Russell Westbrook - Liability

I have avoided talking about the NBA all season mainly because they're a joke woke league. But I have to mention the Los Angeles Lakers failing to make the playoffs. I put this down to them having ball hog Russell Westbrook on their roster. He's paid $44 million for what exactly? He doesn't add value, all he does is add to his personal stats.

Meanwhile, Steven Adams who used to be a teammate of Westbrook's at the Thunder, is about to finish his season with the Memphis Grizzlies in second place overall in the league. Adams personally is the NBA's 2021/2022 12th highest in rebounds. Just saying.

Kobe Bryant

Just heard that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna have died in a helicopter crash in southern California. Dreadful news.

Update @ 20th Feb 2020: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/27/us/calabasas-helicopter-crash-kobe-bryant-monday/index.html

Nine on board, the victims look to have been travelling to a basketball game on board Kobe's helicopter.

Greatest NBA Player

I don't remember if I've said this before, but in my opinion there can be no doubt; Lebron James is the greatest NBA player. He doesn't have the most titles, so why is that I hear you say. It's because he has such versatility, consistency, intensity, professionalism and he does what he does at a time when the game is at such a high level. Every team is good these days, there are no walk-overs, no expansion franchises to pad the stats with. James is doing it against strong opposition, all the time. His most recent game for the Lakers against the Washington Wizards is a case in point; a double-double in points and assists. Assists, not the usual points and rebounds double-double. He's not selfish, he just does the business.

What I have said before though, he's not my personal favourite, that's a totally subjective assessment and my favourite NBA player is Matt Barnes, now retired. He just looked so balanced when he played. He had a lot of bad luck and it was good to see him win a title in his final year (Golden State Warriors).

NBA Season 2019/20

Last season my picks were 50/50 at best. This year I've got no idea which team will emerge at the top. They're all so close, all looking good, and there has been so many big moves of top players between teams.

Having said that, I like the look of the Denver Nuggets, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Of course I always support the Houston Rockets but I'm not convinced they can get the most out of Russell Westbrook. He's just too much of a ball hog.

The Los Angeles Lakers can never be discounted either, they've got a powerful lineup.

Teams that will disappoint? Maybe the Los Angeles Clippers, they've never won a title, old habits are hard to break. The Brooklyn Nets won't be a real force until Kevin Durant is back from injury, so their fans will have to wait until 2020/21.

Surprises? Not so much of a surprise really; the Philadelphia 76ers, look for them to be the main challenger to the Bucks in the east. Oh and the Toronto Raptors, even without Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors may surprise once again.

Summary:

Looking Good;

Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks

Don't Discount;

Los Angeles Lakers
Houston Rockets

Disappointing;

Los Angeles Clippers
Brooklyn Nets

Surprises;

Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors.