Brian Windhorst, alongside fellow ESPN analysts Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon, convened to discuss numerous pressing topics in the NBA. They covered a lot of ground on the various issues. They lauded the never-ending excellence of LeBron James, reported on Anthony Davis’s progress and discussed how all of this action could affect the Oklahoma City Thunder. The trio really dug deep into the wide-ranging offseason survey Bontemps sends out every summer. Our third and final survey of the 2023 offseason, with player rankings and team outlook for the new season.
LeBron James and Veteran Wisdom
Remarkably, LeBron James is still redefining impressiveness at age 38 while engaging the league like a 22-year-old. Windhorst pointed out James’s uncommon ability to perform when stakes are high. It is this skill that continues to keep him above the fray, as one of the league’s most transformational figures. He’s getting ready to start his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His leadership will be critical as they pursue their best shot at success.
The focus then turned to Anthony Davis, whose key play would keep them in contention for another championship run. Windhorst highlighted the need for both stars to be healthy and productive for Los Angeles. How they perform will be key since the team hopes to reestablish itself with the best of the best in the league. One of the analysts they featured was Cooper Flagg, a potential generational talent. Regardless, all of us will be watching his further development over the next few years.
Oklahoma City Thunder and SGA’s Historic Year
The discussion soon moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) had a truly historic season last year. Windhorst highlighted SGA’s impressive achievements, suggesting that his performance could be a defining factor for the franchise’s future. All the analysts were in unanimous agreement that SGA’s growth is key to the Thunder’s future. Having this knowledge provides OKC the ability to plan accordingly over the next several seasons.
Continue reading to see Bontemps’ comments in full, including a look at the Thunder’s impressive roster and why they are just getting started. As the team looks to build around SGA, they must consider how injuries, such as those that affected Tyrese Haliburton last season, can shape their plans. Similarly, Haliburton’s career-altering injury is a cautionary example of the thin line teams need to walk when weighing player health with their on-court performance.
Offseason Survey Insights and Predictions
Our trio of experts couldn’t wait to jump into Bontemps’ offseason survey. This survey addressed crucial issues like how to rank players and predict the future. In producing this survey, there were many exciting conversations about the best and worst offseason moves. Players voted on who they think is the most talented player in the league and who they think will win this season’s MVP.
Windhorst expressed intrigue over which teams might emerge victorious in the Finals, with particular attention paid to potential contenders emerging from the Western Conference. He noted that teams including the Pelicans, 76ers and Heat are eager to take big swings leading up to the trade deadline. Taken together, these actions would radically upend the competitive playing field.
Personally, I was most fascinated by Bontemps’ survey about who could be the best player in five years. Franchises are always changing. These conversations go to show how fluid the NBA is and how quickly its hierarchy of talent can shift.
Leave a Reply