FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS: 1. D.J. AUGUSTIN (Raptors): He needs to get it going at the back-up point guard spot. He has struggled with his shot and yet to hit a three in four games and seems hesitant, as well. Hes having a difficult time going north-south and attacking the defence in the lane with the play-making dribble. On the other hand, he makes the safe plays and keeps the team functioning in terms of its game plan like a back-up QB in football - manage the game and be solid. Hes capable and has shown he can do that. I guess the question remains, what else does he have in his game at this point to enhance and improve the 48-minute profile of that spot along with Kyle Lowry? Raptors fans patiently await a clearer picture of how he develops into this role. If he continues to play this way, change wouldnt surprise me in the least. 2. MONTA ELLIS (Mavs): Playing with a guy that attracts consistent double teams in Dirk Nowitzki and a pure point guard in Jose Calderon next to him is helping. I was really impressed with his 30-point, nine-assist evening last night against the Lakers. Hes got a good system and excellent coach for him to play for right now in Rick Carlisle. Hes always been a gifted scorer, but when I see him play with efficiency and smarts, I see a maturing player in the right spot for him. 3. PAUL GEORGE (Pacers): Talk about a guy making that next step in his growth. He had 31 points, 10 rebounds and four assists against the Pistons last night. Hes the main guy now in Indy and when you evaluate his improvement, so much of it stems from last years injury to Danny Granger and the need for him to respond to the bigger role. He did just that and the Pacers organization now has a keeper. I love his size, skill, poise and work ethic. He has good pieces around him and doesnt have to carry his team, yet hes showing more and more that you can count on him to be consistent and, more importantly, good-to-very good on most nights. 4. KEMBA WALKER (Bobcats): I loved this guy in college at Connecticut and hes coming into his own under coach Steve Clifford. Hes an undersized scoring point guard who has a huge heart and a wonderful competitive drive. Hes got that gamer mentality that I respect. Hes quick, gets in the lane and makes plays. He seems to be settling down and picking his spots a little bit better and his awareness level and reads have been upgraded. He leaves it all out there for you. 5. JERRYD BAYLESS (Grizzlies): Having seen him in person and watched some other games of the former Raptor, I feel hes finally settling into the role Ive always felt was his niche as a pro guard as the combo third guard. He can play both guard spots and has skills in each category you want. We know he can score and when he puts his mind to it, hes an effective playmaker. At times, when he was less experienced, he would try to do way too much and didnt trust his teammates and forced the action. I see him as a guy who has now come to grips with his role - he knows it and accepts it and is no longer fighting it. Its progress for sure for a valuable piece on your second Unit. Hes highly competitive with a great work ethic and a very proud guy who holds himself to a high standard. The Grizzlies will need him to give a positive jolt of scoring and leadership each night with their second unit. Custom Jerseys Nike . Robert Griffin III, the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft, set numerous rookie records and was picked AP Offensive Rookie of the Year for the Washington Redskins. Authentic Custom Jerseys . Scheffler told The Associated Press on Wednesday he made the choice because he had three concussions over the past four years. https://www.cheapcustomjerseysonline.com/. -- Dane Fox scored his 61st and 62nd goals of the season and Brendan Gaunce had a goal and three assists as the Erie Otters downed the Kitchener Rangers 7-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Custom Jerseys Cheap .C. - The Panthers will be without starting defensive tackle Star Lotulelei for Saturday nights NFC divisional playoff game against Seattle after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair a broken bone in his foot. Custom Jerseys China . Asdrubal Cabrera had four hits and three RBIs, Michael Brantley also homered and the Indians beat the injury-riddled Minnesota Twins 9-4 Thursday for their first three-game winning streak this season.Chris Smalling says team-mate Daley Blind deserves more credit for his seamless switch to the heart of Manchester Uniteds defence. Uniteds 1-0 victory over Everton last Sunday was their 15th clean sheet of the campaign and England defender Smalling insists Blind has played a major part in keeping alive the Reds hopes of a top-four finish.Blind was utilised primarily as a midfielder when he joined from Ajax in 2014, but has spent most of this season at centre-back due to an injury to Phil Jones. Its great knowing he is naturally a midfielder, so he has that passing range and ability down to a tee and defensively he is very sound as well, Smalling said.He deserves more plaudits and I think he will get them if he carries on playing the way he is playing. Everyone is standing up and taking note that Daley is one of the mainstays of this team and he is keeping us ticking. Blind (left) deserves more plaudits, says Smalling (right) Louis van Gaal decided to put his trust in Blind rather than enter the transfer market and Smalling believes his faith in his fellow-Dutchman has paid off for the United manager.dddddddddddd.We know we can rely on each other, he added. When there is a situation you dont have to over cover because you dont trust your partner. We trust each other fully and we bring out the best in each other as the games have gone on. Hes a joy to play alongside.United, who beat rivals Manchester City 1-0 prior to their win over Everton, will be looking for a third successive Premier League victory when they take on title-chasing Tottenham at White Hart Lane this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Also See: Shaw resumes light training Herrera: Were better than City Schmeichel tops Power Rankings Fourth may not secure CL spot ' ' '