At the Buzzer is a weekly feature where NBA.com Philippines All-Star Analysts give their takes on fun and interesting things that happened throughout the league in the past week.
What's a Filipino Heritage Night gimmick you would suggest to an NBA team?
Diego Dario: I would love to see NBA players try Filipino dishes and see their reactions. Maybe more jerseys specifically designed to celebrate Filipino Heritage Night.
Isaac Go: There should be either a Filipino boodle fight or eating contest. As long as it’s something involving food because food is special to Filipinos. It’s not just a meal but also a way to come together as a community and a family. Plus, it would be fun to see some NBA players try unique Filipino food.
How would you handle playing against a Grayson Allen-type player?
Diego: As a player, I can play physical and really get into the head of my matchup. I’m not really the type to hit and try to hurt a player. I don’t think I’ve ever been called for a flagrant foul. When I encounter players like Grayson Allen, I use my speed and probably let him go through multiple screens so my bigger teammates can do the hitting.
Isaac: Honestly, if it was a one-time thing, I might—stretching it to its absolute limit—let it pass. Let him know what he did was dangerous. Allen, however, has a history of making “dirty” plays. There’s no reason for plays like that in basketball. Honestly, what I would do is try and set a hard screen on him to try and send a message. You need to have your teammate's back.
Can the Bulls stay on top of the East despite their injury luck?
Diego: I think they need to be healthy to be a top team. Their dynamic as a team that has been working is having multiple weapons. Their 5-out offense requires talent to break down weak points on defense. Without the full threat of their lineup, it allows the defense to key in on their stars more and clog up the floor for guys like DeMar DeRozan or Nikola Vucevic.
The absence of (Alex) Caruso and Lonzo (Ball) is huge more so on defense than on offense. Their abilities to lock up and get steals allow the Bulls to run and use their talented players to get easy buckets in transition.
Isaac: I think they’ll still be a top four team. Players such as Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White are stepping up, but with the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks getting healthy, I don’t think they’ll be able to keep up.
Do you still believe Russell Westbrook can be a winning basketball player?
Diego: Yes. Russ is still a future Hall of Famer. I just don’t think the Lakers are a great fit for him. He needs the ball most of the time to be effective. But when you play with The King, you have to give way and play off-ball more often. That’s something he hasn’t done and is not used to doing—that’s where the disconnect is. Add to that, the spacing of the Lakers due to the lack of shooters may be clogging the lane for Russ. Lastly, they don’t run enough. Westbrook is a beast and almost unstoppable in the open court.
Isaac: I still believe that Russell Westbrook can be a winning player. He has the tools, the energy, and the gravity. All he needs to do is change how he thinks and plays the game. There’s still a champion inside of Russ and I do hope the Lakers can bring it out of him.
FVV, Darius Garland, or Kyle Lowry: Who's the most underrated point guard in the East?
Diego: This is tough. All these guards are on a tear this season. Since Kyle and FVV are already champions, I would go for Darius Garland. He’s the system himself when it comes to Cleveland's offense. He has turned into a player that defenses will have to put an extra guy on to stop. He can get a bucket anytime he wants to, too. He is soooo shifty and gets a lot of dimes. Most importantly, he is leading this young Cavs team to a potential playoff run.
Isaac: The most underrated point guard in the East, I’d have to go with FVV. It’s really close but Garland was a lottery pick just recently so there’s an expectation to become good. FVV, on the other hand, went undrafted, balled out, and honestly, can become an All-Star this year. I just love an underdog story. I hope FVV is able to continue this level of production and stay healthy.
