Some NBA news just stands out from the rest. On my blog, basketballintelligence.net, I map out links to the "daily best" blog posts on the web. It started in part as an antidote to the recent proliferation of nonsense that seems to be taking over, including the ghastly slideshows that purport to show the "20 best" something or other and that are essentially random in their choices and are totally devoid of quality control.
Here are some stories I selected (including link and commentary) to the best of the NBA blogosphere this week. To qualify, a story must be Intelligent, Interesting, Informative and Insightful.
1) Chris Paul
Summary: The Clippers star has been unfairly criticized (from Matt Moore, CBS Sports): http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/at-this-rate-chris-pauls-greatness-is-destined-to-be-forgotten-for-good/
2) Billy Donovan Podcast
Summary: Developing his role as a head coach, the differences in collegiate and NBA coaching, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and much more (from Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo.com): http://sports.yahoo.com/news/okc-coach-billy-donovan-on-russell-westbrook---he-wants-to-win-at-the-highest-level-164648994.html?soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma
3) The Phil Jackson Chronicles, Part VII
Summary: Phil's postmortem on the 2015-16 Knicks' season (from Charley Rosen, Today’s Fast Break): http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/nba-east/new-york-knicks/phil-jackson-chronicles-part-7-2015-16-season-postmortem/
4) The Magic’s New Defensive Identity
Summary: The Magic have made a clear and distinct change to make the defense better. It started with hiring Frank Vogel as the team’s new head coach . It continued with acquiring Serge Ibaka. And then the signing of Bismack Biyombo. (from Philip Rossman-Reich, Orlando Magic Daily): http://orlandomagicdaily.com/2016/08/24/orlando-magic-all-about-defense-with-serge-ibaka-bismack-biyombo/
5) Dave Joerger's Interview
Summary: Zach Lowe talks to new Kings coach Dave Joerger about leaving Memphis for Sacramento, his plans for Boogie, minor league life, and the peak of grit 'n' grind (from Zach Lowe, ESPN): http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play/_/id/17383599
6) Royce White: Dear NBA
Summary: "Although honesty has not served me well in our industry thus far. I am still here, transparent and interested in doing what is right. It is now after four patient years, I’m calling the NBA to action." - Royce White (from pg-sports.com): http://pg-sports.com/dear-nba/
7) Mental Skills Coaching
Summary: The No. 3 overall pick has worked with mental-skills coach Graham Betchart for several years (from Biran Robb, Boston.com): https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2016/08/23/how-jaylen-brown-is-making-sure-his-mind-is-ready-for-start-of-nba-journey
8) What's Next For Brad Stevens? How About Team USA?
Summary: "We’ve seen him play for Zionsville High School and DePauw University. We saw him coach Butler, and now the Boston Celtics. Every step of the way – every single step – Brad Stevens has wildly overachieved. Some day we need to see him coach the U.S. Olympic team." (from Gregg Doyel, indystar.com): http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2016/08/24/doyel-on-brad-stevens/89204312/
9) Cavs’ David Griffin Is An Underrated General Manager
Summary: "The Cavs' best asset may well be in its front office (from Chris DeSilva, King James Gospel): http://kingjamesgospel.com/2016/08/24/david-griffin-underrated-general-manager/
10) Kenny Atkinson Interview
Summary: Roster, not system, will dictate Nets' Offense, Defense (from Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN): http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play/_/id/17352848 and read excerpts here: http://www.netsdaily.com/2016/8/23/12603444/kenny-atkinson-roster-not-system-will-dictate-brooklyn-nets-offense
11) Examining Valanciunas’ Post Frustrations
Summary: Raptor Center Jonas Valanciunas' Post-ups: Why Are They Always A Struggle? (from Demar Grant, tipofthetower.com): http://tipofthetower.com/2016/08/23/toronto-raptors-examining-jonas-valanciunas-post-frustrations/
12) Popovich Will Lead Team He Was Left Off Of 4 decades Ago
Summary: His bid to represent the United States in the Olympic Games as a player was squashed by petty politics (from Jackie MacMullan, ESPN): http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17356380/introducing-team-usa-next-coach-gregg-popovich
13) 2017 Draft’s Sleeper At Each Position
Summary: NBA scouts should already have a good sense of the premier prospects at each position. But it's inevitable: We're going to see under-the-radar players at basically every spot rise up the ranks during the year (from Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report): http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2659223-the-2017-nba-drafts-biggest-sleeper-at-each-position
14) Trey Lyles: Utah's Secret Hidden Weapon
Summary: He’s been concealed in various ways since college, but the Jazz would be wise to find more ways to showcase his talent (from Jonathan Tjarks, The Ringer): https://theringer.com/trey-lyles-utah-jazz-secret-weapon-b3edb76c6ad9#.djyxgzhpb
