Into the Bears’ Den: What we’re thankful for this NBA season
By Ian Pierno
Mike Parrott (MikeParrott_)
Grizz: Threes! Threes! Threes! So maybe I wasn’t a huge fan of the past iteration of the Memphis Grizzlies; Grit ‘n’ Grind was not my style. But now, the Grizzlies actually like 3s! 2016 has been a crazy year. But with the Grizzlies now taking the 14th most 3s per game and make the 12th most, it’s astounding when compared to the past four years when they couldn’t crack the top 25 in either category.
It’s good to see the Grizzlies finally move into the modern era and start using that arc more with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley reaping the rewards with them both averaging a career-high in points, mostly down to the added 3s.
NBA: Jimmy Butler. Now last year I wasn’t a big fan of Jimmy Butler even though I am a Bulls fan. This year he has shut me up and made me a Jimmy believer. Butler is now averaging (as of Nov. 23):
25.8 PPG / 6.7 RPG / 4.1 APG on 48 FG% / 42.3 3PT% / 89 FT% splits.
Those are superstar numbers, especially when you add in that he’s second in the league in offensive rating, first in offensive win shares, second in win shares, fourth in value over replacement player rating, and fifth in box plus/minus. The guy is a superstar.
I’m also thankful about Butler due to his demeanor that should inspire every basketball follower in the world. With his undying bromance with Luol Deng, the guy is a great friend and team mate. He also gives every guy with a celebrity crush a voice. With Butler currently dating Shay Mitchell after he said in a Chicago Bulls interview that she was his celebrity crush (starts at 0:41). If Jimmy can do it why can’t all of us? On that note, Kendall Jenner, slide into my DMs sometime.