Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis 2/9/19

- BKN: Marks Won't Let Nets' Surprising Rise Alter His Long-Term Strategy (from Brian Lewis, NY Post):

Read it here:  https://nypost.com/2019/02/09/nets-gm-wont-let-surprising-rise-alter-his-long-range-strategy/

- BKN: LeVert Better Than Expected In Return (from Phil Watson, Nothin' But Nets):

Read and watch it here:  https://nothinbutnets.com/2019/02/08/brooklyn-nets-caris-levert-better-expected-return/

- BOS: The Importance Of Defining Roles (from Dan Woike, LA Times):

Read it here: https://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-nba-celtics-20190209-story.html

- CHI: Otto Porter's Bulls'  Debut  (from Sam Smith, bulls.com):

Read it here:  https://www.nba.com/bulls/gameday/otto-porter-debuts-bulls-impressive-win-over-nets-0

- DAL: Why Luka Loves Dallas & How The Mavs Plan To Keep it That Way (from Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News):

Read it here:  https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2019/02/08/dallas-world-loves-luka-inside-look-luka-loves-dallas-mavs-plan-keep-way

- DET: Reggie Jackson Is Adapting Well To New Role In Offense (from Ansar Khan, MLive):

Read it here:  https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2019/02/pistons-reggie-jackson-adapting-well-to-role-in-offense.html

- *HOU: Why Not Just Double James Harden? (from Adam Spinella, The Basketball Writers):

Read and watch it here:  https://bballwriters.com/profiles/why-not-just-double-james-harden/

- HOU: Harden's Unstoppable, Maddening, Beautiful Game (from Tim MacMahon, ESPN):

Read and watch it here:  http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25893561/james-harden-unstoppable-maddening-beautiful-game-nba

- IND: Pritchard's Commitment Remains Firm (from Mark Monteith, pacers.com):

Read it here:  https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pritchards-commitment-remains-firm

- LAC: The Clippers Might Have Won The Trade Deadline (from Paolo Uggetti, The Ringer):

Read it here:  https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/2/8/18217108/los-angeles-clippers-trade-deadline-2019

- LAL: Muscala's Acquisition Was Calculated But Expensive ( from Alex Regla, Silver Screen And Roll):

Read and watch it here:  https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2019/2/9/18217210/lakers-nba-trade-deadline-acquisition-mike-muscala-stats-expensive-analysis-lebron-james

- MIL: How The Bucks Solidified Their Roster By Adding Mirotic (from Eric Nehm, The Athletic):

Read and watch it here: https://theathletic.com/806076/2019/02/08/how-the-bucks-solidified-their-roster-by-adding-nikola-mirotic-in-a-tight-eastern-conference-playoff-race/

From Matt Velzquez, jsonline: https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2019/02/08/notes-bucks-react-mirotic-trade-middleton-rest-vs-mavericks/2805923002/

- MIN: Sorely Missing RoCo (from Dylan Hughes, Dunking With Wolves):

Read it here:  https://dunkingwithwolves.com/2019/02/09/minnesota-timberwolves-miss-robert-covington/

- NOP: Balancing AD's Playing Time With Future Concerns (from Associated Press):

Read it here:  https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/pelicans-balancing-davis-playing-time-with-future-concerns-020919

- PHI: Harris Fits Right In As Sixers Defeat Nuggets (from Tim Bontemps, ESPN):

Read it here:  http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25955956/philadelphia-76ers-ride-new-look-lineup-win-denver-nuggets

- POR: Video Breakdown: Blazers' 5 Favorite Plays ( from Bryan Oringher/Ryan Nguyen):

Watch it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3ipWb3EYkQ

- POR: New Lineup Brings New Hopes (from Dan Marang, Blazer's Edge):

Read it here:  https://www.blazersedge.com/2019/2/9/18217712/portland-trail-blazers-roster-lineup-stats-rodney-hood-jake-layman

- WAS: Ernie Grunfeld Interview (from Fred Katz, The Athletic)

Read it here:  https://theathletic.com/806357/2019/02/07/ernie-grunfeld-talks-porter-trade-john-walls-injury-and-the-wizards-having-no-intention-of-trading-beal/

- Projecting The Buyout Market (from Bobby Marks, ESPN):

Read it here:  http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/25952468/projecting-impactful-nba-buyout-market

From Spencer Davies, Basketball Insiders:  http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-daily-buyout-watch/

From Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2820029-nbas-top-buyout-market-candidates-following-2019-trade-deadline#slide0

- Q & A: Liliahn Majeed, NBA VP Of Diversity & Inclusion (from Dominique Fluker, Forbes):

Read it here:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominiquefluker/2019/02/06/liliahnmajeed/#304aca104dc4

- QOTD: Kenny Smith on the (non)-impact of LaVar Ball on the Lakers: " "It's not about dads and uncles and cousins in the NBA. It's not like high school. The relationship is only your agent and player. As long as the agent and the player doesn't say anything, you're fine."

The Basketball Writers

- *HOU: Why Not Just Double James Harden? (from Adam Spinella, The Basketball Writers):

Read and watch it here:  https://bballwriters.com/profiles/why-not-just-double-james-harden/

As a spiritual outgrowth of Basketball Intelligence, The Basketball Writers features original NBA and other pro basketball-related content from great writers that you can support directly via your subscription. TBW’s mission is to enhance your appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the game. Check out details and subscription info here:

https://bballwriters.com/shop/?ref=2