From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Hornets

By Sam Gray

The Hornets were as awful as they could be last season and the basketball gods smiled on them, giving them the electric rookie Ted Reeves as a reward. For the first time in a generation, Charlotte had some draft luck and that will likely accelerate their rebuild.

With the addition of Reeves, Charlotte went out and made only one notable free agent move — the signing of former lottery pick Stanley Johnson, last of the Pistons. Detroit punted on Johnson after another underperforming year but the Hornets are offering the player a second-chance. Other than that, the Hornets used their cap space to renegotiate some contracts to lower future cap hits and maintain max flexibility down the line.

The goal of the Hornets this season will be to do what the Suns did with Omar Pope last year: Make the playoffs and put their days of rebuilding behind them.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Jazz

By Sam Gray

The Jazz made the playoffs last season but lost Rubio late in the year, forcing the Spanish Pistol Pete to the sideline and the Jazz’s playoff hopes — dim already against the Rockets — became even dimmer. Utah lost 4-1 in round 1 against the Rockets, but in the offseason made one of the boldest moves in recent memory: They brought back Gordon Hayward.

Hayward wasn’t a hot commodity on the trade market, but the Jazz jumped at the chance to bring back their former homegrown-star. Much like LeBron returning to Cleveland, Hayward returning to Utah was seen as a big win for small market teams; Hayward and the Jazz training staff are confident that he can return to his previous form.

With Hayward in play, the Jazz’s goal this year is a deep playoff run — they might not have the top-end talent they need to make the Finals, but a WCF berth is very much in the cards and if Hayward really does come back, it’ll give the Jazz the x-factor they desperately need with Donovan Mitchell.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Kings

By Sam Gray

The Kings finished with 33 wins last season and a very outside shot at the playoffs, but of course lost out; the Whiteside experiment, though it got him a big contract, didn’t result in a Sacramento postseason and the Kings let him walk.

Over the summer, Sacramento used their massive amount of cap space to absorb the contract of MKG from the Knicks, sign (again) George Hill to be their backup, brought back Spencer Hawes (again), and used their massive amount of cap space to renegotiate Labissiere’s contract — who’s getting paid a tidy sum for tidy stats (12.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG on 52% from the field, 32% from deep on just 28 MPG).

The goal of the Kings is to actually threaten for a playoff spot, something Sacramento hasn’t legitimately done in over a decade. Questions about the long-term nature of Buddy Hield and Bogdanovic are there, but both players are favorites of the Kings’ front office and are unlikely to be moved unless a good deal presents itself. With control of their first rounder this year, the Kings can be awful if they want … but Sacramento would rather be decent.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Knicks

By Sam Gray

The Knicks made huge moves last summer to bring in Walker and Butler; that resulted in a 42-40 year, a playoff berth (and five game loss) to the Bucks, and a summer rife with potential anxiety. Were the Knicks going to get either player back?

The answer was a resounding yes on both. New York could — and did — offer both players more money than anyone else, so the Knicks did what any major market team would; they threw money at the players and the players signed. Butler, in particular, was kind enough to take a declining deal to help the Knicks get a little cap space years down the line, but the Knicks managed to retain their two big gets and add in two upgrades (and sometimes headcases) to their starting five, with McGee and Stephenson stepping into MSG.

The Knicks have their big guns, they have decent youth, and they only have another year of Noah’s albatross contract — though the Knicks aren’t likely to be Finals contenders with how top-heavy they are, they may be able to get to at least the second round depending on matchups and any playoff success is good for the Knicks.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Magic

By Sam Gray

Last season the Magic draft Jared Parks 6th overall and watched their rookie light up the league; through 11 games he was averaging 20.3 PPG, 5.0 APG, on 49% shooting and 38% from deep. He was in the running for ROY before he broke his kneecap, sidelining him for the rest of the season and the Magic’s season spiraled out of control from there.

This summer, the Magic watched Vucevic leave them to go to Miami, but added in Enes Kanter (for big money) and traded for IT4 to be their starter this season as Parks continues to recover; officials in Orlando are fearful Parks may never recover from his injury, but are doing their best to support him. With a starting five of Thomas, Fournier, Issac, Gordon, and Kanter, the Magic have one of the weirdest lineups out there, but Orlando believes the talent will sort it all out.

The Magic are desperate for a playoff berth; many officials in the organization believe the franchise can no longer afford to lose year after year, fearing they’ll be labeled by players and agents as the “Browns of the NBA.” Expect the Magic to push hard for improvement.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Mavericks

By Sam Gray

The Mavs finished in the playoffs as the 8th seed and managed to steal one game from the Warriors in Dirk’s final year as a player. Dirk retired in the offseason but immediately signed on as an assistant coach with the Mavs, keeping their greatest player in the fold during a crucial transition year.

This summer, Dallas kept their eyes towards the future while bringing in players who can help now. They signed Marcus Smart to a good deal, brought in Beverley for a one-year balloon deal, and are very high on 2018 5th overall pick Jeffery Miles; Miles saw a lot of play time in the last two months of last year due to injuries and played very well, putting up 14.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, on 49% from the field and 47% from deep. Miles is very likely to replace Harrison Barnes next season if Barnes and the Mavs can’t work out a new contract (and both sides are, reportedly, not in the same ballpark right now).

The Mavs are playing for the playoffs again this year, as they may have lost Dirk, but have gained experience and are high on their younger players stepping up to replace the production of Dirk. The West will be tougher and Dallas may not be able to sneak in this season like they did last, but Dallas will be a tough out every night — that might be enough.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Nets

By Sam Gray

The Nets nearly snuck into the playoffs with 39 wins, their playoff fate coming down to the final day of the regular season. A late season injury to Brooke Lopez scuttled the Nets last month, resulting in them missing the postseason, but they came so close that fans and management alike came away from the season feeling good.

Over the summer, the Nets brought back RHJ on a good deal, re-signed Jeremy Lin to an appropriate deal, and largely returned the same cast. Jared Allen is slotted to be the Nets starter at the five while D-Lo (who averaged 18.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 6.4 APG on 47% from the field and 34% from deep) continues to be the star player this franchise has lacked since Deron Williams.

The goal for Brooklyn: make the playoffs. They came achingly close last year and feel the growth of their young players will be enough to get them over the hump and back to the postseason. Brooklyn is betting big on Juan Hernangomez to replace Trevor Booker; he’s the x-factor and if he provides the spacing the Nets believe, he’ll give Brooklyn a good chance of playing above .500 ball.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Nuggets

By Sam Gray

The Nuggets failed to make the playoffs last year but lobbying from players kept Coach Malone from being canned; but his seat is hot and the Nuggets know that they must make the postseason this season, else certain underperforming players will be dealt.

Over the summer, the Nuggets happily walked away from Paul Millsap, re-signed Trey Lyles to a big deal, retained Muscala, and drafted Tre Berry — a player who came out of college as a four but whom the Nuggets want to play the three. Denver is hoping that internal improvement will help get them back to winning basketball.

The Nuggets want to make the playoffs and are aiming to do that, but the West is brutally tough and Denver still doesn’t have another all-star level player besides Jokic. It’ll be up to him to lead the Nuggets back to the postseason and that may be a responsibility Jokic is incapable of fulfilling.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Pacers

By Sam Gray

The Pacers didn’t match their previous season’s record, falling just short of the playoffs, and Indiana quickly identified Isiah Thomas as the problem; the match between the two just wasn’t good and they shipped him off to the Magic for veterans Simmons and Augustine.

Over the summer, the Pacers brought back Collison and are confident that, with him starting, the offense will run much better (and the defense won’t be as much of a sieve). Oladipo and Turner are still the two straws that stir this drink, but both will need to step up in a crucial year — with all the contracts coming off the books next summer, the Pacers are well-positioned to reset the squad if they want to.

The Pacers goal is to make the playoffs and find out who among their many players is a true keeper. If the Pacers are out of the running for the postseason by the deadline, expect the Pacers to sell off some players in advance of the summer.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Pelicans

By Sam Gray

The Pelicans took the eventual NBA champs to six games, but the OKC Thunder were just too much for them; the firepower of Westbrook and George was tough to contain, but after losing Boogie Cousins the previous summer, NOLA was pleased with their showing.

Over the summer, the Pelicans brought back the band — Mirotic and Oubre both signed lucrative two-year deals, and the length of those deals were on purpose; Davis has not committed to a contract extension with the Pelicans and NOLA is not committing to much of anyone beyond the summer of 2021. Davis knows he has ultimate control of this franchise, but no one is quite sure if he’ll be open to reupping with a team that can’t get past the first round.

Despite all that, the Pelicans are aiming again for the playoffs and hope to avoid the Thunder (who have beaten them in the first round two years straight); if they can get to the second round, NOLA will have a case for Davis to stay. If they fall short of that or, worst case, the playoffs, NOLA will have to consider moving Davis before he leaves them for nothing.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Pistons

By Sam Gray

The Pistons desperately tried to make the playoffs last season but barely missed out, even after a trade with the Clippers to bring in Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams. Their efforts briefly worked before a late season slide ended their playoff hopes and the brief Blake Griffin era.

Over the summer, the Pistons and Drummond agreed to a new contract, Detroit dealt Blake to Phoenix for Ibaka and Evan Turner, plus picks, and the Pistons are going to do their best to survive one more year before freeing up major money next summer. The buy-in from Drummond was key to allowing them to do this, though the odds of Drummond agreeing to another contract with Detroit after this one are small if the Pistons can’t become a postseason regular.

The goal for the Pistons is to make the playoffs, but in an East that has gotten better, the realistic objective is to develop their youth — Kennard and 2019 first rounders Warner and Childress. If Detroit can do that, something they haven’t been good at for years, then the Pistons will be content to be competitive.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Raptors

By Sam Gray

The Raptors were, once again, the best team in the East during the regular season but suffered an ill-time injury to Kyle Lowry in round one, resulting in a too-close series with the Heat and then an emotional, nearly exceptional seven game bout with the Celtics. Toronto firmly believes that if Lowry was healthy, they would have won that series and made the Finals.

During the summer, they brought back Valanciunas for a big deal and brought in Wayne Ellington — the electric sixth-man for the champion Thunder — and are betting that Wiggins and Anunoby will continue to excel. Wiggins had a huge year for Toronto last season, putting up 19.3 PPG with 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, on 50% from the field and 40% from deep.

With Lowry in the final year of a very expensive deal, the Raptors are looking to get to the Finals and win one while they still have a chance; if Toronto falls off early, expect them to entertain trade offers for Lowry and other bench players as they look to dive below the luxury tax.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Rockets

By Sam Gray







The Rockets were again a great regular season team, but disappointed massively in the playoffs as the Thunder swept them; Westbrook’s revenge tour took off in full force against former teammate James Harden and the Rockets had no answer for him, as CP3 was just unable to keep up.



With even less cap room than before and deep into the luxury tax, the Rockets still managed to make an important signing with the addition of Demarre Carroll. Carroll was a veteran sixth-man for the Nets last season and will be the starter here, bringing size and defense to the crucial wing spot.

Houston is desperate for a title and will try, once more, to get back to the WCF and get back to the Finals. With the albatross contract for Ryan Anderson still on the books (as no team will touch him without a significant cost), the Rockets will try again this season … next summer could be very interesting if they disappoint in the playoffs again as CP3 will be 35 and making nearly 30M — a trade candidate if there ever was one.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Spurs

By Sam Gray

The Spurs were not the same Spurs we expected last season; after the trade of Leonard, San Antonio struggled to adapt to the new personnel and the tougher West, falling to the worst record in the NBA at only 28 wins. With the best odds of getting the first overall pick and Ted Reeves, the Spurs got slotted into the second spot.

San Antonio traded out of it and, thanks to some money savings, the Spurs went into free agency and signed Hassan Whiteside to a big, four year deal. These are not your father’s Spurs, as Pop is going all in trying to put a playoff contender together. San Antonio brought in young big Wade Briggs as well to backup Whiteside, and the Spurs are going twin-towers in a league that seems to be moving away from that.

The Spurs want back into the postseason dance and will do whatever it takes to do so; expect the Spurs to entertain offers for Schroder, who underperformed in year one in San Antonio, if they’re not in the playoff hunt at the deadline. There is concern that this will be Pop’s last year on the sideline with Spurs and the Spurs will do whatever is necessary to get their coach a chance at a title, however slim the odds may be.

[trekfan]

Re: From the Ashes: A Phoenix Tale

Team Preview: Suns

By Sam Gray

The Phoenix Suns had a season for the ages, getting back to the playoffs, beating the Lakers in round one, and eventually losing to the Warriors in five. Omar Pope was a revelation as a player and the success the Suns had surprised the league, as well as their management.

Over the summer, the Suns front office junked the slow and steady approach and instead made moves to build a contender now. Phoenix used some of their assets to trade for Blake Griffin, removing him from exile in Detroit and bringing him back to the sun-drenched West. They signed Malcolm Brogdon as their point guard of the present and future, the former Buck looking to be a perfect match for Coach Kidd’s system. Add in eurostash player Oliverio and veteran sharpshooter JR Smith, and the Suns — on paper — look to be a better team, even without Stephenson, Boban, and Rozier.

The Suns want back into the playoffs and want another crack at any round two team; they expect to get at least that far and they expect to compete for a WCF berth, if things break the right way. With all current contracts set to expire in the summer of 2022, the Suns have their window and still possess the coveted 2021 Miami pick.