The move from a strictly hi-lo game to a motion(ish) offense, and the arrival of man-child DeAndre Jordan has seriously hurt Joe Jone's stats. Joe went from "getting 15 to 20 touches on the post" to stepping back and giving other "guys (DJ, JR, Davis) chances to get out there and show what they can do because at some points during the season you're going to need them to do big things."

Is this a kinder, gentler Joe? Or is he taking a lesson from Shaq, and easing into the season? His performance in the past two games points to the latter. Turge noted that in "the last two games, he's had a lot more touches, a lot more shots. But I think he's working harder. It's not anything I've done for him." Other improvements include outrunning DJ down the court, and defending without fouling; both major weaknesses.

I am looking forward to seeing him explode in conference play.