NBA 2 Up 2 Down Report (December 2023)

By: Tyrone Montgomery Jr

Headline Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA Today

Up 

LA Clippers

James Harden has been one of the best players to ever play the game of basketball throughout his career. In fact, he looked like a top five or ten player of all time during his time in Houston. He was literally a walking bucket. Additionally, he looked like a better passer than LeBron James too. However, he has slowed down a bit over the years. He’s not as athletic as he once was. He’s not as quick as he once was either. He doesn’t even get to the free throw line as often as he once did. Additionally, he has had some chemistry issues over the years too. It didn’t end well in Houston, Brooklyn, or Philadelphia. It also didn’t begin well either once he stepped on the scene in LA with the Clippers. He told us to exercise some patience and to give him 10 games to get back on track and in shape. It took about 15 games, however it paid off in the end as the Clippers have been cruising lately. They are currently on a five game winning streak as they sit fourth in the Western Conference. In December, they went 11-2 and have now won 14 of their last 16 games. James Harden has a lot to do with that. The Clippers are balling now and are hoping this continues once the postseason begins.

Jaime Jaquez

If you haven’t heard much about him yet, I promise you that you will soon. Jaime Jaquez is a wing player for the Miami Heat. He’s a rookie who was taken with the 18th overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft. The way he has been playing this season means he should have been taken a lot earlier in that draft because the Miami Heat have got a steal from that draft. Jaquez is a wing player because he can play multiple positions and do a lot of different things on the court. He isn’t a one trick pony like a lot of guys are in the league. Most importantly, he plays defense and fits the Heat Culture very well. He is averaging 14 points per game this season on 50% shooting from the field. Yes, Jimmy Butler is getting older and his clock is ticking. However, the Miami Heat have the perfect replacement for Jimmy Buckets once he decides to call it a career in Jaime Jaquez.

Down

LA Lakers

The LA Lakers went from having momentum and having a decent ride throughtout the season to having their world come crashing down right before their very eyes. They even won the NBA’s very first In Season Tournament. Once that wrapped up, things have been south for them. They have tried using different lineups. DeAngelo Russell was brought there to be a scoring guard next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He pretty much was supposed to be their third option and star there. He has been playing terribly this season and has now been moved to the bench. He wasn’t the only one moved to the bench. Austin Reaves who played very good last season and even in the FIBA Tournament this past summer earned a nice payday in the offseason. His play this season has moved him to the bench as the Lakers look like they would like a refund of the money they gave him. That’s an entire backcourt of players who have failed the city, the team, and most importantly LeBron James. LB James have now taken over the responsibility of being the point guard and the Lakers are sinking fast. It’s safe to say the Lakers will definitely make a move soon. We have to ask ourselves could they even possibly consider trading LeBron as he is yet another year older now at 39.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit yet another wall yet again this season. Last season, the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell seemed like a perfect fit. They were a good team and made the playoffs too. Mitchell teaming up with Darius Garland in the backcourt was a move that paid off for this team despite their lack of size. However, it felt as if they may have peaked a bit too early last season and it didn’t end well at all for them. This season started off a bit rocky too for them. The big man who they depend on a lot for everything, Jarrett Allen started the season banged up. He is back and healthy now and looks better then ever. However, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are now injured. This team just can’t seem to escape the injury bug. Additionally, you have to wonder if Donovan Mitchell’s heart is really there as he had strong desires of playing with the Knicks. It does feel like the Knicks are still interested and trying to acquire Donovan Mitchell. Don’t be surprised if this thing in Cleveland gets blown up soon because they just can’t seem to figure things out.