Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Spurs

Previous Record: 51-31

Key Losses: Tim Duncan (retirement), Manu Ginobili (retirement), David West (FA),

Key Additions: Gary Neal (1yr/$4.1M), Jordan Hill (1yr/$5M)

When we last saw them ...

The Spurs had just watched the end of era. After being swept by the Thunder, long-time Spurs Manu and Timmy said their goodbyes, retiring off into the sunset. Tim Duncan signed on as an assistant coach, ensuring his voice would still be heard, but it was the end of an era.

In the offseason, David West left to go to Phoenix and the Spurs signed Neal and Hill to serve as replacements — in only the most technical sense of the word — to Duncan and Ginobili.

San Antonio is now Leonard and Aldridge’s team, with Tony Parker the only member of the Big Three to remain.


Storyline to Follow:

What happens to the Spurs?

San Antonio has never had to undergo a transition like this in its history. Both Ginobili and Duncan are now gone, two players whom, when on the court, could affect the game in more ways than you could count.

The Spurs now have to hope that Aldridge, their big signing last offseason, can step into the role he was brought here for. Based on how the Spurs folded and died in the first round last year, San Antonio fans are understandably worried that Aldridge is not up to the task.

Best Case Scenario: The Spurs bounce back to the franchise we all know and love, making their way back into the NBA Finals as Aldridge looks just as dominant as he ever has beside a typically defensive Leonard.

Worst Case Scenario: The role as successor to the legacy of Duncan is too much for Aldridge and his numbers take another dive, making the money the Spurs paid him look ridiculous. The Spurs barely make the playoffs but suffer another inglorious sweep in the first round.

Likely Scenario: The Spurs bounce back and keep chugging along, last season’s playoff loss an outlier and not a trend.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Hawks

Previous Record: 46-36

Key Losses: None

Key Additions: Al Horford (re-signed, 4yr/$55M)

When we last saw them ...

The Hawks had lost to the Grizzlies in five games, after taking a 2-0 lead in the first round series. The end result was disappointing to say the least, especially for a franchise that knew all too well what losing in the first round felt like, but the Hawks didn’t panic during the offseason.

Their biggest move was re-signing AL Horford, who was rumored to have interest in going somewhere else during the offseason, but stayed home in Atlanta (and for a nice discount as well) and will be to that franchise what Tim Duncan was to the Spurs.

Storyline to Follow:

Will the Hawks get back to the team that scared the NBA two seasons ago?

Remember when the Hawks were spoken of in the same breath as the Warriors? It wasn’t that long ago, but it feels like ages based on last year’s underwhelming results. With Atlanta bringing back everyone for another run, the objective is again to recapture the magic that made them a dark horse title pick in 2014-15.

With Wilson Chandler getting a full offseason and training camp with the team, Atlanta feels that they’re ready to take the next step.

Best Case Scenario: The Hawks get a few breaks, get some luck, and take home an unlikely title behind the rock-solid play of Horford, Millsap, Teague, and Korver.

Worst Case Scenario: Disaster strikes as injuries destroy the team’s bench, forcing the starters to play many minutes and exhaust themselves before the playoffs hit. Atlanta gets in but gets swept and Hawks players with expiring contracts (Teague, Millsap, Korver) start looking around for new homes in free agency.

Likely Scenario: The Hawks make it back into the second round behind a manic effort from Al Horford, but don’t fare as well as they’d like.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Rockets

Previous Record: 56-26

Key Losses: Donatas Montiejunas (FA)

Key Additions: Chris Kaman (1yr/$3.17M)

When we last saw them ...

The Rockets had gone up 2-0 on the Pelicans and it looked like they would sail into the second round relatively unscathed. Instead, the team collapsed (much like the Clippers did against them the year before) and Anthony Davis loudly announced that he would not go quietly into the night. He and the Pelicans came back and beat the Rockets (on their home floor), sending them home early.

It was a dark offseason for Houston as sources around the league reported locker room discord, but the Rockets kept their core together — they brought back Lawson, they convinced Howard to pick up his option, they signed veteran center Chris Kaman to back him up and they let Montiejunas go (they considered Terrence Jones the cheaper and less injury prone of the two options).

Now, the team is assembled for one more run at the title and, if they fail, no one — other than James Harden — is safe.


Storyline to Follow:

Can the Rockets put it all together?

The regular season was a huge success for this team but they faltered in the playoffs and did so in an embarrassing fashion. Ty Lawson disappeared for the last three games of that first round series and the Rockets bench was no where to be found … did the team give up or did they just assume they’d make it back to the second round?

No one knows for sure, but this season is critical. Howard and Lawson will both be FAs at the end of the year and Dwight is the most likely out of those two to leave. If he does, how does Houston replace him? Clint Capela has made progress but isn’t ready to make a Dwight-level of difference.

Houston will have to put it together this year, making a Finals trip, to justify bringing back all the current players they have. If they don’t, expect their GM to do what he does best — wheel and deal his players like Pokemon cards.

Best Case Scenario: The Rocket make the Finals, win it, and get everyone to re-sign for cheaper to make many more runs in the future.

Worst Case Scenario: The team’s locker room discord only grows during the season and Dwight declares he’s testing the free agent market, adding to the chaos. Kevin McHale loses the locker, loses his job, and Houston tumbles out of the playoff race as they waste a year of James Harden’s prime.

Likely Scenario: The Rockets win the Finals. This team has too much talent and depth to disappoint again and Houston finally sticks the landing in the most critical and crucial season in this young century.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Pacers

Previous Record: 39-43

Key Losses: Jordan Hill (FA),

Key Additions: Donatas Montiejunas (2yr/12.9M with a team option)

When we last saw them ...

The Pacers managed to make the playoffs, their mid-season trade for Derrick Favors paying dividends as it boosted the team’s on-court product and got them in the dance. They took their long-time rivals, the Heat, to five games, nearly pulling off the upset, and went into the offseason feeling accomplished in Paul George’s first year back since his gruesome leg injury.

In the offseason, Indiana let Jordan Hill go and promoted Myles Turner to their starting center, giving the Pacers a near stretch-five who’s just 20-years-old (and still growing!). The addition of Montiejunas (another stretch-five type) has the Pacers bench ready to punish teams when their starters are off the floor.


Storyline to Follow:

Is this the year the Pacers get past the Heat?

It seems like a tall order, especially with the way Miami’s conducted itself in free agency the last two years, but Indiana has the advantage of youth on their side and Miami’s vast experience comes with a price: age. The Heat’s roster has gotten older as the Pacers roster has managed to get a bit younger.

The addition of Montiejunas, the elevation of Turner to starter, and the progress of other younger players may finally give Paul George the ammunition he needs to conquer the Heat and make a definitive statement.

Best Case Scenario: The Pacers make the playoffs, face the Heat, and win a series against them for the first time in many, many years.

Worst Case Scenario: Injuries hit Paul George — nothing as devastating as what happened before — but with George out, the Pacers are forced to rely on Favors more and more. Favors does the job well-enough, but the Pacers can’t make the playoffs and finish under .500.

Likely Scenario: The Pacers are in for a tougher fight for a playoff spot than anyone expects and miss out on the dance.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Hornets

Previous Record: 37-45

Key Losses: Al Jefferson (FA), Jeremy Lamb (FA), Gary Neal (FA)

Key Additions: Kevin Love (trade), Eric Gordon (1yr/$8M), DJ Augustin (1yr/$4.1M), Andray Blatche (1yr/$3M), Ben McLemore (2yr/$12.2M)

When we last saw them ...

The Hornets had collapsed at the end of the regular season, unable to do anything more than lose 7 of their last 10 games. In response, Jordan let Al Jefferson go and made a mega-trade with the Cavs to bring in Kevin Love.

Charlotte is going all out with the idea of shooters on the floor with their starting five of Walker, Gordon, MKG, Love and Kaminsky. Their bench is similarly constructed with Zeller, McLemore, and Augustin. This team is built to shoot first and last, play frenetic defense, and give Love the room he needs to dominate the boards.


Storyline to Follow:

Have the Hornets done too much?

Charlotte can’t be accused of being shy this offseason — in fact, the opposite might be true. The Hornets have completely changed the fabric of this team and are trusting a few players to have big impacts. Love will be in charge of scoring inside and grabbing boards, MKG will be the defensive ace, and Kemba will be the go-to ball handler.

Everyone has their roles defined and that’s not a bad thing, but has Michael Jordan’s need to win torpedoed everything else? Will Jordan allow Clifford to keep coaching if the team struggles?



Best Case Scenario: The Hornets all-in approach pays huge dividends and the team makes the playoffs with at least 45 wins, getting them to the second round.

Worst Case Scenario: It’s a disaster defensively. MKG can’t guard five positions at once and Love’s stat filling play isn’t good enough to elevate his team, much like it was back in his T’Wolves days. The Hornets miss the playoffs and not it’s even close.

Likely Scenario: The Hornets make the playoffs with a record just above 41-41, making the year a success despite defensive struggles. They end up first round fodder for a better squad, but its progress.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Magic

Previous Record: 36-46

Key Losses: Joe Johnson (FA)

Key Additions: Nicolas Batum (3yr/24M), Trevor Booker (2yr/$13.3M)

When we last saw them ...

The Magic had made a huge trade with the 76ers and gotten Joe Johnson, whom helped lead the team to a near playoff birth. Johnson left in the offseason to sign with NOLA and Anthony Davis, but the Magic are expecting big things.

They went out and signed Batum to man the three, then grabbed Booker to back up Gordon at the four, and are looking for a playoff spot in a conference that looks deeper than it has been in years.


Storyline to Follow:

Will Gordon and Payton make “the leap”?

Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton are the two players who the Magic are looking to to carry their franchise forward as the years go on. Gordon and Payton both had to earn their playing time last year and both seem to have responded to Scott Skiles tough love.

But will they keep responding? The organization is hopeful both players are able to tap into the astounding potential they pegged them with when they were drafted, but the Magic continue to rely on Nikola Vucevic to be their offensive hub — not a bad idea for a franchise that produces good centers.

Best Case Scenario: The Magic surprise many and make the playoffs, and upset a team in the first round.

Worst Case Scenario: Neither Payton or Gordon make the leap — in fact, the Magic’s younger players all regress as the upped expectations crush the team. Scott Skiles loses the locker room and he’s fired at the end of the year, placing the organization at yet another cross roads.

Likely Scenario: The Magic grab the eighth seed and show up for a few playoff games.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Wizards

Previous Record: 35-47

Key Losses: None

Key Additions: Amir Johnson (2yr/$13.7M), Samuel Dalembert (1yr/$3.2M), Steve Blake (1yr/$1.2M)

When we last saw them ...

The Wizards had missed the playoffs, their big trade with Sonics doing them no favors. Brook Lopez and Thad Young both had difficulty adjusting to the way the Wizards played and despite the team having a good amount of talent, they fell short of the postseason.

Without a ton of cap space to work, the Wizards made some solid additions in Johnson (the presumed starter over Young) and Dalembert (the key backup to Lopez) but their roster is crowded at the three and four; someone among the Dudley, Porter, Humphries and Blair is bound to be traded before the deadline for an impact player.

Washington’s goal is simple: the playoffs. Anything less, especially with the firing of Randy Wittman, is failure.


Storyline to Follow:

Will the coaching change save the Wizards?

Randy Wittman took the blame, like all coaches do, when his team fell short last season and has been replaced by former player and Wizards assistant, Sam Cassell, someone John Wall loves and see as a mentor.

Cassell has traveled around the league the last few years as he’s sharpened his coaching chops and this will the his first head coaching job. He looks the part and seems ready, but with the Wizards aiming for the playoffs, is Cassell that ready? The season hinges on the answer to that question.

Best Case Scenario: The Wizards get back into the playoffs and resume their ascendancy of the East to become a powerhouse franchises, making it to the conference finals.

Worst Case Scenario: The coaching change backfires in a huge way and head coach Sam Cassell isn’t seen nearly as favorably by John Wall. Wall begins making it known that he’ll be looking elsewhere when his contract runs out and the Wizards are forced to break up one of the best young backcourts in the NBA during the next offseason.

Likely Scenario: The Wizards make the playoffs and make some noise, but the pairing of Lopez with Wall and Beal isn’t ideal and the team looks to move on from the big man during the next offseason.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Pistons

Previous Record: 33-49

Key Losses: Brandon Jennings (FA)

Key Additions: Ryan Anderson (2yr/$16.8M), JR Smith (1yr/$7.3M)

When we last saw them ...

The Pistons were struggling, mightily, to blend the talents of Jennings and Reggie Jackson. Despite both players statistically performing well, the Pistons simply couldn’t get any wins. A late push towards the end of the season gave the team some hope but it wasn’t meant to be.

Jennings left in free agency, as most expected, and the Pistons went out and grabbed a legit stretch four in Ryan Anderson — a former Van Gundy player from the Orlando days — and a gunner in JR Smith, who’ll get the green light to shoot when he’s open.

The arrival of Stanley Johnson at SF means Marcus Morris will move to the bench, allowing the Pistons bench squad to get some much needed help.




Storyline to Follow:

Is Reggie Jackson really worth the money?

Averaging only 12.7 PPG and 6.7 APG last season as a two, Jackson didn’t impress much. But back at his natural position and with the blessing from SVG to play his way, Jackson could be ready to break out and justify the large contract he signed.

If Jackson isn’t ready, the Pistons backup point guards (Nelson and Dinwiddie) aren’t going to give them much help. SVG is relying heavily on Jackson to perform up to expectations and in year three of his regime, progress is a must.

Best Case Scenario: The Pistons finally climb out of the cellar and get back into the playoffs, unleashing the double-double dynamo of Andre Drummond on an unsuspecting populous and scaring some of the more small-ball oriented squads.

Worst Case Scenario: Reggie Jackson isn’t what we thought he was (but he is what OKC thought he was) and he disappoints tremendously. The losses pile up and SVG loses the trust of ownership. He’s forced out at the end of the season and retires from the game for good, making the NBA a less entertaining place without him.

Likely Scenario: The Pistons maybe make the playoffs, but they win at least 38 games and inch ever closer to being a threat.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return


NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Celtics

Previous Record: 32-50

Key Losses: Tyler Zeller (FA), Amir Johnson (FA)

Key Additions: Jarret Jack (1yr/$8M), Jared Sullinger (re-signed, 3yr/$31.1M) PJ Tucker (1yr/$6.5M), Sim Bhullar (1yr/$3.2M)

When we last saw them ...

The Celtics had made a huge trade to grab DeMarcus Cousins, but Boogie did not adjust well to the way the Celtics played. A roster crowded with big men got in the way of Boogie’s play and he averaged the second worst numbers of his career, scoring only 16.6 PPG and grabbing 10.7 RPG on 46 percent shooting.

Boogie’s troubles doomed the Celtics to missing the playoffs, but Danny Ainge isn’t ready to call this a failure. Ainge cleared the roster of some of the bigs, brought in veteran leader (and recent champion) Jarrett Jack to lead the bench, as well as versatile wing PJ Tucker.

Coach Brad Stevens is ready to trust Marcus Smart more and has slotted the former sixth overall pick as the starting shooting guard, sending Bradley to the bench, and the Celtics starting five has Thomas, Smart, Crowder, Sullinger, and Boogie on the floor — a potent combination and one that looks to have the right balance of shooting and defense.


Storyline to Follow:

Was Boogie worth it?

The Celtics traded a bounty of picks to get Boogie, picks that could have grabbed them a difference making player in this recent draft. If Boogie struggles again this season and can’t get back to his 20/10 averages — and the Cs don’t make the playoffs — will the Celtics admit defeat?

Danny Ainge’s stockpiling of picks for years may have all been for naught if Boogie doesn’t perform on the best team he’s ever been on. It will bring into question not only Ainge, but also Cousins.

Best Case Scenario: The Celtics bet on Boogie pays off and Cousins dominates the East, putting the Celtics back in the playoffs with 50+ wins and making them a threat to get to the conference finals.

Worst Case Scenario: The personalities of Boogie, Steven, Smart, Jack, and the rest of the Celtics roster just don’t mesh and a team with contending aspirations ends up falling out of the playoffs again. Someone big gets traded away and Danny Ainge doesn’t look quite as smart as he looked when he made the trade.

Likely Scenario: The Celtics compete for a playoff spot but fall just short in a hyper-competitive East.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Bucks

Previous Record: 28-54

Key Losses: OJ Mayo (FA), Jason Kidd (fired), Michael Carter-Williams (trade)

Key Additions: Courtney Lee (trade)

When we last saw them ...

The Bucks had finished with the second-worst record in the East, just two games ahead of the 76ers (!) and their failure cost Jason Kidd his job (and Kidd cost Kidd his job thanks to another attempted power-play).

With the team in disarray, the Bucks made a smart draft pick in rookie Jamal Murray (presumed starting point guard) and brought in a bench shooter in Lee via the MCW trade.



Storyline to Follow:

Do the Bucks get back into the playoffs?

Milwaukee is committed to this roster, but big man Greg “Moose” Monroe has the ability to opt out of his contract next offseason and might do so if the Bucks can’t get back into the playoffs. One Monroe’s biggest reasons for signing with the Bucks was the vision that Jason Kidd had for the team.

But Kidd is gone now and Monroe may soon follow him, depriving the Bucks of any good will they’ve gained with free agents in the process.

Best Case Scenario: The Bucks young talent and young vets come together better than anyone could have predicted with Coach Monty Williams and they make a surprising appearance in the conference finals.

Worst Case Scenario: The positional versatility comes back to bite the Bucks in the behind as they can’t seem to find a combination of players that make a good team on the court. Monroe opts out of his contract and Milwaukee is left with a gaping hole in the middle.

Likely Scenario: The Bucks coaching change and new point guard make it so the team misses the playoffs, but Monroe sees enough to give them one more year.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The 76ers

Previous Record: 26-56

Key Losses: Tony Wroten (FA)

Key Additions: None

When we last saw them ...

The 76ers were blatantly tanking and succeeded in getting the second pick in the draft, taking Ben Simmons. The 76ers then promptly fired Brett Brown, hired Nate McMillan, and their starting five projects to be Canaan, Oladipo, Simmons, Harris, and Okafor.

Philly let Wroten go and attempted to lure multiple free agents with their large amount of cap space, but no one would sign with them, a result of years of losing and poor relationships with agents and players.

Storyline to Follow:

Will they actually try to win?

The 76ers have been known for one thing these last few years and that’s been losing, and losing on purpose. The Sam Hinkie plan has been derided around the league by fans, players, and owners alike, and Hinkie’s job is on the line now more than ever.

With last season’s trade for Oladipo, Philly signified the end of its purposeful losing, but many around the league are wary of their newfound approach. Coaches are beyond disappointed with the way they let go of Brett Brown and agents don’t like the way the front office does business.

Oladipo is up for a contract extension but sources say he’ll wait till the offseason to accept any extension and, if Philly continues to lose, he’ll accept the qualifying offer, making a bet on himself and rendering him nearly untradeable if a team knows he’ll be a free agent no matter what.

Best Case Scenario: The 76ers win at least 33 games and stay out of the top eight in the draft, representing the first real progress we’ve see from them in what feels like a decade.

Worst Case Scenario: The players simply don’t want to play for the 76ers and don’t give a full effort except to pad their stats and prime themselves for a free agent run. Coach McMillan can’t get them to perform and Philly’s bevy of moves over the years lead to just another losing product.

Likely Scenario: The 76ers still lose, but actually compete night in and night out. They win 30 games, at least, and watch Ben Simmons evolve into a future star before their eyes.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Blazers

Previous Record: 39-43

Key Losses: Chris Kaman (FA)

Key Additions: Roy Hibbert (3yr/$31.23M), Gerald Green (2yr/$15.4M), Terrence Ross (2yr/$13.2M with a team option)

When we last saw them ...

The Blazers had been left for dead at the beginning of the season but they nearly stole the last playoff spot from Pelicans, falling just two games short of sneaking in.

Over the offseason Portland brought aboard Roy Hibbert and Gerald Green, quality veterans who’ll provide the starting unit with some much needed experience and moxy. Also added was Terrence Ross, who’ll replace Aminu as the starter at SF. Noah Vonleh, at least for now, will be the starting PF as Ed Davis makes his way to the second unit, and the Blazers have one of the deeper teams in the West a year after everyone assumed they’d be an afterthought.



Storyline to Follow:

Playoffs?

Jim Mora continues to ask and the answer might be: yes. The Blazers made a surprising run last season for a postseason berth and have most of that core still together — another year of Lillard won’t be a bad thing and Green and Hibbert both proved last year they can make a difference on their teams.

The question becomes whether the team can come together soon enough to put a run together.

Best Case Scenario: The Blazers blitz the West early, their depth and the play of Lillard making teams think twice before underestimating them. A year after LMA leaves, they return to the playoffs and beat Aldridge and the Spurs in a tough series, exacting a measure of revenge.

Worst Case Scenario: Roy Hibbert, the big man Portland has had its eye on for a long time, falls to the same injury bug that all Portland centers do and the Blazers, with a profound sense that they’re cursed, play the rest of the season like they can’t win. They miss the playoffs and Lillard’s confidence in the franchise is hurt.

Likely Scenario: The Blazers don’t have enough to get into the playoffs, but they do notch some key wins against better opponents and the development of Noah Vonleh and Diamond Stone make it all worth it.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Timberwolves

Previous Record: 38-44

Key Losses: Kevin Garnett (retirement)

Key Additions: Doc Rivers (Hired)

When we last saw them ...

The Timberwolves were making noise and nearly captured a postseason berth. After the season, Garnett retired and Doc Rivers came in to coach them, but hired KG as an assistant.

With the fiery veteran now on the sidelines, the Wolves core is set essentially and their fate will be in the hands of Wiggins and Towns. The West is fiercer than it was last season, but the Timberwolves are a year older and a year wiser; with Rivers on the sideline, a big improvement is hoped for by all in the organization.


Storyline to Follow:

Is there too much talent on this team?

The T’Wolves might have stockpiled too much talent. Their bench has the likes of Zach Lavine, Tysus Jones, and Adrien Payne on it; it also includes veterans Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic. All of those players could be prime trade targets for a T’Wolves team that’s not sure what it has in Shabazz Muhammad, who is the starter at SF for the moment.

Expect teams to come calling for any of those five players.

Best Case Scenario: The T’Wolves make the playoffs and advance to the second round, accomplishing something that hasn’t been done in over a decade for a franchise that’s desperate to quell any rumors of relocation.

Worst Case Scenario: The young players on the Timberwolves begin to squabble with one another over playing time and Minnesota has to trade some people in order to keep the locker room chemistry intact, thereby dooming the team to miss the playoffs.

Likely Scenario: The Timberwolves make the playoffs but lose in the first round — they do win at least one game, though.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Lakers

Previous Record: 31-51

Key Losses: Roy Hibbert (FA), Kobe Bryant (retirement)

Key Additions: Hassan Whiteside (4yr/59M), JJ Hickson (2yr/$12M with a team option), Jordan Clarkson (re-signed, 3yr/29M), Ian Mahinmi (1yr/$5.4M)

When we last saw them ...

The Lakers were having another “worst season in franchise history” but, by some miracle, they managed to be bad enough to get their pick back. With it, they took Jaylen Brown and their offseason just improved from there.

Kobe retired, signed on as a coach, and Byron Scott was (mercifully) let go. In his place, Randy Wittman was hired and he’ll be tasked with guiding the young Russell, Brown, and Clarkson.

The Lakers also nabbed the big free agent prize of Whiteside, who’s signing with LA officially signals that the Lakers are back as a free agent destination. With the young nucleus of talent that they have, the Lakers are in prime position to compete for a playoff berth for the first time in years.


Storyline to Follow:

What will year one, post-Kobe, look like?

It’s a scenario that was always going to happen but is now reality: Kobe is no longer an active NBA player and the Lakers, so long defined by that one player, now must ask who’ll step up as the leader of this team in his absence.

To expect Russell, Clarkson, Randle, or Brown to be that person is too much at this point. Whiteside might be — assuming he doesn’t revert to the player that had teams staying away from him — but, as crazy as it sounds, it might just be the most-Kobe like player left on the roster: Nick Young.

Young, now a veteran and 31 (yes, really), has been getting recognition from the Lakers players and coaching staff for his mentorship of the younger players, and his vocal leadership in the locker room. Swaggy P as a locker room leader … let that sink in.


Best Case Scenario: The Lakers make the playoffs behind the electric play of their young players and the defensive prowess of Whiteside. LA is back on the map.

Worst Case Scenario: The Lakers miss the playoffs due to young players growing and a new coaching staff. Jim Buss is forced to step down by his sister and the family’s disagreements erupt into a full civil war, turning the Lakers into a Kardassian-level of drama and being a terrible distraction.

Likely Scenario: The Lakers miss the playoffs and Jim Buss steps down (with loud grumbles, but he does it). Jeannie Buss takes over and the future for LA looks brighter than it has in many years.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Mavericks

Previous Record: 30-52

Key Losses: None

Key Additions: Tyler Zeller (3yr/$28M with a team option)

When we last saw them ...

The Mavericks had seen their season derailed by injuries to both Parsons and Matthews. They traded for Joel Embiid, who promptly made an impact, and managed to retain their draft pick, taking point guard Kris Dunn.

During the offseason Dallas made it a priority to find another shooting big to compliment Embiid once Dirk retired and found their man in Tyler Zeller. Zeller is no Dirk, but was let go by the Celtics and is a man with a chip on his shoulder. His shooting from mid-range and ability to gobble up rebounds should be a big boon to a previously underwhelming bench.


Storyline to Follow:

Is this the last ride for Dirk?

It’s not the first time this question has been asked, but it might be the last. Dirk is the final player from a generation that defined the Western Conference. Kobe, Manu, Timmy, Nash … they’re all gone. Only Dirk remains, and his one-legged fading shot still looks as good as ever.

If this is the end for Dirk, Mark Cuban has done right by him in his final years and the franchise isn’t in dire straights despite the lack of draft picks for next season.

Best Case Scenario: The Mavericks make an unlikely, unfathomable run for the title in Dirk’s final season, and get one last championship for the Big German before he hangs it up.

Worst Case Scenario: Dirk watches as more of his teammates — Embiid, Parson, Matthews — fall to injury and he’s left to carry the load by himself one more time. It’s not an unexpected ending, but a disappointing one for an all-time great.

Likely Scenario: The Mavs make a triumphant return to the playoffs and Dirk hits a classic game winner in a series Dallas ultimately loses, but one that is always remembered thanks to Dirk.