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69 sats \ 4 replies \ @gnilma 21 May \ parent \ on: NBA: The Torch Finally Passes Stacker_Sports
I expect the Lakers to make moves, or else LeBron might request for an out. He has a track record to quitting if it doesn't work for a few seasons, and if he doesn't see changes that he likes he will probably call it quits.
I also expect Atlanta to make some moves. They really don't need to keep both Murray and Trae. Also with the number 1 pick, they have a lot of optionality.
I also expect Spurs to trade for a good point guard if they don't get one with good potential from the draft. I haven't look closely at this year's draft, but I've heard that it's in general underwhelming?
Cleveland needs to decide if they want to keep Mitchell or Garland, I don't think they can keep both.
Then there's the Bulls shit show that needs to be sorted out. They probably want to stick with White and get rid of LaVine and/or DeRozan.
Warriors might make moves to take advantage of that rapidly closing Steph window. But I don't know what they will do. I like the idea of breaking up the Klay, Draymond combo, but I also don't know what will work instead.
Suns big 3 will probably blow up, given the horrible results.
Heat might get rid of Jimmy based on Pat Riley's comments on Jimmy.
What do you think? Am I wrong in the above predictions? Maybe you can add more?
I'm going to dive into these in separate team-by-team posts.
I think I agree with all of the points you made.
Another one I've been thinking about is that OKC needs to overpay for whoever they think is an ideal fit next to Chet and in their locker room. Someone mentioned Lauri Markenen for that spot.
I'm also expecting Trae to be on that Lakers team next year.
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I agree with your view that they need a big to play next to Chet. Also, they desperately need rebounding. If you look at their stats during the regular season, they get out rebounded a lot. Also, in the last 2 losses to the Mavs, they got completely destroyed on the boards. Chet is tall and all, but it seems he doesn't box out well enough and/or simply can't get those boards. Markenen seems like a good option, as he averaged over 8 rebounds last season and can shoot the 3 (almost 40% 3 pt shot). He is also young, so will probably have the legs to run the floor and play at a fast pace along OKC's young roster.