NBA ref gets quietly suspended for cursing player out, inside Bam Adebayo's offensive leap, and how the Cavs are changing the big man position.

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TONY BROTHERS

NBA Ref Gets Quietly Suspended for Cursing Player Out

NBA Referee Tony Brothers is in hot water after word got out that he referred to Spencer Dinwiddie as a “b**ch-ass mother f****er" to one of his teammates. The incident in question occurred on November 4th in a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns, after Brothers t’ed up Spencer Dinwiddie for “a clap.”

NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that the NBA sidelined Brothers for one game, but it went unannounced because the suspension didn’t include a missed paycheck. Former NBA player Matt Barnes took issue with this, calling out the hypocrisy of how publically the league handles player suspensions.

For Dinwiddie, it appeared he was most frustrated that Brothers’ words were said behind his back, saying: "If there's anybody who feels that way about me — not naming any names — they can address me personally, face to face."

Brothers is one of the most veteran referees in the league, having refereed 29 seasons, spanning 1,626 regular-season games and 174 playoff games, including 15 in the NBA Finals. Neither he nor the NBA has publicly commented on this story.

BAM ADEBAYO

Inside Bam Adebayo's Offensive Leap

Bam Adebayo simply does it all. Coach Erik Spoelstra refers to him as “the great decathlete” for his ability to impact every facet of the game, but historically, the biggest knock against Bam is that he doesn’t score enough. Well, Bam heard the noise, and he’s changed things in a big way.

Bam devoted his entire summer to improving as a scorer, routinely getting out of bed at 5:30 AM so he could train. Adebayo’s goal was to average 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and shoot 80% from the FT line this year. After a slow start, his totals for November were 22.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 87.9% from the free throw line on over five attempts a game.

Part of this offensive boon lies in Adebayo’s improvement in creating his own shot. Currently, 43% of Bam’s makes are unassisted, which is higher than the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and Embiid. This might explain how he already has three 30-point games, which is only two fewer than he had all of last season.

CLEVELAND CAVS

How the Cavs are Changing the Big Man Position

When the Cavaliers assembled their roster, they didn’t do so with a focus on the five, but rather, they fell into it. It started in 2021 when Koby Altman shrewdly entered the James Harden sweepstakes, snagging Jarrett Allen for a future Bucks first-round pick. A few months later, they were elated to draft Evan Mobley, who they considered the best player in the class, with the third overall pick.

Mobley and Allen’s size offers elite rim protection, but to be an effective big man in this league requires a lot more than just height. Allen knows this and said: “The game has changed. Everything a big man does has evolved into something different. Teams are looking for a different type of big who can guard 1 through 5.”

Allen and Mobley have that defensive versatility, but they also offer tremendous offensive upside, particularly Mobley. Mobley is currently averaging 15 PPG on efficient shooting, but people inside the Cavs organization see that going way up. One of those people is Donovan Mitchell who said: “I don't think he really understands how good he can be… I personally believe he can be a top-five player in this league."

THE RUMOR MILL

Report: Lakers 'weighing' Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn trade, may not move Russell Westbrook

NBA Trade Rumors: Wizards' Kyle Kuzma Drawing Interest from 'Various Teams'

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

December 1, 1981: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar passes Oscar Robertson (26,710) to become NBA's second all-time leading scorer (now #1) behind Wilt Chamberlain

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