Injured Knicks Continue To Impress, All-Star Reserves
Feb 2, 2024
01:10:44
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Guests Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon discuss Jalen Brunson's impressive play for the Knicks amidst injuries, All-Star reserve selections, potential Lakers trade, and the Cojones Factor Player of the Month.
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Quick takeaways
LeBron James' absence from the Lakers lineup could prompt the team to make a big trade move at the deadline or in June with their three first-round picks.
The Grizzlies traded Steven Adams to the Rockets for Corey Joseph and draft picks, helping them manage their financial commitments and acquire assets for future trades.
Despite injuries to key players, the Lakers showcased resilience and secured a victory against the Celtics with strong three-point shooting.
Deep dives
LeBron and AD's Absence Raises Eyebrows
The Lakers ruled out LeBron James and Anthony Davis just hours after LeBron tweeted an hourglass emoji, leading to speculation about the team's plans and potential trade moves. LeBron has a history of pressuring his teams to make changes, and it has often resulted in positive outcomes. The Lakers' current position at 9th place in the Western Conference may prompt them to make a move, either before the trade deadline or in June when they have three first-round picks.
Stephen Adams Trade with the Rockets and Grizzlies
The Grizzlies traded Steven Adams, a key salary dump move, along with two future picks for the Rockets' Corey Joseph and a 2024 second-round pick. This trade helps the Grizzlies manage their upcoming financial commitments while also providing them with a collection of draft assets to potentially use in future trades. As for the Rockets, they see Adams as a valuable veteran who can contribute to the team's physicality and toughness, serving as a backup and possible trade asset with his one-year contract.
Lakers' Win Against the Celtics
Despite the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers managed to secure a victory against the Celtics. Strong three-point shooting, making 19 of 36 attempts, played a significant role in their victory. The Celtics, on the other hand, struggled with their shooting, going 11 for 38 from three-point range. The win brings the Lakers back to a .500 record and showcases their resilience amidst a challenging season.
Injury Concerns for Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid's knee injury is a cause for concern for the Philadelphia 76ers. The severity of the injury is not yet clear, but there are multiple treatment options, including rehab, surgery, trimming the meniscus, or repairing it. The team hopes Embiid can recover before the playoffs and finally have a healthy postseason run. However, there is also the possibility that he may continue to struggle with injuries, which would be a disappointment for fans and basketball enthusiasts who want to see him perform at his best in crucial games.
Trade Rumors and Market Dynamics
With the trade deadline approaching, there are some teams that could significantly impact the market. The Atlanta Hawks may consider trading Dorian Finney-Smith, while the Brooklyn Nets are uncertain about buying or selling. The Chicago Bulls have several players who could be on the move, including Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso. Additionally, the Detroit Pistons, who have been historically bad, might be more willing to sell now that they have slightly improved their record. Teams with draft picks to trade may struggle to find sellers, as many sellers want picks, but the buyers don't necessarily have them.
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk how Jalen Brunson continues to put forward great play for the Knicks even while the team is dealing with multiple injuries before talking all of the All-Star reserves across the league including a couple key snubs. Plus, could the Lakers make a big move at the deadline and the Cojones Factor Player of the Month.