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Tim BontempsESPN
In the past two seasons, the NBA has had to deal with unimaginable circumstances.
COVID-19 has caused the NBA more trouble than any other sport league. The 2019-20 NBA season ended in a bubble in Walt Disney World Resort Orlando. Last season was played in front empty arenas all across the league.
At the conclusion of 2020-21, though, Phoenix’s arenas had been packed. Phoenix saw an even larger crowd at the NBA Finals. BucksTake the opportunity to get your hands on it SunsAnd win their first title in over a century.
Even as the epidemic continues to rage, it is hoped and expected that there will be a return of normalcy in the NBA next season. Based on recent projections from the NBA regarding where the luxury and salary tax lines will land, this should lead to a significant increase in the league’s bottom line going into the 2022/23 season.
These emotions were ignited by the NBA’s annual showcases in California, Utah, and Nevada for its incoming players. Sacramento KingsBeat the Boston CelticsWin the Las Vegas Summer League titleOn Tuesday Night.
It was the end of 2021 NBA offseason. What’s next? Below is what 10 NBA scouts, executives shared about their experiences over the past weeks and how it will impact the next campaign in 2021-22.
Which player is the most successful in the NBA’s 2021-22 season.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the NBA title, and Durant led Team USA to the fourth consecutive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Durant was the winner of the Eastern Conference semifinals matchup.
Antetokounmpo’s success in the playoffs was the reason why many backed him. It also led to his first championship title since 1950.
Antetokounmpo’s faults are what people love, an Eastern Conference executive stated. “But he is a great player.”
One East executive pointed out the achievements of past stars, who he expected Antetokounmpo would do.
He said that Durant had unlocked another cheat code on both ends, which gives him the spot. Durant is a strong candidate for the award. LeBron [James]They can, however, it is difficult to do so consistently due to injury or age.
Durant supporters had a different argument. His continued status as one of the most dominant and complete offensive forces in the league — perhaps the best the sport ever saw — was compelling.
A Western Conference Scout stated that he believes he is the greatest scorer in the league. However, he doesn’t seem to be close. He’s generational in his offensive abilities, so I’m not sure how you could stop him.
“He is absolutely deadly.”
Durant’s offensive dominance was not the only factor. Many of those who eventually picked Durant were also very successful. Brooklyn NetsAccording to superstar, the reason for the differences was Antetokounmpo and his ongoing struggle at the free throw line.
A East scout stated, “A healthy Durant provides more on both ends of the ball than any other player.” While health is important going forward, his combination scoring and defense can be difficult to bear.
James was the only name that polled even though it didn’t get any votes. The three stars were clearly on an entirely different level.
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What is the best thing to do in offseason?
This category saw the Heat land Lowry as part of a sign and trade deal. Lowry was also the most popular name to switch teams in the month.
A West executive stated, “I don’t love the money,” but he loved the fit. He’s a perfect fit for the Heat culture and they have kept him from anyone else who would like him.
Lowry, age 35, traveled to Miami starting in 2009. Toronto RaptorsHe was a resident of, for which he has spent nine years. Goran Dragic Precious AchiuwaAdditional to signing a three-year, $85 million dealThe Heat
Although many Scouts and executives agreed that Lowry’s lengthened contract could pose a problem, their current relationship masks any future issues — especially when it is combined with Lowry’s resigning as sharpshooter Duncan RobinsonThe signing of a defensive stopper P.J. TuckerThe Bucks are far away.
“[Lowry is]”He is a solid playoff performer,” an East Scout said. He has the winning mentality and toughness that will make you feel like a pro.
Jalen Sugs, the Magic landing guard with the No. 5. overall draft pick for 2021. Suggs who was GonzagaAfter spending several years in the East hierarchy, the Magic had been stuck in the middle of nowhere for the past few years.
East executives stated, “I believe he’s a player that could shift the direction for that franchise.”
The offseason saw two of the most controversial moves, the Russell Westbrook deal and Bulls trying all out to win by acquiring. Lonzo Ball Alex Caruso DeMar DeRozanEverybody gets one vote.
The Westbrook deal was praised by an executive not because it benefits the Lakers but for their benefit. WizardsHe got out of the last two years, with nearly $90 million still on his contract. Washington became a free-agent pointguard after the move. Spencer DinwiddieIn the deal, you can bring multiple players from Los Angeles back.
An East executive stated that the Wizards were “trapped”. “They now have flexibility and that changes the fact that they don’t have this huge anchor hanging over their heads.
After the Bulls had been stuck in a rebuild process for the last few seasons, the Bulls took the necessary steps to move forward. Zach LaVineA West scout complimented them for their willingness to move forward, and they were granted free agency.
The scout stated, “I like Chicago’s work.” They had to do something, even though it wasn’t enough. DeMar is my favorite. Although I’m not a huge Lonzo fan, I believe he is a good fit.
Chicagoans, what other things can you do? Are there other options? You don’t have to wait. Do something. They did a great job on the court. The basketball fit is great, even though they were too expensive.
What is Miami’s place in the East after trading for Lowry?
1.27
Stephen A. Smith said Russell Westbrook is still in need of a NBA title to keep his basketball legacy.
Which is your worst offseason move?
The top-ranked move among all the ones that were disliked by league members was the one that Lonzo Ball signed and traded with Chicago.
Chicago’s focus was not on ThisHowever, the move was made on the deal that saw DeRozan join the Bulls through another signing-and trade agreement, this one with Spurs.
While DeRozan’s potential suitability alongside Ball and Bulls All–Star Zach LaVine was highly praised by those polled, Chicago also paid a high price in trade and salary (84 million) for making the move. Thaddeus YoungThis was far too expensive.
Overpaying for another first-rounder is not an option. [DeRozan]A Western Conference executive stated that it was “the worst, most over-the top move to support.”
That logic was partly due to the DeRozan and Chicago deals being paired together. Nikola VucevicAt the March trade deadline — an agreement that also cost two future firsts
East scout: “I love the play on the court,” said one. But they should win. Because if they don’t you are an expensive and bad team that cannot rebuild.”
New Orleans was also criticized for being too busy in its offseason. There was also the possibility of Zion WilliamsonWith the possibility of’s signing a contract extension to New Orleans next season, the Pelicans drafted to reduce salary, and then turned Ball into a first-round draft pick. Tomas Satoransky Garrett Temple Devonte’ GrahamFree agency
An East Scout stated that they were going to leave Lonzo, but then Graham was the answer.
“Nothing can change if Zion has a different mind about the future, and this is what I think none of it did.”
Other people were more direct.
A West executive stated that they were attempting to save a ship sinking and was looking for life-saving measures. “I don’t understand how [center Jonas Valanciunas]it will be a good fit. Devonte is not worth what they paid. It is bizarre.”
Only Westbrook’s acquisition by the Lakers just before the draft was another move that received multiple votes. While both voters agreed that it wouldn’t matter in the end in order to prevent the superstar-studded Lakers winning the title; they still disliked James and Westbrook on the court.
One Western Conference scout stated, “Look. I’m trying give LeBron credit for this.” I can’t imagine that this match working over the course the season, given all they could have done. Westbrook is my favorite player. It’s just that I don’t like it.”
Why one side overwhelmingly won the DeRozan trade
This is what the Offseason’s most remarkable move?
After turning down an extension from the Lakers, the Celtics signed Schroder to a one-year deal at taxpayer’s level ($5.9m) for Schroder.
An East executive stated, “Two years ago, you would not have believed that he would end up with such a deal after the one he rejected.”
Walker’s and his counterpart, who agreed to buyout with The Associated Press, was the only deal that got more votes than just one. Oklahoma City ThunderThe Knicks signed him to a $18 million, two-year deal.
Oklahoma City’s success in turning the players that they receive into assets has been evident in the recent seasons. This includes the player Boston traded for by the Thunder in June. Al HorfordSome people were surprised that Walker was willing to be bought out.
A West executive stated that the Thunder had not done this. They’ve tried to increase the value of the player and give something back to him.
Walker signing with the Knicks in his hometown was seen as an opportunity for New York. It all depends on how Walker’s left knee performs next season.
East scout: “It was surprising to watch it work out so quickly.” Kemba’s sub-midlevel deal was also amazing.
Two teams from Portland and Dallas were discovered to be surprises by their inability to make upgrades to their teams around the heliocentric stars. Luka Doncic Damian Lillard
“Can they achieve a healthy weight?”Kristaps] Porzingis” An East executive inquired about the Mavs. That’s it. They remained steadfast, which surprised me. The didn’t push themselves enough to make progress… now they have Luka ticking along with them [after he signed a supermax extension this offseason]”
Lillard has, however, been loud about wanting Portland’s offseason to be better. The Blazers, however, have largely remained the same, keeping Norman PowellWhile signing in the center Cody ZellerGuard Ben McLemoreMinimum deals The biggest splash of their offseason was the hiring Chauncey Blups to be head coach.
Another East executive stated that he understood the concept of “Don’t just do it to do something”. But I think they could have done more to improve the facility than just bringing Norm home.
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What is the reason why so many teams are now in financial trouble?
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T1. Chances of winning the Flattened Draft Lottery: 3 Votes
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T1. T1.
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T3. T3.
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T3. The lack of turnover at the front office:
After many years of frustration over teams who were more focused on losing than winning in the regular season, things have changed. Three teams are left — the Thunder and the Magic. Houston Rockets— They are actively looking to make it as big as possible in the lottery next season.
There were many answers, but all pointed to the two changes the NBA made in order to influence teams’ decisions: the flattening of the lottery odds and the introduction of the play-in tourney. They have both made it more difficult to handle what was already very hard — multiple losses on the court over several seasons.
East executives stated that it was really difficult to tank. People don’t get that. It is easy to talk intellectually about it. You have to experience it. It’s very hard.”
It is interesting that both the Pelicans (and Memphis GrizzliesTeam’s are more interested in getting to the bottom than they have been in the past two years, as evidenced by the Lakers moving up from eleventh to fourth in the draft.
“Seeing New Orleans and Memphis leaping up that first season Ja [MorantAn East Scout stated that he felt the impact of this message on Zion [and] was significant. It will be a lasting impression on people, I think.”
Play-in tournaments offer two more teams the chance to play in the postseason. It is a great incentive to win. However, it also ties into another potential factor for success: Front offices must show progress.
A West executive stated that there has not been much turnover in the front offices. “So it’s either put up or shut down time for some of our teams. They need to move in the right directions.”
Other people have also mentioned the recent success of teams who have not tanked in recent years, such as the Suns and Raptors that won the title last year. Atlanta HawksAs an indicator that the rebuilding may be over, breaking into the playoffs by making deep runs immediately can indicate that you might not need to go through a lengthy and difficult process.
However, one West executive stated that this logic might not be correct for teams trying to imitate the Suns and Hawks.
“I believe a lot it has to with the playoffs when teams have skipped through them and people ignore what happened. The win-now, NFL-type mindset has taken over.
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What conference will be the winner?
East
West
Finals champs:
Both the East and the West saw the star-studded Lakers and Nets win the votes, allowing them to move on from their conferences and make their Christmas Day matchup in Los Angeles into an NBA Finals rematch.
Brooklyn made it to the East with more confidence than the Nets, both by the numbers of votes (7 to 5) as well as the conviction Brooklyn was given. Every comment on the Nets revolved around the same thing: the Nets are the biggest barrier between a title and the Nets.
An East executive stated that the Nets could win if they were healthy. But as we witnessed this season, it is possible for anything to happen.”
Bucks, the current champion, got a pair votes to get out of the East. Their championship pedigree, plus questions about Brooklyn’s inability stay healthy, and mesh well on the court, helped push them past the other voter.
One East executive commented, “I think Brooklyn’s talent is amazing.” These guys are great. They are great together, but I’m not sure if it would be possible for them to work well in a series. It would be a surprise if they could complement each other and work well together in a series. [if they win]No. No. However, I don’t know if it exists.
I think the Milwaukee guys know how to win and have the confidence that they will succeed. They have an identity. There are no age restrictions. Ability to think outside the box. They can play in any way that they want. You have to give them an edge.
Meanwhile, the West was mired in confusion. Each of the four teams, which included Jazz, Warriors, Jazz, and Nuggets, received at least one vote. Although many voters chose the Lakers over others, some did so after looking at all of the teams. LeBron JamesThe best choice was.
One East executive stated, “I will take the Lakers but I don’t know what to feel about West.” There are many questions everywhere.
The West Executive who ultimately selected the Lakers stated that mixed emotions regarding Westbrook’s addition were overblown.
“I don’t believe Westbrook is an awful addition.” he stated. The guy is extremely competitive. I don’t think Westbrook will be the player taking most of the shots, unless teams make him do so. He is the third best player right now.”
Golden State received a few votes in the meantime, as they believed that it was the best combination of Stephen CurryBeing an MVP-caliber athlete, Klay ThompsonThe Warriors have a ceiling they can reach to escape the West, having come back after missing two years.
An executive from the West stated, “I believe Golden State has enough talent and enough assets to make a run.”
Utah was awarded two votes. Donovan Mitchell Mike ConleyThese are the reasons the Jazz failed to make the playoffs last season. They also indicate that it is not possible for the Jazz to be dismissed as the NBA’s best team.
A East executive said that the team is “deep” and the top-ranked in the league. Although they lost to the Clippers in a disappointing series, many believe that you won’t be able to win without winning.
“They came knocking at the door last year. I’m sure they do this again.”
Nets were the clear title favourites. They received six out of 10 votes and won the championship. With two votes, the Lakers were the other team that received more than one vote to win the title.
Brooklyn’s talent is likely to suffice, even though the Nets will have to contend with similar injury and chemistry issues as last season.
An East Scout stated, “The only thing they can’t stop,”
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