Around the NBA

Always good to have one of these threads going throughout the season.

So I'll start.

Last night featured a number of Ex-Bulls from last season, so it was very interesting to observe them without the lens of a diehard fan.

And after watching the games, I can honestly say the only person's game I was left reminiscing over was Justin Holiday. He's a good roleplayer.

Everyone else was pretty underwhelming. (I didn't watch the SA-GS game mind you).

Jo, I hate to say it, basically looks done. He plays like he's afraid his knee is going to give out and doesn't have any pop to his game anymore. I watched him closely on defense and he resorts to a lot more grabbing and pulling than he used to. Wouldn't be surprised if his market value is that of an MLE player by mid-season.

Derrick looked the same as last year, for better and worse. He's still very athletic, but he's clearly lost that super-elite gear that made him so unique, and his game still hasn't adjusted. He had a variety of nice drives to the basket, but defenses don't have to react to him the way they once did, so his forays to the rim don't carry much gravity for his team. Despite some impressive shot-creating his overall performance was low efficiency and devoid of much impact.

Dunleavy looked really washed up playing next to the Cavs' other wing players.

I'm hoping they all rebound from opening night, but I sure don't regret moving on from those guys right now.