Darian Vaziri here, the host of the daily Locked On Clippers podcast, with your daily Locked On Clippers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Clippers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
League at Large
Second Quarter Awards
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Milestone James Harden made NBA history during the Clippers vs. Nets game. Harden became the first player to record a triple-double with less than 30 minutes of playtime. (Sports Illustrated)
Trade As the trade deadline approaches, every NBA team’s dream and realistic targets are analyzed. For the Clippers, strategic acquisitions could bolster their roster for a playoff push. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis A re-draft of the 2021 NBA class suggests alternative picks for teams, including the Clippers. Evaluating past draft decisions provides insights into player development and team strategy. Re-draft analysis offers a fresh perspective on player potential. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Clippers travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers tonight at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
What Hurts The Most When We Play OKC Can the Los Angeles Clippers overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 12-game winning streak? Host Darian Vaziri offers insights into the Clippers-Thunder trade, reflecting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise and the implications for both teams. The discussion also covers Kawhi Leonard’s anticipated return and how it could reshape the Clippers’ game plan.
How The LA Clippers Fell Apart After A Great First Half With James Harden sidelined due to a groin injury, the Clippers struggled, highlighting the importance of his presence on the court. This episode hosted by die hard Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri, breaks down the Clippers’ performance, focusing on key players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba, who stepped up despite the defeat.
What Made Kawhi Leonard’s Intuit Dome Debut So Special Kawhi Leonard is back with the Los Angeles Clippers, and his return is making waves in the NBA. Did his comeback against the Atlanta Hawks signal a re-opened window for the Clippers? With Leonard’s impressive performance, the Clippers secured a 131-105 victory, showcasing their potential as serious championship contenders.
