So much for a boring NBA offseason. A few teams in the East are going all in on this upcoming season with moves that would fundamentally transform their outlooks for the 2020-21 season. The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Detroit Pistons are among teams around the league vigorously upgrading their rosters. At the same time, down the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are plotting long term.
The New York Knicks recently reached their first conference finals in 25 years but made headlines by parting ways with their coach shortly thereafter. The Knicks’ singular goal is to win another NBA championship. In order to come closer to that goal, they recently traded away forward Cam Johnson to the Denver Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr. This trade represents a turning point for the franchise. It seeks to assemble the most talent possible to have a monopoly on excellence.
The Brooklyn Nets have done it this time! They are the first team in NBA history to win five first-round picks in one draft. This unprecedented move positions the Nets to potentially reshape their roster significantly over the next few years, allowing them to develop young talent and create a sustainable future.
The competitive spirit of the Detroit Pistons was on display in their first postseason game featuring their new core. They matched up evenly against the veteran New York Knicks. Cade Cunningham is a bona fide star, and that’s the Pistons biggest draw. He has maintained, and proven, that he’s the guy to guide the plucky upstarts as they work their way into a hopeful future.
The Orlando Magic made one of the biggest bets with a daring trade. In a bold move, they shipped Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four first-rounders to the Memphis Grizzlies for star Desmond Bane. This match does make them deeper overall, but it calls into question their outside shooting ability which has been an area of concern all season. They’ve developed a deep-seated fearsome reputation for their swarming, punishing, all-consuming defense. This skill would prove to be invaluable in those close contests.
The Toronto Raptors have a unique opportunity ahead of them. I truly believe they have the talent to compete and climb the ranks into the thick of the Eastern Conference! Even if they aren’t ready yet, their ability to develop this talent should result in some surprising victories and possible playoff contention in the near future.
In Miami, Coach Erik Spoelstra maintains his elite status, giving the Heat hope that they can make more noise than expected this season. Trade impacts Fortunately too, Miami recently just traded for all-star and scoring guard Norman Powell from the LA Clippers. He’s coming off the best season of his career! As they chase playoff glory, this reinforcement might play a pivotal role.
The Celtics, who are otherwise loaded, are really up against it. On top of that, they’ll be missing players such as Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet. This absence creates a huge hole in their roster and is worrisome for them in their ability to compete in one of the strongest conferences in the country.
The Indiana Pacers appear to be at a disadvantage without their star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season and Myles Turner. These injuries have left them gravely crippled and more of a ‘boogeyman’ than an immediate threat dominating the Eastern Conference landscape.
The Atlanta Hawks have taken great pains to revamp their defensive scheme. They do so with one of the deepest rotations in the Eastern Conference. Their depth and improved defensive play may carry them a long way as they try to take a third-straight run for the playoffs.
Finally, the Charlotte Hornets are a team in full rebuilding mode with six rotation players 21 or younger. This youthful roster reflects a commitment to long-term growth and development as they seek to establish themselves as competitive contenders in the near future.
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