2023 NBA Power Rankings (10/11/22)

With training camp wrapping up and preseason underway, rosters are mostly solidified across the league. That means it’s time for my 2022-23 NBA preseason power rankings. My rankings are based on a combination of predicted regular season and postseason success (with playoffs holding more weight) and take into account roster talent, fit, and past success and/or failure. Here we go!

1: Milwaukee Bucks (3 Seed in East)

Key Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis Jr.

The Bucks were a healthy Khris Middleton away from a potential repeat last season. While their offseason wasn’t flashy (their main addition was Joe Ingles), it got the job done. Major contributors Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews are back in the Cream City and starting big man Brook Lopez will be healthy for a full season, putting the 2021 champs back at full strength and in position to return to the promised land with the best player in basketball at the helm. 

2: Los Angeles Clippers (4 Seed in West)

Key Players: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, John Wall, Norman Powell, Reggie Jackson

With superstar Kawhi Leonard returning to the court after missing the 2021-22 season, the Clippers are looking scary. The elite tandem of Kawhi and Paul George headlines a squad with at least twelve rotation-caliber players that offer a combination of knockdown shooting (Norman Powell, Luke Kennard, Marcus Morris Sr.) and rock-solid defense (Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac). While I don’t expect them to dominate the regular season, the Clippers will make a deep playoff run and are my pick to make it out of the West in 2023.

3: Golden State Warriors (1 Seed in West)

Key Players: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson

It seems like the sun will never set on the Golden State dynasty. The iconic trio of Steph, Klay, and Draymond are still leading their team to rings while the next generation of Dubs grows around them. Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole both blossomed last season for the reigning champs, and with similar growth expected from James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and others the Warriors will continue to contend for the next decade. 

4: Boston Celtics (1 Seed in East)

Key Players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Derrick White

Ime Udoka’s suspension is a big problem for a Boston squad coming off a Finals loss, but it’s hard to count out the team with perhaps the best top seven in the association. The menacing defensive unit that brought them to the Finals is still intact and they will once again stifle opposing offenses in 2023. On the other end, Malcolm Brogdon answers Boston’s need for a true point guard and will help elevate them to another level. The Celtics will compete for their 18th banner with or without Ime Udoka. 

5: Denver Nuggets (3 Seed in West)

Key Players: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.

The common theme of key players returning continues with the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are rejoining Nikola Jokic on the court to form a deadly offensive trio that could run the West. With a solid group of role players including Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope around them, the back-to-back MVP has a chance of winning his first championship. 

6: Phoenix Suns (2 Seed in West)

Key Players: Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges

After falling short against the Mavericks in embarrassing fashion, the Suns have a lot to prove this season. They’ve been a great regular-season team since Chris Paul arrived, but can they take it to the next level? Jae Crowder not showing up for training camp and Monty Williams supposedly not talking to Deandre Ayton all summer are not good signs for a roster seemingly already on the brink of falling apart. This is a make-or-break year for the Valley Boys.

7: Philadelphia 76ers (2 Seed in East)

Key Players: Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris

The 76ers have been on the cusp of true contention for a few years now and they might finally reach that status in 2023. Joel Embiid is one of the most dominant forces in the game and he forms a top-of-the-line trio with former MVP James Harden and young star Tyrese Maxey. Philly also bolstered their depth with defensive-minded role players P.J. Tucker and De’Anthony Melton. This might be the best roster Embiid has had around him in his career and they have their sights firmly set on the Larry O’Brien. 

8: Cleveland Cavaliers (4 Seed in East)

Key Players: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert

Adding Donovan Mitchell to one of the league’s top young cores and League Pass teams is not only a recipe for fun but also for success. Mitchell and Darius Garland will torch opposing defenses every night and Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will cover up for their defensive deficiencies. This up-and-coming Cavs squad will win a lot of games and be a tough out in the playoffs  

#9: Miami Heat (6 Seed in East)

Key Players: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry

Miami was a Jimmy Butler miss away from the Finals last season. Fueled by that defeat they are likely “stupidly locked in” for 2022-23, looking to return to the big stage. However, other top Eastern Conference teams improved around them while they added nobody besides rookies. It will be a tough road through the playoffs for Miami and they will need bigger contributions from Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro (and someone to step up and fill the gaping hole at the four) to fulfill their championship aspirations. 

#10: Atlanta Hawks (5 Seed in East) 

Key Players: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, John Collins, Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks needed to get better after a disappointing round-one loss to Miami where Trae Young struggled mightily, and they did just that by acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Spurs. Dejounte will take pressure off Trae offensively and make up for the offensive phenom’s defensive struggles, making the duo one of the top backcourts in the NBA. Around them is an awesome young roster including two potential breakout players in De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu. If everything clicks for this squad they will compete for a ‘chip. 

#11: Memphis Grizzlies (5 Seed in West)

Key Players: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones

The Grizzlies exploded onto the scene in 2021-22 behind Ja Morant’s meteoric rise. They finished with the second-best record in the league and lost competitively to the eventual champs in the second round. While it will be tough for them to recreate that same magic in the ultra-competitive West, the Grizz will still be one of the most exciting shows in basketball. 

#12: Brooklyn Nets (7 Seed in East)

Key Players: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons

Brooklyn’s offseason was a roller coaster with Kevin Durant requesting a trade and ultimately deciding to stay. With their all-time great committed to the team (for now), they now have a roster that is a championship contender on paper. So much has gone wrong for them in the KD-Kyrie era that I am not comfortable putting them in that tier, but there is a world where the Nets raise a banner at the end of the 2022-23 season. 

#13: Minnesota Timberwolves (6 Seed in West)

Key Players: Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden McDaniels

2021-22 was a successful campaign for the Wolves as they made the playoffs for the second time since Karl-Anthony Towns was drafted and lost in six games to Memphis. After that, they decided to go all in and trade for three-time DPOY Rudy Gobert. Next to KAT and budding superstar Anthony Edwards, Gobert will help cement Minnesota as a playoff squad. To be more than a tough early exit, Ant will have to take another massive leap and put himself in top twenty conversations. 

#14: Dallas Mavericks (7 Seed in West)

Key Players: Luka Doncic, Christian Wood, Spencer Dinwiddie

Super-duper star Luka Doncic led the Mavs to the Conference Finals last season, embarrassing the top-seeded Suns in the process. Losing Jalen Brunson hurts them but with star big man Christian Wood and a plethora of rock-solid role players they could replicate their 2022 postseason because Luka magic can never be counted out. 

#15: New Orleans Pelicans (8 Seed in West)

Key Players: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, Herb Jones

This New Orleans squad opened a lot of eyes in the 2022 playoffs, pushing the Suns to six games behind a fantastic series from Brandon Ingram. With Zion Williamson rejoining this young and deep group on the hardwood, don’t sleep on the Pelicans this season because there’s a world where they’re a homecourt team come April. 

#16: Los Angeles Lakers (9 Seed in West)

Key Players: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook

I have no idea what to expect from the Lakers this year. Will LeBron continue his inhuman longevity? Will AD stay healthy and play like the top-ten player he once was? Will Russell Westbrook turn things around after a shocking 2021-22 season? Are the role players around the big three good enough? The Lakers could either bottom out or play like a legitimate contender in 2023, so I’ve settled on somewhere in the middle. 

#17: Chicago Bulls (8 Seed in East)

Key Players: DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, Patrick Williams

Chicago returned to relevance behind DeMar DeRozan’s All-NBA campaign in 2022 and has their sights set on something more for this year. A lot will have to go right for them to make it out of the first round, though. DeMar needs to replicate last year, Lonzo needs to stay healthy, Vucevic needs to return to All-Star form, and Patrick Williams needs to make a big jump if the Bulls are to make any real noise. 

#18: Portland Trail Blazers (10 Seed in West)

Key Players: Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart

The greatest Blazer ever is back healthy and ready to compete again. He has a solid, well-rounded group around him including Simons, Grant, and Nurkic. The 10 seed seems low for Portland but the West is stacked and it’s tough to put them above the nine teams ahead of them. Never count out Damian Lillard, though, because if he’s playing like the top ten player he was in 2021 they will make the playoffs.

#19: Toronto Raptors (9 Seed in East)

Key Players: Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr. 

Toronto has one of the deepest and most well-rounded rosters in the association, and their starting five is as good as anybody’s. The only thing holding them back is they lack “the guy” who can elevate them to the next level. Pascal Siakam is an All-NBA forward but isn’t good enough to be the best player on a championship team. Fans of the team are convinced Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes will be that guy, but he isn’t right now and that’s why the Raptors will finish in the play-in. 

#20: Sacramento Kings (11 Seed in West)

Key Players: De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray

The Kings are finally on the path back to relevancy. Acquiring two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, drafting Keegan Murray, and adding role players like Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk have put Sacramento in a position to compete after missing the playoffs for a ridiculous 16 seasons straight. With De’Aaron Fox leading the charge this team will be fun to watch as they try to end the drought. 

#21: Washington Wizards (10 Seed in East)

Key Players: Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura

The Wizards have been stuck in mediocracy for the last few seasons, and that’s not going to change this year. With Bradley Beal locked up on the supermax they are looking to compete but the roster around him is not good enough to get any further than the play-in. Young players such as Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija, and Daniel Gafford are bright spots for Washington, and Beal’s scoring is always fun, but this team is nothing too special. 

#22: New York Knicks (11 Seed in East)

Key Players: R.J. Barrett, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes

I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again: New York needs to commit to the youth movement. R.J. Barrett is a star and they have a group of long-term contributors around him. Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, Obi Toppin, Cam Reddish, and Miles McBride are all going to be good NBA players, not to mention new signee Jalen Brunson who is just entering his prime and is still getting better. The Knicks are not good enough to compete and it’s time to let the young guys take over. 

#23: Orlando Magic (12 Seed in East)

Key Players: Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony

The Magic have quietly built one of the best young cores in the NBA. First overall Paolo Banchero projects to be a number one option and will complete this squad of guys that have flown under the radar. They will surprise a lot of people this year while still finishing in the lottery.

#24: Charlotte Hornets (13 Seed in East)

Key Players: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington

With Miles Bridges likely gone, this Hornets roster is looking very bleak. LaMelo Ball is one of the most exciting young guards in the league and Terry Rozier is a bucket but they don’t have much else going for them at this point. Charlotte still has playoff aspirations but won’t be able to reach them and it’s possible they are the worst team in the East come April. However, they will still be fun to watch as long as LaMelo and Terry are hooping and Eric Collins is calling games. 

#25: Detroit Pistons (14 Seed in East)

Key Players: Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Jaden Ivey, Bojan Bogdanovic, Isaiah Stewart

Motor City added their engine and franchise player in Cade Cunningham last year. With a big leap from Cade coming this season, the Pistons will competitively tank with improvement from Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley, and others as well. Bojan Bogdanovic might also have a sneaky good season with Cade serving him easy looks nightly. 

#26: Oklahoma City Thunder (12 Seed in West)

Key Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexader, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Tre Mann

Second-overall pick Chet Holmgren going down with injury is a tough blow for the Thunder, but it means they can commit to the tank for another year. Josh Giddey, Jalen (JDub) Williams, Tre Mann, and others will be able to spread their wings fully while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander puts himself firmly in both All-Star and top-twenty player conversations. 

#27: Indiana Pacers (15 Seed in East)

Key Players: Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, Buddy Hield, Chris Duarte

With Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, and T.J. Warren off the roster, the Pacers are entering their first full season of a long overdue rebuild after being a perennial first-round exit. Tyrese Haliburton is a fantastic offensive player and will cement himself as their lead guard for the future this year. Bottoming out will give them a shot at getting Victor Wembanyama which would give much-needed attention to the team that finished last in attendance in 2021-22. 

#28: Houston Rockets (13 Seed in West)

Key Players: Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Boban Marjanovic

Who needs James Harden? After losing the 2018 MVP two years ago the Rockets have rebuilt quickly and now have a very promising backcourt in his place. Both Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. are star talents and will prove that to those doubting them this season. Next to them are third-overall pick Jabari Smith Jr., fellow first-round pick Tari Eason, and others. This team will be a lot of fun in 2023 as they continue to grow. 

#29: San Antonio Spurs (14 Seed in West)

Key Players: Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Jakob Poeltl, Josh Primo, Jeremy Sochan

Trading homegrown All-Star Dejounte Murray officially marked the end of San Antonio’s incredible competitive streak. They are tanking to add a franchise player from the 2023 draft and will develop a slept-on squad headlined by the wing duo of Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, two Most Improved Player candidates, in the meantime. 

#30: Utah Jazz (15 Seed in West)

Key Players: Collin Sexton, Mike Conley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Lauri Markkanen

Welcome to the Collin Sexton show is something I never thought I would write, but here we are. Sexton is about to go nuclear for a Jazz squad lacking a top option after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, shushing those clamoring “he’s a sixth man”. They have some other fun players, such as Jarred Vanderbilt, but will be awful in 2023 with the end goal of winning the Wembenyama sweepstakes. 

2023 Award Predictions (9/26/22)

We are now less than a month away from the 2022-23 NBA season, which means it’s once again time for my annual preseason articles. I’m tipping off my preseason triad with my award predictions. Just like last year, I’ll list my top five favorites (and a few honorable mentions) before giving my winner for each major award. Let’s get started!

Sixth Man of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bobby Portis Jr., Kelly Oubre Jr., Jordan Clarkson

(With a Jae Crowder trade coming soon, Cam Johnson will probably be starting this year.)

Tyus Jones

The Memphis Grizzlies were 20-5 without Ja Morant last season, and a big reason for that is their backup one, Tyus Jones. While he won’t wow you with flashy dimes, Tyus is an excellent floor general because he rarely turns the ball over. He can always be relied on to make good decisions with the ball and that’s a crucial point guard skill. 

Caris LeVert

LeVert struggled some in a lesser role when he joined the Cavaliers at the trade deadline. He is best with the ball in his hands creating for himself and he didn’t consistently get that opportunity with the Cavs. Now that Donovan Mitchell has filled the starting shooting guard slot, LeVert should flourish as a microwave sixth man.

Tyler Herro

The reigning 6MOY, Herro won the title in 2022 while leading his team in shot attempts per game. A bench player rarely gets that big of a role, especially for a contending team, so he had an easy route to the award. If he comes off the pine once again this season, he will be in the running to go back-to-back.

Jordan Poole

A full season of Klay Thompson means 2022 young breakout star Jordan Poole will be moved to the bench. That means Golden State will be throwing Poole parties for opposing seconds units all year long. Poole is a crafty and confident bucket which will make him a serious case for an award that usually goes to the bench player who scores the most. 

Malcolm Brogdon

In order to keep the best defense in the league together, Boston has opted to keep Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Robert Williams as their starters. This leaves new addition Malcolm Brogdon in a bench role, making a Celtics team coming off a Finals appearance even scarier. Brogdon is a top sixty player when he manages to stay healthy and should contend for 6MOY if he does just that this year.

2022-23 6MOY: Jordan Poole

Most Improved Player

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Porter Jr., Devin Vassell, Onyeka Okongwu, Precious Achiuwa, Jaden McDaniels, Talen Horton-Tucker

Jalen Brunson

After a sensational 2022 playoff run, Brunson has a lot of hype around what he can do in New York. Some even think he’ll make the All-Star game. While that might be a little overboard, Brunson will have a big year if he can pick up where he left off in the postseason. 

Wendell Carter Jr.

Moving on from former All-Star center Nikola Vucevic in 2021 gave Orlando a new star big in Wendell Carter. He’s very versatile and skilled for a player of his size as he can score from all three levels, pass, and defend. I can see him reaching near top fifty status this season and being named a MIP finalist. 

Markelle Fultz

Wendell’s teammate Markelle Fultz impressed big-time in just 18 games in 2021-22, and in a full season, he’s due to make a big jump. While the former first-overall pick will probably never live up to his pre-draft expectations, he is going to be a good starter for a long time. 

Tyrese Haliburton

Landing in Indiana at the deadline last season allowed Haliburton to put his floor generalship and highly efficient scoring on full display. He’ll be given the keys to the offense this year and put himself in All-Star conversations which will make him a favorite for MIP.

Keldon Johnson

For the second season in a row, the Spurs have a legitimate MIP contender. Last year it was Dejounte Murray, and this time it’s Keldon Johnson. Keldon already made big strides in 2021-22, specifically as a shooter, and now with Dejounte gone, he’ll be able to continue to develop as the top dog in San Antonio. 

2022-23 MIP: Tyrese Haliburton

Rookie of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Jalen Williams, Tari Eason, Jaden Hardy, Jalen Duren, Johnny Davis, Jeremy Sochan, Ochai Agbaji

(Chet Holmgren will be out for the whole season otherwise he would be in my top five)

Keegan Murray

The Kings were criticized on social media for this pick, but I think it was the right move. Keegan Murray is a less clunky fit next to De’Aaron Fox than Jaden Ivey would be. Murray is pretty similar to his new frontcourt mate Harrison Barnes, a do-it-all forward who can slide into any lineup. Sacramento is looking like they could be sneaky good this season and Murray will be a big part of that.

Jaden Ivey

The aforementioned Ivey is joining Cade Cunningham in Detroit to form a very promising backcourt of the future. He’s an explosive athlete who creates for himself and others and he won’t have too much responsibility early since he’ll be sharing the ball with Cade. The key for Ivey will be knocking down triples when he’s playing off the ball, as being effective as a one and a two will be important for him to fit next to Cade. 

Paolo Banchero

The first overall pick is the best player in this class in my opinion. His ability to score from the mid-range and pass at 6’10” is unique and he has number one option written all over him. Orlando has everything in place but that, so if Paolo lives up to the hype he will complete this Magic roster and probably win ROTY.

Jabari Smith Jr.

If Jabari Smith is as advertised, he will be a knockdown catch-and-shoot threat and defensive menace at the four spot from day one. His Summer League performance was worrying for some but usually Summer League isn’t telling of how well a rookie will play in the regular season so I’m not in that boat. I’m expecting a high-level rookie campaign from Jabari.

Bennedict Mathurin

Rivaling Jabari Smith for the best shooter in this class is Bennedict Mathurin. His beautiful, high release allows him to connect on treys over defenders easily and he’s also a fantastic shooter on the move. He’ll be getting a lot of good looks with Tyrese Haliburton running the show which means he’ll have the numbers to be in the Rookie of the Year race.

2022-23 ROTY: Paolo Banchero

Defensive Player of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges, Anthony Davis

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Most of the usual suspects will be atop the DPOY race once again in 2022-23, including the best player in basketball. Giannis’s help-side defense remains remarkable and he will continue to dominate on that end.

Jrue Holiday

Giannis’s teammate is the best guard defender in the association. His lateral movement and screen navigation are impeccable and it’s virtually impossible to beat him on a drive. Since Marcus Smart won last year I think it’s very possible another guard could win the award in 2023.

Rudy Gobert

The three-time DPOY has joined a new team where he will have more defensive help than he did in Utah. Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, Kyle Anderson, and Taurean Prince form a solid perimeter unit that will relieve some pressure from Gobert to block everything. If the Wolves are good enough on D as a whole there’s a chance that Gobert ties the all-time record with four DPOYs.

Robert Williams III

The anchor of the best defense in the league, Robert Williams is entering just his fifth season and is already one of the best shot blockers in the association. His reach, timing, and 40” vertical allow him to swat almost anything put up near him. He may be at a disadvantage because he’ll miss time to start the year but an All-Defensive team is definitely in the cards for Rob Will.

Bam Adebayo

After being in the running for the award for the last few seasons, it seems like Bam is due to finally take the crown. It’s rare that a big man is as versatile on D as he is. He’s my pick to win the award in 2023.

2022-23 DPOY: Bam Adebayo

Most Valuable Player

Honorable Mentions: Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson

Trae Young

Trae Young became one of the best offensive players in the NBA last year with his ballsy bucket-getting and phenomenal pick-and-roll play. The Hawks improved their roster this summer by acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray and if they are up there with the best teams in the league then Trae has a shot at winning an MVP.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

My pick for MVP in 2022, Giannis won’t need to earn any hardware this year to prove he’s the best player in the world. However, assuming he doesn’t get abducted by aliens he will still be firmly in the running.

Nikola Jokic

The reigning back-to-back MVP will be at a disadvantage in the MVP race this year because of voter fatigue, but with the Nuggets fully healthy again you can’t count him out. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are returning and Denver at full strength is a legitimate contender. If the boys in Mile High City hit 60+ wins and Jokic is his usual self he might make history.

Joel Embiid

Embiid is coming off two runner-up campaigns and is now poised to finally get over the hump. The 76ers could take the first seed in the stacked East and Embiid will continue to be a dominant force which should be enough for him to finally get the trophy.

Luka Doncic

Luka-ball is one of the most exciting systems in the league today, and it’s worked well so far. They made it to the Conference Finals last year and now have a more talented cast around their young supernova. He’ll make the leap to become a cemented top-five player and be a top-five MVP candidate.

2022-23 MVP: Joel Embiid

Here are my All-League team predictions:

All-NBA First Team

Luka Doncic

Trae Young

Jayson Tatum

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Joel Embiid

All-NBA Second Team

Stephen Curry

Devin Booker

Kevin Durant 

LeBron James

Nikola Jokic

All-NBA Third Team

Damian Lillard

Ja Morant

Paul George

Zion Williamson

Rudy Gobert

All-Defensive First Team

Jrue Holiday

Marcus Smart

Mikal Bridges

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bam Adebayo

All-Defensive Second Team

Dejounte Murray

Lonzo Ball

Evan Mobley

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Robert Williams III

All-Rookie First Team

Paolo Banchero

Jabari Smith Jr.

Keegan Murray

Jaden Ivey

Bennedict Mathurin

All-Rookie Second Team

Jalen Williams

Jalen Duren

Jeremy Sochan

Ochai Agbaji

Tari Eason

Thoughts on the Donovan Mitchell Trade (9/1/22)

Kevin Durant didn’t get traded, but we got the next best thing. 

In somewhat of a shocking event, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. In exchange for their franchise player, Utah received Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round picks, and two pick swaps. After months of the Knicks being the team primarily linked to Mitchell, the Cavs being the ones to get it done was not expected. 

So what does this deal mean for both sides? I’ll be breaking down my immediate thoughts and handing out grades (which will be subject to change once these guys play for their new teams). Let’s get started!

Cavaliers

After injuries halted Cleveland’s Cinderella run into the playoffs last season, they are now poised to get over the hump with the help of Donovan Mitchell. The star shooting guard has been a winning first option since his rookie campaign, leading the Jazz to the playoffs all five years of his career. 

With Mitchell paired next to Darius Garland, the Cavs now boast perhaps the best backcourt in basketball. The offensive firepower is ridiculous. Both create for themselves and others at a high level with the ball in their hands. Both are solid catch-and-shoot threats as well, so they can play off each other. 

While the O is looking scary, it’s the D that’s questionable. Both Garland and Mitchell are 6’1” and small backcourts have a history of falling apart due to defense. Personally, I’m a believer this one will work out with no problems. They both hold up better than other tiny tandems, specifically Mitchell who uses his length and athleticism to be a positive defender if engaged. That proved to be an if in the 2022 playoffs, but I think Mitchell will embrace the “junkyard dog” culture and lock in on D. 

Even if those two are struggling, they are surrounded by the menacing rim protection of Jarrett Allen, the help-side swatting and switchability of Evan Mobley, and the perimeter lockdown of Isaac Okoro. The Cavs defensive unit as a whole is better than any Jazz lineup. 

Overall, the Cavaliers are shaping up to be one of the better squads in the East. They will have to get past true contenders like the Bucks and the Celtics, but even if they can’t make it far in the short term they will be competitive for the next decade. Mitchell, Garland, Allen, and Mobley are all 25 or younger and they’re one of the best top fours in the league. Watch out for Cleveland in the 2022-23 season.

Grade: A

Jazz

With both of their superstars off the roster, the Jazz have cleaned slate and are starting from scratch. They amassed a grand total of eight unprotected first-round picks from both trades (along with two swaps). With more deals likely to come involving Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Jordan Clarkson, Utah is headed towards a full rebuild that will stick them in the lottery for several seasons to come. After failing in the postseason year after year, this is probably the right move. 

Outside of that, I’m excited for number one option Collin Sexton. While I don’t think it’s his long-term role, he will have the opportunity to prove to everybody that he’s more than just a microwave sixth man. He’s a 20-point-per-game scorer and has knocked down nearly 38% of his tries from deep for his career, and guys like that don’t grow on trees. 

Grade: A

Trades always have winners and the victor of this deal will be decided a while from now. As of today, with Cleveland putting themselves up there with the best teams in the East and Utah pulling the trigger on a necessary overhaul, it’s a win-win. 

5 Trades That Could Be Made Before the 2022-23 NBA Season (8/29/22)

The NBA can finally move forward.

Kevin Durant has withdrawn his trade request and is staying with Brooklyn for the upcoming season. Now that teams aren’t waiting on KD, they can return to business as usual. Remaining free agents will be picked up and other trades will be made.

Today, I’ve pieced together five deals that could be made before training camp. I’ll be breaking down why each team would pull the trigger and how it would benefit them. Let’s get started!

Trade #1: Raptors find a starting center, Hawks open up room for theirs

Toronto gets: Clint Capela, first-round pick

Atlanta gets: OG Anunoby

Since trading away Jonas Valanciunas in 2019, Toronto has lacked a full-time starter at center. All-Star Pascal Siakam filled that slot during the 2021-22 regular season, but he is a four naturally. Acquiring Capela would fix that issue. He is known for being a very good rim protector and with him anchoring a talented defensive roster the Raptors would be one of the best defenses in the league. OG Anunoby is their best on-ball defender, but Scottie Barnes projects to fill that role with his length and versatility so the blow of losing Anunoby would be softened. 

Not only would Atlanta be adding a fantastic young two-way forward in Anunoby, but trading Capela would also open a starting spot for 2020 lottery pick Onyeka Okongwu. As I talked about here, Okongwu is the long-term five for the Hawks. He does every Capela does and more and just needs the opportunity to spread his wings and take off. A lineup of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, OG Anunoby, John Collins, and Onyeka Okongwu would put Atlanta in a position to return to the Conference Finals and potentially go further. 

Trade #2: Knicks embrace the youth movement, Mavericks replace Jalen Brunson

New York gets: Davis Bertans, Josh Green, lottery-protected first-round pick

Dallas gets: Derrick Rose, Cam Reddish

Losing 2022 breakout guard Jalen Brunson hurts for a Dallas team coming off a Conference Finals run where he starred. While Derrick Rose is much older than Brunson, he would help patch the wound. The former MVP was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in 2020-21 (and in 2021-22 before he got hurt), offering reliable play on both ends. Cam Reddish was a top-ten pick in 2019 and still has a lot of untapped potential. In the best-case scenario, he could be a starter next to Luka for the future. 

By doing this deal, the Knicks would be able to give a bigger role to Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and Miles McBride in the backcourt. The organization wants to compete, but I think they should do so while developing their young core. It was reported that Coach Thibodeau didn’t want Reddish on the roster, so while trading him isn’t ideal, it’s clear he wouldn’t have a big role on the team anyways. This is an addition by subtraction situation for New York. 

Trade #3: Lakers end the Westbrook experiment, round out supporting cast

Los Angeles gets: Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, T.J. McConnell

Indiana gets: Russell Westbrook, Austin Reaves, first-round pick 

While I am not in the “Westbrook is washed” camp, it seems like he doesn’t have much to offer on the Lakers. Russ is most effective with the ball running the offense, and since LeBron is the top dog in L.A. it makes the two an awkward pairing. By sacrificing a pick they can get some high-quality role players that will help put the team in a better position to win before *gulp* LeBron retires. 

Renting Westbrook means the Pacers would have $47+ million coming off the books at the end of the 2022-23 season. They are also getting a solid young role player and a first-rounder in exchange for three guys who aren’t part of their long-term core. 

Trade #4: Heat fill their hole at power forward

Miami gets: John Collins, Mo Harkless

Atlanta gets: Victor Oladipo, Duncan Robinson, Omer Yurtseven, first-round pick

Rumors surrounding a John Collins trade have been floating around for a while now, and even though I don’t see why the Hawks would trade him it’s bound to happen at some point. Getting a former All-Star, two rotational players, and a pick is a solid return for the star power forward. 

After P.J. Tucker left for Philadelphia, Miami was left with no true four-man outside of Udonis Haslem. Getting Collins would solve that. The Heat have fallen short two seasons in a row after their Finals run in the bubble and a borderline top-sixty player would help them return to the promised land. 

Trade #5: Pelicans go all in

New Orleans gets: Mike Conley

Utah gets: Devonte’ Graham, Jaxson Hayes, Kira Lewis Jr. 

After the Pelicans made it out of the play-in and pushed the first-seeded Suns to a competitive six games, many fans are excited about what they can do in 2022-23 (myself included). With Zion healthy, C.J. McCollum on the squad for a full season, and the young talent continuing to grow, they’re looking very scary. Adding a consistent veteran point guard who shoots and defends would help solidify their chances of making noise in a crowded Western Conference. 

Trading Rudy Gobert kicked off a retooling of sorts for the Jazz (whether they fully commit and trade Donovan Mitchell remains to be seen). Jaxon Hayes and Kira Lewis are both former lottery picks who could blossom with new opportunities on a rebuilding Utah team. 

Ranking the Top Seven Young Cores in the NBA (8/19/22)

The NBA is absolutely loaded with young talent. 

Seven members of my top 25 of the 2022 season are under 25 years old. With all-time greats like LeBron, Steph, and KD aging, the next generation of superstars is coming. 

That being said, who has the best collection of youngsters? Today I’m ranking my top seven young cores. I considered players below 25 years of age as a part of a team’s young core. 

With an honorable mention to Boston (Jaylen Brown aged out), New York (Coach Thibodeau needs to embrace the youth movement), and Houston, let’s get started!

#7: Orlando Magic

Key Pieces: Paolo Banchero (19), Wendell Carter Jr. (23), Franz Wagner (20), Markelle Fultz (24), Cole Anthony (22), Jonathan Isaac (24), Jalen Suggs (21), Mo Bamba (24), Chuma Okeke (23)

Tipping off my list is the Magic. While they lack a sure-fire franchise guy (Banchero projects to be that but he hasn’t played a game yet), they have perhaps the deepest group of up-and-coming talent in the league. Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, and Cole Anthony all have star+ upside. Jonathan Isaac was an All-Defensive caliber guy when last healthy. Jalen Suggs struggled in his rookie campaign but still has plenty of time to prove why he was a top-five pick. Odds are at least three of Orlando’s core will end up as top fifty players, and that’s a super solid foundation. Combine that with rotational pieces like Mo Bamba and Chuma Okeke and this squad projects to be near the top of the conference in five years. 

#6: Detroit Pistons

Key Pieces: Cade Cunningham (20), Saddiq Bey (23), Jaden Ivey (20), Jalen Duren (18), Isaiah Stewart (21), Killian Hayes (21), Marvin Bagley III (23), Hamidou Diallo (24), Kevin Knox (23)

Four seasons ago, Detroit’s roster featured Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, and Reggie Jackson. Now under the guidance of Troy Weaver (who was appointed as GM in 2020), they have undergone a quick rebuild that has set them up for the next decade and beyond. 2021 first-overall pick Cade Cunningham will be one of the best guards in the NBA one day with his combination of playmaking and three-level scoring. He and rookie Jaden Ivey form a formidable pairing in the backcourt. Saddiq Bey has 20 PPG written all over him. Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart are a fantastic big man tandem. Those five, along with other past lottery picks such as Marvin Bagley, compose a top seven young core. 

#5: Oklahoma City Thunder

Key Pieces: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24), Chet Holmgren (20), Josh Giddey (19), Luguentz Dort (23), Tre Mann (21), Darius Bazley (22), Jalen Williams (21), Ousmane Dieng (19), Aleksej Pokusevski (20), Aaron Wiggins (23), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (21)

The best player mentioned up to this point, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already a top 25 player and he’s entering his fifth season. Surrounding him is a tremendous assortment of exciting youngsters. Josh Giddey is an elite passer after just one campaign in the league and his potential is limitless. Chet Holmgren is a monster in the paint who would win a DPOY one day, and he possesses unusual skill for a seven-footer which makes him a scary good talent. Lu Dort is one of the better wing defenders in the game and will be a starter for a long time. I didn’t even consider draft picks in this ranking- the Thunder will be even better as they continue to add to their plethora of young studs. 

#4: Atlanta Hawks

Key Pieces: Trae Young (23), John Collins (24), De’Andre Hunter (24), Onyeka Okongwu (21), AJ Griffin (18), Jalen Johnson (20)

At just 23 years old, Trae Young is one of the best point guards in basketball. He’s a ridiculously talented offensive player- his pairing of electric scoring and playmaking wizardry is lethal. He alone is almost enough to propel Atlanta on this list, but his teammates elevate them into the top five. Young and John Collins are one of the most effective pick-and-roll duos. De’Andre Hunter could be one of the league’s best 3&D forwards in the near future. Onyeka Okongwu is their long-term center. AJ Griffin can shoot the skin off the ball. The Hawks should be making a lot more Conference Finals appearances soon behind Trae Young and company. 

#3: Memphis Grizzlies

Key Pieces: Ja Morant (23), Desmond Bane (24), Jaren Jackson Jr. (22), Ziaire Williams (20), Jake LaRavia (20), Xavier Tillman Sr. (23), Santi Aldama (21), David Roddy (21), Kennedy Chandler (19)

Ja Morant is a transcendent talent. His meteoric rise into top-ten conversations accelerated Memphis’s rebuild and they are now one of the better teams in the West. At his side, he has deadly shooter Desmond Bane and defensive beast Jaren Jackson Jr. who both landed just outside my top fifty of the 2022 season. Grind City is also adding a deep rookie class headed by Wake Forest product Jake LaRavia. The future of the Grizzlies is just as exciting as it is watching them.

#2: Cleveland Cavaliers

Key Pieces: Darius Garland (22), Evan Mobley (21), Jarrett Allen (24), Collin Sexton (23), Isaac Okoro (21), Ochai Agbaji (22)

Behind Darius Garland’s big-time breakout, the Cavaliers were the Cinderella story of the 2021-22 season. Garland’s fabulous floor generalship and crafty scoring will put him in top point guard discussions for years to come. Behind him is the menacing twin-tower pairing of first-time All-Star Jarrett Allen and Rookie of the Year finalist Evan Mobley. Collin Sexton’s microwave scoring rounds out a squad that is set to rule the East very soon. 

#1: New Orleans Pelicans

Key Pieces: Zion Williamson (22), Brandon Ingram (24), Herb Jones (23), Trey Murphy III (22), Dyson Daniels (19), Jaxson Hayes (22), Jose Alvarado (24), Kira Lewis Jr. (21)

Sitting atop the rankings is the Pelicans. The pairing of two top 25 talents with limitless potential, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, will make New Orleans serious competitors in the West as soon as this upcoming season. Their contending rotation is in development as well, headlined by the inaugural Bench Mob Player of the Year Herb Jones and 2022 lottery pick Dyson Daniels. The boys in the Big Easy boast the best young core in the NBA. 

2022-23 Breakout Candidate: Onyeka Okongwu (8/10/22)

The East is better than ever, and the Atlanta Hawks are shaping up to be one of the top teams in the conference. A disappointing first-round exit in 2022 after their 2021 Conference Finals run raised questions about the team’s ceiling, and they responded by adding All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to pair with offensive phenom Trae Young. The two will make Atlanta a contender for seasons to come.

Every backcourt needs a big man behind them to hold down the fort in the paint (especially when one of your guards is perhaps the worst defender in the league). Clint Capela has done that excellently during his tenure in the A, but the Hawks have a star anchor hiding in plain sight on their bench.

That guy? 2020 sixth-overall pick Onyeka Okongwu.

Okongwu received limited opportunity in his rookie campaign, playing just 12 minutes per game across 50 contests. After missing 28 games to start the 2021-22 season, his playing time increased upon his return and he became Atlanta’s full-time backup center. That’s when he showcased why he’s their big for the future.

The perfect place to start when breaking down Okongwu’s game is a January meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. He put his entire skill set on display, posting 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal. Most importantly though, he locked up the best player in the world.

Giannis Antetokounmpo shot a woeful 2 for 12 and turned the ball over three times when Okongwu was the closest defender that night. Very few people have forced the Greek Freak to struggle that much.

The standout facet of Okongwu’s game is his paint defense. He’s virtually immovable on the block and rarely falls for fakes.

He has given fits to the likes of Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and many other stars in his young career.

Not only can he guard up one-on-one, but Okongwu is also a spectacular shot blocker. He sent back 1.3 attempts per game in 2021-22, and his block percentage of 5.4% beats out renowned rim protectors such as his teammate Clint Capela and Jarrett Allen.

Driving on him is a terrible business decision. You will be met with a powerful rejection.

Small guards stand no chance against his size.

Even if you think he’s out of the picture, Okongwu will come out of nowhere to swat your shot to oblivion.

What makes Okongwu a truly special defensive talent though is his ability to switch. When tasked with guarding a smaller player, he moves his feet well to stay in front and turn the mismatch in his favor. That versatility has drawn him many comparisons to Bam Adebayo, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

He does a great job of walling off drives and preventing players from getting easy looks.

On the other side of the ball, Okongwu is a perfect pairing with Trae Young’s pick-and-roll wizardry. He sets strong screens, rolls hard, and catches anything that comes his way.

He put up 1.44 points per possession as the roll man this past season, which puts him in the 94th percentile (via NBA.com).

He is also a sneaky good passer out of the short roll. He plays with his head up to find open shooters on the perimeter. This might look like a basic read, but most centers would go up with it here instead of kicking it out.

Outside of the pick-and-roll, Okongwu has some craft as a finisher. He uses a combination of euro steps, spin moves, and floaters to score.

The Bam Adebayo similarities don’t end on defense. The one-time All-Star also makes a variety of moves in the paint to get most of his buckets.

Something to keep an eye on when it comes to Okongwu’s game is his jumpshot. Before he was drafted, he was pinned as a guy who could have some shooting upside. He has attempted less than 5% of his shots from the mid-range for his career, but his 72.7% free throw success rate from 2021-22 suggests he could expand his range in the near future.

Overall, Okongwu plays the role of a modern center perfectly. He can switch, protect the rim, rebound, and catch lobs. It’s time for the Hawks to move on from Clint Capela because Okongwu should be their starter for the long term.

Even if he’s still coming off the bench, I’m expecting a breakout year from Onyeka Okongwu in 2022-23.

2022-23 Breakout Candidate: Devin Vassell (8/3/22)

After over two decades, San Antonio’s epic run has finally come to a close. Three consecutive seasons ended in a lottery appearance for the Spurs and marked the end of an era. Trading homegrown All-Star Dejounte Murray is a clear sign that GM Brian Wright is committed to bottoming out.

The Spurs roster is now a leaderless group of youngsters with mixed upsides. Their 2019 first-round pick, Keldon Johnson, got an extension recently and will be a cornerstone for the rebuild. Josh Primo is one of the youngest players in the league and will really show what he can do in a consistent role this season. Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley are a talented rookie trio. Armed with all of their first round picks in upcoming drafts, the future is bright for the Silver and Black.

Today I want to talk about another young Spur: Devin Vassell. He was the 11th pick in 2020, and has had two really promising campaigns to start his career. With increased opportunity in year three, I expect him to make a huge leap. Let’s dive into his game and find out why.

Vassell fits the mold of a modern wing to a tee. From the day he donned an NBA jersey he’s been able to knock down the deep ball and play defense.

He connected on a quality 37.9% of his 4.8 catch & shoot tries per game from behind the arc in 2021-22 (via NBA.com). He posted a few big-time performances from downtown, including a 7-13 game against New Orleans in the play-in.

When he’s feeling it, it’s tough to slow Vassell down because he’ll just elevate over you with his beautiful jumper and put it through.

The next step for him as a shooter is to hit more on the move like in the clip above. The best shooters can get open off the ball, whether it’s by relocating to open space or flying off a screen.

On the other end, Vassell excels as a thief. He uses his near seven-foot wingspan to disrupt the passing lanes and pick pockets.

His 76 total steals across 71 contests in 2021-22 was good for second-best in San Antonio behind league leader Dejounte Murray.

He uses his length to his advantage as a shot blocker too, serving up unsuspecting opponents with emphatic swats.

Vassell’s on-ball D is solid as well. He contains players his size on the perimeter and stays strong when bigger wings try to back him up.

He does sometimes struggle to stay in front of quicker guards, and is best suited defending his position.

Another area of growth for Devin is screen navigation. He weighs in around 200 pounds, and his slimness hinders him when he’s trying to weave around a pick.

Overall, Vassell is already a great complementary piece with his two-way ability. The Spurs are in need of more though, as even before the Murray trade they lacked a go-to scorer. Vassell could be that guy.

The reason I believe that is he has the shot every elite bucket-getting wing has in their wheelhouse: the mid-range pull-up.

I could throw together a 15+ minute compilation of Vassell middies. His magnificent sky-high release is perfect for scoring in the in-between.

In an age of analytics and the three-ball, many fail to recognize just how much of a weapon the mid-range is. It makes good scorers great ones, and when the game slows down in the playoffs shot creators are crucial. Vassell could be one of the best in the league in that area which could be the key to him becoming a star.

He reminds me a lot of Khris Middleton from a scoring standpoint. As his three-pointer continues to develop, Devin could grow into a walking 20-piece with his patient and effortless pull-ups.

The skill I’m most interested to watch for Vassell this season is his playmaking. To be a top dog you have to be able to create for others, not just yourself. He hasn’t had the freedom to experiment much so far, but has shown flashes of setting his teammates up. Since his usage will increase in 2022-23, hopefully we see more plays like this:

San Antonio entering the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes means Vassell will have a world of opportunity this season. He’ll be able to spread his wings completely, and I think he is going to take off and fly. Watch out for a breakout campaign from Devin Vassell in 2022-23.

Does Kevin Durant Make Sense for the Toronto Raptors? (7/28/22)

It’s been almost a month since Kevin Durant requested a trade from Brooklyn, and outside of a few rumors, it seems a deal is nowhere close to being completed. Usually, it doesn’t take so long for a player who wants out to get his wish.

With nothing else going on in the NBA world, it leaves a lot of time to speculate on the KD situation. Will he land in Boston, Phoenix, or New Orleans? Will he be forced to stay with the Nets?

Today, I want to discuss a trade sending the Slim Reaper to Toronto. The Raptors have an impressive collection of young talent and all of their future first-round picks, giving them the ability to put together a very enticing package. 

But wait, why would Sean Marks settle for Fred VanVleet when names like Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram could be on the market? Every day KD isn’t traded, his value goes down. Teams aren’t giving in to the king’s ransom Marks (reasonably) expects in return for his all-time great, and the market is drying up because of it. Considering Toronto’s offer wouldn’t be reliant on one All-Star name, they can capitalize on other teams dropping out of the sweepstakes. 

So what offer could the Raptors put together that would be enough for Kevin Durant? And would it make sense for them to pull the trigger?

Enter Scottie Barnes. The 2021 fourth-overall pick is coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign and he is already a fan favorite in the North. With his incredibly well-rounded game, Scottie is a sure-fire star. While that sounds like an untouchable asset, I wouldn’t hang up the phone right away.

Historically, you need a top-five caliber player to raise a banner in the rafters. As good as Scottie is, I don’t see that in his future. Right now the Raptors are nothing more than a solid playoff team and are set to be so for a long time. By trading for KD, they would immediately leap to contention. Since I don’t see Scottie as a championship team’s top dog, giving him up to get one wouldn’t be as stupid as Raptors fans make it sound. 

Homegrown All-Star Fred VanVleet and talented young guard Gary Trent Jr. would likely be alongside Scottie Barnes in the deal. Add in 5+ first-round picks and that’s a hefty price, but once again you’re getting a Hall of Famer who’s still a top three player that will transform your team into a contender. 

If that trade did go through, the Raptors would have a core of Durant, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. Siakam made an All-NBA team in 2021-22, and OG Anunoby has been on the cusp of stardom for a couple of seasons. The East is full of good teams, but that trio paired with a solid supporting cast would raise Toronto to the level of Boston, Milwaukee, and Miami. 

There’s also a chance that KD’s value continues to drop as the hold-up continues and VanVleet, Anunoby, and Trent Jr. are enough to get it done. In that case, the Raptors would (obviously) be in even better shape, adding a franchise-altering talent while keeping your best asset. That’s the best-case scenario for Toronto, but probably the least likely one.

Overall, I understand why Toronto fans would be downright against a trade like this. Flipping three very good players to get a 33-year-old superstar with a history of switching teams when things get tough doesn’t sound great when a championship wouldn’t be guaranteed. However, with no clear avenue to true contention in the future, going all in now while you have an All-NBA talent in his prime, depth, defense, and a great coach makes sense for the Toronto Raptors. 

The Six Most Underrated Off-Season Acquisitions (7/25/22)

Summer League has wrapped up. Most of the big names are off the free agency market. The draft came and went. As we enter the dead of the off-season, I want to talk about a few of the most underrated acquisitions made so far this summer. While adding a star can change an entire organization, the role players push a team over the edge.

Here are six guys on new teams who have a chance to do just that:

T.J. Warren (Brooklyn Nets)

Injuries have held Warren to just four games across the past two seasons, which makes him somewhat of a question mark. However, in 2019-20 when he was last healthy, he put up 19.8 points per game on 52.9% from the field and 40.3% from three. We all remember how dominant he was in the bubble.

Warren is highly productive on and off the ball offensively as a third option, which is exactly what he’ll be in Brooklyn. If he is hooping like his 2020 self, the Nets are going to be very scary.

Warren’s new deal is worth $2.6 million for one season. That’s incredible value (and smart by Sean Marks in case things don’t pan out).

Look out for the Bubble God scorching nets with the Nets next season.

De’Anthony Melton (Philadelphia 76ers)

Four-year man De’Anthony Melton was a key bench piece for the young Grizzlies squad that ascended into one of the best teams in the league last season. He projects to do the same for a 76ers team struggling to get over the hump.

Melton is best known for his disruptive defense. He’s small in stature at just 6’2″, but his 6’8″ wingspan and effort make up for it. He snagged 1.4 steals per game in 2021-22, using his great anticipation and hands to turn offenses over.

On the other end, Melton is a quality catch-and-shooter. He knocked down 38.7% of his triples across the past two seasons.

Fellow incoming Sixer P.J. Tucker is known for being a dog, and Melton fits in that same category. He will add much-needed grit to Philadelphia’s backcourt.

Isaiah Hartenstein (New York Knicks)

Former G-League MVP Isaiah Hartenstein has quietly become a top backup center in the association after getting cut from the Rockets three years ago. He’s productive in all the facets of the game you want to center to produce in and more. The German big man stuffed the stat sheet in just 17 minutes per contest for the Clippers last season, posting averages of 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 62.6% shooting.

Hartenstein’s standout skill is his post passing. He has fantastic vision.

He’s also an excellent rim protector. His block percentage (an estimate of what percentage of opponent shot attempts a player blocked when on the floor) of 5.4% is one of the best in the NBA.

The Knicks are looking to bounce back and return to the postseason after disappointing in 2021-22, and Isaiah Hartenstein will certainly help them do so.

Jarred Vanderbilt (Utah Jazz)

Considering the haul of picks Utah received in return for Rudy Gobert, Jarred Vanderbilt hasn’t been mentioned much by fans discussing the blockbuster trade. I think he should be.

I’ve talked about Vando before so I’ll keep it short, but the Jazz are getting the hardest hustling player I’ve ever seen. He’s an elite offensive rebounder and an All-Defense level defender. Utah’s defense was their downfall in the 2021 playoffs, and Vanderbilt can help patch that hole. It only makes sense that one of the most slept-on players in basketball has flown under the radar as an off-season pickup.

Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)

The Lakers were a dark emptiness in the NBA galaxy last season, but Malik Monk was one of the few stars shining through. He was a reliable offensive weapon, posting 13.8 points per outing and connecting on 39.1% of his treys. He impressed me with the variety of ways he hit the deep ball, whether it was off the bounce, catch, or screen.

Now that he’s been freed from the Lakers, Monk will be able to really show what he can do in Sacramento. He’s joining his college teammate De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt to help fuel the Kings to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.

Kyle Anderson (Minnesota Timberwolves)

When Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt were shipped out to acquire Gobert, people questioned if Minnesota’s perimeter defense would be any better than the Utah unit that struggled mightily in the playoffs. While Jaden McDaniels is awesome and Anthony Edwards has shown flashes, those concerns are valid.

Anderson’s calling card is on that end and will strengthen the Timberwolf defense. You wouldn’t expect it based on his nickname, but he does move pretty well laterally.

Nice block from the aforementioned De’Anthony Melton here

On offense, Anderson acts as a nice connecting piece with his solid passing. He can also knock down some corner threes despite his slow release (he shot 43.5% from that location in 2021-22).

Kyle Anderson, A.K.A. Slo Mo, is headed to the Timberwolves where he will provide the same steady contribution that he did in Memphis.

So, those are six players who landed in new places this summer that I think aren’t getting talked about enough. Who do you think is the most underrated pickup of the off-season? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

2022 Summer League Standouts (7/19/22)

For the first time ever, I was very tuned in to Summer League this year. I had a blast watching the incoming rookies, returning sophomores, and undrafted free agents hoop. So today, just like last summer, I’m going to talk about players who stood out to me. Let’s get into it!

Trail Blazin’ Trio

The 2022 Summer League Champs were the Portland Trail Blazers. They finished with a record of 4-1 led by Trendon Watford, the 2021 undrafted man from LSU who won Finals MVP unanimously. The versatile big man is going to be a key rotational piece for Portland this season. Other standout members of the championship squad were athletic freak Keon Johnson (the team’s leading scorer) and defensive-minded 57th overall pick Jabari Walker. 

New York Sophomores

Even though they fell short in the title game, the Knicks looked like the best team in Vegas. Quentin Grimes had a shot at overall MVP because of how well he scored the ball. He was a spot-up threat in his rookie campaign, but the Houston product was very comfortable creating for himself as the top option. He’s in for a big sophomore season. Miles McBride should be the backup point guard for the Knicks going forward with his ability to clamp up, shoot the three, and make plays for others. Jericho Sims looked like a man amongst boys in the paint, hammering home lobs and dominating the glass. Even Feron Hunt, who appeared in two games for New York last season, did some nice things as a two-way stretch four. The team as a whole was fantastic defensively, which is important for a group of young guys playing for Coach Thibodeau. 

As much as Thibs loves his veterans, it’s time to embrace the youth movement in NYC. 

Wisconsin Herd Alumni

Milwaukee’s two-way contract players Sandro Mamukelashvili and Lindell Wigginton balled out on their way to leading the Bucks to a fourth-place finish. Mamu knocked down triples, finished at the bucket, and drained fadeaways while playing like one of the best players in Summer League. Lindell looked like a legitimate backup point guard. He ran the offense comfortably, creating for himself and others off the bounce. I’m excited to see the role they play off the bench for the 2021 champs this season. Rayjon Tucker, the Herd’s all-time leading scorer, shot the ball well and clamped up. Also, shoutout MarJon Beauchamp. The defense was as advertised for the first-round pick and he looked confident from behind the arc which will be key for him getting minutes from the get-go.

Memphis Rookies

The Grizzlies were the most exciting young team in the association last season, and now they’re adding arguably the best rookie class from top to bottom. Both first-round picks performed well for Memphis’s summer squad. Jake LaRavia’s question mark was if his three-point efficiency could be maintained on a higher volume, and he proved it can. David Roddy was a relentless slasher. Kennedy Chandler displayed sensational quickness and intensity, earning him the most money he could have gotten as a second-round pick. 

While the draftees were great, it was undrafted pickup Kenneth Lofton Jr. who stole the show for the Grizz. He used his massive frame to bully defenders in the paint and also showed some skill on the perimeter. Will it translate to the big league? We’ll see, but it was a ton of fun watching him go to work in Vegas. 

Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren, and Co. 

2021 All-Rookie player Josh Giddey was way too good for Summer League. He dissected disoriented defenses with his all-world passing, serving buckets to his teammates on a silver platter. He was also more aggressive getting to the hoop than he was in his rookie campaign which will help him create even easier looks for others. Chet Holmgren did Chet Holmgren things. He dominated as a rim protector, shot over 40% from three, and finished off the drive. JDub Williams was highly efficient as an off-ball scorer and defended well. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl brought juice as a defender and rebounder.

The Thunder are going to be a fun watch this season.

Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr.

Cam Thomas is a bucket to the highest degree. He’s a borderline elite mid-range scorer already in his young career. This is the second time he’s played head-and-shoulders above the competition in Summer League, and he’s going to be a very important piece for Brooklyn going forward (Kevin Durant or not). David Duke Jr. was an energetic defender and fearless finisher who should earn some burn off the bench this season.

Keegan Murray

For the second summer in a row, the MVP award went to a King. Keegan Murray silenced those who clowned Sacramento for selecting him over Jaden Ivey. He was an excellent three-level scorer who got it done on and off the ball. What an impressive showing it was for him.

Paolo Banchero

He only appeared in two contests, which prevented him from winning MVP, but Paolo was the best player in Vegas. The top option prowess was as expected. That’s exactly what you want to see from the first overall pick. 

Blake Wesley

The Spurs selected three players in the first round, and it was the third that looked the best in Summer League (although Jeremy Sochan didn’t play). Blake Wesley’s scoring flashes were awesome. He’s lightning quick getting to the hoop. He creates space on the perimeter. The three-ball was better than I thought it would be. He struggled a lot with efficiency, but he has the arsenal needed to be a go-to scorer once the shot starts falling more often. 

Tari Eason

Tari Eason was everywhere on the court in his first games as an NBA player. He’s incredibly active on defense and offense, and he’s always looking to poster someone. He’s going to be a great glue guy for the up-and-coming Rockets.

Other impressive players include the Laker two-ways (Cole Swider and Scotty Pippen Jr.), young Warriors (Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman), Mfiondu Kabengele, Jaden Ivey, Trey Murphy, RJ Nembhard, Ochai Agbaji, Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Joe, Josh Christopher, and Josh Primo.

Who impressed you the most in Summer League? Did you like what you saw from your favorite team’s players? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!