What to Expect in the NBA Offseason
This past NBA season proved to be historic. From a Warriors team with more regular season wins than any other team (an likely the greatest percent increase in fan base) to the Cavs coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals to bring a championship back to Cleveland. It was the perfect fairy tale and the NBA as a business couldn't have asked for anything more, but this offseason may prove to live up to the legendary status that was set by the season.
Many of the questions on the mind of basketball fans revolve around the movement of the stars around the league. From up and coming stars like Brandon Ingram to established giants like Kevin Durant, the offseason promises mystery and a some shock.
To quickly recap a couple big moves that have already taken place, former MVP Derek Rose has been blown from the Windy City and ended up atop the Big Apple as a member of the New York Knicks. Good move? For him, yes. A new start in a new city with a cast with potential in Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.
The NBA draft brought in some new names that could end up being legends. None of these have higher expectations than Brandon Ingram who landed in the Staples Center and must now become the face of the Lakers franchise and impress Jack Nicholson. The draft saw many favorable moves but an underwhelming draft class in Boston means that they have a necessity to rebound and get ahead during free agency.
This is where KD (Kevin Durant) comes in. Boston should aggressively pursue KD to bring leadership to a team that has been called scrappy and unorganized. It is a system where KD could flourish and not terribly different from his current OKC home. Simply switch out Russell Westbrook for Isaiah Thomas whose stock is growing and insert the head of hair belonging to Kelly Olynyk in the place of the face of hair provided by Steven Adams at center. Though many rumors are sounding about KD's possibilities, don't be surprised if Boston not only makes the short list but become the new home for the Durant family.
And what about the Warriors? The best team in the league fell one game short three times in the NBA Finals and though they seem to have every piece of the puzzle, there will likely be some changes to their lineup. First of all, they are also meeting with and showing interest in KD which means some salary cap space would need to be made for such a player. The almost Finals MVP (if GS would have won) Draymond Green seems to be a likely candidate to leave. His skills are undeniable and if given the chance to lead a team his two options become this: 1. Fail like Dwight Howard with the Lakers or 2. Succeed like James Harden with the Rockets. Green could fit into many systems. He is versatile which is why he should move and also why if he does move, he will find success with his new team.
And why is no one talking about Portland? I could go on for hours about their potential and the right kind of talent they could bring in to bust the glass ceiling and make it big (looking at you Hassan Whiteside) but with limited exposure thus far, I don't see them doing much in the offseason to better their chances.
To save this post from becoming too long-winded, I must close but I have many more thoughts on this potentially epic offseason for the NBA. Hit me up if you want to talk or debate these views. I'm opening to hearing new theories and possibilities.
Many of the questions on the mind of basketball fans revolve around the movement of the stars around the league. From up and coming stars like Brandon Ingram to established giants like Kevin Durant, the offseason promises mystery and a some shock.
To quickly recap a couple big moves that have already taken place, former MVP Derek Rose has been blown from the Windy City and ended up atop the Big Apple as a member of the New York Knicks. Good move? For him, yes. A new start in a new city with a cast with potential in Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.
The NBA draft brought in some new names that could end up being legends. None of these have higher expectations than Brandon Ingram who landed in the Staples Center and must now become the face of the Lakers franchise and impress Jack Nicholson. The draft saw many favorable moves but an underwhelming draft class in Boston means that they have a necessity to rebound and get ahead during free agency.
This is where KD (Kevin Durant) comes in. Boston should aggressively pursue KD to bring leadership to a team that has been called scrappy and unorganized. It is a system where KD could flourish and not terribly different from his current OKC home. Simply switch out Russell Westbrook for Isaiah Thomas whose stock is growing and insert the head of hair belonging to Kelly Olynyk in the place of the face of hair provided by Steven Adams at center. Though many rumors are sounding about KD's possibilities, don't be surprised if Boston not only makes the short list but become the new home for the Durant family.
And what about the Warriors? The best team in the league fell one game short three times in the NBA Finals and though they seem to have every piece of the puzzle, there will likely be some changes to their lineup. First of all, they are also meeting with and showing interest in KD which means some salary cap space would need to be made for such a player. The almost Finals MVP (if GS would have won) Draymond Green seems to be a likely candidate to leave. His skills are undeniable and if given the chance to lead a team his two options become this: 1. Fail like Dwight Howard with the Lakers or 2. Succeed like James Harden with the Rockets. Green could fit into many systems. He is versatile which is why he should move and also why if he does move, he will find success with his new team.
And why is no one talking about Portland? I could go on for hours about their potential and the right kind of talent they could bring in to bust the glass ceiling and make it big (looking at you Hassan Whiteside) but with limited exposure thus far, I don't see them doing much in the offseason to better their chances.
To save this post from becoming too long-winded, I must close but I have many more thoughts on this potentially epic offseason for the NBA. Hit me up if you want to talk or debate these views. I'm opening to hearing new theories and possibilities.
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