Spartans in the NBA Weekly Update

 

The Spartans impact on the NBA continues this season.

 

 

 

The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers continue to play inconsistent basketball, however Shannon Brown remains a bright spot off the bench. In four games this past week, Brown averaged 9.5 points per game including a 13 point outing against division rival Phoenix. Brown shot a mediocre 36 percent from the floor, but showcased his savvy fundamentals by shooting 11-11 from the charity stripe throughout the course of the four games. The Lakers won three out of their four games for the week, with the only loss coming in a blowout against the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite recent woes the Lakers still lead the Pacific division and have an overall record of 26-11.

 

 

Orlando’s trade for Jason Richardson continues to pay major dividends for the team. The Magic are once again looking like the best candidate to challenge the Celtics superiority in the East Conference. In four games this past week Richardson, Averaged almost 18 points per game and averaged 34 minutes. Richardson shot 47 percent from the 3-point line. This is a testament to hard work considering jump-shooting was a major flaw in Richardson’s game upon entering the NBA. Richardson continues to provide stability and consistency at the shooting guard position for the Magic. Orlando won all four of their games this week and improved their record to 25-12.

 

 

Zach Randolph continued his all-star caliber play this week for the Grizzlies. Randolph continues to provide toughness and stability to the talented but erratic Grizzlies. He consistently pounds the boards with Moses Malone like intensity and averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds for the week. Randolph’s stellar play has not gone unnoticed but is has failed to help turn around the Grizzlies fortunes this season. Team owner Michael E. Heisley guaranteed that the Grizzlies would make the playoffs this year, so this should serve as added motivation for team the team to regroup and make a push for the post season. Randolph is at the top of his game and is the most underrated power forward in the NBA. This is possibly due to their 17-20 record.

 

 

Morris Peterson did not play in any of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s games this week. He hasn’t played in a game since December 12.

 

 

Charlie Bell did not play in any of the Golden State Warrior’s games this Week. He hasn’t played in a game since December 13th.

 

 

Drew Naymick and Idong Ibok are continuing their dreams of playing professional basketball. Both are playing on NBA development league rosters. Naymick is averaging 5.6 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Bakersfield Jam. Ibok is averaging 1.6 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game for the New Mexico Thunderbirds.