Toronto Raptors: Weekly NBA news, including LeBron recruiting Davis
Every week we take you beyond the Toronto Raptors, around the NBA. This week’s highlights include Anthony Davis being recruited, the Rockets signing Austin Rivers, and the start of the real NBA season.
The Toronto Raptors are 26-12 and first place in the NBA, but what’s been happening around the rest of the league? We take a look in our weekly NBA update.
Christmas slate of games
The NBA season has unofficially started. Don’t tell the first-place Toronto Raptors, but it’s been well contested that the NBA’s real season doesn’t start until December 25th, when the league can debut it’s Christmas Day games.
It’s been well covered at this point that Toronto was left without an Xmas day game. It makes sense as the NBA needed to make room for dynamic teams such as the New York Knicks and big markets like Oklahoma City and Salt Lake City.
The most notable takeaways from the NBA’s biggest regular season slate was the fantastic showdown between the 76ers and Celtics, as well as the Lakers surprising dominance over the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron recruits Davis
LeBron James was asked about his thoughts about playing with Anthony Davis. When given the opportunity, LeBron did not mince words:
"“That would be amazing, like, duh. That would be incredible.”"
This has upset a couple of GMs and fans in small markets as they worry about their top superstar being poached.
This has to be the biggest non-story ever. I’m not sure what LBJ is supposed to say in that situation. Do you want him to talk about how Anthony Davis sucks? Should he talk about how AD doesn’t fit the Lakers? Let’s be real, LeBron is recruiting Davis every time the two hang out, as he should. Getting another superstar will supplant the Lakers as a real NBA contender. LeBron knows that better than anyone.
Houston Rockets sign Austin Rivers
With Chris Paul expected to miss 3-6 weeks with a hamstring injury, the Houston Rockets desperately needed guard help. One way to fill that need was by going out and signing Paul’s old friend Austin Rivers.
As easy as it is to make jokes about Austin Rivers, and trust me it is easy, he’s a significant upgrade compared to the fringe players on the Rockets’ bench. Houston isn’t asking the world of him and if he can provide competent backup point guard minutes, his veterans’ minimum contract will be a huge success.
Next. Holiday gifts for every Toronto Raptor, including Danny Green's time machine. dark
Best articles of the week
The Thunder Are Playing Way Better, But Are They A Real Contender?
Chris Herring breaks down the Oklahoma City Thunder’s improved play this season and whether they’re a real contender for an NBA championship. By the way, Chris Herring has gotten to near Zach Lowe levels of must-read for all NBA fans.
Bill Simmons’s NBA Trade Value Rankings 2018-19
I have some gripes with this list, but the goal of an article is to keep you engaged and interested the entire time. Bill Simmons does exactly that in his return to writing.