Bench Dribble Podcast: NBA trade season is here
Be on alert, it's now the beginning of the NBA's trade season.
Welcome back to another NBA weekly wrap. Since we were last here superstars have dropped 50 points, stars have broken out, there were four different game winners and more. Though there's some even bigger news.
NBA trade season is here
Let's start off with the biggest news. Today is an important day in the NBA as it marks trade restrictions on 30% of the league being uplifted. Almost all players who signed as free agents in the off-season are now eligible to be traded. In total 90% of the entire association can now be shipped off.
Given how many major names swapped jerseys in the off-season we probably won't see any more major stars on the move. But given how close the league is this year expect role players to be swapped like an unwanted Christmas present.
Be sure to check out tonight's podcast where we will have a massive NBA trade preview, doing our best Woj impressions of course.
James Harden can't stop scoring
Honestly we couldn't put up as many points as Harden did last week in an entire season of amateur basketball. Harden had back-to-back 50-point games, which included 10 threes in each game. Ridiculous!
His scoring feats are unrivalled and he's now averaging the third most points in NBA history. The critics, including us, are shockingly still out on Harden, who is yet to prove himself in the play-offs.
James Harden is currently averaging the 3rd most PPG in a season in NBA History, most in a season since the 1960s. We are witnessing history, and everyone needs to appreciate Harden's greatness. pic.twitter.com/rktOZSwiDK
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 14, 2019
He also stayed in the game against Orlando just to hunt 50 points, which gives the impression he only cares about his points total. One thing for certain is the Warriors better watch out on Christmas Day, Harden could equal Kobe's 81 points if they keep it close.
Anthony Davis doesn't want to be forgotten
Such has been LeBron James' dominance this year, Anthony Davis has been somewhat overshadowed. Davis made sure nobody would forget how talented he is over the last week. He began by dropping his own 50-point game on Minnesota and Karl-Anthony Towns.
He did it the old-school way with zero three-pointers. Then in what was a classic encounter with the Miami Heat on ESPN, AD dropped 33 and 10. Most impressive was his clutch play down the stretch where he showed his range, draining treys as the Lakers edged the Heat out.
Miami have another All-Star on their hands
If you haven't caught on by now, Miami's Bam Adebayo is a special talent. At just 22 years old and in his third season, Adebayo is flourishing at centre in his first year as a full-time starter. Many have felt Miami need to give Jimmy Butler a star partner, but Adebayo is filling the void.
Just this week Bam notched not just one triple-double, but two in what was his career first. On current form he should be an Eastern Conference All-Star. Don't be shocked by this because the Kentucky alumni is balling right now.
Kawhi back to Toronto
What it do baby? Kawhi Leonard after defeating Toronto in his return game probably. Originally this looked like the game of the week. Then the Clippers locked down on defence and ran away with the game.
Leonard received his NBA Championship ring from former teammate Kyle Lowry and a fantastic tribute from Toronto. Such is the character of Kawhi, he probably enjoyed the win more than his ring.
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Game winners across the league
The NBA keeps showing why you can't afford to take a game off. Just in the last week there have been four different game winners. The Sacramento Kings started the party on NBA League Pass with Nemanja Bjelica hitting a three-pointer to take down the Houston Rockets.
In the Kings' next game Bogdan Bogdanovic pump faked and also hit a three to defeat OKC. Right back to the start of the week former MVP and now Detroit Piston Derrick Rose wound shot to ensure the Pelicans' long losing streak continued.
Australian Patty Mills called game in Mexico City against the Phoenix Suns. Curling off a LaMarcus Aldridge hand-off Mills let fly a mid-range jumper to defeat Phoenix in overtime. Per ESPN Stats & Info it was Mills' first ever go-ahead field goal in the final five seconds of play.
Relive Patty Mills' game winner today for the @Spurs!#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/QQ7L5HOGoQ
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) December 15, 2019
When will Milwaukee lose?
You almost need all your fingers and toes to keep track of the Bucks' winning streak. Milwaukee have now won 18 on the trot. We questioned last week when the Bucks would lose and here we are again.
With Luka Doncic going down with a nasty looking rolled ankle on Sunday, he may miss this week's juicy match-up against Milwaukee. While you can't entirely write Dallas off it sure makes the task harder without Doncic.
That leaves the Bucks likely staring at a showdown on Friday 20 December with LeBron James and the LA Lakers. This game will be on ESPN and could mark the Bucks winning 20 straight games.
Giannis vs LeBron is going to be must-watch TV and may even have home court implications on the play-offs. You will be able to watch the game for free on Kayo Sports by using the 14-day trial.
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