The NBA off-season is reaching its’ end and while we may not have seen any major power shifts, both conferences do seem to have gotten stronger.
Which teams won the off-season for each conference? Did the Spurs regain control over the West? Is Cleveland destined to return to the NBA Finals? Which new addition with help his new team the most?
RSEN writers Lusiano Guerrero, Simon Hannig, and Donovan James analyze what to make of the NBA Off-Season.
1. Which team was the off-season winner in the Eastern Conference?
Lusiano Guerrero: Milwaukee Bucks. The two teams that stick out to me are definitely the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat. While the Miami Heat did have a great off-season I have to go with the Bucks. They managed to sign Greg Monroe when everyone assumed he was going to the New York Knicks. I give the Bucks the nod here because they proved that a small market team that is winning has more appeal than a big market team that isn’t. A roster that includes MCW, Greek Freak, Middleton, Jabari Parker, and Greg Monroe could potentially make noise in the Eastern Conference.
Simon Hannig: Cleveland Cavaliers. Cavs kept their whole band together, with the expectation that J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson will be back. The other key thing was signing Kevin Love long term when everyone thought either….A.) Love leaves or B.) Love signs a 1+1. The last key thing was getting a legit backup point guard in Mo Williams. If the Cavs had Williams in The Finals, I think they could’ve won it all. The depth of the team is still in question, but bringing back the band together was one of the key things this off-season.
Donovan James: Miami Heat. The biggest winner to me was the Miami Heat so far. They kept Dragic and Wade, drafted well with Winslow and added Amare up front.
2. Which team was the off season winner in the Western Conference?
Lusiano Guerrero: San Antonio Spurs. The two teams that stand out to me are the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers somehow managed to get Deandre Jordan to back out of his verbal agreement with the Mavericks and the Spurs signed LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. I give the nod to the Spurs for signing arguably the best free agent not named LeBron James. Bringing in David West and somehow getting him to walk away from the guaranteed money in Indiana makes them all the more admirable. The Spurs definitely have another shot tat holding the trophy in June.
Simon Hannig: San Antonio Spurs. Spurs are at it again, adding LaMarcus Aldridge and David West to the team. The Spurs proved they can add elite talent. Once Duncan retires, Aldridge and Leonard will carry the torch for the Spurs for years to come.
Donovan James: Los Angeles Clippers. The biggest Western Conference Winner was the Clippers. They resigned Deandre Jordan and added Lance Stephenson, Josh Smith, Cole Aldrich and the biggest move, Paul Pierce.
3. Who was the best player addition this off-season?
Lusiano Guerrero: Lamarcus Aldridge. Aldridge not only gives the Spurs a chance of winning now but he makes them a contender for years to come playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. This free agent signing set the Spurs up to be successful even after Duncan decides to call it a career. This one is a no-brainer.
Simon Hannig: LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. Those were two key additions for the Spurs and it opened their title window for a couple more years and it also bolstered their bench with the addition of West.
Donovan James: LaMarcus Aldridge. LaMarcus Aldridge to the Spurs added depth and star power.
4. Give one bold prediction for next season.
Lusiano Guerrero: The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat will have 6 of the 12 NBA All-Stars in the Eastern Conference. Kevin Love proves himself once again to be an all-star caliber player as well as LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade each make the all-star game again, and are joined by another teammate, either Goran Dragic or Hassan Whiteside.
Simon Hannig: Kevin Love will be the most improved player this upcoming season. The heart to heart with LeBron James and laying it all out with him will help. Love was not used correctly in the offense last year. Love and James will be the most deadly pick and roll in the NBA. Both will create space on the floor and get other guys open. Love will most likely be used in the post more next season.
Donovan James: Andrew Wiggins makes the all star team.
5. Which player will most likely regret signing a contract this off-season?
Lusiano Guerrero: David West. Of course he has a great shot of winning a title this year but say the Spurs are eliminated in the semifinals or conference finals, does David West still feel the same about leaving all the money on the table. To be determined.
Simon Hannig: Deandre Jordan. He would’ve been one of the best centers in the league had he signed with the Dallas Mavericks and could’ve been the face of that franchise. He is mentally fragile and that could hurt him in the long run.
Donovan James: Lou Williams. The biggest regret has to be JR Smith if he leaves Cleveland but as of now it’s Lou Williams, thought he should’ve stayed in Toronto or headed to Cleveland.
Comment below with your thoughts or @ us on Twitter:
Lusiano Guerrero: @LuNBAGuy
Simon Hannig: @S_Hannig
Donovan James: @DonJamesSports
