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...

The Utah Jazz seem to have an embarrassment of riches of big men. Two veteran pivots, in Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson, and two young bigs, Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors waiting in the wings. With the quality of players at both positions the problem becomes minutes. Here's a hint why, there isn't enough. This leads us to another question, who goes and who stays. Of course not a simple question to answer. With the news breaking that the Jazz will entertain trades for either Jefferson or Paul Milsap I thought I would throw my two-cents into the bloggesphere. Cause there aren't enough opinions there already right? I got to say, the more I think about it the more I think that the Jazz could be a scary playoff opponent if they make one more move. The jump to semi-contention is waiting for the Jazz and it starts with Derrick Favors. Derrick Favors is getting around 21 minutes off the bench and it is becoming clear that he deserves more. If don't get where I'm going wi...