What was your favorite play from the first week of action?
Jack (@jackhaveitall): There were like 500 awesome plays this week, so this is pretty tough, but I think I have to go with Marcus Smart’s dive for a loose ball. First of all it reminded me of the iconic Rondo moment, and second of all it’s a perfect snapshot of him as a player. *Extremely Tommy Heinsohn voice* I love Marcus Smart!
Zach (@ZachOliverNBA): So, I’m biased here, but, Aaron Gordon’s putback dunks against the Wizards are mine. He gets so high, and does it so effortlessly that it’s just impressive every time he does something. Also, did you see Bradley Beal end up 15 rows deep when Gordon dunked on him? Come on, man.
https://vine.co/v/eYthdJuixHm
(h/t Antonio Sbarro Jr.)
Ryne (@ryneprinz): Steph has been extraordinary this week, especially in his passing. On Halloween, he split Omer Asik and Dante Cunningham on a pick, lost his dribble, was surrounded by four Pelicans, regained control and somehow flung the ball over right shoulder without looking to a wide-open Harrison Barnes. It was stupid.
(h/t @alextorresww)
Ian (@IanDougherty) Call me a homer, but Kawhi Leonard smothered a Kevin Durant jumpshot with a block, and also did the same multiple times versus Carmelo Anthony. And he’s putting up great scoring numbers. He might be the best two-way player in the league.
https://vine.co/v/eYtUD1wD1ez
(h/t Antonio Sbarro Jr.)
Which player had the best Halloween costume?
Jack: Gotta go with Russ dressing up as Steven Adams. That was hilarious. He even got the tattoos just right. #LetWestbrookBeWestbrook
RT @RealStevenAdams: Halloween brothers! pic.twitter.com/fmCtKAm809
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) October 25, 2015
Zach: LeBron as Prince was fantastic. He did a really good job with it, and you can never go wrong with some purple and an afro.
Ryne: Steven Adams as The Dark Knight’s Joker was fantastic. Honestly, I think he would grab 3 more rebounds per game if he could play in that costume.
Ian: I’m partial to Kevin Love as Semi-Pro’s Jackie Moon. He went all out on the details, rocking his new grown-out hair and a wicked handlebar ‘stache to get the 70’s ABA baller look right.
Which rookie has impressed you the most so far?
Jack: Justise Winslow. Did you see this dunk?!? Also, he’s just been so damn solid already. It’s still unbelievable he fell all the way to the Heat. He’s going to be so, so good.
Zach: Jahlil Okafor. I’m all about dumping it into the post and trying to get buckets that way. I’m old, and I want the kids off my lawn, but Jahlil and his post game can stay.
Ryne: I think the majority of the league is falling in love with Karl-Anthony Towns. We all figured he would develop into a star, but he’s already had an impact on this young Timberwolves squad. Not only are his numbers great, as he posted two double-doubles to start his career, but his passion and intensity are also incredible.
Ian: There’s so many good rookies to choose from, but I’ll go with Kristaps Porzingis. His scoring numbers haven’t been great, but his hustle, intensity in rebounding, and defense have all been very impressive considering this is his first real week playing in the league. His play, combined with his great size, has shown that he has obvious potential to be a star one day.