Thursday, September 28, 2023
manilastandard.net
ADVERTISEMENT
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
    • Young Life
  • Special Pages
    • Pets
    • Tech
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • On the Road
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Cravings
    • Environment & Sustainability
    • Agriculture
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
    • Young Life
  • Special Pages
    • Pets
    • Tech
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • On the Road
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Cravings
    • Environment & Sustainability
    • Agriculture
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
manilastandard.net
No Result
View All Result
Home Opinion Columns

NBA expectations and disappointments, too

Lito CincobyLito Cinco
January 19, 2022, 9:00 pm
in Columns, Opinion, So I See by Lito Banayo
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

Players making three-point shots from everywhere, anytime and by anybody, including the big men.

Floaters and teardrop shots at seemingly impossible angles.

Teammates consciously looking for the open man the way the game is played in Europe.

Blow-bies on the way to the hoop with nary any defense encountered.

Euro steps, step-back jumpers and fadeaways.

Alley-oops and slam dunks dunks during games .

Young and eager players not awed at all competing against superstars and veterans.

Big men bringing down the ball from the other side, playing as if they were their teams’ point guards.

Watch an NBA game and these are the expectations you can have, but you need to watch out, too, for disappointments.

Let us see, what can you say about Golden State, more so with the successful return of Klay Thompson, the Phoenix Suns led by the ageless Chris Paul, Donovan Mitchell and Utah, Ja Morant and his Grizzlies, throw in Dallas and Denver in the Western Conference.

While in the Eastern side, the Bulls, Nets, Heat, Bucks, the 76ers, Cavs and Hornets are all up there.

You see, there are different expectations in the NBA as far as teams are concerned. For the teams above, most of them are those expected to make it to the playoffs easily.

Then, there are teams we expected to make it easily, but are so far disappointments, including the Celtics, Hawks, Trailblazers and the Lakers, currently in no. 7, the Knicks and the Clippers.

Of course, there are teams like Magic, Pistons, Rockets, Thunder, Pelicans and the Kings, who do not have any expectations and we share this with them.

But of course, the injuries to players including key players, have taken its toll on a lot of teams, affecting their current and post-season chances.

The fact is, a quick look at the list of injured players will show we can form an All-Star team, maybe even two teams at that.

Imagine players like Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Stephen Curry, Draymond Greene, Jamal Murray, Damian Lillard, Zach Lavine, Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Michael PorterJr., Jrue Holiday, Kyle Lowry, John Wall, Derrick Rose, Kemba Walker, Jerami Grant, Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bognanovich, Ricky Rubio, Deandre Ayton, Andre Iguodala, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Kelly Oubre Jr , and Victor Oladipo. And this list is not even complete.

Imagine Portland without Lillard, the Lakers without Davis, Houston without Wall, the Nets with no Durant and Kyrie Irving a part time player, and the Clippers without Leonard and George, even the Warriors, if Curry and Green will not be available for a long time. Other teams though are able to adapt with young players coming to fore.

And that is why player trades are supposed to happen and teams will start dealing and wheeling to beat the February 10 deadline, plugging holes in their lineups, letting go of disposable players, or looking ahead even to the far future.

And even if on the injured list, names like Grant, even Lillard, Kevin Love, Marcus Smart, and healthy ones like Russel Westbrook , Dennis Schroder, Wally Beal, and Ben Simmons are among those mentioned.

But I am really impressed with teams like Memphis, Minnesota, Cleveland, Chicago, Charlotte and Washington for being there in the top 10.

These teams are among those who lost badly in the past, but are now winning.

The Bulls benefited the most from their pre-season buildup, getting DeMar deRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball. Same with the Heat as Lowry joined them, the Wizards got better after unloading Westbrook, the Hornets struck a jackpot with LaMelo Ball, throw in Oubrey Jr., too, while Memphis, Cleveland and Minnesota have all rediscovered the joy of winning.

Biggest busts for me would be the Lakers with their souped-up lineup, but only winning half their games. Okay, without Davis at that, but I do not believe Westbrook fits in with the team. In fact, I do not know where he fits.

Also, I do not like the propensity of the Lakers to go for short cuts and doing away with developing team chemistry.

Boston is another big disappointment with the presence of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Browne that some are questioning if these two can really play together, say the way Rozan and Lavine hit it off in Chicago.

There are a lot more games to be played before the playoffs, and I still would expect to see some changes in the Top 8 for each conference, especially in the 5th to 8th places. The current top 4 teams look like they can retain their standings.

Looking at my crystal ball (yes, I got a new digital one already), I still have to learn how it operates with so many apps and options, so no fearless predictions first, only fearful guesses.

I just hope that locally, the PBA finally gets back on its feet. I understand the league has been given a recommendation to resume and awaits the Inter Agency Task Force approval to resume operations.

And as I have said last year, the pandemic is not the only problem the PBA faces, I wish the league good luck.

Tags: Chris PaulDonovan MitchellKlay ThompsonNBA
ADVERTISEMENT
Lito Cinco

Lito Cinco

Related Posts

Protecting human rights defenders

byManila Standard
September 28, 2023, 12:15 am
0
8
Protecting human rights defenders

If human rights defenders are an endangered species, Senator Risa Hontiveros believes what they need is adequate protection from harassment...

Read more

Bliss or bore

byLito Banayo
September 28, 2023, 12:10 am
0
8
A crisis president

"Through the bliss or bore, the saddest element is to note the deterioration of our once beautifully livable country into...

Read more

The MUP pension debate

byFlorencio Fianza
September 28, 2023, 12:05 am
0
8
Money matters

"There are people in both the military and police who are anxiously waiting for the final outcome so they can...

Read more

Investing for the future

byMelandrew Velasco
September 28, 2023, 12:00 am
0
8
RSA: Mr. Malasakit, the environmentalist

"SMC’s noble purpose and commitment to invest in the Filipino future is commendable" Every  year one learns about performances of...

Read more

China’s floating barriers

byManila Standard
September 27, 2023, 12:15 am
0
8
China’s floating barriers

Incredible accomplishment. That one, after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a “floating barrier” installed by China southeast of Bajo de...

Read more

Train extensions – when will they be operational?

byJenny Ortuoste
September 27, 2023, 12:10 am
0
8

It’s time for priority to be given to commuters — the workers who are the lifeblood of industry, the students...

Read more

Print Edition

View More

Recent Posts

  • Former sanda world champ Mandal nets PH’s 1st silver
  • Van der Valk survives wild 3rd round, hikes lead to 2
  • PSC chief Bachmann: More medals will come
  • Real estate winners
  • Pirates vow not to relax after victory over Knights
  • Energy summit
  • Azkals need to be ‘brutal’
  • 2 eagles drive Uy to ICTSI Mimosa romp

Advertisement

Latest News

Energy summit

byManila Standard
September 28, 2023, 8:55 pm
0
8
Lazada empowers young filmmaker with P1-million production grant

The Association of Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP) recently concludes a summit in Tagaytay...

Read more

Azkals need to be ‘brutal’

byErel Cabatbat
September 28, 2023, 8:50 pm
0
8
That mighty bark and bite

As he continues to prepare the Philippine Azkals, the men’s national football team of the country, for the upcoming Asian...

Read more

2 eagles drive Uy to ICTSI Mimosa romp

byManila Standard
September 28, 2023, 8:45 pm
0
8
Blazers trade Lillard to Bucks

Clark Freeport Zone—Daniella Uy dusted herself off a previous setback that ruined a three-straight title drive and went right back...

Read more

Tudor’s De Kleijn tops stage 8, Carr keeps Langkawi leadership 

byRandy Caluag
September 28, 2023, 8:40 pm
0
8
Blazers trade Lillard to Bucks

MELAKA, Malaysia--Arvid De Kleijn of Tudor Pro Cycling Team again displayed his vaunted sprint prowess and won his second stage...

Read more

Coca-Cola PH, partners collect more than 1,000 kgs of waste in coastal cleanup in Tanza, Cavite

byManila Standard
September 28, 2023, 8:35 pm
0
8
Coca-Cola PH, partners collect more than 1,000 kgs  of waste in coastal cleanup in Tanza, Cavite

Coca-Cola Philippines, together with Plastic Bank Philippines and Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, led over 200 volunteers to collect debris and marine...

Read more

Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

ABOUT US

Manila Standard

Manila Standard website (manilastandard.net), launched in August 2002, extends the newspaper’s reach beyond its traditional readers and makes its brand of Philippine news and opinion available to a much wider and geographically diverse readership here and overseas.

Digital Edition

In tone and content, the online edition mirrors the editorial thrust of the newspaper. While hewing to the traditional precepts of fairness and objectivity, MS believes the news of the day need not be staid, overly long or dry. Stories are succinct, readable and written in a lively style that has become a hallmark of the newspaper.

Download – Today’s Paper

Search

No Result
View All Result

6th Floor Universal Re Bldg., 106 Paseo De Roxas cor. Perea Street, Legaspi Village, 1226 Makati City Philippines

Trunklines: 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
    • Young Life
  • Pets
  • Tech
    • Gadgets
    • Computers
    • Business
    • Tech Plus
  • ON THE ROAD
    • Sedan
    • SUV
    • Truck
    • Bike
    • Accessories
    • Motoring Plus
    • Commuter’s Corner
  • Home & Design
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Construction
    • Interior
  • Spotlight
  • Cravings
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Agriculture
  • Pop.Life
    • Newsmakers
    • Hangouts
    • A-Pop
    • Post Its
    • Performances
    • Malls & Bazaars
    • Hobbies & Collections
  • Events
    • Seminars
    • Exhibits
    • Community
  • Biyahero
    • Travel Features
    • Travel Reels
    • Travel Logs
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • Advertise with Us

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Install Manila Standard Web App

Install App