A Few Wednesday Evening NBA Notes

– This was already mentioned by Drew in the afternoon notes, but 3 former Cats were selected to play in the inaugural Rising Stars Challenge, which is replacing the Rookie v. Sophomore game of the past.  Brandon Knight, John Wall, and the always beloved DeMarcus Cousins will partake in the event.  Last year, Wall dropped 22 assists and Boogie poured in some major buckets in route to a rookie victory.  This year, Chuck Barkely and Shaq will be the ‘GMs’ of their respective teams, and have a draft.  For those who remember gradeschool and/or still participate in rec center games, this is the classic “picking teams” paradigm.  The only question is who will be the fat kid picked last? (I say that bum Evan Turner.)   The statistic probability is low that all three Kentucky guys will end up on the same squad, but here’s to hoping.  Check out all the invitees:

Sophomores: Blake Griffin (LA Clippers), DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings), Landry Fields (New York Knicks), Paul George (Indiana Pacers), Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz), Greg Monroe (Detroit Pistons), Tiago Splitter (San Antonio Spurs), Evan Turner (Philadelphia 76ers), and John Wall (Washington Wizards).

Rookies: Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavs), Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves), MarShon Brooks (New Jersey Nets), Brandon Knight (Detroit Pistons), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs), Markieff Morris (Phoenix Suns), Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kemba Walker (Charlotte Bobcats), and Derrick Williams (Minnesota Timberwolves).

– Speaking of the All-Star game, who will be snubbed?  And how long til we see Wall and Cousins make a conference all-star team?  Both are having great years and both are playing like All-Stars right now.

– In news from the ‘hater’ crowd, Kendrick Perkins ripped on LeBron James’ twitter usage.  Why do we care?  Partially because everyone wants to join in on the LBJ hatefest.  Anytime someone chokes a late lead or brings up anything about not finishing something strong, all the comedians on the interwebs think they are being originally as they hastily come up with their best ‘just like LeBron’ punchline.  Stop it.  It’s played out and no longer funny.  You don’t have to like LBJ, but he’s part of the UK family so long as Calipari is here.   With that said, I do kinda like Kendrick Perkins, if not just for his amazing scowl.  Sucks for him that his highlight of the season will be this embarrassment via The Albino Terminator.

– Check out this write up on DeMarcus Cousins.  We here at KSR love this man.  In fact, I’m wearing an Elmer Fudd hat indoors right now in his honor.  Don’t make me go put on my hipster-rimmed glasses.  Cousins is really flourishing under the new coach and he’s third in the entire league in double-doubles this season, despite his teams poor record.  This article highlights Boogie’s uniqueness as a player and person.  Check out this quote if you aren’t sold on clicking the link yet:

Cousins rarely does anything quietly, but his offensive dominance this season has flown squarely under the radar. He barely registers in discussions about the league’s up-and-comers, despite the fact that, at just 21 years old, he ranks third in the N.B.A. this season in double-doubles. He nearly pulled off back-to-back 20-20 games in the last three days (with a 21-point, 20-rebound performance against Golden State, and a 28-point, 19-rebound outing in New Orleans), and yet Cousins made a mere blip in the collective basketball coverage and consciousness. He’s become a forgotten star of the League Pass era, a yin to Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe’s more touted yang.

– Jeff Goodman tackled the UK vs. Toronto Raptors (& others) ordeal…again.

– I don’t know exactly where this Wall Street Journal report is, but I stumbled upon this a bit ago – UK ranks No. 9 in NBA former player career earnings since 1985.  Right now, UNC sits at No. 1.  Is there any doubt that UK skyrockets to the top spot before long? In the words of STL’s finest band-aid wearer, we’re coming for that number one spot.  EDIT:  wait, I found that WSJ article.  Click to enjoy.