JACK'S BALL BLOG

The Los Angeles Lakers started this season off really well, going 23-11 in their first 34 games. However, there was always the underlying issue that the advanced numbers said they just were not that good. That they were closer to a .500 team than a very good one. Since that point, the Lakers are 14-13, looking like the mediocre team that their net rating had said they were. Why is this team mediocre and what does it indicate for their playoff chances? The Lakers net rating o

As we near the playoffs, the Eastern Conference is rounding into form as the Pistons, Celtics, Cavaliers and Knicks separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Let’s dive into each team and what strengths and (more importantly) weaknesses they have. This is not a ranking, these teams are in order based on the standings, so don’t get offended. 1. Pistons, 43-14 The Detroit Pistons are among the best teams in the NBA. With the 3rd best record, the 10th best offense, the 2nd

Tanking in the NBA has run rampant. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings are all teams that we know are going to spend the rest of the season tanking. Meanwhile the Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies will probably (or at least should) join in on the fun at some point, if they haven’t already. 30% of the league could spend the last month and a half of the season actively trying to lose. Of cou

It was not supposed to end like this. When the Memphis Grizzlies had back to back 50+ win seasons, they were expected to be next up. Built around a big three of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, Memphis was supposed to be one of the best teams in the league for years to come. Then, they collapsed. The Memphis Grizzlies had a moment until it all fell apart. The 2018-19 Grizzlies were led by Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, they were in the last days of the ‘Grit and G