"Early on in Thursday night's loss to the Rockets, Channing Frye took a power dribble and dunked ferociously on Samuel Dalembert. Even Sammy D looked confused.
After all, players like Frye don't come along very often. He's 6'11 and made 2.0 3-pointers per game last season while also grabbing 6.7 rebounds and blocking 1.0 shots. Along with Kevin Love and Ryan Anderson, it's the kind of unique athletic and shooting ability that fantasy dreams are made of.
That ugly shooting slump Frye was in early on this season appears to finally be coming to an end. He got a pep talk from college coach Lute Olson two weeks ago and coach Alvin Gentry continued to instill confidence with the green light. Frye is only 28 and is a career 44.6 percent shooter. That sub-37 percent number just wasn't going to last.
After going off for 21 points, 10 rebounds, four 3-pointers, two blocks and two steals Thursday night, Frye's recent numbers are impressive. Over the last three games, he's shooting 48.8 percent and 9-of-23 (39.1 percent) from 3-point range. We have to live with the valleys for the peaks of unique talents.
NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Prior to Wednesday's win over the Timberwolves, Zach Randolph (knee) was on the court getting shots up. He reportedly had a spring in his step and a smile on his face as he came off the court. For a guy just five weeks removed from an MCL tear, it's a great sign.
Beat writer Ronald Tillery is suggesting that Randolph may be ahead of his original timetable. The Grizzlies initially said Z-Bo would miss up to eight weeks after he went down in early January. For now, a return just after the Feb. 23 All-Star break makes a lot of sense. It would be hard for me to leave a lock 20/10 guy on waivers any longer.
NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Yes, the NBA has a new concussion policy. In order to get back on the court, players must be asymptomatic and be cleared by both the team doctor and an independent doctor representing the league. Just like in the NFL, there's no more "rub some dirt on it" and get back in there.
So, Kyrie Irving is likely going to need some time here despite a "day to day" listing. The good news is that Tuesday's shot was the rookie's first concussion of his life and therefore complications should be limited. "
