Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis 9/30/18

- How The 7 Seconds Or Less Suns Influenced The Modern Game (from Lucas Gaynor, 94 Feet Report):

Read and watch it here:  https://94feetreport.com/the-orgin-and-evolution-of-the-pace-and-space-era-f19ac44ffa3

- BKN: Why LeVert Is Poised For Breakout Season (from Michael Scotto, The Athletic):

Read it here:  https://theathletic.com/554171/

- BKN:  RHJ Working To Add Vital Piece To His Game (from Brian Lewis, NY Post):

Read it here:  https://nypost.com/2018/09/29/nets-forward-working-to-add-vital-piece-to-his-game/

- BKN: Davis, Faried Strengthen Nets On Boards (from Greg Logan, Newsday):

Read it here:  https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/davis-faried-strengthen-nets-presence-on-the-boards-1.21312911

- BOS: Sunday Notes (from Gary Washburn, Boston Globe):

Read it here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2018/09/29/horford-focus-court-not-next-year-opt-out/BcxULnNvHyZSvH60qX72JO/story.html

- CHI: Markkanen Out 6-8 Weeks (from Sam Smith, Bulls.com):

Read it here: https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/lauri-markkanen-sidelined-6-8-weeks-after-suffering-high-grade-lateral-elbow-sprain

- CHI: Parker-Holiday Frontcourt Pairing  (from Michael Walton, NBC Sports):

Read it here:  https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/jabari-parker-justin-holiday-frontcourt-pairing-could-be-boon-bulls

- DAL: Doncic Impresses In Preseason Debut (from Tim McMahon, ESPN):

Read it here:  http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24839977/luka-doncic-impresses-mavericks-preseason-debut

From Eddie Sefko, Dallas Morning News:  https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2018/09/29/one-game-mavs-top-pick-luka-doncic-looks-nba-ready-impressive-preseason-debut

Video Highlights (from NBA.com):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6d5JdoLu7Q

- DEN: Lessons Learned, Continuity & A New Defensive Focus (from Sam Amick, The Athletic):

Read it here:  https://theathletic.com/556434/2018/09/29/preseason-diaries-lessons-learned-continuity-and-a-new-defensive-focus-give-the-nuggets-a-reason-to-dream/

- DEN: Isaiah Thomas' Vocal Leadership (from Matt Stephens, Denver Post):

Read it here:  http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_32173120/hes-looking-argue

- DET: After Early UM Exit, GRIII Looks To Stay With Pistons (from Rod Beard, Detroit News):

Read it here:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/09/28/pistons-glenn-robinson-iii-cherishes-return-michigan/1457022002/

- DET: Stanley Johnson Tired Of Hearing About Potential (from Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press):

Read it here:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/09/29/detroit-pistons-stanley-johnson/1443054002/

- IND: Late Picks Showing Early Signs Of Growth (from Mark Monteith, pacers.com):

Read it here:  https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/late-pick-showing-growth-180929

- LAL: LBJ & Walton See Lakers As Fast, Positionless Team (from Harrison Faigen, Silver Screen And Roll):

Read it here:  https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2018/9/29/17918250/luke-walton-lakers-lebron-james-fast-positionless-basketball-stats-defense-analytics-department

From Joey Ramirez, lakers.com:  https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/180929-lakers-committed-positionless-basketball

- LAL: Will All The Pieces Fit?  (from Scott Davis, Business Insider):

Read and watch it here:  https://www.businessinsider.com/lakers-lebron-james-offense-fit-question-2018-9

- MIN: Thibodeau Attempts To Push Through (from Nick Friedell, ESPN):

Read it here:  http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24840850/nba-thibodeau-managing-end-bad-offseason

- PHI: Lineup With Simmons & Fultz Shows Promise (from Sarah Todd, Philly.com):

Read it here:  http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/sixers-markelle-fultz-ben-simmons-jumpshot-starting-lineup-three-point-20180929.html

- PHO: Booker Working Overtime To Become More Dangerous With Left Hand (from Duane Rankin, Azcentral.com):

Read it here:  https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2018/09/29/phoenix-suns-devin-booker-dangerous-left-hand/1451835002/

- POR: Point Of Emphasis Chops Up Exhibition Game (from Dwight Jaynes, NBC Sports):

Read it here:  https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/portland-trail-blazers/nba-point-emphasis-chops-blazers-raptors-exhibition-game

- POR: Observations From Preseason Game 1 (from Dan Marang, Blazers Edge):

Read it here:  https://www.blazersedge.com/2018/9/29/17919120/blazers-raptors-preseason-score-recap-final-leonard-lillard

- SAC: McLemore Impresses In Camp (from Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee):

Read it here:  https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article219259385.html

- SAS: Spurs' Shooting Fell Off Last Season (from John Schuhmann, NBA.com):

Read it here:  http://www.nba.com/article/2018/09/29/one-team-one-stat-san-antonio-spurs-shooting

- TOR: Leonard's Preseason Debut (from Michael Grange, sportsnet.ca):

Read it here:  https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-leonard-shows-means-business-pre-season-debut/

- TOR: Pascal Siakam Film Room Breakdown (from Cooper Smither, Raptors Republic ):

Read and watch it here:  https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2018/09/27/raptorsplaybook-pascal-siakam-film-room-breakdown/

- TOR: Raptors Battle For Minutes Will Be At Center (from Stephen Brotherston, Pro Bball Report):

Read it here: http://probballreport.com/the-raptors-battle-for-minutes-will-be-at-center/

- TOR: Raptors Struggled To Defend League's Best (from John Schuhmann, NBA.com):

Read it here:  http://www.nba.com/article/2018/09/27/one-team-one-stat-toronto-raptors-defense-best-offenses?collection=writer/archive/john-schuhmann

UTA: Grayson Allen Lights It Up In 1st NBA Game (from Mike Sorensen, Deseret News):

Read it here:  https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900034363/grayson-allen-lights-it-up-in-his-first-nba-game-with-5-3-pointers-and-19-points.html