* Thibodeau is sticking to form and grinding down his starters:
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Memphis lost Bane and Smart to minor injuries, but Jaylen Wells stepped into the starting role and has played well. Averaging 11 points (20 last night). Wells is a 6'7 rookie taken in the 2nd round at #39. Blazers traded away #34 (Kolek) for 3 future 2nd's in 2027, 2029, 2030
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OKC looks like they got 2 of the 3 best players from the 2022 draft in Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Williams was a giant steal at #12. He's averaging 20-7-5 on good efficiency. And, he's turning into an excellent defender. Williams and Holmgren are both headed for max rookie extensions in 2026. Will be interesting to see how OKC handles that. especially with SGA getting a new contract in 2027
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remember when so many ere saying that Simons was better than Herro:
I'm inclined to think they are about even but Herro sure has been better early this season. Likely just a hot streak
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Norm Powell is going bonkers so far this season. He doesn't do much in the way of rebounding or assists but he's averaging 25 points while posting a .681 TS%. He's a mediocre defender (we saw some of that in the Blazer game) but he's sure filling the role of microwave well
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if there wasn't a Jokic, would Domantas Sabonis be considered one of the best passing & scoring big men of all time?