Around the NBA

The tragic death of Kobe, Gianna Bryant, and 7 others on January 26,2020 came at a complete shock and reminded us all that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Kobe is arguably one of the greatest to ever play in the NBA. Gianna Bryant was only 13 years old, and with her father by her side, they were just getting started on not only changing women's basketball, but maybe even the world overall. I have tried to sit down and write a full blog about this, and I simply can't. This was the first athlete or celebrity death that I cried and was sad for a few weeks. Vanessa Bryant's speech on the memorial was amazing. For her to share Kobe and Gianna on a more personal level was remarkable and I feel like I know them a lot more for who they are. I still miss you Kobe and thanks for giving me so many basketball and inspiring quote memories. Rest in peace.

Zion Williamson has played in 17 games so far this season, and has scored 20 points or more in all 17 games. That is truly remarkable for a 19 year old rookie playing in his first 17 games. Zion is no ordinary rookie as he had a lot of hype coming into the NBA, which he has certainly lived up to this year. Zion is 285 pounds and has the speed and athletic ability of a high profile guard. The New Orleans Pelicans with Zion are fully healthy and making a push for the 8th seed in the playoffs, and have a great chance to make it. To answer the question of this topic I do not believe Zion should win rookie of the year. It's not rookie of the half a year, its of the full year. Ja Morant of the Grizzlies has been consistently the best rookie by far this year. What Zion has done thus far is amazing and very entertaining to watch, and this kid will have a bright future ahead of him.

Jayson Tatum was the third overall pick out of Duke by the Boston Celtics in 2017. He had high expectations coming out of Duke and he has lived up to them in my opinion. Currently at 22 years old, Tatum is one of the better players in the league. This year Tatum is averaging 23 points a game and is a consistent 20 to 30 point per game scorer. Kemba Walker has had injury issues, and in those games that he misses, Tatum usually goes off when Kemba is off the court. Tatum has had a couple terrible shooting nights in the NBA this year, and the following game he goes off and scores a lot. He will take videos of himself after the bad game stating he would stay late to get shots up and just practice more. This to me shows the makings of a superstar and tremendous work ethic. The future is very bright for Jayson Tatum.

The Clippers have made a lot of moves since the trade deadline to not only beat the Lakers, but also win a championship. Which after all these moves I still feel the Lakers can beat the Clippers in a 7 game playoff series. The Clippers 3-12 on paper are a lot better than the Lakers. Guys like Danny Green, Dwight Howard, and playoff Rondo will certainly have to appear this postseason. Lebron and Anthony Davis will certainly step it up in the playoff and will play for 40 minutes as opposed to 34 right now during the season. The Clippers are simply too small to have anyone guard Anthony Davis. Ivica Zubac is the only 7 foot player on the Clippers roster, and he simply is not enough to stop Anthony Davis in a playoff series. Everyone else on the Clippers roster is 6'9" or shorter. Davis will just have his way with the smaller players on the Clippers roster. Kawhi has proven he is a force of nature in the playoffs, but Paul George has not. Overall, I just like the Lakers if they were to match up with the Clippers in a 7 game playoff series.