10 Most Important Moves of the 2018 NBA Offseason
By Jason McIntyre
In the last two years, 10 of the NBA’s 25 best players have changed teams. We just saw that happen with two of the NBA’s elite players, but that’s not all that happened. We’ve ranked the teams in the East and West, and now we rank the most important moves of the 2018 NBA offseason.
1. LeBron signs with the Lakers
The most popular franchise in the sport should end its five-year run of horrific basketball by adding one of the greatest players in basketball history. LeBron just had the greatest postseason of his career, carrying a weak Cavs roster to the Finals, and averaging 34 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in the postseason. The Lakers will get the most national TV games, and we could be headed toward a Lakers/Celtics Finals.
10. DeMarcus Cousins signs with the Warriors
I’m on record saying this was a risk Golden State didn’t have to take. Cousins turns 28 in August, and is coming off an Achilles injury. He’s likely out until January, maybe the All-Star break. And he’s going to come back looking for shots and that big contract he was headed for pre-injury. Very scary proposition for the best team in the NBA.
2. Kawhi Leonard traded to the Raptors
Toronto was a 59-win team last year, and a healthy Kawhi Leonard could keep them in that vicinity. The trade was an enormous risk, and I didn’t love it for either side, but it’s important for the Raptors because there’s only one team clearly better in the East, and that’s Boston. I think the 76ers are too, because they didn’t dump their star player and coach, and chemistry matters. His health adds to the risk, and the importance of the deal.
3. Tyreke Evans to the Pacers
If you want a sleeper in the East, the Pacers just added a scoring machine in Evans, who turns 29 in September. I didn’t understand the Doug McDermott addition, but a Big 3 of Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner and Tyreke Evans has some serious potential. Toss in Bojan Bogdanovic, and this is a sleeper team to win 55 games. Evans can lead a lethal 2nd unit for the Pacers.
4. Isaiah Thomas signs with the Nuggets
How can a non-starter be this high on the list? Thomas is reunited with the coach who helped him pop in Sacramento (Michael Malone), and there isn’t pressure to contribute early, given he’s playing behind Gary Harris and Jamal Murray. Denver has the talent to win 50 games this season, and the depth, thanks to Thomas, is very good.
5. Trevor Ariza signs with the Suns
Houston fans are hung up on Ariza shooting 0-for-12 in Game 7 at home against the Warriors, but one game does not a season make. Ariza was one of the best 2-way forwards in the West last season, and the Rockets will sorely miss his defense. Ariza’s two primary roles in Phoenix: 1) Play a mentor to Mikal Bridges, a promising rookie from Villanova, and Josh Jackson; 2) add perimeter defense to the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Yes, I’d take a flier on the Suns season win total over.
6. Paul George stays with the Thunder
We still don’t know if the Lakers even called George in the days leading up to July 1 to try and get a meeting. My guess is no. But this is a huge win for OKC because the Thunder would have taken a step back without George, and backwards from losing in the first round despite having home court advantage isn’t a good thing. They should finish Top 4 in the West.
7. Rajon Rondo signs with the Lakers
Yes, he’s feuded with coaches. No, he can’t shoot. But when the Lakers get to the playoffs, look out. Rondo outplayed Portland’s backcourt in a shocking 1st round sweep. As a mentor for Lonzo Ball, you can’t do much better than Rondo given what was on the market. It wouldn’t surprise me if Rondo won the starting job, but in the long run, that’ll make Lonzo better.
8. Julius Randle signs with the Pelicans
Made the best of the DeMarcus Cousins situation. Randle at $18 million over two years is a bargain, though questions will linger about his fit alongside Anthony Davis. I wouldn’t rule out Nikola Mirotic starting next to AD, and Randle running the 2nd unit. Did Randle put up 16-8 on a 35-win team taking all the shots he wanted, or is that something to build on?
9. Jabari Parker signs with the Bulls
Chicago fans were bent out of shape that the team signed Parker, but it’s really just a one-year deal, and he’s only 23, and he’s got a lot to prove. Wendell Carter is going to be a factor, Robin Lopez is a good defender, and Lauri Markkanen is probably their best overall player. And oh yeah, Bobby Portis vs Parker should be fun and feisty in practice.