Most of the talk about the NBA right now is about the All-Star Game, in particular who will be selected by the league’s coaches this Thursday as All-Star reserves. However, there’s another important date coming up – next Thursday, February 10, is the NBA trade deadline.
Bleacher Report pitches a trade that would send the Toronto Raptors’ power forward Pascal Siakam to Memphis. To match Siakam’s $33 million salary the Grizz would send Toronto Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Steven Adams, and Ziaire Williams. To sweeten the deal, Memphis would include its own 2023 first-round pick and two other first-rounders acquired from other teams via earlier trades.
Siakam would give Memphis its third star alongside Ja and Jaren. A starting lineup of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Pascal Siakam, and Jaren Jackson sounds intriguing and the kind of lineup I can see starting an NBA Finals game. But:
- With Steven Adams going out and a star power forward coming in, Coach Jenkins would have to be totally committed to starting Jaren at center.
- Also, it would become more critical than ever that Jaren stay healthy – otherwise you could have a situation where Xavier Tillman Sr. starts at center in playoff games.
- We may already have our third star in Desmond Bane, but it’s still just a little too early to be sure of that.
- I really hate the thought of giving up Ziaire without even seeing a full season of his potential.
On the other hand, Siakam knows what it’s like to win an NBA championship. He played a huge role on the Toronto championship team that included Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol. That veteran presence could be just what the doctor ordered for the Grizzlies.
There are pros and cons. I trust Zach Kleiman to make the best decision.
I’m hearing I really missed out on catching DJ AD at the Blind Bear a week ago Saturday. Everyone I talked to said she brought a great energy to the place and her song selection was on point. She was said to be far more than a person on a laptop playing a playlist. If she gets brought back for another gig, I am going to go see her for sure.
So. Cincinnati vs. the L.A. Rams for the Super Bowl. Any bars doing Super Bowl specials, let me know. Yes, I can call it a special for the Big Game or the Superb Owl special if you’re worried about the NFL coming after you for using its trademark.
A white Jeep Cherokee was reported stolen from the area near South Main and Butler this morning. What’s up with white Jeeps being stolen recently? Are they a status symbol in the criminal community the way Infinitis are?
All right. Not much news this morning. Back tomorrow or Wednesday.