Team of the Week: Week Three

Starters

Guard: D’Angelo Russell, Point Guard, Golden State Warriors

After a breakout season on the Brookyln Nets, D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Golden State Warriors in order for the Nets to sign Kevin Durant this past summer. After being hurt for three games, Russell came back swinging and erupted for a 52 point game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Warriors lost this was Russell’s first signature game for the Warriors and it comes at a time where they need him the most because of the injury to Stephen Curry.

Guard: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Portland Trail Blazers

Not to be out done, Damian Lillard dropped a season-high 60 points in a losing effort against the Brooklyn Nets. After hitting a game-winner to beat the Thunder in the playoffs and then upsetting the Denver Nuggets, the Blazers have under performed to start the season. However, Lillard is trying his best to put the team on his back and is averaging 29.6 points which is good for 7th in the league. Hopefully the Blazers can turn it around soon because there is no denying they have a talented roster and are well coached.

Forward: Andrew Wiggins, Small Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves

Ever since Andrew Wiggins was drafted into the NBA, he has been one of the most polarizing players in the league. He was compared to LeBron James when he entered the league and those comparisons were not very fair to him. He has since become a very inconsistent player that puts up numbers but not very efficiently. However, Wiggins looks like he’s trying to prove his doubters wrong this season, as he’s come out on fire. He’s averaging 31.6 points per game and that’s thanks to games of 40, 33, and 30 points respectively. Him and Karl Anthony-Towns are turning heads in Minnesota with their early success.

Forward: Pascal Siakam, Power Forward, Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors haven’t lost a beat after losing Kawhi Leonard in the off-season and that’s caught a lot of people by surprise. A big reason for their early success can be credited to Pascal Siakam. He is a budding star in this league and is coming off winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award last season. Siakam has elevated his game even more this season, as he is the focal point on the offensive end for the Raptors. At the power forward position, Siakam is averaging 28.6 points and is a tough matchup for opposing big men because of how skilled with the ball he is.

Center: Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76er’s

Another week, another Philadelphia 76er’s center making the Team of the Week. Known as the Sixers vocal leader, Joel Embiid put together a dominate game against the Cleveland Cavaliers where he put up 27 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Embiid is arguably one of the best big men in the entire league and he let it be known with his performance against the Cavs.

Reserves: Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, Lou Williams, Karl Anthony-Towns