UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAYERS POST-ASB

NORMAN POWELL - He's in a contract year, so it's no surprise he'd be coming alive during the home stretch. It appears that Toronto is on pace to miss the playoffs, but it likely won't be due to Normal Powell's game. With Siakam, VanVleet, and OG the only long-term core pieces, Powell is making a case to be extended. Over the 4 games since the All-Star Break, he's averaging 30.3 PPG and 5.0 3PM, with 57/49/74 splits. He's 27 and entering his prime and could be looking to move on from Toronto to be a larger role on a rebuilding team. Keep an eye on him next year in the Most Improved Player conversation if he sees a major jump like Christian Wood did this past year.

ANTHONY EDWARDS - With all the hype centered around LaMelo Ball, Edwards has been trying to remind people of late that he was the #1 overall pick. With questions marks centered around Karl Anthony-Towns being the centerpiece of this offense, Edwards is making a case that he could be the team's superstar. Over the past 5 games since the ASB, he's averaging 30.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 1.6 SPG. Combine that with 3.6 3PM, something many people were concerned would not be part of his game. His FT % leaves much to be desired, but he could end up sneaking into the ROTY, having already passed Ball's PPG average and there still being several weeks of games remaining.

JULIUS RANDLE - He's honestly been playing phenomenal all year and was well deserving of an All-Star nod. His most recent stretch has been even more impressive. His 17-assist game last night capped off a 20.6 PPG, 11.4 APG, 9.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.8 3PM since the break. While his 3-point percentage is solid, the rest of his percentages are just okay, yet aside that, he's a major reason the Knicks are in the 7-seed and .500 for the first time since 2012-13. There is still time for them to slide, yet with Rose coming back soon and the emergence of Quickly in the second unit, they seemed prime to stay locked in.

KEVIN PORTER JR - Off-court issues were the reason why he slid and was eventually the reason why he was no longer with the Cavs. With Oladipo, Wall, and Wood out, he was given some run as the key offensive player. Since the All-Star break he's averaging 19.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.8 3PM. His splits are ugly and he has not translated his stats to wins, yet he could be a useful piece in their system as they continue to build up their arsenal of draft assets. With Oladipo's contract expiring, he could eventually move into the starting lineup and be an inexpensive option for them down the line.

FURKAN KORKMAZ - This 3-point specialist was the player to send the Milwaukee game into overtime in a heartbreaking loss. With Embiid out in the short-term, he's taken on a lot more of the offensive load, as has several players on the team. He particularly stands out due to his production and efficiency. Over the 5 games with Embiid out, he's averaging 14.6 PPG, 1.4 SPG, and 2.6 3PM on 48/52/75 splits in only 21.4 MPG. An absolute bench spark plug, he could find himself being played often toward the end of games to help balance out the shooting deficiencies of Ben Simmons.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DALLAS SUMMER LEAGUE

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS: DALLAS SUMMER LEAGUE PROSPECTS: Derrick Alston Jr - SF/PF - A solid G-League prospect that averaged close to 20 PPG and some potential as a stretch shooter from the 4-spot. He is an above average passer and a good free throw shooter. From the eye test he does not appear to be an explosive athlete but he's a hard finisher and is often relied on to defend multiple positions. He could be useful down the line, but I don't see him being able to get minutes on a competing team. Grade: C- Marcus Bingham Jr - C/PF - Outside of Hardy, he might be the crowned jewel of this group. He's a true 7-footer, came from a solid college program, and showed improvement every year at Michigan State. His defense is much further along than his offense, but his efficiency has improved over time and he's added a 3-ball to his game. Foul trouble will be a major concern, but I think he could be a bench big within a year or two. His block rate is outstanding and I think if h...
Read more
UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS: CAN THE PELICANS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? This article comes in the midst of the Pelicans being on a 4-game win streak. The Kings which got hot, finally ended their streak. Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Rockets seems to be in a slump. I wouldn't say the door is open for them, but there's at least a window. What has propelled this team? A lot. Let's start with the obvious. Zion and Ingram have played very well. During the win streak, Zion has scored 23.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.8 APG, and 1.3 BPG. Ingram has averaged 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 1.8 BPG. While these numbers don't jump off the page, what's interesting from both players is the increased amount of passing. Everyone on these team seems to be getting involved in the offense, nobody on this team is selfish, and it's just a group effort in every facet of the game. The next player that has done phenomenal has been Lonzo Ball. He's almost the forgotten Ball brother since his younger brother, La...
Read more
UPYSDE SPORTS PRESENTS: Addressing the Viability of a Kristaps Trade: I myself, have been very critical of Kristaps. Ranging from his health, finding him overrated as a shooter, not assertive enough on offense, and feeling that his defensive stats are empty. Obviously, I can see his upside, it's the name of my blog, but I feel like he plays out of position, is too thin, and his biggest strength (his size), is also likely going to be what limits his potential. Now, I gave him time. When the trade happened originally, I was pretty excited. He was coming off an injury, but had a really nice All-Star season in New York. Most Mavs fans, myself included, had somewhat soured on Dennis Smith Jr, and we saw what Luka is - a superstar. Wanting to get some wins in his rookie contract, I was receptive of the trade. Tank for the rest of the season and then the following year we get the two Euro sensations. Didn't quite work out that way. He did play very well in the bubble - helping us get ...
Read more