NBA Notes: Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pelicans, Raptors

Thunder

The Thunder have started an NBA at 3-0 for the first time since 2017, back when Billy Donovan was coach and Russell Westbrook was in his prime. The latest victory came over the Hawks, and it came fairly easily.

At least, it ended up that way — though OKC actually had to rally before dispatching Atlanta by a 128-104 count.

And we should start to consider Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an NBA MVP candidate. Against the Hawks, he finished with a remarkable stat line of 35 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and three blocks, shooting nearly 46 percent from the field. Dude looked like Michael Jordan out there.

As an aside, Chet Holmgren went for 25 points and nine boards. In other words, the Thunder look every bit as real as they did all of last season — only maybe even better.

Pelicans

Second-year guard Jordan Hawkins is off to a hot start after the hand injury to Dejounte Murray, as Hawkins is getting an increased opportunity. So that naturally leads to rumors that Hawkins may be on the radar of several opposing teams, such as (who else?) the Lakers.

“Los Angeles is interested in anyone who can be a reliable threat from three and score somewhere in the range of 17 to 22 points per game to take some pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis,” wrote Colin Keane of Sporting News. 

“… The Pelicans wouldn’t let their Western Conference rival Lakers pry away Hawkins for cheap. New Orleans has a need at center and would likely demand former Pelican Jaxson Hayes in the trade for Hawkins, along with a valuable draft pick.”

Ah, yes. Not even a week in and we already have suggestions on which players the Lakers are seeking.

Raptors

The Raptors have assigned rookie Ja’Kobe Walter to Raptors 905 of the G League. This is likely to be a regular occurrence in the NBA again, as G League affiliates have opened training camps leaguewide. 

The G League Draft took place over the weekend.

“Raps have a busy week coming up and practice time will be scarce; the rook can continue to work his way back from shoulder injury with the G League club,” wrote Josh Lewenberg of TSN Radio.

The Raptors, who are 1-2, host the Nuggets on Monday night.