By Barry Hirshfeld
With the start of the NBA season nearing —preseason beginning on October 3rd, and regular season on October 19th— let’s dive into the exciting events which occurred during the off-season! Ranging from trades, signings, and injuries, these occurrences possess the potential to make the 2021-2022 NBA the most exciting and competitive season of all time.
Here is a look into the team-changing events (not including resignings or draft picks) that characterized the NBA offseason:
- New York Knicks: The Knicks signed veteran guard Evan Fournier and traded for washed guard Kemba Walker. Continuing to develop, the Knicks surround their star forward Julius Randle with further veteran talent, allowing them to potentially contend for a playoff spot.
- Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers have recently been having difficulties with all star guard Ben Simmons, and signed washed center Andre Drummond this off-season. With all star guard Ben Simmons cutting all direct contact with the team, the 76ers are in trouble heading into the season as their efforts to surround superstar center Joel Embiid and star Tobnias Harris with further talent failed.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Injury difficulties with superstar forward Kawhi Leaonard plagues the Clippers, who would be lucky to reach the playoffs this year, as an ACL injury ails their superstar forward, Kawhi Leonard.
- Golden State Warriors: With the return of superstar guard Klay Thompson after two full NBA seasons, the Warriors are potentially looking to contend for the NBA championships, depending on Klay’s physical condition and playing quality when he returns to aid superstar guard Steph Curry.
- New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans recently traded for center Jonas Valanciunas and guard Devonte Graham–– adding some needed veteran talent to their team of young stars, aiding the Pelicans contention for a playoff spot in the coming season, although the loss of guard Lonzo Ball is a big one.
- Chicago Bulls: The Bulls signed veteran star forward Demar Derozan and guard Alex Caruso, and traded for guard Lonzo Ball–– the addition of such star power surrounding all star guard Zach Lavine and star center Nikola Vucevic will aid the Bulls in contending for a deep playoff spot and a championship in the coming season.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Trading for Superstar guard Russell Westbrook, and signing veteran forward Carmelo Anthony and guards Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn, the Lakers epitomize the saying “the rich get richer,” as they increase their championship contention by signing a superstar in Russell Westbrook, and increasing their bench depth through signing multiple veterans to replace their loss of young players in the trade.
- Washington Wizards: The Wizards signed veteran guard Spencer Dinwidee, and traded for veteran forwards Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope; although these are impressive young additions, they prove inadequate and the only reason Bradley Beal remains with the failing franchise.
- Miami Heat: The Heat signed veteran all star guard Kyle Lowry and guard Victor Oladipo— star-caliber acquisitions which make the Heat championship contenders.
- Brooklyn Nets: The Nets signed veteran guard Patty Mills, increasing their bench depth which assists the superstar big three and increases the team’s championship contention.
- Boston Celtics: The Celtics signed veteran guard Dennis Schroeder and guard Josh Richardson. Improvements in the team’s bench depth and playoff odds assist the young star duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
These exciting off-season events constructed multiple superteams, and improved the playoff and championship odds of others. The 2021-2022 NBA season is going to be a good one!