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NBA: One Early Season Red Flag for all 30 Teams

By Michael Dunlap

November 5, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Farmar (1, left) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 121-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 5, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Farmar (1, left) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 121-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Central Division

Chicago Bulls — Defensive Rebounding

You’d think a team with Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah would be much better at ending defensive possessions by securing the rebound — but you’d be dead wrong. The Bulls have been allowing 16 (!) offensive rebounds per game, which is worst in the NBA. I don’t care what team you’re playing, if you’re giving extra possessions to teams, they’re going to make you pay. Lucky for the Bulls they’ve had a relatively easy schedule so far.

Cleveland Cavaliers — Defensive Rotations

The Cavs got a feel-good win against the Denver Nuggets last night, but not all is well. The Cavs are the No. 28 defense in terms of field goal percentage (49.0), No. 28 in blocks (3.2 per game) and 24th in steals (6.2 per game). They’re allowing way too many open looks and their interior defense has been shoddy. LeBron James is doing all he can, but he’s realizing that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are no Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Detroit Pistons — Shot Selection

Stan Van Gundy was supposed to help with this, but ultimately, it’s up to the players to work to get good shots (and make them). However, we’re talking about Josh Smith and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope here — neither of which have met a shot they’ve passed on. Caldwell-Pope is shooting 38.8 percent from the field and Smith is shooting….wait for it…32.1 percent from the field. That is legen…wait for it…darily bad.

Milwaukee Bucks — Turnovers

When your point guard and primary ball handler is turning the ball over more than three times per contest, you’ve got a problem. Brandon Knight has 20 turnovers through six games and the other Bucks are following suit. They turn the ball over 17.5 times per game, which is 25th in the league. Zaza Pachulia is turning it over once per 8.4 minutes, which isn’t going to get it done.

Indiana Pacers — Getting Into Passing Lanes

The Pacers defense is holding up in large part because of Roy Hibbert and his ability to patrol the paint. It’s certainly not because of the perimeter defenders wreaking havoc on the passing lanes. The Pacers are totaling just four steals per game, which is 28th in basketball. Surprisingly, they’re led by Luis Scola with six — which leads me to believe those are bad entry passes or in the paint as opposed to on the perimeter.

Next: Southeast Division