NBA Weekly Recap: December 9
The NBA season is in full swing with many playoff contenders making themselves known on the court. Despite the continued battles on the court, this week was full of headlines off of the court.
The biggest issue the NBA is facing is a growing coronavirus concern. Several teams throughout the league are dealing with players being put into health and safety protocols. On Saturday, Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks became the latest player subject to protocol.
Derrick Jones Jr. joined teammates Matt Thomas, DeMar Derozan, Javonte Green and Colby White in protocol for the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, despite having these key players out of the lineup, are still in second place in the Eastern Conference.
The Charlotte Hornets are also dealing with a team-wide coronavirus problem with five of their players in league protocol. Reigning Rookie of the Year Lamelo Ball headlines a group that also includes Terry Rozier, Ish Smith, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels.
On Wednesday, any player who was signed a new contract over the offseason will become eligible to be traded. With that being said, the trade rumours have begun to heat up.
The Indiana Pacers, who are currently in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12-16 and are looking to rebuild, according to sources. Center Myles Turner has expressed his frustrations with the organization which could be looking to part ways with him and some other players in the coming weeks.
Reports surrounding Damian Lillard surfaced out of Portland this week.
The franchise’s centerpiece is looking for a defense-minded wing player to complement his playing style and help Portland rebound from its early-season struggles. The Trailblazers currently sit at 11th in the Western Conference at 11-15.
One player that has been brought up for Portland is Ben Simmons. Simmons has yet to play for the Philadelphia 76ers this season citing mental health concerns.
The 76ers have also been rumoured to want to move him for the right price. Philadelphia has fallen to seventh in the Eastern Conference after its strong start.
From one franchise centerpiece to another, the New Orleans Pelicans are struggling to get Zion Williamson back on the court.
Williamson, who was drafted first overall in 2019, has yet to see playing time following foot surgery. New Orleans announced this week it will be slowing down Zion’s rehab. The Pelicans sit at 8-20 and in last place in the Western Conference.
With everything going on off of the court, teams are still producing on the court. The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns are pacing the league with their 21-4 records going into Saturday night.
Golden State, who maintains the best record by virtue of head-to-head record, has still yet to see Klay Thompson return from injury.
With Steph Curry looking like the MVP favorite at the moment, this offense will look to become even more potent than it already is.
The Utah Jazz have been riding a six-game winning streak to start closing the gap on the top teams in the league.
Utah sits in third place just three games behind in the West. The Lakers continue to struggle to get anything going with the oldest roster in the NBA. They are sitting in seventh place.
In the East, the Nets are in first place with a record of 18-8. Kevin Durant has returned to his MVP form and will look to rival his former teammate for the award.
The defending champion Milwaukee Bucks are sitting in third place with a record of 17-10. Giannis Antetokounmpo is also putting his name in the MVP race.
The Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans own the three worst records in the NBA at this point in the season. If things hold, these three teams will have the same odds for the No. 1 pick at the end of the season.
Justin Ciavolella is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jtc5751@psu.edu.
