NBA Preseason Notes - 12/16/11

CHRIS WHO?

Photo Credit: everyjoe.com

It was only a preseason game, but for a night Jarrett Jack gave Hornets fans a reason to forget that they just lost one of the league's premier point guards. Jack played 26 minutes and scored 24 points while dishing out 6 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds as the Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in their preseason opener 97-90. The 28 year old Jack is entering his 7th career NBA season and has the daunting task of filling in for the 4-time All Star Paul following his trade to the Clippers. I don't think anyone expects Jack, who has averaged a little over 10 points a game in his career, to single-handedly replace Paul, but the organization has to be happy with what they saw from him tonight. Jack also added 3 steals, a block and didn't turn the ball over.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Cleveland Cavalier fans got their first look at their two first round picks from this summer's draft tonight as Kyrie Irving (1st pick overall) and Tristan Thompson (4th pick overall) both came off the bench in Cleveland's 91-87 win over the Pistons. Irving struggled from the floor (4 of 14), but still finished with a game high 21 points doing most of his damage at the free throw line. The 6'8" Thompson had 8 points of his own to go along with 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. Cleveland is coming off a dreadful 19-63 season in which they endured a record setting 26 game losing streak. The Cavs are hopeful that one or both of these guys is able to become the new face of the franchise and start to turn things around as the club moves into the second year of the post-LeBron era

HITTING THE WALL

Photo Credit: johnwallnba.blogspot.com

John Wall may be the reigning Rookie of the Year, but if he had played the way he played tonight last season that wouldn't be the case. Wall shot just 3 for 12 with 3 assists and 6 turnovers and was soundly outplayed by Philadelphia's Jrue Holiday as the Sixers streamrolled the Wizards 103-78. I wouldn't worry too much about Wall though. Chalk this one up to being rusty.