The NBA reunion could not have taken place without the multitude of changes made to the league’s rules and regulations. Among the latest modifications is the introduction of All-Seeding Games recognition for toppers from the pre-playoffs portion of the Orlando bubble experiment.
First and second all-seeding game teams and the KIA NBA player of the seeding games will be selected in the same way as regular season prizes – these have already been decided and the winners will be announced in the coming weeks. Sports writers and broadcasters will cast their vote and the Teams and Players of the Seedings Games will be named before the start of the Western Conference play-in on Saturday.
And just like in the case of the regular distinctions, NBA players weigh in and make predictions about who might get the recognition. Kyle Kuzma defeated his teammates from the Los Angeles Lakers when he asked for his selection from the First Team All-Seeding Games.
That’s not surprising considering the pearl and gold started slowly in Orlando, with the third-year forward emerging as one of the few bright lights. But his choices could still raise eyebrows because there was almost no room for Houston Rockets star, eight-time All-Star, and 2018 NBA MVP James Harden.
Asked to name his All-Seeding Games First Team, Kuzma said: ‘Lady, and if they make it to the playoffs, I would put him as the MVP. I think Devin Booker is there, TJ Warren is there. Potential Luka. Man, that fifth is really hard. ”
Because Kuzma could not come up with the definitive nominee, he asked the reporter who asked him to nominate his own candidates. And only after the media member mentioned Harden’s name did the Lakers forward say, “Yes, Harden.”
Harden is nearly a third-double average in the Orlando bubble and traps only Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard among the top scorers with 35.3 points per game. The Rockets guard also records 9.2 rebounds, runs fifth in assists (8.7 per game), and leads in steals (3.0) among players who have played at least two seeding games.
Lakers embrace potential matchup for first round with Trail Blazers
Despite nominating Lillard as the lead candidate to win the MVP All-Seeding Games award, Kuzma is not afraid to face the dangerous score and his Trail Blazers as they make it to the first round of the NBA Playoffs. “I do not think that is the worst case scenario because we are ready to play one,” he said.
Markieff Morris added: “I think by having that first-round opponent who gets it tough, we prepared for the playoffs. I think we need that early.”
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