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The main core of the San Antonio Spurs have been in an offensive slump since the start of the season. The best players on the team from last year aren’t having a such a good time this season.

Although shooting fairly well, point guard Tony Parker hasn’t been as aggressive as he was last year when he took over games by himself when the team needed it. Tim Duncan who was amazingly consistent last year has been struggling to hit shots this season. Danny Green, the team’s most reliable three-point shooter last season hasn’t been very reliable. One night he is shooting lights out, the next he becomes ice cold. Kawhi Leonard is facing the same 3-point shooting woes as his percentage dipped down. Center Tiago Splitter has also regressed statistically, although much of it could be attributed to playing less minutes. Only Manu Ginobili who plays as the sixth man of the team has gotten better compared to last year.

Despite the slumping core, the Spurs still look in a pretty good position as they lead the western conference. This is all thanks to role players who have been filling in quite well for the main guys.

The team was relatively quiet in the off-season. The only significant move that they did during the summer was the signing of free agent guard Marco Belinelli who was expected to give the team an added depth and more options when it comes to playmaking. Marco has been a pleasant surprise for the Spurs as his scoring and playmaking has been much welcome as the main core of the team seems to be struggling so far this season.

However, Marco’s bag of surprises is nothing compared to what Boris Diaw has brought this season. Boris has always been the good passer and defender but a passive offensive player. This year, he has scratched off that passive part of his game. He has been aggressive with getting his own shots and not settling for passes. He willingly puts the ball on the floor and uses his great ball handling skills and footwork for some nifty plays below the basket. if he is being guarded by a smaller player, you can be sure that he’ll take advantage of such matchup. As such, he has become somewhat of go-to scorer that the team confidently relies on to make and take good shot opportunities.

Also worthy of getting mentioned is Patty Mills who spent most of last year waving towels in celebration but has now become the go-to backup point guard for the team.

The 2013 part of this season has been an embarrassing stretch for the Brooklyn Nets. The team that everyone was talking about in the off-season due to the big trades and signings with big money consequences have largely underperformed. In more than a handful of games, they just looked like they were mentally and physically out of it.

However, the new year seems to have brought in something new for the team. So far in 2014, the team have went 6-1 that included wins over the Thunder, Heat and Warriors. Although, it sounds a bit weird considering how the team is missing two of what many consider as their most important players, it wouldn’t be wrong if one were to say that the Nets are turning things around.

The Nets, simply put, are playing well. While their offense could certainly use more polishing, their defense has improved a lot that it has them winning games. So, what changed with the team that has helped them get better by leaps and bounds?

Andrei Kirilenko.

The versatile forward has energized the team. Although game stats might not show it, his work on both ends of the floor has been impressive. His constant movement on offense results to some easy baskets and forces opposing teams to move around and thus, weakening their defense. He also hustles for loose balls that result to more scoring opportunities for the team. His contribution on offense is not limited to his points or assists.

And since much of the reason the Nets have turned things around due to their improved defense, it is important to pay attention to what he does on that end of the floor.

Due to his length and mobility, Kirilenko is able to defend well one-on-one against different positions. His quickness also allows him to get in positions wherein he can give help defense. Combine his mobility with his smarts and he can plug plenty of holes on the defensive end for the Nets.

During the Nets’ tough stretch in the 2013 part of this season, many reserved their judgment for when the team was complete and healthy. They might never be complete and healthy this season with the absence of center Brook Lopez, but if they can continue playing in the level they are currently in, you could say they are doing quite well.