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Wizards

After five grueling days of intense, do-or-die games, four teams have emerged as winners of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and booked a trip to the Olympics.&nbsp;
Among the teams making their way to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games are Brazil, Greece, Puerto Rico, and Spain after winning their respective tournaments in 4 various locations around the world. Brazil won in Riga, Latvia while Greece, Puerto Rico, and Spain each defended their home courts in Piraeus, San Juan, and Valencia respectively.&nbsp;
<a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=89fd1b8297&amp;e=2fb0566584">Brazil is celebrating being crowned winners of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Latvia</a> and securing a coveted place in Paris 2024. They will line up at the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament for the 16th time after they spoiled the party in Riga for the home fans. A stunning opening quarter, which included 8 of 8 from downtown and a half-court buzzer beater, gave Brazil a commanding 34-11 advantage over Latvia, and they never looked back.
Sailing to a memorable 94-69 success, they were powered by forward Leo Meindl with a near double-double of 21 points and 9 rebounds. His teammate Bruno Caboclo also impressed with 21 points, which sealed the deal for him to be deservedly <a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=6024459c3d&amp;e=2fb0566584">crowned the TISSOT MVP of the competition</a>. When Brazil line up at Paris 2024, they will do so in Group B, where they will face host nation France, reigning FIBA Basketball World Cup champions Germany, and Japan.
Greece will compete in the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2008, after their victory at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 Greece. <a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=6f9cccd2c1&amp;e=2fb0566584">They clinched their fourth win, 80-69 over Croatia</a>, on Sunday in front of 11,810 fans at home in the final of the event.
Greece jumped into the lead soon after the start and led for most of the encounter, although they were only able to truly shake off the resilient Croatia late in the final frame, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nick Calathes, and Giorgos Papagiannis.
<a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=8d44cbbee0&amp;e=2fb0566584">Antetokounmpo, the Greek superstar of the Milwaukee Bucks, was named TISSOT MVP</a> of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Greece. He led the way for his team in the final with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while averaging 22.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in the tournament. Greece will be placed in Group A and will face Australia, Canada, and Spain.
<a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=8f7204be13&amp;e=2fb0566584">Puerto Rico triumphed at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 at home</a> in San Juan to clinch a spot in the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2004.&nbsp;
Nelson Colon's men were helped by 13,504 passionate supporters who showed up in numbers to will the home side to a 79-68 victory against Lithuania in Sunday's Final. The one-two punch of Jose Alvarado and Tremont Waters proved unstoppable for the Europeans, as Alvarado led the way with a game-high 23 points and Waters chipped in with 18.
<a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=fe2ec4cb22&amp;e=2fb0566584">Alvarado was named the TISSOT MVP</a> of the tournament after averaging 16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 steals, as the hosts went a perfect four-of-four in San Juan.
In the Olympics, Puerto Rico will slot into Group C alongside defending Olympic champions USA, Nikola Jokic-led Serbia, and South Sudan, who will be making their first-ever appearance at the Games.
Spain ensured they were victorious in front of their home crowd to celebrate booking their spot at another Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament. Spain, who were Olympic medalists in 1984, 2008, 2012, and 2016, <a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=fb071af6ca&amp;e=2fb0566584">defeated the Bahamas 86-78</a> in Sunday's final in Valencia in front of over 7,000 supporters.
Lorenzo Brown played an important role in the victory with 18 points, including four three-pointers, helping to spark a pivotal run late in the first half. Deandre Ayton posted 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Buddy Hield contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Bahamas. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome Spain's experience in such elimination games.
<a href="https://fiba.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7033084a6897e1c399b667eb5&amp;id=e6ad446b5f&amp;e=2fb0566584">Santi Aldama collected TISSOT MVP honors</a> with 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Spain as the hosts won all four games for a perfect week. Rudy Fernandez, 39, is set to become the first male basketball player to compete in six Olympic basketball tournaments.
Spain's return to another Olympics sees them land in Group A alongside Australia, Canada, and Greece.
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The Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament will commence on July 27 in Lille, concluding with the Final and Third-Place Game at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 10.

After five grueling days of do-or-die games, four teams have won the FIBA OQT and booked a trip to the Olympics.

2024 FIBA OQT: Brazil, Greece, Puerto Rico, Spain book a ticket to Paris

Longtime pro Jordan Crawford opens up to Spencer Davies about his unpleasant NBA experience, his Detroit connection and more.

Ex-NBA pro Jordan Crawford has a story to tell — and a whole lot more

RECIFE, Brazil (AP) &mdash; Norris Cole made sure that USA Basketball will play for a medal at AmeriCup.
Cole &mdash; a two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat &mdash; scored a game-high 20 points, capping it off by making the game-winning runner with 1.4 seconds remaining, and the U.S. rallied past Puerto Rico 85-84 in an AmeriCup quarterfinal game Thursday.
It was the game&rsquo;s seventh and final lead change, the last two of those coming in the final 6.1 seconds.
&ldquo;I just wanted to make a play for the team,&rdquo; said Cole, who had the final eight points for the U.S. &ldquo;The team trusted me, drew up a play for me to catch it and I was able to make a play. Moments like that, everybody dreams about, but I work hard at my individual game along with the team game, I was able to show my individual talent within the team concept, and it worked out.&rdquo;
Jeremy Pargo scored 15 points for the U.S., which got 11 from Zylan Cheatham and 10 from Stephen Zimmerman.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re fortunate to win,&rdquo; U.S. coach Alex Jensen said. &ldquo;They did a good job preparing for us. We got lucky. But hopefully it&rsquo;s a good lesson for us moving forward.&rdquo;
Tremont Waters and Ethan Thompson each scored 16 for Puerto Rico. Waters had a layup with 6.1 seconds left to put his team up by one, and that set the stage for the last U.S. possession.
Cole got the inbounds pass, drove with a left-hand dribble, took off from near the corner of the lane, changed hands and got the shot to fall to put the Americans back on top.
He punched the air in celebration &mdash; but the Americans needed one more stop.
They got it, in part because Puerto Rico didn&rsquo;t get a great look. All Waters could do was take a desperation heave from the deep right corner, it missed, and the U.S. escaped.
&ldquo;We were 1 second from winning this game,&rdquo; said Puerto Rico coach Nelson Colon, whose team led by 10 midway through the second quarter. &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t say anything more than &lsquo;thank you&rsquo; to all my players, all my staff, all my managers, who helped us and supported us in this tournament.&rdquo;
The Americans will face Argentina in Saturday&rsquo;s semifinals, with the medal-round games &mdash; either for gold or bronze &mdash; coming Sunday.
Argentina is 4-0 in the tournament, rolling past Venezuela 76-53 in another quarterfinal Thursday. All four wins for Argentina have come by double figures, an average of 20.3 points.
&ldquo;It only gets harder after this,&rdquo; Jensen said.
In the first quarterfinal Thursday, Canada eliminated Mexico 82-77. Next up for Canada is a semifinal matchup with Brazil, which held off the Dominican Republic in the fourth and final quarterfinal game on Thursday night.
FRIDAY&rsquo;S SCHEDULE
There are no games Friday. The semifinals are Saturday, with the third-place and championship games Sunday.

Norris Cole made at game-winning runner with 1.4 seconds remaining, and the U.S. rallied past Puerto Rico 85-84.

Norris Cole lifts US by Puerto Rico in AmeriCup quarters, 85-84

WASHINGTON (AP) &mdash; DeMar DeRozan hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the second straight game to give the Chicago Bulls a 120-119 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Kyle Kuzma&rsquo;s 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds to play gave Washington a 119-117 lead, until DeRozan beat the Wizards in the same way he beat Indiana on Friday night.
DeRozan finished with 28 points and Zach LaVine had 35 points to help the Bulls to their seventh straight win, which is their longest streak since Dec. 18-29, 2014.
According to BasketballReference.com, DeRozan became the first player in NBA history to hit buzzer-beaters on consecutive days.
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&ldquo;It&rsquo;s amazing, especially doing it on the road,&rdquo; DeRozan said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know if I&rsquo;m dreaming or if it&rsquo;s real right now.
&ldquo;You work your butt off and you understand that if you&rsquo;re in those positions, try to capitalize on them the best way you can because you&rsquo;re going to have games where you miss some.&rdquo;
The Wizards led nearly the whole game, outscoring Chicago 72-30 in points in the paint.
&ldquo;He just made a heck of a play. He was defended pretty well,&rdquo; Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just tough. It&rsquo;s tough to lose a game like that.&rdquo;
Kuzma scored 29 points and had 12 rebounds, while Bradley Beal had 27 points and a career-high 16 assists in his first start at point guard. Beal also passed the 14,000 point mark.
Midway through the second quarter, the Wizards were called for a technical foul for too many players. Alize Johnson, one of five players on 10-day contracts, was the sixth player on the court.
TIP-INS
Bulls: F Tyler Cook suffered a sprained left ankle early in the second quarter and did not return. &hellip; F Javonte Green was out with a right adductor strain. &hellip; Interim coach Chris Fleming said that he hopes G Lonzo Ball and F Alonzo McKinnie, who were in health and safety protocols, could return to action early next week. &hellip; Coach Billy Donovan addressed the team over Zoom on Saturday and told them how proud he was with Friday night&rsquo;s win. Donovan could return from health and safety protocols on Monday.
Wizards: Signed G Tremont Waters to a 10-day contract. &hellip; G Brad Wanamaker, who started on Thursday, entered the health and safety protocols. &hellip; Rotation players G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Rui Hachimura, F Montrezl Harrell, G Aaron Holiday and G Raul Neto are still in COVID-19 protocols
DEROZAN&rsquo;S BIG SHOT: DeRozan said he concentrated on the fundamentals before he shot the game-winner.
&ldquo;I wanted to make sure my feet were behind the line,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I wanted to give it a chance to go in.
&ldquo;My shots all night were short. It&rsquo;s tough to play on back-to-backs. I kind of felt it throughout the game.&rdquo;
LaVine shook his head when asked to describe DeRozan.
&ldquo;The dude&rsquo;s incredible,&rdquo; LaVine said. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t say much more than that&hellip;Thank God we&rsquo;ve got DeMar DeRozan on our team.&rdquo;
BEAL IMPRESSED WITH DEROZAN: Throughout Beal&rsquo;s NBA career, he has marveled at DeRozan.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what he does,&rdquo; Beal said. &ldquo;He takes tough shots and he makes tough shots.&rdquo;
Beal believes the short-handed Wizards simply came up short against a marvelous opponent.
&ldquo;We did everything we possibly could to win, but DeRo just made a crazy shot at the end of the game,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In a way, the shot is demoralizing and takes the energy out of you, but to know that we competed and played hard, we set ourselves up to win, and you feel great about that.&rdquo;
UP NEXT
Bulls: Host Orlando on Monday.
Wizards: Host Charlotte on Monday.
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DeMar DeRozan hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the second straight game to give the Bulls a 120-119 win over the Wizards on Saturday.

DeRozan beats the buzzer again, giving Bulls 7 straight wins

Kevin Love and Darius Garland scored 22 points apiece, and the Cleveland Cavaliers tied their franchise record with 46 points in the third quarter of a 144-99 rout over the COVID-19 depleted Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
Lauri Markkanen added 20 points and Garland had eight assists for Cleveland, which led by 47 points twice late in the fourth. The Cavaliers won their fifth in a row at home and made 22 3-pointers in a team-record 52 attempts.
It was Cleveland&rsquo;s largest victory margin of the season and the first time Toronto has lost by more than 17 points in 2021-22. The Cavaliers had 39 assists, two shy of the most in the NBA this season.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re lucky to be in this position where we&rsquo;ve got such a good thing going on,&rdquo; Markkanen said. &ldquo;We play hard and we play unselfish basketball. Once we brought the energy we needed, the floodgates just kind of opened up after that.&rdquo;
Yuta Watanabe posted career highs of 26 points and 13 rebounds for Toronto, and Chris Boucher scored 21 points. The Raptors have 10 players in the NBA&rsquo;s health and safety protocols, including top scorer Fred VanVleet, rookie Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam.
&ldquo;We had to take a pretty good loss tonight, but we&rsquo;ll bounce back,&rdquo; Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. &ldquo;It was a good game for Yuta, and that&rsquo;s about it.&rdquo;
Toronto&rsquo;s eight-man active roster &mdash; featuring four hardship signees &mdash; had never been together until holding a brief practice on the main court at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse before the game. D.J. Wilson had 15 points and eight rebounds in his team debut.
&ldquo;We met those guys on the bus on the way to the arena,&rdquo; Watanabe said. &ldquo;Because we weren&rsquo;t permitted to do anything together the last few days, I spent a lot of time in the gym by myself putting up shots. That&rsquo;s all you could do.&rdquo;
The Raptors&rsquo; previous two games were postponed when they could not suit up the required eight players. Boucher, Watanabe, Svi Mykhailiuk and Dalano Banton were the only holdovers from their pre-outbreak squad.
Denzel Valentine had 17 points and nine rebounds, Dean Wade scored 17 points, and Ricky Rubio had 16 points and six assists for Cleveland. Love grabbed nine boards and Tacko Fall had three points and seven rebounds in 11 minutes off the bench.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got a good thing going and I&rsquo;m having a lot of fun,&rdquo; Love said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to be great watching this young team develop. We know we&rsquo;re going to get everyone&rsquo;s best shot at us going forward, so I hope 2022 is a year of growth.&rdquo;
Rookie Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen were among seven Cavaliers sidelined because of the safety protocols. Cleveland has the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference at 20-13.
&ldquo;The Raptors came out and played hard, but as the game went on, we were more physical and that obviously took a toll on them,&rdquo; Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.
TIP-INS
Raptors: G Gary Trent Jr., F Precious Achiuwa, F OG Anunoby, C Khem Birch, F Isaac Bonga, F Justin Champagnie and G Malachi Flynn also are in the health and safety protocols. &hellip; G Goran Dragic (personal reasons) and G David Johnson (left calf strain) were officially active, but unavailable. &hellip; F D.J. Wilson, F Juwan Morgan, C Daniel Oturu and G Tremont Waters are on 10-day contracts via roster exceptions.
Cavaliers: G Isaac Okoro missed his third straight game as he works on his conditioning after being cleared from the safety protocols. &hellip; F Cedi Osman was added to the protocols earlier in the day, joining C Ed Davis, G RJ Nembhard, G Lamar Stevens and F Dylan Windler. &hellip; Cleveland leads the East and ranks third in the NBA with 15 double-digit victories. The Cavaliers&rsquo; last 11 wins have been by at least 10 points.
CHRISTMAS GIFT
Bickerstaff, who was promoted to the job on Feb. 19, 2020, signed a multi-year contract extension on Saturday morning. The son of longtime NBA coach and current Cleveland senior advisor Bernie Bickerstaff took over a team in disarray following the resignation of John Beilein. &ldquo;If you look at our roster, we&rsquo;ve got guys locked in here for a long time,&rdquo; said Bickerstaff, who is 47-69 with the Cavaliers. &ldquo;Now, with this coaching staff, we&rsquo;re locked in for a long time, too.&rdquo;
UP NEXT
Raptors: Host Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Cavaliers: Visit New Orleans on Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers tied their franchise record with 46 points in the third quarter of a 144-99 rout over the depleted Raptors.

Love, Garland score 22 as Cavs rout depleted Raptors 144-99

As COVID-19 continues to rip into NBA rosters, more and more teams have been forced to look outside their organization to simply fill out minutes on the court.
You've probably been seeing your NBA notifications blowing up with transactions recently. Franchises can take advantage of the "hardship exception" in the NBA's by-laws, which state that if four or more players on the active and inactive rosters are dealing with injuries and illness, a team can sign and substitute a player. Since so many franchises are dealing with COVID-induced absences that typically last about 10 days to two weeks, dozens of free agents are inking 10-day deals to jump in for the short-term.
Meanwhile, for better or worse, the regular season chugs along. The pop-up signings can end up making an impact on rebuilding teams or playoff contenders. With some rotations pushed to the brink, hardship-exception signees might find meaningful minutes right away.
With that in mind, how are NBA teams approaching who they sign, and what types of players have been called into action?
Most of the additions have some level of NBA experience. Of the <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-covid-fallout-lance-stephenson-isaiah-thomas-tyler-johnson-among-list-of-players-on-10-day-contracts/">over 35 players (and counting)</a> who have signed recent 10-day contracts, only a small handful have never appeared in a regular-season game before this season. This includes: Ade Murkey (Kings), Tyler Hall (Knicks), Aleem Ford and Hassani Gravett (Magic), Mac McClung (Bulls) and Malcolm Hill (Hawks). All but McClung turned pro at some level before 2021.
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The other end of the spectrum is also limited. Though Isaiah Thomas and Lance Stephenson might be the biggest names among hardship deals, they're two of the older players signed to date. The oldest player currently added is 34-year-old CJ Miles, who joined the Celtics after having recently signed with the G League Ignite, and last played with the Wizards in 2019-20. Miles, Thomas, Stephenson, Ersan Ilyasova, Tim Frazier and James Ennis are the hardship players to date over age-31.
Interestingly, teams have thus far been averse to adding bigs, even if they've become thin at the position. The only true centers who have been reportedly signed are Wenyen Gabriel (to the Nets), Luke Kornet (Cavaliers), Marquese Chriss (Mavericks) and Freddie Gillespie (Magic).&nbsp;
Chriss and Raptors signee Nik Stauskas are the highest former draft picks to be signed; both were selected No. 8 overall. They're also the only two former lottery picks that teams have inked deals. So, no, front offices are not using the hardship exception as some kind of way to take a swing on a castoff top selection.
What does appear to matter, however, is recent production. Thomas obviously got his shot with the Lakers after a 42-point outburst in his first G League appearance with the Grand Rapids Gold.
Others have used a longer stint in the G League Showcase period to audition. Five of the top-10 G League Showcase per-game scoring leaders have signed contracts this month: BJ Johnson (Magic), Justin Jackson (Celtics), Trevelin Queen (two-way deal with Houston), Stauskas and Jared Harper (Pelicans). Four of the other five already have their rights held by NBA franchises. Let's see who signs Kyle Guy.
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The Nets and Raptors make good example cases. Brooklyn has added four players as of this writing. Langston Galloway and James Ennis are two steady veterans who contributed to NBA teams last season, and can both bring an instantly-translatable skill with their shooting. Gabriel is averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as a physical presence in the G League. Then there's Shaquille Harrison, one of the peskier defenders in pro hoops, period. All of them are low-usage, specialist contributors with multiple year of pro experience.
Toronto, meanwhile, has safety blankets for others on the roster should they enter league protocols. Tremont Waters and Brandon Goodwin are steady facilitating guards; Fred VanVleet and Malachi Flynn are reportedly now ineligible. Stauskas can replicate Svi Mykhailiuk's role to a degree. Juwan Morgan is a hybrid forward in the same vein (at least positionall) as Precious Achiuwa. The moves make sense.
My general conclusion seems to be that NBA teams are largely playing it safe with their hardship signings. Few franchises appear to be using this circumstance as a chance to swing for the fences on a young player or a comeback veteran. Most simply want to patch holes.
And though the NBA is obviously in a confusing, frustrating, possibly dangerous situation with the pandemic, it will be interesting to see who capitalizes on their small window of opportunity.

NBA teams have had to dig into 10-day signings with COVID-19's impact on rosters.

How are NBA teams using the hardship exception?

Guard Tremont Waters has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell&nbsp;The Athletic.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1435375325979025410" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Waters was the No. 51 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft to the Boston Celtics. He spent two years as a two-way player in Boston, but failed to consistently crack the rotation. The 23-year-old guard averaged 3.8 points and 2.4 assists per game in 2020-21. Per Charania, Waters will compete for a spot on the Bucks' roster in training camp.

Waters was the No. 51 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft to the Boston Celtics.

Tremont Waters agrees to deal with Milwaukee Bucks

For the first time in over a decade, the Boston Celtics enter an offseason without a clear point guard hierarchy.
Dating back to 2007-08, when Rajon Rondo broke out and helped the franchise earn an NBA title, Boston had an established line of clear-cut floor generals. Rondo carried the torch (albeit through some injury-shortened seasons) before Isaiah Thomas came along, and then Kyrie Irving, and then Kemba Walker.&nbsp;
All four were established starters and played signficant roles in the team's offense. But when newly promoted team president Brad Stevens sent Walker to Oklahoma City in the first major trade of the summer, the chain broke. Boston is in layers of unfamiliar territory this offseason -- new head coach, new general manager, new starting point guard -- and that's what makes this one of the more interesting offseasons in recent team history.
The point guard question isn't just about what name will appear on the jumbotron. It could challenge that bloodline of Celtics scoring guards and signal a shift to a different style of offense.
Does Boston's lead ball-handler need to be the point guard? Do Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need a third self-creator? What about the bench -- how do the Celtics resolve the revolving door at backup point guard and stabilize an inconsistent second unit? How many chips do the Celtics push in this summer with a potential spending spree looming in 2022?
Each answer changes depending on what avenue Stevens and head coach Ime Udoka choose. I'm just here to lay out the plausible options. Let's get started.
<h2 style="text-align: center;">In-House Solutions</h2>
The Celtics have five incumbent options to fill out the rotation. But according to Jared Weiss of&nbsp;The Athletic, two-way player Tremont Waters <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/tremont-waters-looking-to-leave-celtics-find-nba-rotation-role-elsewhere" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appears to be on his way out</a>. So that leaves four choices, with the most unproven player also being the only traditional point guard.&nbsp;
Marcus Smart is the longest-tenured Celtic. He's played seven seasons as a complement off the ball alongside all four of Rondo, Thomas, Irving and Walker. But Smart is&nbsp;different. Unlike the latter three in particular, he doesn't command touches or consistently make shots, but instead plays All-NBA-caliber defense and play-makes at an underrated level.&nbsp;
Despite what disgruntled Celtics fans might say about him hijacking possessions, Smart's usage rate has never exceeded 20%. He's a familiar fit next to Tatum and Brown, and could be the fuel that can jump start last year's disappointing defense.
Udoka sees it, too. He called Smart a <a href="https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2021/06/29/ime-udoka-invaluable-marcus-smart-celtics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'foundational piece'</a> back in June. If the Celtics re-sign Evan Fournier, Smart can focus on distributing to three solid scorers while setting the defensive tone. He's a capable starter -- even if his role looks different from Celtic point guards' past.
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Great pass from Marcus Smart here. He's up to eight assists. <a href="https://t.co/hrQSmaEGl3">pic.twitter.com/hrQSmaEGl3</a>
&mdash; Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisgrenham/status/1389024830901604354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>

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The experience level plummets after Smart. Payton Pritchard carved out a spot in the rotation as the 26th overall pick last season. The 23-year-old rookie made 41.1% of his threes and generally looked composed with the ball, but Pritchard has a ways to go as a defender and overall decision-maker.
Then, there's 2019 lottery pick Romeo Langford. The oft-injured guard may get some burn <a href="https://theathletic.com/2712647/2021/07/19/celtics-summer-league-roster-taking-shape-ahead-of-nba-draft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at point guard in Summer League</a>, and has shown glimpses of a versatile defender and attacker off the dribble. At this stage, though, Langford would be unprepared for a role he hasn't taken on since high school.&nbsp;
Carsen Edwards has yet to find consistency in his pro game and in the lineup. That leaves 21-year-old Israeli prospect Yam Madar -- the only player with a season of professional experience as a true point guard -- as a longshot option.
I'm as bullish on Madar's NBA future as anyone. At 6-foot-3, Madar's on-ball tenacity, athleticism and 40% three-point clip could shape up as a lethal combination. But it would be risky to even slot Madar in as a backup from the jump, much less put him in the starting lineup.
If the Celtics made no offseason addition, I'd expect Smart to roll as the starting "point guard." The position is in quotes because his role, and the position in general, lines up less and less with traditional responsibilities. Smart could be the "point guard," while Pritchard and Langford operate as backup "point guards," but Tatum and Brown will be just as important in setting the offensive table.&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Draft and Free Agency</h2>
Boston traded its No. 16 overall selection to OKC in the Kemba Walker deal. As things stand, Stevens only has the 45th pick to work with. If the choice is a point guard, that rookie is unlikely to be a Year 1 contributor. So we'll move on to free agent options.
The Celtics do not have cap space. They're actually $16.3 million over the salary cap, <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/boston-celtics/cap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per Spotrac</a>, and that's before potentially bringing back Fournier, who they can go over the cap to re-sign. Free agent signings will have to come via the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (worth about $9.5 million), the Bi-Annual Exception ($3.7 million) or veteran minimum contracts.&nbsp;
The pickings slim right down. I won't speculate on projected contracts, but consider that the Celtics signed Tristan Thompson to a similar deal (two years, $19 million) last offseason. Thompson was expected to be a borderline-starting player, and he more-or-less met that projection. Guards who could fit a similar tier include: Derrick Rose, T.J. McConnell, Reggie Jackson and Alex Caruso.&nbsp;
Boston signed Jeff Teague to a vet minimum deal last season. The move didn't pan out -- Teague was dealt at the trade deadline -- but he was brought in to be a steady, seasoned backup. Some names matching that description could be Patty Mills, Ish Smith or Langston Galloway.
Both pathways can infuse the rotation with quality players, but they likely won't be a long-term answer at the position. Plus, point guard isn't the only need on the roster, and the Celtics may find better value at another position. They shouldn't feel boxed in with these two avenues.
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Trade Market</h2>
Do not expect Boston to swing another layered blockbuster this summer. If the salary cap sheets tell you anything, it's that Stevens is loading up to make a splash in 2022, when they have just three players locked down. The front office will bide its time until then.
The Celtics do have a whopping six trade exceptions at their disposal. Four of them are significant, worth approximately $11 million, $6.7 million, $5 million and $4.7 million. Teams cannot combine exceptions, so these would have to be used separately. But the $11 million TPE in particular must be used soon, or else it will expire on August 16.
What could the Celtics do with it? Potentially absorb a starting-caliber point guard, or package it with other players to make a more sizeable splash. For example, according to The Athletic's Zach Harper, both Dejounte Murray and Derrick White <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/dejounte-murray-derrick-white-could-both-be-gettable-in-spurs-trade-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are "gettable"</a> in trade talks. They haven't been linked to Boston, but Murray and White are two examples of players who could fit the rotation while being financially attainable in a trade.
Ultimately, I think there are three standout routes the Celtics can take without upending the roster.
Smart is going to be on this team barring an utter shock, and he should start -- but at point guard? I believe so... unless, in the interest of preserving the all-powerful 2022 cap space, the Celtics let Fournier walk. Then Smart could return to his usual role off-ball, and the starting point guard could be acquired via trade or the $9.5 million free agency slot.
At backup, I would predict a platoon of Pritchard, Langford and a veteran acquired with that $3.7 million Bi-Annnual Exception. Perhaps Madar breaks through, as well.&nbsp;
But the key takeaway should be that the point guard situation will differ from the past decade. Let's look back at the pipeline. Rondo's four highest seasonal usage rates of his career came in Boston. Thomas, Irving and Walker all logged usage rates of at least 26% in every season wearing green, per Basketball Reference.&nbsp;
Gone could be the days of the ball-dominant point guard in Boston. Whoever plays point has to facilitate, defend and find rhythm without extended touches. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the franchise's two faces, and every other player should be working off of the young stars.

The Celtics traded Kemba Walker this summer, creating a roster question mark. Ethan Fuller mulls Boston's options at point guard.

How can the Celtics build out their 2021-22 point-guard rotation?

Tremont Waters, who is on a two-way deal [with Boston], has been working out away from the organization back home in Connecticut and is looking for more of an opportunity to break into a rotation elsewhere in the NBA this upcoming season, per sources.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/2712647/2021/07/19/celtics-summer-league-roster-taking-shape-ahead-of-nba-draft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jared Weiss/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Waters has spent two seasons on a two-way contract with the Celtics. The 5-foot-10 point guard has never consistently cracked the rotation, but has shown flashes of a steady backup floor general. Waters averaged 3.8 points and 2.4 assists in 26 games this season while shooting 39.5 percent from long range. He is a restricted free agent this summer.

Waters will be a restricted free agent for the Celtics this offseason.

Tremont Waters looking to leave Celtics, find NBA rotation role elsewhere

The Boston Celtics haven't had a news day like this since August 2017, when Isaiah Thomas was dealt in exchange for Kyrie Irving.&nbsp;
Everyone in the Boston sports landscape knew something had to change after a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/in-a-cursed-nba-year-boston-celtics-fans-should-blame-anyone-except-the-players-jayson-tatum-jaylen-brown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">frustrating, cursed year</a> ended with the Celtics losing in the first round to the superior Brooklyn Nets. But fans complain about the head coach and front-office leader. How often do changes actually happen, especially like this?
Brad Stevens is shifting from his role as steward of the post-Big Three roster to President of Basketball Operations. Danny Ainge, who has served as a Celtics executive since 2003, is dropping out -- right as his eight-year plan to stockpile draft picks finally lays itself out. It's a rare move for a head coach to give up his job and move directly to a front-office position -- something Ainge himself once did when he moved from coaching the Phoenix Suns in the late '90s to his role in Boston's front office years later.
But Stevens' transition is much different. He is staying with the same franchise and embracing a larger view of the Celtics, mere days after being on the court with his players. And unlike Tom Thibodeau, who was once head coach and general manager with the Minnesota Timberwolves at the same time, Stevens will no longer be a voice on the sidelines. He'll be leading the search for a new head coach.
According to <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/celtics-expected-to-consider-jason-kidd-lloyd-pierce-for-head-coach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports</a>, Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd and former Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce are expected to be candidates for the job.
The decision puts a tremendous amount of faith in Stevens' chops as a decision-maker. On one hand, it makes sense. Who better understands the team chemistry, needs, strengths and weaknesses than the recent head coach? Stevens knows what makes his players tick, what systems they would thrive under and what type of personality would bring out the best in young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The 44-year-old Stevens also appears to be in better touch with the roster's expectations than his predecessor. Ainge consistently piled onto the negativity surrounding the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA, often implying win-now expectations while <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/ainge-on-celtics-struggles-im-putting-it-on-my-players-shoulders-right-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">publicly blaming his players</a> for the rough patches in the season. While Stevens did not shy away from criticism, he <a href="https://nesn.com/2021/06/brad-stevens-knows-celtics-need-for-improvement-after-game-5-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accepted the reality of an unusual year headlined by injuries and COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;
Players have always been positive about their relationship with Stevens... but that now becomes a double-edged sword. With such an immediate move to a very powerful position, is he prepared to make the tough choices regarding roster construction? Will he be hesitant to make a necessary move because of the potential impact it has on the locker room? What if he does make that controversial, Isaiah-Thomas-like trade -- will that sour the players on management?
The questions only abound. What happens to assistant general manager Mike Zarren? Zarren has long been considered the right-hand man to Ainge and a key player behind the scenes during many of Boston's money moves. Is he staying with the team to guide Stevens, or heading to a promotion somewhere else?
On the players' side, this is an enormous transition for Tatum, Brown and the rest of the Celtics. Unlike many other young, impatient franchises, the Celtics have stuck it out with Stevens for eight years, allowing their two franchise centerpieces and the rest of the group to get comfortable with one leading presence and one system. No one on the Celtics was around in the Doc Rivers days. If a new coach comes along, how will they adapt?
It's a confusing, electric time for a franchise that seemed to hit a wall in the recent loss to Brooklyn. This groundbreaking move feels like a collective "you asked for it" directed at Celtics fans and media.
Boston doesn't have to change its identity. Only three players are hitting unrestricted free agency: Evan Fournier, Luke Kornet and Semi Ojeleye (plus two-way contract players Tremont Waters and Tacko Fall). But no one knows Stevens' tendencies as an executive, and no one knows how much pressure he faces to continue shaking things up.&nbsp;
All we currently know is that the futures of the roster, the coaching staff and the Celtics at large currently hinge on the 2021 offseason -- and one Brad Stevens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ethan Fuller dissects the surprising news of Brad Stevens transitioning into his president of basketball operations role with the Celtics.

Celtics' unprecedented front-office overhaul hands keys to Brad Stevens

The Bulls have a difficult road to travel if they want to secure a spot in the playoffs.
But they feel like replicating their defensive effort from the past two games might be the thing that helps them get there.
Nikola Vucevic had 29 points and nine rebounds, and the Chicago held off the Boston Celtics 102-96 on Monday night.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Another one from Vooch! He leads the game with 23 points 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSChicago?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCSChicago</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NikolaVucevic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NikolaVucevic</a> <a href="https://t.co/QZaQWzeoB5">pic.twitter.com/QZaQWzeoB5</a>
&mdash; Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) <a href="https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1384306949563445250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Coby White added 19 points and seven assists to help the Bulls snap Boston&rsquo;s season-high six-game winning streak. Chicago has won its last two since a five-game skid to nudge in front of Toronto for 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Both wins have come without guard Zach LaVine, who remained in the health and safety protocols for the third straight game.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re in a fight for our lives,&rdquo; said Bulls guard Garrett Temple. &ldquo;Every detail, every play matters. Guys are playing really hard, and I like that.&rdquo;
What coach Billy Donovan liked best is how his team is competing on the defensive end, holding each of its last two opponents under 100 points.
&ldquo;We shot the ball really poorly in the first half. But of defense kept us in it," Donovan said. "Once the ball started going in the basket, it was nice to see us maintain that defensive intensity, really the entire game.&rdquo;
Boston led by 12 in second quarter but struggled to execute down the stretch and finished with 17 turnovers.
&ldquo;It was pretty consistent, the turnovers,&rdquo; Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. &ldquo;I go back to their length, their physicality. We tried to draw some fouls in there, but to their credit they played physical. They played solid.&rdquo;
Jaylen Brown had 23 points. Jayson Tatum posted the first triple-double of his career with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. But he was just 3-of-17 from field.
&ldquo;It was a tough night,&rdquo; Tatum said.
The Celtics played without Kemba Walker (non-COVID-19-related illness), Marcus Smart (non-COVID-19-related illness), Evan Fournier (health and safety protocols) and Robert Williams (sore left knee).
The Bulls missed their first five shots of the game and fell into an early hole.
They got back in the game in the third quarter, closing the period a 24-10 run and taking a 74-66 lead to the fourth.
Boston didn&rsquo;t go away, and Brown tied the game at 90 with a 3-pointer with 3:25 remaining.
But Chicago then pushed back in front 96-90, taking advantage of a pair of Celtics&rsquo; empty possessions.
Tremont Waters got Boston within 96-94 on a layup with 16.5 seconds left. The Celtics fouled and White pushed the lead back up to 98-94 with a pair of free throws.
Two free throws by Tatum but it to 98-96. But after White was fouled again, he calmly sank two more free throws.
Boston shot 20-of-39 from the field in the opening 24 minutes and led 48-42 lead at halftime.
Vucevic scored 17 in the first half to keep the Bulls within striking distance.
White said it was easy to run the offense through the All-Star once he got going.
&ldquo;Vooch is a bucket getter," White said. "You gotta play off a guy that talented.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Bulls: Daniel Theis, who was dealt by Boston at the trade deadline, finished with six points, six rebounds and four assists in his first matchup against his former team. &hellip; Chicago scored 16 points of Boston turnovers.
Celtics: Celtics hit their first four shots, taking a 9-0 lead. &hellip; Brown scored 13 of Boston&rsquo;s first 21 points. ... Stevens said Williams, who also sat out Saturday, could be available for their matchup with Phoenix on Thursday. Fournier is expected to have a final test before being removed from health and safety protocols list sometime this week.
TRIPLE THREAT
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Tatum (23 years, 47 days) is the second-youngest Celtics player in franchise history to record a triple-double,. The youngest was Marcus Smart (21 years, 315 days) on Jan. 15, 2016 against Phoenix.
UP NEXT
Bulls: At Cleveland Wednesday.
Celtics: Host Suns Thursday.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

“Vooch is a bucket getter," Coby White said. "You gotta play off a guy that talented.”

Nikola Vucevic scores 29, Bulls snap Celtics' 6-game streak, 102-96

Delaware Blue Coats forward Paul Reed has been named the 2020-21 NBA G League Most Valuable Player and NBA G League Rookie of the Year, the NBA G League announced today. He becomes the third player to win both awards in the same season, joining Tim Frazier (2014-15) and Devin Brown (2002-03).
A two-way player with the Philadelphia 76ers, Reed (6-9, 210, DePaul) averaged 22.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.93 steals and 1.80 blocks while shooting 58.8% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range in 15 regular-season games with the Blue Coats. Among qualified players, Reed ranked third in the NBA G League in scoring and rebounding and tied for third in steals. He also recorded a league-high 12 double-doubles.
Among rookies, Reed was the league leader in rebounds per game and offensive rebounds per game (4.6), and he ranked second in scoring, tied for second in steals and seventh in blocks. Reed equaled a rookie season high with 35 points in Delaware&rsquo;s 129-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue on Feb. 27, a total matched only by Raptors 905 guard Malachi Flynn. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Reed led the Blue Coats to a franchise-best seven-game winning streak to start the season, a stretch in which he averaged 22.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.29 steals and 1.43 blocks. He was named the NBA G League Player of the Week for Week 1 of the season.
Behind Reed, Delaware posted a 10-5 record in the regular season and earned the fourth seed in the 2021 NBA G League Playoffs. The Blue Coats won two playoff games before losing to the Lakeland Magic 97-78 in the NBA G League Final presented by YouTube TV on March 11.
The 76ers selected Reed with the 58th overall pick in the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm. Reed, who signed a two-way contract with Philadelphia on Nov. 27, 2020, has appeared in seven games for the 76ers this season. NBA G League head coaches and general managers whose teams participated in single-site play at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., voted for both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards.&nbsp;
Rio Grande Valley Vipers guard Kevin Porter Jr., who was on assignment from the Houston Rockets, finished in second place in voting for NBA G League MVP. Raptors 905 forward Henry Ellenson finished third.In NBA G League Rookie of the Year voting, Lakeland forward Mamadi Diakite and Canton Charge guard Brodric Thomas finished in second and third place, respectively.
 NBA G League Most Valuable Players 2020-21: Paul Reed (Delaware Blue Coats) 2019-20: Frank Mason III (Wisconsin Herd) 2018-19: Chris Boucher (Raptors 905) 2017-18: Lorenzo Brown (Raptors 905) 2016-17: Vander Blue (Los Angeles D-Fenders) 2015-16: Jarnell Stokes (Sioux Falls Skyforce) 2014-15: Tim Frazier (Maine Red Claws) 2013-14: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants) &nbsp; &nbsp; Othyus Jeffers (Iowa Energy) 2012-13: Andrew Goudelock (Rio Grande Valley Vipers) 2011-12: Justin Dentmon (Austin Toros) 2010-11: Curtis Stinson (Iowa Energy) 2009-10: Mike Harris (Rio Grande Valley Vipers) 2008-09: Courtney Sims (Iowa Energy) 2007-08: Kasib Powell (Sioux Falls Skyforce) 2006-07: Randy Livingston (Idaho Stampede) 2005-06: Marcus Fizer (Austin Toros) 2004-05: Matt Carroll (Roanoke Dazzle) 2003-04: Tierre Brown (Charleston Lowgators) 2002-03: Devin Brown (Fayetteville Patriots) 2001-02: Ansu Sesay (Greenville Groove) NBA G League Rookie of the Year Winners 2020-21: Paul Reed (Delaware Blue Coats) 2019-20: Tremont Waters, Maine Red Claws 2018-19: Angel Delgado, Aqua Caliente Clippers 2017-18: Antonio Blakeney, Windy City Bulls 2016-17: Abdel Nader, Maine Red Claws 2015-16: Quinn Cook, Canton Charge 2014-15: Tim Frazier, Maine Red Claws 2013-14: Robert Covington, Rio Grande Valley Vipers 2012-13: Tony Mitchell, Fort Wayne Mad Ants 2011-12: Edwin Ubiles, Dakota Wizards 2010-11: DeShawn Sims, Maine Red Claws 2009-10: Alonzo Gee, Austin Toros 2008-09: Othyus Jeffers, Iowa Energy 2007-08: Blake Ahearn, Dakota Wizards 2006-07: Louis Amundson, Colorado 14ers 2005-06: Will Bynum, Roanoke Dazzle 2004-05: James Thomas, Roanoke Dazzle 2003-04: Desmond Penigar, Asheville Altitude 2002-03: Devin Brown, Fayetteville Patriots 2001-02: Fred House, Charleston Lowgators
Source: Official G League Press Release

Paul Reed, the forward from the Delaware Blue Coats, has been named the 2020-21 G League MVP.

Delaware Blue Coats' Paul Reed named 2020-21 NBA G League MVP

The Boston Celtics announced today that Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye and Javonte Green join the growing inactive list of players due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. The Celtics have just eight eligible and active players ahead of Sunday's contest with the Miami Heat.
According to <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredWeissNBA/status/1348354524835147791" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jared Weiss of The Athletic</a>, the eligible players are: Marcus Smart, Jeff Teague, Payton Pritchard, Carsen Edwards, Tremont Waters, Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis and Tacko Fall.
This leaves the Celtics with a single traditional wing in the rookie Nesmith. He, Theis and Fall are the three players above 6-foot-3 who are available to play. Given that most of these rulings have come in the past couple of days, the Celtics could be playing this lineup for multiple games.&nbsp;

The Celtics must have eight active players for Sunday's game to continue as planned.

With Jaylen Brown, others out, Celtics down to 8 available players

Luka Doncic is still the favorite to win the NBA MVP award, which was the case even before he recorded his first triple-double of the season last night (33 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists). Trae Young probably has a different opinion on the matter, as does Domantas Sabonis. And do not get us started on freak show Julius Randle, who was supposed to be the butt of never-ending Knicks jokes but has instead dominated.
Until yesterday, LaMelo Ball was the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award, and he comes off the bench&hellip; although if Devonte&rsquo; Graham keeps playing so poorly, that may change quickly. James Wiseman has overtaken him.
The Los Angeles Lakers are heavily favored to win the title, which makes sense. The Brooklyn Nets are the second choice despite sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and now facing a week without Kevin Durant (as well as missing Spencer Dinwiddie for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL). The East-leading Philadelphia 76ers are 20-1.
Some things make perfect sense in the NBA gambling world, and some things do not. Figuring out the difference is what can make folks rich.
Here are five questions regarding the NBA gambling market (along with the best answers this writer can come up with).
<img src="https://basketballnews-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/story/body/jokic2_lg.jpg" alt="" width="791" height="AUTO" />
Which teams have been kindest to bettors? 
The Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia Sixers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are all 5-2 against the spread. The Denver Nuggets are 5-1 on over/unders. These kinds of numbers are important to people who gamble, and do not underestimate their numbers. <a href="https://www.legalsportsreport.com/sports-betting/revenue/">In December, $12.09 billion was legally wagered in Nevada, $10.85 billion was wagered in New Jersey, and $4.5 billion in Pennsylvania.</a> Sports gambling is a massive growth business, and at a certain point, state legislatures in New York, California and Texas are going to figure that out.
Why is Luka Doncic still the favorite for MVP? 
Prior to the season, the oddsmakers figured the Dallas Mavericks would be a top-four team in the Western Conference and Doncic would lead the NBA in triple-doubles (as he did last season), which carries a lot of weight with voters. Right now, it looks like Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook (when he is not tired) will finish ahead of him, although it is too early to say that with any certainty. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the second choice because he is the reigning two-time MVP, but the Greek Freak&rsquo;s team is only 4-3&hellip; so it doesn&rsquo;t look like he will wrap up the award by early February like he did a year ago. There is no reasonable explanation as to why <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/103?category=awards&amp;subcategory=game">Paul George is 80-1</a>.
Why would anyone play the over/under? 
Well, that depends on the perspective of the bettor. On Sunday, the &ldquo;under&rdquo; hit in seven of eight games. Last Friday, the &ldquo;under&rdquo; hit in nine out of 10 games. Last night, the &ldquo;under&rdquo; was 5-4. The biggest miss by the oddsmakers was an over/under off by 32 &frac12; points in the Warriors-Kings game. With many teams giving what we shall politely call &ldquo;early-season defensive effort,&rdquo; the scores have been high. The oddsmakers try to adjust, but this is clearly a tough season to figure out. The Nets-Jazz over/under tonight is 231 &frac12; despite Durant sitting out, and Utah is a 2 &frac12; -point &lsquo;dog. There is no rational explanation for this.
Why is James Wiseman the favorite for Rookie of the Year? 
For one thing, he plays with Steph Curry and he&rsquo;s complemented him extremely well. Also, he is making up for milk-carton-material Draymond Green, who became a better broadcaster than basketball player over the past 12 months. Wiseman is averaging 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range. LaMelo Ball has the next-best odds, and Anthony Edwards is the third choice. Payton Pritchard, who went for 23 points last night while Tremont Waters started for Boston, is 80-1. Again, this is unexplainable.
Can anyone catch Christian Wood for Most Improved Player? 
He is the prohibitive 2-1 favorite right now for obvious reasons, but the Houston Rockets are only five games into a 72-game season. Jaylen Brown is making a strong case, but he was already a known commodity. Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs is 50-1, averaging 16.2 points and a team-leading 7.5 rebounds. He averaged 9.1 and 3.4 last year, and his odds might be lower if his team was not in the middle of a four-game losing streak.

Why is Luka Doncic still the MVP favorite? Which teams have been kindest to bettors? Chris Sheridan answers these questions and more.

Five NBA gambling questions worth pondering

Kelsea O'Brien selects a G League player (or coach) who could help each NBA team in the Eastern Conference.