It’s been a weird NBA offseason. As we enter the second week of August, there are still big names and restricted free agents that could change the scope of the league. Unknown. So even though there are still a few moves left on the table, we’ll be handing out some offseason stats. I just graded the Eastern Conference. Head west today.
Dallas Mavericks: C-
Losing Jalen Branson really hurts. Christian Wood has given the team another interesting element of his in the frontcourt, but he’s been completely unknown in his series in the playoffs. Also, his fit with other big players on this team (Javert McGee, Maxi Clever) is a bit unclear. Are there really any plans for McGee and Wood to start together? Luka Doncic is so good that we might actually be able to fit a square piece into a circular hole here. After advancing to the conference finals with a perfect score, it was a slightly unsatisfying offseason.
Denver Nuggets: B+
Picking up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown were two of the shrewdest summer moves made by any team. Denver is desperately in need of a wing that can defend, and both offer some resistance on the perimeter while getting into the offense well next to Nikola Jokic. While mitigated by the return of Jamal Murray, Monte Morris’ trade departure is not significant. What keeps the Nuggets from getting even higher ratings is the signing of DeAndre Jordan. He hasn’t been an effective backup in recent years, opening Denver up for another season of bad bench adventures.
Golden State Warriors: C
Dubs lost two key contributors from the championship team (Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr.) and was replaced by two veterans (Donte DiVincenzo, JaMychal Green). Those signings are pretty good rebounds for Golden State, and steady plays are also expected from his three young prospects in Moses Moody, Jonathan Cuminga and James Weisman. All in all, the Warriors remain perfectly positioned to contend for the title thanks to their star core. But they miss those who left.
Houston Rockets: B+
After being the consensus first pick, Jabari Smith Jr. was the third pick in the draft minutes before it really started feels like a coup. Houston also moved out some veterans (Wood, John Wall) to give more time to younger players.
Los Angeles Clippers: B
All the Cripps really had to do was get the band back together. LA has built an incredibly versatile roster tailor made for modern playoff basketball if its two top stars are actually healthy. Ultimately, if Kawhi and PG are healthy in the playoffs, this team is built to go far .
LeBron James has to sign an extension with the Lakers until June next year.
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Los Angeles Lakers: D+
If the goal was simply to rejuvenate, the Lakers did just that, ditching many of last season’s veterans for the likes of Thomas Bryant, Lonnie Walker IV and Juan Toscano Anderson. Still, Russell Westbrook remains on the roster, and as long as he does, it’s hard to take this team seriously as a contender. seems to be missing. And after other more balanced players (Brown, Porter Jr.) signed mid-level exceptions, Walker’s signing is particularly intriguing. After all, the Lakers can’t afford to waste LeBron James’ time. Did their signing make the team a competitor?
Memphis Grizzlies: C
Meanwhile, Memphis signed Ja Morant to a long-term contract extension, which is exciting. Meanwhile, the team has dumped several stable rotation players (Kyle Anderson, Deanthony Melton) and hopes to make up for their absence with the 2022 draft picks. I don’t know about competitors’ strategies. Losing Anderson means a) he’s not on the team, b) he’s playing for a Timberwolves rival, and c) Jaren Jackson Jr. will miss a significant amount of time after foot surgery. It’s not a disastrous offseason, but the Grizzlies’ difficulty level feels high heading into the fall.
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Minnesota Timberwolves: C+
How you feel about the Wolves depends on whether you’re drunk on Rudy Gobert. I really respect Minnesota for doing that. That’s why I threw a plus at them. Otherwise it is difficult to understand how the Gobert-Karl-Anthony Towns pairing works. It’s a big swing to get a roster that seemed to gel together. For now, I’d like to take a deep breath and wait until this team encounters a moment of high leverage.
New Orleans Pelicans: A+
The Pelicans have maintained one of the most exciting teams in the league, especially in the second half of the season, signing long-term Zion Williamson, who was long considered an escape risk. More than that is difficult. Sure, Zion could still ask at one point, but even getting a little commitment from him feels like a big win. could be supercharged.
Oklahoma City Thunder: I don’t care
I love that they drafted two guys with the same name but spelled differently. I love that they re-signed Lu Dort. No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren will be fascinating to watch grow in the NBA. However, the Thunder have eagerly sought irrelevance over the past few seasons. Until they try to do more than that, I’m not going to get too excited about Sam Presti’s Home for Wayward Veterans.
Phoenix Suns: D
Was it worth keeping Deandre Ayton in the wind if there were plans to bring him back anyway? It’s also possible that his contract status poisoned the vibes so much that it led to the team’s Game 7 meltdown in the second round. Ayton is back, but his future doesn’t look secure. Meanwhile, the team did little else to improve its roster. It makes sense that they wouldn’t want to jump guns and mess with a 64-win roster too much. Needs a little more help on the perimeter. Good thing the Suns made an effort to keep their core. Do it in such a dramatic way that nothing else feels dangerous.
Portland Trail Blazers: B
The Blazers may not have been title contenders, but they are grateful for their move this summer. Jerami Grant, a forward who seemed to have been missing Damian Lillard’s entire tenure, gives the team juice in both directions.GPII also adds his lockdown bona fides to the mix. First-round pick Shadon Sharpe is an intriguing player, and Lillard and backcourt mate Anfernie Simmons have signed contract extensions. The Dame may eventually return to where he was during his partnership with CJ McCallum, but Portland should join his spot in the Deep West playoffs.
Sacramento Kings: B+
The Kevin Harter trade was really smart, and the steal of Malik Monk from the Lakers was a good pick. Sacramento has turned the heat on by picking Keegan Murray over Jaden Ivey in the draft, but who knows how that will turn out. History shows against the Kings’ decision-making, but it’s hard to argue that Sacramento didn’t add useful players around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. There is none.
San Antonio Spurs: Watch David Robinson Highlights
Sure, the Spurs got Dejounte Murray. They chose Jeremy Sawchan who was a lot of fun in the draft. San Antonio also has cap flexibility for future shenanigans. In the twilight of Gregg Popovich’s career, is that really something to celebrate? When one of the greatest coaches in American sports history stands on the sidelines, I’m thrilled that their rebuilding is well underway. Do you have to? I’m sure San Antonio made a wise long-term decision this summer. That doesn’t mean they’re worth celebrating.
Utah Jazz: B+
Even as a draft pick agnostic, it’s hard to scoff at the sheer amount of stuff the Jazz received in exchange for Gobert, while also potentially inflating the superstar trade market. is in a good position to If you’re betting on dysfunction and intend to win back an extra lottery pick, betting on Minnesota’s downturn isn’t the worst gamble. If rebuilding is the only way forward, Utah has taken some good first steps.
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