The Straight Hoop

Every championship team has one. The player that just makes sense. A player that bridges the gaps in every other players game. The Heat have Shane Battier, OKC has Thabo Sefolosha, and the Spurs have every role player ever. Without these role players established championship contenders would find there window for a championship significantly smaller. These players need more recognition outside their home arena. So here's to you Lance Stephenson, for your evolution into one of the most role-iest of role players. The Pacers have been absolute monsters through the early goings of this season and Lance Stephenson's role can not be understated. The Pacers starting lineup has posted Of Rtg of 114 and a Def Rtg of 80 points per 100 possessions through 5 games. Lance Stephenson has taken his game to the next level, building off of the career year he had last season. The most interesting aspect of Stephenson's evolution is just how well it jives with how the Pacers operate. Pace...

This offseason has been pretty fun so far hasn't it? From the Draft to the recent free agent signing of Zaza Pachulia, everything that could happen seems to have happened. I mean, who saw Zaza signing a $15 million contract with the Bucks? If anyone raises their hand to that question they should be buying all of the lottery tickets right now. But I digress; let us first look at some of the moves from this off-season that I thoroughly enjoyed.           The 2013 draft. All of it. It was a night of crazy slides and surprise picks. I mean Anthony Bennett going first to Cleveland? How amazing is that. I may hate the pick but it is still enjoyed the announcement of that pick thoroughly. I mean, I have to think that they would be able to trade down for assets and still pick Bennett. But what do I know, Cleveland has been on fire when it comes to draft pick surprises. From Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, and Anthony Bennett, Cleveland has been able to keep peopl...