Week 17 NBA Stock Watch

It may have been a short week of basketball, but it was a long weekend filled with All-Star festivities. In addition to the results of the regular season games, I will cover everything you might have missed from All-Star Weekend such as a game of flip-cup, a controversial dunk contest ending, and a competitive All-Star format.

Player Stock Watch

Stock Up: Zach LaVine

He may not have been a participant in the Dunk Contest of the All-Star Game, but Bulls guard Zach LaVine has been showing off his talent heading into the break.

The 24-year-old played in just one game this week, but he certainly made his mark in it. He posted 41 points on 71.4% shooting and a crazy 8/11 three-point percentage. He was simply lights-out in this game, but his impact didn't end there. LaVine also grabbed nine boards, assisted four baskets, and added two steals. His shooting performance alone was enough to land LaVine a spot on this list and a healthy stock value.

Stock Down: Kemba Walker

It's tough to feature a guy here who just played in the NBA All-Star Game, but hear me out. In his two games that actually counted this week, Kemba hasn't been his normal self.

Walker averaged an underwhelming 16.5 points through two games, shooting just 29.4% from the field and 31.3% from deep. He shot 5/17 in both nights, not really able get anything going. The Celtics were -24 when Kemba was on the court against Houston, in a game they lost by 11. And when it was all said and done, the point guard was a -2 net rating on the week, leaving a lot to be desired. Walker has already moved past this cold stretch by dropping 23-points in the All-Star Game on Sundya night (tied for the third most points in the exhibition). Considering this, I don't think it will take long for Walker's stock to recover.

Stock Up: Zion Williamson

I tend to shy away from featuring rookies in this column since, well frankly, their stock values typically have nowhere to go but up. For Zion, I'll make an exception!

It took a few games for him to start feeling comfortable on the court, but the rookie sensation is officially here. He finished the week 5th in scoring after averaging 31.5 points per game. He had his way in the paint, shooting 58.3% without hitting any threes. He's already proving to be one of the best offensive rebounders in the game, flashing incredible instincts mixed with quick hands to snatch 7.5 rebounds per game. Zion also showed that he can be a capable passer, going on to finish with three assists per game in his two contests of the week. Get ready, folks. Zion is only getting better.

Team Stock Watch

Stock Up: Utah Jazz

The Jazz are certainly no strangers to this column! When they're playing well, they tend to go on impressive streaks over a tough slate of match-ups. That was the case in week 16.

In their only two games of the week, Utah went up against two tough teams - the Mavericks and the Heat. Even though Luka Doncic didn't play, the Mavs still has a solid roster and defeating them on the road was a quality win for the Jazz. They then hosted the restocked Miami Heat and their new-look roster with Andre Iguadola and Jae Crowder. Still, Utah held them to just 101 points and cruised to a 15-point win. When you go back a bit further, the Jazz are on a four-game win streak and beat the Rockets as well. Overall, the Jazz made the most of their short, tough week of basketball.

Stock Down: Portland Trail Blazers

It's been an up and down type of year for the Blazers. Despite Damian Lillard's heroics, Portland is on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. There is still plenty of time left, but as of now they're still six games under .500 after losing two straight going into the All-Star break.

The Blazers had a pair of winnable games on their slate this week, yet failed to take advantage of either. They got blown out by the Pelicans on Tuesday, losing by 21 points while surrendering 138 points. The next night, down in Memphis, Portland couldn't keep up with the 27-26 Grizzlies and lost their second game in two nights. They had a bottom-five offensive and defensive rating on the week, illustrating their overall struggles. And to make matters worse, their star point guard is now banged up. Not a great string of events for the Blazers!

Stock Up: Washington Wizards

It's not everyday you see the Wizards' stock on the rise! Washington won both of their contests this week, quietly fighting back into the playoff picture.

One of the worst defensive teams of the year managed to turn it around on that end of the court. The Wizards finished with the second best defensive rating in the league, holding opponents to an average of 105 points. All-Star snub Bradley Beal has been playing some "prove the doubters wrong" basketball, which has led to some big performances. As a team, the Wiz had a 14 net rating which trailed just the Cavaliers for the top mark of the week. It's a rare Stock Up for Washington!

Bonus Stock Watch