Best of the Week: Brad Stevens, Doc Rivers and more

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Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Each week, the internet blows up with basketball writing from a number of sources. And each week, Right Down Euclid co-editor Chris Manning will be compiling them for you reading pleasure, starting with the best from Right Down Euclid and moving on to the entire NBA. This week features a brilliant essay on why we watch the NBA, information on the NBA’s new stats and more. Have a suggestion? Tweet Chris @cwmwrites or e-mail him at christopherwmanning@gmail.com.

The Major Headlines

Rudy Gay traded to Sacramento

Kobe Bryant makes his return

Quincy Pondexter out with foot fracture

Lamar Odom pleads no contest to DUI

Clippers sign Stephen Jackson

Cavs Content 

Is Tristan Thompson progressing? by David Zavac

Tristan Thompson en been up and down all season. Fear the Sword’s David Zavac takes a good look at the young Canadian and the impact he has.

Defense: Clipper tested, Mike Brown approved by WFNY Kirk

Read this and learn about the Cavaliers defense. Remember: the little things matter.

Episode 55 of Tuesday’s With Right Down Euclid by Chris Manning, Trevor Magnotti & Carter Rodriguez

This is one of the best RDE podcasts I’ve ever recorded. Please give it a listen.

From Around the Web

NBA’s Top Under 25 via ESPN Insider 

The NBA has so many young stars and Kyrie Irving is among them. But how does he stack up against John Wall, James Harden and others?

How Andre Iguodala is like Scottie Pippen by Jonathan Abrams

Grantland’s Abrams has long been one of my favorites and this a prime example of why. I don’t know if anyone does a basketball feature story better than Abrams.

Doc Rivers returns to Boston and all is forgiven by Paul Flannery

Clippers’ coach Doc Rivers got the standing ovation he deserved and SB Nation’s Flannery has you covered on his first return to Boston.

Q & A: Coach Brad Stevens on His Surprising Celtics and Jordan Crawford by Zach Lowe

On the flip side of Rivers’ return, we have Brad Stevens the wunderkid who has made the Celtics far better than expected. This detailed Q &A covers you on all angles.

A Player With A Cause, but Without a Team by Sarah Lyall

Royce Young has taken a lot of flack in the last year, and is now out the league, but he still has a great story to tell. Lyall’s feature is well worth your time.

Realigning the NBA: 5 ideas for removing or improving divisions by Kevin Zimmerman

If you didn’t know, the NBA has a problem with parity between the conferences. Is it a solvable problem and should divisions be abolished? This piece covers all angles and should help you formulate your opinion on the matter?

Miami’s Roy Hibbert problem by Ricky O’Donnell

Miami has yet to show that they can handle Indiana’s Roy Hibbert on the inside, as he tore them apart inside this week. Ricky O’Donnell has you covered in why, in some way, Indiana has been planning this for sometime.

Point Man by Howard Megdal 

Victor Oladipo has been put in tough spot in switching to point guard from his natural shooting guard spot this season. He’s handled it well and Sports on Earth’s Howard Megdal does the breaking down for you.

And lastly, I give you this Nick Young gem. You’re welcome, everyone. Have a good week.