It’s a Winter of Discontent for Some NBA Teams

The defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers are in a bit of a slump. Though they still have the best record in the NBA Eastern Conference (30-14), they have lost six of eight, including a 116-112 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, who improved to 18-27 with the win. Earlier in the week, the Cavs lost at New Orleans, another mediocrity, and a frustrated LeBron James publicly criticized the roster and organization, saying they needed another top caliber player if they wanted to repeat as champs. Cavaliers general manager David Griffin met with James and later assured reporters that the roster was fine, though the players needed to play better. Well OK.

Which brings us to Carmelo Anthony and the Train Wreck Known as the New York Knicks. The Knicks haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2012-13 season, and at 20-27 probably won’t this year either. The president of the team, Phil Jackson, had incredible success as a coach with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers winning 11 NBA championships, but he’s done nothing since being named president in 2014. Jackson has publicly criticized Anthony, who happens to be the team’s best player. Anthony has a no trade clause, but has indicated he could waive that after earlier saying he wanted to stay in New York. ESPN has reported that the Knicks have contacted the Cavaliers about an Anthony for Kevin Love trade, but Cleveland said no. James would love to have Anthony, who is a good friend of his, on the team, but a deal looks unlikely at least in the short term.

Finally, the Chicago Bulls blew a 10 fourth quarter lead against Atlanta, losing to the Hawks 119-114. The Bulls fell below .500 to 23-24, and Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler called out their teammates and questioned how badly they wanted to win. Yes, the mid winter doldrums have definitely set in.