Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Dallas Mavericks are now in their third year post-Dirk and have little progress to show for it. Coach Carlisle has been stocked with young talent, but are the players ready to step up? Dallas managed to land the 2^nd overall pick this last draft and took the stretch-five Zach Brown, who'll instantly be a starter. Brown represents a high-upside pick to the Mavs and one they hope will develop into an All-Star sooner rather than later.



But progress for the Mavericks is a must this season – a playoff berth might be too much to ask with how deep the West is, but winning over 35 games and showing signs of life would be nice. The Mavericks roster doesn't lack in good players, especially with the signings of young veterans Josh Richardson and Tyler Ennis, and their bench has a veteran leader in Gallinari ready to shoot the lights out.



Pressure from owner Mark Cuban to have something happen is high and both he and Rick Carlisle are butting heads more often sources indicate. Carlisle could be fired next offseason, but with Dirk as his assistant (and Dirk's high admiration for him), Cuban is expected to let Carlisle's contract end in the summer of 2020 before making any final decisions.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Wizards landed the biggest fish in their franchise history with the signing of Boogie Cousins. Washington pushed hard for Boogie and leading the charge was John Wall, who guaranteed Cousins he would re-sign with the Wizards next summer. The Wizards now have one of the most dynamic PG/C duos in the league and they added in some interesting parts around them.



On the bench, the Wizards signed Rajon Rondo – now the NBA's official traveling nomad – a Boogie favorite and then grabbed another friend of Cousins, Ben McLemore. Both Rondo and McLemore aren't without their faults, but both helped their teams a decent amount last season – especially McLemore, who was a big rotation player on the 56-26 Hornets last season.



The Wizards now feature one of the most talented starting fives in the league with Wall, Beal, Oubre Jr., Gibson, and Cousins. After two years of middling regular season results, the Wizards are now prepared to secure a top-4 seed and make it back to the ECF – something they last did in their surprising 2017 playoff run as a 6^th seed. With Cousins having never made the playoffs before, a postseason berth almost guarantees the season as a success.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Nuggets surprised everyone in free agency by going out to grab Isiah Thomas. Thomas, having spent the last three years with the Celtics (who haven't made the playoffs since the 14-15 season), signed up almost immediately to become the Nuggets starting guard under his former head coach, Mike Malone (whom he saw much success with in Sacramento). With Thomas assuming the starting PG spot, Denver has moved Mudiay to his more natural position as a SG.



The Nuggets starting lineup of Thomas, Mudiay, Batum, Bender, and Nurkic will cause all sorts of problems for opponents, as will their bench featuring Olynyk, Josh Jackson, Austin Rivers, and Grayson Allen. Denver is determined to make the playoffs this season after nearly accomplishing the task last year even with Mudiay down.



But the Nuggets aren't without their problems, namely Nurkic, who is disillusioned with Coach Malone and wishes to see more minutes. Malone, however, seems to favor Olynyk and Nurkic has been visibly frustrated on social media over the last few months. Only 24 and locked into a very good deal, Nurkic could be traded if he makes trouble in the locker room. With Thomas aboard, however, expect the Nuggets to be legitimately competitive and try to lock in a playoff spot in the wild West.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Pacers are now experiencing life without Paul George and it's not a bad life – so far. Myles Turner is instantly the best player on this team and he's likely to have a big year now that he's back playing his natural position as a PF. The Pacers drafted surefire center DeAndre Ayton 1^st overall, solidifying that position hopefully for the next 7-8 years. They didn't stop there, adding Tyreke Evans in free agency and then trading for 3-time NBA Champion (and only 23 years old) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.



The Jefferson trade sent shockwaves throughout the league, but the Pacers pounced on him when he became available; a defensive stopper, RHJ will bring a much needed boost of defense to his team. The Pacers then went out and traded for Danny Green, adding another championship-caliber player on a good deal.



The biggest out of all the many questions surrounding Indiana is how all these pieces will fit together. Is Dennis Schroder the PG they need? Will new HC Luke Walton's offense work in Indiana? How will RHJ fit into the culture of the Pacers? Is this a rebuild or a reboot? The only way to decide any of it is to get out on the court and the Pacers are eager to get out there.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Grizzlies have stripped away most of their veteran players and sent them packing. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are both in (hopefully) greener pastures and the Grizzlies have fully embraced the rebuild, opting for young talent in key positions. The Grizzlies went out and signed Marcus Smart in free agency to man their two spot, their only notable signing of the offseason.



Memphis is not expected to compete for a playoff spot, but they'll likely be involved in multiple trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches. Memphis still has Michael Carter-Williams on contract, as well as Jeff Green and Timothy Mosgov – all movable contracts that potential playoff teams might look at as “the missing piece” in prepping for a deep postseason run.



Progress in Frank Vogel's first year as HC will be measured in wins. Memphis would like to approach 37 wins this year, just outside the playoffs, but the order will be tall with the lack of top-level talent. Sophomore Harry Giles, after having tasted the postseason last year with the Bucks (before being shipped off for Marc Gasol) will be looked upon to be the franchise center going forward, a big responsibility for a player who slid in his draft class.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Pistons lucked out this offseason as they watched the Hawks let Paul Millsap walk. They didn't take long to sign him to a good two year deal and now Millsap joins a loaded starting five with Lawson, Jackson, Johnson, and Drummond. Millsap is the perfect type of player for Stan Van-Gundy at the four and will enable SVG to bolster his bench with Ryan Anderson.



The Pistons, after making the playoffs the last two seasons (albeit with records barely over .500), are looking for a 50-win season and seem to have all the parts to do it. Detroit went into free agency and signed CJ McCollumn to a bargain three year deal, grabbing a talented player who can stretch the floor for them. With a bench unit featuring Ulis, McCollum, Morris, and Anderson, Detroit should be able to run their offense no matter who's out there.



Look for Detroit to continue to try and unload Reggie Jackson as the season goes, however, as his inefficiency continues to harm the Pistons on the court when he decides to jack up whatever shot he wants. Detroit would jump at the chance to get rid of him and promote McCollum to a starter, but few teams want to take on Jackson's contract at this point without something to grease the wheels.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Raptors were the most disappointing team of the year last season as they went from Finals participant to lottery team in the span of one season. The reason why is still baffling as the offense of Toronto collapsed with Valanciunas playing the four and Poeltl manning the five. Toronto has reversed that course this season and signed veteran Zach Randolph – fresh off his good year with the 76ers – to a modest contract. They also brought back Kyle Lowry on a team-friendly deal.



With Zbo in the mix as the starting four, Valanciunas heads back to the five and Toronto bolsters its bench with Poeltl. The bench for the Raptors looks to be guard-heavy, but that only means HC Dwayne Casey will have to get creative with his substitution patterns, something that might give the Raptors an advantage if done right.



Success for Toronto is a playoff appearance with a spot in ECF. Any less and Dwayne Casey could be looking for a new job. With the amount of young talent on the roster, the Raptors could easily blow the team up next season if they miss the playoffs again – a brain-exploding thought to many Raptors fans after the unlikely appearance in the NBA Finals in 2017.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



This is the best team James Harden has ever had in Houston and the excuses for the Rockets' star are few if they fail to advance back to the WCF this year. Houston made the mega-trade to grab Mike Conley and then went out and signed Brook Lopez and Nikola Pekovic (formerly of the Timberwolves). Houston has gone out and gotten the players it needed to give Harden his best team ever.



It's up to Harden to deliver. The Rockets have structured the contracts and the trades in such a way that, if they need to rebuild on the fly, they can. Conley, Gay, and Gasol are all free agents next summer and every single one of them could leave. Gasol is likely to strongly consider retirement next offseason, while Gay and Conley – reunited for the first time since their Memphis days – could move to teams that would give them more control. The pecking order begins with Harden in Houston and often ends with him.



Success for the Rockets this year will be based on how deep into the playoffs they advance. After getting back to the 2^nd round last year (before being beaten in five games by the Sonics), Houston has to aim for a high-seed and hope to avoid the big dogs of the West – Seattle and OKC – to make the WCF. From there, it'll be about getting to the Finals, a feat they've failed to achieve since 1995 when Hakeem played.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Spurs watched LaMarcus Aldridge opt out of his deal, but LMA didn't even hit free agency as San Antonio locked him up for the next two seasons at least (with a TO in year three that will likely be decline, but both sides know that). Tony Parker was also re-signed to what's essentially a one-year deal (like LMA, he has a TO that will likely be declined) and the Spurs are preparing to offer a mega-contract to Kawhi Leonard, who'll likely decline his PO next summer to re-sign at market value.



San Antonio didn't sit on their laurels this offseason, though. After getting back both LMA and Parker, the Spurs went and signed JR Smith, the traveling gunner who played last year with OKC. Smith was signed to, essentially, a one-year deal and will have to prove to the Spurs that he can reliably hold down the starting position.



Other than that, the Spurs return largely the same team and expect to see their young PG Monte Morris excel as a sixth man off the bench. The Spurs are also looking to Domantas Sabonis to grow as well, as the 22-year-old will see major minutes for the first time in his career. If Morris and Sabonis are as good as the Spurs believe, both players will help San Antonio get back to the playoffs and resume the franchise's excellence after last year's poor finish.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Suns made a surprising run to the playoffs last season, despite Ivan Raab going down 50 games into the season with a major injury. Even with Raab out, the Suns rallied (thanks to the superb play of Tobias Harris as a stretch-four) and the Suns found themselves in the playoffs, surviving the Lakers in the 1^st round and then upsetting the Thunder in the 2^nd round after seven tough games. A loss to the Sonics in the WCF wasn't unexpected, but the Suns season was considered a success.



In the offseason, Phoenix went out and traded for Frank Kormaz, taking advantage of a desperate Hornets team looking for insurance against Kemba Walker leaving. Kormaz's addition to the roster is a coup for the Suns front office and with him aboard, only 22, the Suns expect his shooting off the bench to be electric.



Overall, the Suns return largely the same roster and they hope that Raab can resume the blistering pace he was setting before his injury – 19.6 PPG with 7.7 RPG on 48% shooting. If Raab can do that, expect the Suns to set the league on fire yet again. Success in Phoenix making the playoffs and getting to at least the 2^nd round.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The three-time NBA champion Seattle SuperSonics are once more preparing for a tough season, but this one will likely be the toughest of them all. Seattle lost Lionel Hollins to retirement in the offseason, hiring Ime Udoka (formerly an assistant with the Spurs), and then watched as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was traded after his contract demands were made public by his agent. The offseason has been tumultuous to say the least and the regular season will likely be more so.



Coach Udoka has shifted Lance Stephenson to the bench, starting Malik Newman in favor of the veteran Stephenson – a move widely expected in most circles. What wasn't expected was the benching of Markieff Morris, who's been made the sixth man as Udoka starts sophomore Isiah Hartenstein over him. Morris has reportedly taken the demotion well-enough, as Udoka has made the cases to both he and Stephenson that they're needed on the second-unit to take advantage of opposing benches, but there are murmurs that Morris will likely leave in free agency next summer because of the move.



Seattle's got a new starting five that only returns two starters from last year – Westbrook and Noel – and the rest of the NBA seems to have caught up to them during the offseason. Until proven otherwise, Seattle is the NBA's defending champs and they'll get every team's best shot on any given night, but this year will likely be the toughest since their return to the NBA – and could result in an early postseason exit if things break badly for them. Success for Seattle is to be in contention for the NBA title, but based on the rest of the league, they may not get there this season.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Timberwolves missed the playoffs last season, the third year in a row and the second year of Doc Rivers tenure. Despite the immense talent the Wolves possess, something seemed to be missing last season, which is why Ricky Rubio was moved. In his place, the Wolves are trusting Tyus Jones to lead the team.



In free agency, the Wolves went out and brought in veteran Al Jefferson – who last suited up for the Wolves in 2010. Jefferson, now 33, hopes to finish his career with the Wolves and Minnesota welcomed him with open arms. Jefferson will man the center position, moving the more athletic KAT to PF. Doc Rivers is hoping that with Jefferson aboard, the Wolves will be able to rely less on Wiggins/KAT and be able to spread the scoring around.



The Wolves must make the playoffs this season or else the offseason will be full of questions that no one in the organization can answer. If Minnesota misses the playoffs, expect the Wolves to move one of their core pieces – either Wiggins or Lavine – in a deal that brings back a PG with some experience, but young enough to grow with KAT. Doc Rivers job is completely safe for now.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Trail Blazers let CJ McCollum walk and instead signed former Blazer Wesley Matthews. Matthews and the Blazers didn't end things on bad terms last time around and a reunion was logical for both sides, especially after Matthews wasted two years of his career on the non-playoff Mavericks. Matthews signing was big.



But the drafting of Micheal Porter might have been bigger. Porter lit up summer league, looking like the best player in the draft, and Portland is ecstatic over the possibilities he and Lillard will bring to the table. With the continued improvement of Noah Vonleh (who seems to have recovered from his late-season ACL tear) and Diamond Stone finally making an appearance in the Blazers' rotation, the team expects improvement across the board.



Success for the Blazers will be a postseason berth and advancement to at least the 2^nd round, like they did in 2017 before being demolished by the last iteration of the Westbrook/Durant Thunder. Anything less will likely mean the exit of Terry Stotts and a hiring of a coach with serious playoff experience.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee






The Warriors missed the playoffs last season but made a miraculous comeback after the trade of Draymond Green, nearly sneaking into the playoffs and finishing the season at 41-41. Green seems to have been the problem for the Warriors and his removal freed the team from whatever issues they had.



In the offseason the Warriors re-signed Joel Embiid to a big four-year deal, then proceeded to sign Brandon Wright, Mo Williams, and Adrian Payne to one year deals. Their most interesting signing might have been Bruno Caboclo, the former Raptor 1^st round pick from 2014. Caboclo could develop into a solid starter with the Warriors if given the chance.



Golden State needs this year to be a success, especially with the expiring contracts of Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, and Kyle Looney. All three could leave next summer, but Thompson is the biggest threat to go as multiple teams around the league will throw money at him to come be their biggest star. Thompson, having spent the last seven years being the second-banana to someone on the Warriors, might just leave to take on that challenge. A deep playoff run would make Thompson's decision almost moot, but with how stacked the West is, nothing is guaranteed.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2018-19 Preview

October 20th, 2018

By Vonny Lee



The Pelicans found themselves once more on the wrong end of a playoff series, losing to the Rockets in five after being up 2-1. It was a massively disappointing result for NOLA and the Pelicans – particularly Anthony Davis – have faced some hard questions. Still, NOLA went out and got some help for their bench, signing Jerryd Bayless and Norman Powell.



Neither player will move the needle much for the fans, but Bayless will be a key swing player at the one and two for the Pelicans, who are desperate to get back into the playoffs and to advance past the 1^st round. NOLA expects Jayson Tatum to continue to improve after a stellar rookie campaign (19.8 PPG, with 3.8 RPG and 3.9 APG).



The Pelicans are still suffering from the Omer Asik contract – he's making over 11M a year and he's not part of the rotation at all. The Pelicans will have money to spend next season, though, as Reddick, Noah, and Ajinca all come off the books. Success for the Pelicans begins and ends in the playoffs this season – they need to advance and need to do so sooner rather than later, as the summer of 2020 approaches and Anthony Davis' free agency looms.