By Josh Whittemore, PSO Sports Operations Executive
Feb 16, 2021

 

The ‘Best of the Day’ is a daily PSO original series showcasing the most significant stories, highlights, and facts going on in the land of the NFL, NBA, & MLB every day. Get a recap on EVERYTHING that happened on 2/15 here

Monday night’s NBA action saw John Wall play his first game in Washington D.C. since 2018 as the Rockets took on the Wizards. However, it was Bradley Beal who out-dueled his former teammate to take home the win. Also, Blake Griffin appears to be on his way out of Motor City with the Pistons announcing their plans to trade him, James Harden has turned into a triple-double machine, and Zach LaVine has become one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA, setting career-highs across the board.

Here is the best of the day from February 15, 2021:

John Wall made his return to DC but was outdueled by former teammate Bradley Beal

In his first game back in D.C. since being traded to Houston, John Wall recorded season-highs in points with 29 and assists with 11. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the reeling Rockets, as they fell for a sixth straight time, losing to the Wizards, 131-119. Despite his totals, Wall struggled from the floor, converting just 10-of-26 shots and just 1-of-7 of his 3-pointers. 

In nine seasons in Washington, Wall earned five consecutive All-Star nods from 2013-2017 along with an All-NBA Defensive team honor in 2014-15 and All-NBA in 2016-17. He was thought of as one of the best all-around point guards in the league, averaging close to a double-double (19.1 PPG, 9.2 APG) with the Wizards. However, he struggled to stay healthy his last three years in D.C., never topping more than 41 GP, including missing all of last season. The former 2010 No. 1 overall pick has been solid for the Rockets this season, averaging 20.0 PPG and 6.2 APG.

Wall’s former backcourt mate in the D.C., Bradley Beal, dropped 37 points for the Wizards, who followed up Sunday’s surprising win over Boston with another victory over Houston. In the midst of his best season as a pro, Beal has taken off the last two years without Wall. 

Always a threat to put the ball in the basket, he has now become one of the most prolific scoring guards in the league. Beal upped his average from a career-high 30.5 PPG last season to a league-leading 33.1 this year. Unfortunately for him, his team around him has struggled mightily, leading to plenty of speculation about his future in the nation’s capital but DC is 5-5 over their last 10 games, hanging on to a chance at postseason contention.

Related: Stories of the Day

PRIME DESTINATIONS FOR 6X ALL-STAR PF BLAKE GRIFFIN

On Monday, the Detroit Pistons announced they will be sitting Blake Griffin for the foreseeable future until they figure out a trade for the former 6x All-Star. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also doing the same thing with Andre Drummond. While Griffin surely isn’t the same All-Star caliber player he used to be, the former No.1 overall pick has evolved his game and become a threat from deep as he’s making 2.0 3PM per game this season.

Considering the lack of prominent players on expiring deals and household names looking for new teams, Griffin might be the most well-known player moved before the upcoming trade deadline. It won’t be easy for Detroit to find a team willing to take on his $37M 2021 salary AND his $39M 2022 player option. 

They’ll likely have to ADD assets to the deal instead of receiving them, which isn’t what a rebuilding team wants to do. A buyout is certainly an option, helping DET save money, and providing Griffin with a chance to play for a contender. 

After spending most of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, Griffin has yet to play in a Conference Finals and has publicly shared his interest in contending for a Championship. There are a lot of factors to consider, but with that being said, here are the prime destinations for Griffin whether it be through a trade or after being bought out and on the free-agent market:

  1. Miami Heat: Miami has had a problem at PF all season since Jae Crowder‘s departure and getting Griffin to buy into the ‘Heat Culture’ shouldn’t be much of an issue. They need scoring and spacing from that position and Griffin can provide both while complementing Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo‘s game well.
  2. Dallas MavericksLukaKristaps-Griffin could be the new ‘Big 3’ in the West if Griffin gets back to his All-Star ways. He’s only 31 years old and might have been unmotivated playing in the Motor City but playing alongside the best teammate he’d ever play with as well as another monster in the post could get the best out of Blake.
  3. Boston Celtics: No team seems more primed to make a big move before this trade deadline than Boston who’s equipped with that mega $30M trade exception from the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade. If the Celtics can acquire Griffin while still keeping TatumJaylenKemba, and Smart intact, they could be right next to Brooklyn as the favorites in the East.
  4. Houston Rockets: The one non-contender to make the list, but Houston does have plenty of veterans in John WallDeMarcus CousinsVictor OladipoEric GordonP.J. Tucker, and Griffin’s teammate last season Christian Wood. Those relationships could help convince Griffin to stick it out in H-Town this year and add another piece in hopes of really contending in 2021-22. 
  5. Portland Trail Blazers: Portland has been impacted by injuries more than any other contender this year with two of their best three players (CJ McCollum & Jusuf Nurkic) missing over half the season up to this point. Griffin would provide insurance if they aren’t able to come back to full strength, and if they are, a closing lineup of them two, Damian LillardCarmelo Anthony, and Griffin would be LETHAL.
COLORS KEY | FULL PISTONS FUTURE OUTLOOK
 
 

Related: NBA Takeaways of the Day

Jeff Green rocked the rim

Related: NBA Highlights | Brooklyn Nets Highlights

SG James Harden, BKN (W @SAC): 29 PTS (10-18 FG | 6-10 3P), 14 AST, 13 REB, 1 BLK, 0 STL, 7 TO

Related: Players of the Day

Chicago Bulls (120) vs. Indiana Pacers (112)

[Highlights] BULLS (+187; $9.83) d. @PACERS (-187; $9.59120-112 [CHI +4.5 | o223.5]

Related: Games of the Day

Zach LaVine has never been more effective or efficient as a scorer in his entire career

  • Averaging career-highs in 2020-21 for PTS (28.2), REB (5.5), AST (5.2), 3PM (3.6), FG% (51.5), 3P% (43.1), FT% (85.4)
  • Also averaging career-highs in eFG% (60.7), TS% (64.5), PER (22.3), and Win% (42.3)
 

Related: Facts of the Day 

Arizona Cardinals 5 Most Interesting Facts From 2020 NFL Season by Arslan Ubul

An up-and-down season for the young Cardinals saw Kyler Murray build on his promising rookie season and form a partnership with all-world WR DeAndre Hopkins as they made plenty of history in the process.

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