BBNBA Roundup: Christmas Week
Happy Holidays, BBN! Here on the cozy KSR resort, we’re hunkering down for a festive week of sports that are expected to include a packed schedule of bowl games, wonky NFL scheduling and yet another delicious beatdown of Louisville. But of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without NBA drama.
In the spirit of the season, this first edition of “BBNBA Roundup” is collecting the biggest stories on UK’s most illustrious alumni around the league as we head into the biggest day of the regular season. So fill your novelty “Do the John Wall” mugs with hot cocoa and gather ’round!
The Variant that (might) Steal Christmas
If you’ve been following the sports world for the past few weeks, there’s one word you’re probably tired of hearing: omicron. The latest Covid variant has been running rampant through the U.S., and its biggest sports leagues have been struck in turn. Both the NFL and NBA have had to cancel/postpone games this week with stars sidelined left and right.
On the hardwood, the list of stars under Covid safety protocols has included familiar names such as De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, as well as stars like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young. The numbers are certainly distressing:
Still, as of now, the league intends to proceed with this year’s Christmas Day Schedule — which includes Hawks-Knicks, Celtics-Bucks, Warriors-Suns, Nets-Lakers and Mavs-Jazz — under updated Covid protocols.
The upside of this development is that some short-handed teams are being forced to roll out preposterous starting lineups like this one, featuring our own Mychal Mulder:
Sure enough, Mulder played a season-high 30 minutes in this game, scoring seven points. Another beneficiary of the Omicron opulence is Boogie Cousins, who drew his first start since joining the Bucks this year on Friday. He got another chance on Saturday and seized the opportunity with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double against the Cavs. Big guy’s still got it!
Will we get to see an offensive showdown between Boogie and Enes Freedom on Saturday with everyone else capable of scoring a point sitting at home? It’s a distinctly concerning possibility! Stay tuned.
Davis hits the shelf
One player we know we won’t be seeing on Christmas is Anthony Davis, since it was announced last night he’ll be out at least four weeks with a sprained MCL. The injury was suffered during Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves, which quickly turned into the Karl-Anthony Towns show without him. The Lakers are currently tied with the Clippers for fifth place in the West.
It’s been a tough year for Davis, who’s shooting a career-low 18% from three while dealing with various injuries this season. Even so, replacing his formidable presence in the post will be difficult. One can assume that’s why the Lakers have turned to the best free agent available: Isaiah Thomas!
I gotta say, I’m intrigued. In his Laker debut against the Wolves, Thomas scored a team-high 19 points — that’s right, more than that bum LeBron James! I guess we know who the new star in Lakerland is.
The concerning thing, however, is his rebounding. Thomas only managed two boards on Friday, and if he’s hoping to supplant Davis effectively, he’s gonna have to contribute more on the glass. That’s simply unacceptable for a big guy, even one who’s 5’9″. How about some effort, huh?
Herro expands fashion empire
We all know Tyler Herro can light it up on the court, but perhaps his most notable development as a professional has come in the closet (no, not that closet). It’s true: Herro has become a fashion icon.
Just two weeks ago, the 21-year-old was named Sports Illustrated “Best Dressed Athlete” of 2021, ahead of such inimitable dressers such as Russell Westbrook, Cam Newton and Nick Markakis. Check out this red carpet fit:
What’s more, Herro’s creative team just released a new “Court Culture” collection of outfits, which purportedly “mirrors the versatility in his style, while remaining rooted in team and city” of Miami. Way to go, Tyler!
If you’re interested in representing Herro and his exciting new business venture, you can purchase, uh, luxury t-shirts like this one for the low price of $32. Shop here!
That’s all for this week’s roundup, but don’t worry. I’ll be back again next week with more utterly unimportant news updates like these. Merry Christmas, everyone!
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