Klay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t40e3kaHmrs
Bangkok –
still in 2nd with a firm grasp on his….2nd place. The Kok needs blocks. Plain and simple. I bet
Kok would like Santa to bring him some Mark Eaton or Tree Rollins or maybe this
guy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXtOuxBuvQ.
Did you know Bangkok is 1st or 2nd in 4 of the 7 JBL
categories right now. Very impressive. There’s another 26 points easily
available in the blocks category and the return of Capela will help that. But
can the Kok also manage his role players effectively to make a push on Maui. We’ve
already seen him drop Cody Martin. Who is next? Does Luke and Herbert overstay
their welcomes too? Some delicate management will be needed over the holiday
season. But please Santa, bring the Kok some blocks.
Maui – the Ribs
are 1st or 2nd in five JBL categories right now. What a
year this has been for the 31 year JBL veteran. Maui has weathered the storm already
missing games from Embiid, LaMelo, and now Mobley and VanVleet all missing
time. Maui should be wishing for a groundhog day like effect from now until the
end of the season. Just keep this gravy train rolling. No changes. Keep going
strong. I’m not sure any of us believed this could be happening. I’m not sure
Maui realizes the position he’s in. The opportunity is there. I know I saved
the WhatsApp comment (Oct 28) that Bangkok stated he would be off to Vegas to
drown his sorrows in a seedy dive bar if Maui wins the title. Which of course,
only reminds me of this….the greatest rejected commercial of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUdMEe4DmyQ
There you
have it. Christmas Chronicles. Enjoy the holiday season my friends. All the
best to you and yours from your JBL Commish.
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