Welcome to Glass Slipper! JuJu Watkins just had to go and spoil my evening. Happy Valentine’s Day; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

Here are my 10 biggest takeaways at the NBA All-Star break.

1. The Podcast P problem.

Have you ever noticed that the franchise Paul George leaves always enjoys an immediate, undeniable boost in vibes? Indiana went from 42 wins to 48 following his trade request, and had that incredible series against LeBron in Round 1. George exited Oklahoma City, and it gave way to the Chris Paul year; you’ll find a jarring amount of Thunder fans who point to that campaign as their all-time favorite. He then bolted from Los Angeles, and the Clippers are currently the Western Conference’s biggest surprise squad.

PG has that classic, laid-back southern California vibe, and seems like a nice dude. That’s kind of the problem. He’s just too casual.

Paul scored two points in 37 minutes as Philadelphia’s lone healthy star on Wednesday, and didn’t seem frustrated whatsoever in his postgame presser. I think we’re learning that only Nikola Jokic can get away with the nonchalance.

2. Absent.

With the Mark Williams trade rescinded, the Lakers will head to the postseason without a respectable NBA center. That feels like a fatal flaw, unfortunately.

3. A new mission?

It certainly seems like Kyrie Irving has found a home in Dallas. I think it’s worth mentioning, however, that he could choose to hit the open market a few months from now. This is the man who asked out of Cleveland on the heels of back-to-back-to-back Finals runs. He then left Boston after literally telling a packed TD Garden crowd that he was re-signing. Kyrie joined forces with Kevin Durant, and blew that thing up halfway through their third campaign together. That’s three consecutive instances of Irving waving goodbye before anyone expects it.

I’m not trying to twist the knife, Mavs fans. It’s been a rough February. I’m just urging you to be prepared for anything.

4. A piece of advice for Jaren Jackson Jr.

You’re 25 years old, with two All-Stars selections and a Defensive Player of the Year on the résumé. That is rare stuff.

You have to stop fouling, though. Please. From one Midwest goofball to another. You’re far too good for these silly little bumps, grabs, and hacks to keep you under 30 minutes a night.

5. The worst player in the NBA.

It’s Tidjane Salaun. I tuned into a Hornets game earlier this week (Olivia Rodrigo > GUTS > Track No. 2), and was absolutely horrified by what I saw from the No. 6 pick in the draft.

Look, Salaun was born in 2005; he’s obviously way too young to give up on. I’d be pretty startled if he turned out to be anything more than a role guy, though. Charlotte might be stuck in this rebuild forever.

6. Closing in.

Ish Smith played for 13 different franchises, which is the all-time record. Dennis Schroder - who is somehow only 31 - sits at nine. You can do it, pal.

7. I still believe.

Ben Simmons, I have never given up hope.

I don’t think people understand how good of a point guard you have to be to make three straight All-Star teams when the entire world knows you’re not shooting any jumpers. We’ll never see that awesome Sixers version of Ben again, but he can salvage his career here. I’m pulling for the guy.

8. Crown him.

I’m so sick of hearing folks say that Cade Cunningham is going to be a superstar. Enough. He’s already earned that title. Don’t believe me? Here’s Cade next to Luka Doncic this year.

The Pistons are two games out of home-court advantage, and Malik Beasley is Cunningham’s running mate at the moment. That’s pretty much impossible.

9. Back to the 7-1-3.

We need to get James Harden to Houston if he opts out this summer. Can you imagine the nostalgia?

Fred VanVleet isn’t very good at this sport, and the Rockets are craving another shot-creator that can initiate productive possessions late in games. Harden’s family still lives in the city, too. Let’s make it happen.

10. My updated MVP ladder.

1) Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder

3) Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks

4) Jayson Tatum, Celtics

5) Jalen Brunson, Knicks

6) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

7) Cade Cunningham, Pistons

8) Darius Garland, Cavaliers

9) Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies

10) Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers

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