Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, last season’s Rookie of the Year, has sparked the team during its recent upswing, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star notes. Barnes has reached the 20-point mark in three of the last four games. Just as important, he’s been setting up his teammates. He had a combined 22 assists in those outings and is averaging 5.4 assists this month.
“He’s an offense creator and we need him to be that,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “That doesn’t mean shooting, that means creating shots for others and creating good movement for others.”
We have more from the Eastern Conference:
- Magic big man Bol Bol has returned to the rotation after being placed in the league’s health and safety protocols and sitting out five games, Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel writes. “I’ve been feeling good so far,” said Bol, who played 18 minutes on Friday. “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. I feel pretty fine, honestly.”
- Wizards forward Corey Kispert has made half of his 3-point attempts over the last seven games and that’s forcing opponents to make adjustments, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. The Knicks limited him to four long-range attempts on Friday because of extra defensive attention. “I feel great, the best I’ve felt in my career shooting the ball for sure. I’m really, really happy with where my jump shot is,” Kispert said.
- P.J. Tucker was the Sixers’ biggest offseason acquisition via the free agent market but he’s often benched during the fourth quarter. Tucker admits that the criticism he’s taken has been difficult, considering his limited offensive role, Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. “Can you imagine playing 30 minutes and taking one shot? Maybe not shooting at all? And still having to guard the best player and do all the dirty stuff?” Tucker said.
Tucker has had a good career but the reason he is only shooting a few times a game is that he can’t get his own shot. He can’t post up, he can’t score off the dribble. everyone in the NBA can guard him.
His PER is 5.o.
That aint good.
Yea he has been a bit of a disappointment this far. Defense is there but like too man 0s in the points column, give me at least 6pts.
100% he actually used to be a solid corner shooter too but it looks as if he’s even lost that. Is kinda similar to the Thybulle situation, amazing defender but terrible on offence and you can’t play those guys at times because of that.
They’ve held on to Thybulle too long. He had trade value. Idk if he has much anymore other than salary.
Sixers: Jae Crowder and Boban Marjanovic
Suns: PJ Tucker and KM Jr
Rockets: Thybulle, Springer and a second (PHX)
Crowder takes Tuckers spot in the starting line up as the SF. Much better offensively and not a huge step down defensively. Good amount of cap cravings which gets us below the tax line. Boban great locker room guy and Tobias best mate.
PHX gets 2 PFs which will make them happy. Tucker a much more defensively win now guy and Martin younger but should be good off the bench.
Houston gets back a decent rebuilding package for KM Jr. Thybulle is a great defender and great locker room guy. Springer a young PG and a second round pick too
Win win win