2022-23 KIA SEASON PREVIEW
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: ATLANTA HAWKS
Will Atlanta take a step forward defensively and make a deep run with its new backcourt?
Shaun Powell
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
The Hawks made a big splash this summer with the addition of Dejounte Murray (far left).
Sometimes the drive to prosperity and respect hits a pothole and a realignment is necessary. Such was the case for the Hawks, who reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2021 with a young squad only to flounder last season and barely squeeze back into the playoffs.
At least Trae Young continues to be exactly what the Hawks need — a franchise player with flair and bankability — and the club maintained enough flexibility to make changes. The biggest, by far, was adding Dejounte Murray and pairing him with Young and creating what could be the league’s most balanced backcourt in terms of offensive firepower (Young) and sticky defense (Murray).
The rest of the pieces must fall in line, and the Hawks, like every team, must avoid injuries to those in the meat of the rotation. John Collins and a few others must get back on the growth track. It could be a make-or-break season for coach Nate McMillan if Atlanta finds itself fighting for dear life in the Play-In Tournament again.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Will the Hawks finally embrace defense? With Murray aboard, Atlanta has its defensive backbone. But the rest of the club needs to take its cue from Murray. Too often last season, the Hawks fell apart defensively, especially in the moment of truth, and have yet to exhibit a consistent defensive mindset under McMillan. It’ll help if swingman De’Andre Hunter, held to 53 games last year because of injury, becomes the high-level defender the Hawks projected for him.SEASON PREDICTION
The competition in the East will be fierce and it’s very questionable whether the Hawks are a top-six team in that regard. They simply lack the firepower and muscle of those contenders who are angling for East supremacy. But here in Year One of the Young-Murray backcourt combo, the Hawks figure to be in the mix with the second tier. Much will depend on the team’s overall defense, the improvements of Hunter and Collins, and if a solid player emerges to give the bench a lift after losing Kevin Huerter in the offseason. That’s certainly a best-case scenario, and a realistic one as well. Projection: Playoffs.How will the Dejounte Murray-Trae Young backcourt pairing work?
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
297 — The Hawks’ second-ranked offense averaged a league-low 297 passes per 24 minutes of possession.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Trae Young: A certified star who led the league last season in total points and total assists, Young’s trajectory continues to give Atlanta hope that he can be the centerpiece of a title contender someday.Dejounte Murray: A splendid all-around guard who can play on or off the ball and will draw the tougher defensive backcourt assignments.
De’Andre Hunter: He’s playing for a contract extension which is all the motivation needed to a bounce-back season after the injuries and uninspired performances.
John Collins: Experienced a down year after getting the big contract extension, Collins nonetheless is a valued piece and an offensive weapon at the rim.
Clint Capela: A reliable yet unspectacular big man who feasts on the pick-and-roll and also gobbles rebounds.
KEY RESERVES
Bogdan Bogdanovic: Superb shooter who can rival Young for getting buckets whenever he gets on a roll.Onyeka Okongwu: Youthful big man took some giant steps at times last season and brings plenty of energy; skills remain in development, though.
Justin Holiday: Veteran swingman arrives with smarts and consistency and should blend in nicely. It all depends on what’s left in the tank at age 33.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Hawks have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 43 | 39 | 0.524 | 115.4 | 2 | 113.7 | 26 | +1.6 | 14 | X |
| 2020-21 | 41 | 31 | 0.569 | 114.3 | 9 | 112.1 | 18 | +2.2 | 11 | X |
| 2019-20 | 20 | 47 | 0.299 | 107.0 | 25 | 114.4 | 28 | -7.4 | 28 | |
| 2018-19 | 29 | 53 | 0.354 | 107.5 | 23 | 113.1 | 28 | -5.5 | 26 | |
| 2017-18 | 24 | 58 | 0.293 | 104.4 | 26 | 110.1 | 24 | -5.7 | 26 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 KIA SEASON PREVIEW
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: BOSTON CELTICS
A key backcourt addition gives Boston reason for optimism after a trip to the NBA Finals.
John Schuhmann
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart led Boston to the NBA Finals last season.
It wasn’t long ago that some wondered if the Boston Celtics’ coach (Brad Stevens at the time) was more valuable than an All-Star. Well, the Celtics might now help us determine just how valuable a coach can be in today’s NBA.
Ime Udoka had a terrific first season as a head coach, withstanding a 25-25 start, guiding what turned into a dominant team over the last 10 weeks of the regular season, and then pushing the Celtics to the Finals. But with Udoka being suspended for the season, the Eastern Conference champs are in the hands of Joe Mazzulla, a 34-year-old with minimal NBA or head coaching experience.
Everything was looking good for the Celtics to hit the ground running this season. They were returning the top eight players from their playoff rotation and adding another ball-handler – Malcolm Brogdon – who would directly address their weaknesses. With Brogdon on board, eight of their top nine guys are under the age of 30, and all of them can contribute on both ends of the floor. Jayson Tatum (who’s already played in more playoff games than Allen Iverson did) is still just 24 and primed to continue his ascent toward MVP candidacy.
But just as training camp was set to open, Robert Williams III had (another) knee surgery that will keep him out for at least the first month of the season. And then Udoka was suspended, seemingly throwing the franchise into turmoil. This team could still be better than it was last season, but it may once again need to overcome some early-season issues.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Can they execute down the stretch? The Celtics had a 2-1 lead in the Finals and led by four with less than five minutes left in Game 4. But they scored just three points on their final eight possessions of the game, and then scored less than a point per possession as they dropped Games 5 and 6. Clutch offense was an issue all season for the Celtics, who scored less than a point per clutch possession in the regular season and just 57 points on 64 clutch possessions (89.1 per 100) in the playoffs. Another ball-handler (Brogdon) should help, but Brown and Tatum also need to prove that they can come up big on big possessions.SEASON PREDICTION
Even with the last-minute coaching change, the Celtics should be on the same page more than they were at the start of last season. We can also expect them to be better in close games this year. But we can’t expect them to ever be as dominant as they were over the last 32 games of ’21-22, when they ranked first on both ends of the floor and outscored their opponents by 14.8 points per 100 possessions. There’s no doubt that they’re one of the three best teams in the Eastern Conference, but their ultimate level of success could be determined by Williams’ health and Mazzulla’s ability to steer the ship. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
0.80 — 8.9% of the Celtics’ opponents’ possessions, the league’s highest opponent rate, were isolation possessions, according to Synergy tracking. And they allowed a league-low 0.80 points per possession on isolations.PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Marcus Smart: Remains an erratic shooter, but his effective field goal percentage topped 50% for the second time in his career last season.Jaylen Brown: Playmaking has improved, but turnover issues in the playoffs were evidence that his decision-making could still get better.
Jayson Tatum: May have run out of gas in the Finals, but 25.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists over 24 playoff games is big time.
Al Horford: 36 and entering year 16, but coming off a couple of big games In the Finals. Provides defense and floor spacing at the 4 or 5.
Robert Williams III: Smart is the DPOY and Horford is the vet, but Williams’ mobility remains the biggest key to the league’s No. 1 defense.
KEY RESERVES
Malcolm Brogdon: Ranked fourth with 18.3 drives per game last season and will take some of the playmaking burden off Tatum and Brown.Payton Pritchard: Not much defense or offense off the dribble, but 40% 3-point shooting makes defenses pay for the attention paid to the stars.
Derrick White: His minutes in the Finals were rough, but he’s solid on both ends of the floor and you can do much worse for a seventh or eighth man.
Grant Williams: Much improved over his three years in the league, still just 23 years old, and eligible for an extension before the start of the season.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Celtics have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …Last 5 seasons
| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 51 | 31 | 0.622 | 113.6 | 9 | 106.2 | 1 | +7.4 | 2 | X |
| 2020-21 | 36 | 36 | 0.500 | 113.1 | 10 | 111.8 | 13 | +1.2 | 13 | X |
| 2019-20 | 48 | 24 | 0.667 | 112.8 | 4 | 106.5 | 4 | +6.3 | 3 | X |
| 2018-19 | 49 | 33 | 0.598 | 111.3 | 10 | 107.0 | 6 | +4.3 | 6 | X |
| 2017-18 | 55 | 27 | 0.671 | 106.8 | 18 | 103.2 | 2 | +3.6 | 7 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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John Schuhmann is a senior stats analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 KIA SEASON PREVIEW
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: BROOKLYN NETS
After an offseason of turmoil, Brooklyn is ready to turn the page and still has the pieces to contend for a championship.
John Schuhmann
John Schuhmann
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Ben Simmons
How Ben Simmons integrates into the squad will be a big factor in determining how far the Nets go in 2022-23.
One year ago, with three of the best offensive players this league has ever seen, the Brooklyn Nets were the favorites to win the NBA championship in NBA.com’s GM Survey, receiving 72% of votes from the league’s decision-makers. Things are much different this time around, and there’s no team with more questions as the 2022-23 season tips off.
Since that prediction last year, Kyrie Irving missed 53 games because he wasn’t vaccinated, Joe Harris was lost 14 games into the season, James Harden forced his way out, Ben Simmons arrived and never played, the Nets got swept in the first round, Kevin Durant asked for a trade, and then he made a them-or-me ultimatum regarding general manager Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash. What was once a contender had seemingly fallen apart with the Nets having three stars available (Durant, Irving and either Harden or Simmons) in just 16 of a possible 158 games.
But Durant, Marks and Nash are, somehow, all still here. And the Nets, with Harris and Simmons returning to health and with some offseason additions, have as much talent as any team in the league. Still, things aren’t exactly settled as they enter their fourth season since their big free agency haul of 2019. If everything goes right, this is a title contender. But the chances of everything going right appear slim.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Is Ben Simmons ready? The bigger long-term question is about Durant’s commitment to the franchise. Irving, meanwhile, remains an enigma. But when the season tips off on Oct. 19 with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, we can (somewhat) safely assume that those two will be in uniform and ready to play. We can’t as easily make that same assumption about Simmons, who hasn’t played in more than 15 months and had multiple false starts last season. The preseason will certainly provide some hints, but we won’t know that Simmons can contribute until he’s out there doing it, and it will be fascinating to see just how confident and aggressive he is in his role.
SEASON PREDICTION
How do you predict what’s going to happen with this team over the next nine months? The “everything goes right” scenario would put the Nets in contention for their first NBA championship, but the “everything goes wrong (again)” scenario seems more likely. Maybe they fall somewhere in between, where they can’t necessarily count on their stars to play more than 50-ish games apiece, but they’re still good enough to reach the postseason and then hope it all comes together in April, May and June. Projection: Playoffs
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
2 — The Nets were the only team with two of the nine players – Seth Curry and Kyrie Irving – who shot 50% or better on at least 250 2-point attempts and 40% or better on at least 100 3-point attempts.
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Kyrie Irving: An elite shooter and scorer, but defense remains an issue, and he couldn’t step up when Durant was swarmed in the Boston series.
Joe Harris: One of two Nets – Curry is the other – who ranks in the top five all-time in 3-point percentage. An amazing 47.4% over the last two seasons.
Kevin Durant: His inability to figure out Boston’s playoff defense was the first sign of weakness in his offensive game. Would be good to reduce his minutes/load.
Ben Simmons: Will defend and get his teammates open looks in transition, and his lack of shooting will be less of an issue with all the offensive talent around him.
Nic Claxton: Brutal free throw shooting (4-for-22) in the playoffs overshadowed his contributions as a mobile defender and vertical spacer. Still just 23 years old.
KEY RESERVES
Seth Curry: His ridiculous shooting numbers over the last two seasons (effective FG% of 60.3%) should remain ridiculous given whom he’s playing alongside.
Patty Mills: Like Durant, he needs to carry a lighter load this year. Has seen post-All-Star drops in his shooting numbers in each of the last three seasons.
Royce O’Neale: Wing defender the Nets have needed. Has taken 69% of his shots from beyond the arc over the last three seasons, shooting 38% on those 3s.
Cam Thomas: 20-year-old bucket-getter shot 52% on pull-up 2-pointers as a rookie, but the Nets were not good in his minutes. Needs to improve passing, defense.
T.J. Warren: Has played just four games since averaging 31.0 points on an effective field goal percentage of 66.4% over six games in the 2020 bubble.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Nets have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …
Season W L PCT OffRtg Rank DefRtg Rank NetRtg Rank Playoffs
2021-22 44 38 0.537 113.2 10 112.3 20 +0.9 15 X
2020-21 48 24 0.667 117.3 1 113.1 22 +4.2 7 X
2019-20 35 37 0.486 108.7 22 109.2 10 -0.5 15 X
2018-19 42 40 0.512 108.9 19 109.0 15 -0.1 15 X
2017-18 28 54 0.341 106.1 22 109.7 21 -3.6 24
OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
John Schuhmann is a senior stats analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: BROOKLYN NETS
After an offseason of turmoil, Brooklyn is ready to turn the page and still has the pieces to contend for a championship.
John Schuhmann
John Schuhmann
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Ben Simmons
How Ben Simmons integrates into the squad will be a big factor in determining how far the Nets go in 2022-23.
One year ago, with three of the best offensive players this league has ever seen, the Brooklyn Nets were the favorites to win the NBA championship in NBA.com’s GM Survey, receiving 72% of votes from the league’s decision-makers. Things are much different this time around, and there’s no team with more questions as the 2022-23 season tips off.
Since that prediction last year, Kyrie Irving missed 53 games because he wasn’t vaccinated, Joe Harris was lost 14 games into the season, James Harden forced his way out, Ben Simmons arrived and never played, the Nets got swept in the first round, Kevin Durant asked for a trade, and then he made a them-or-me ultimatum regarding general manager Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash. What was once a contender had seemingly fallen apart with the Nets having three stars available (Durant, Irving and either Harden or Simmons) in just 16 of a possible 158 games.
But Durant, Marks and Nash are, somehow, all still here. And the Nets, with Harris and Simmons returning to health and with some offseason additions, have as much talent as any team in the league. Still, things aren’t exactly settled as they enter their fourth season since their big free agency haul of 2019. If everything goes right, this is a title contender. But the chances of everything going right appear slim.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Is Ben Simmons ready? The bigger long-term question is about Durant’s commitment to the franchise. Irving, meanwhile, remains an enigma. But when the season tips off on Oct. 19 with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, we can (somewhat) safely assume that those two will be in uniform and ready to play. We can’t as easily make that same assumption about Simmons, who hasn’t played in more than 15 months and had multiple false starts last season. The preseason will certainly provide some hints, but we won’t know that Simmons can contribute until he’s out there doing it, and it will be fascinating to see just how confident and aggressive he is in his role.
SEASON PREDICTION
How do you predict what’s going to happen with this team over the next nine months? The “everything goes right” scenario would put the Nets in contention for their first NBA championship, but the “everything goes wrong (again)” scenario seems more likely. Maybe they fall somewhere in between, where they can’t necessarily count on their stars to play more than 50-ish games apiece, but they’re still good enough to reach the postseason and then hope it all comes together in April, May and June. Projection: Playoffs
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
2 — The Nets were the only team with two of the nine players – Seth Curry and Kyrie Irving – who shot 50% or better on at least 250 2-point attempts and 40% or better on at least 100 3-point attempts.
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Kyrie Irving: An elite shooter and scorer, but defense remains an issue, and he couldn’t step up when Durant was swarmed in the Boston series.
Joe Harris: One of two Nets – Curry is the other – who ranks in the top five all-time in 3-point percentage. An amazing 47.4% over the last two seasons.
Kevin Durant: His inability to figure out Boston’s playoff defense was the first sign of weakness in his offensive game. Would be good to reduce his minutes/load.
Ben Simmons: Will defend and get his teammates open looks in transition, and his lack of shooting will be less of an issue with all the offensive talent around him.
Nic Claxton: Brutal free throw shooting (4-for-22) in the playoffs overshadowed his contributions as a mobile defender and vertical spacer. Still just 23 years old.
KEY RESERVES
Seth Curry: His ridiculous shooting numbers over the last two seasons (effective FG% of 60.3%) should remain ridiculous given whom he’s playing alongside.
Patty Mills: Like Durant, he needs to carry a lighter load this year. Has seen post-All-Star drops in his shooting numbers in each of the last three seasons.
Royce O’Neale: Wing defender the Nets have needed. Has taken 69% of his shots from beyond the arc over the last three seasons, shooting 38% on those 3s.
Cam Thomas: 20-year-old bucket-getter shot 52% on pull-up 2-pointers as a rookie, but the Nets were not good in his minutes. Needs to improve passing, defense.
T.J. Warren: Has played just four games since averaging 31.0 points on an effective field goal percentage of 66.4% over six games in the 2020 bubble.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Nets have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …
Season W L PCT OffRtg Rank DefRtg Rank NetRtg Rank Playoffs
2021-22 44 38 0.537 113.2 10 112.3 20 +0.9 15 X
2020-21 48 24 0.667 117.3 1 113.1 22 +4.2 7 X
2019-20 35 37 0.486 108.7 22 109.2 10 -0.5 15 X
2018-19 42 40 0.512 108.9 19 109.0 15 -0.1 15 X
2017-18 28 54 0.341 106.1 22 109.7 21 -3.6 24
OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
John Schuhmann is a senior stats analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 KIA SEASON PREVIEW
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: CHARLOTTE HORNETS
With playoff aspirations, can Charlotte's youth take another step in its development?
Michael C. Wright
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Continued growth from LaMelo Ball and Cody Martin will go a long way in determining Charlotte’s season.
James Borrego led Charlotte to 10-win improvements in three consecutive seasons, and the team’s arrow appeared to be pointing up when the young Hornets fell to Atlanta in the Play-In Tournament. Last season marked the second consecutive campaign that Charlotte lost its first Play-In game as the 10th seed. So, general manager Mitch Kupchak made the decision “to go to another voice,” he said, that would accelerate the development of a young squad with what appears to be a bright future. Kupchak hoped to add “another coach to bring us hopefully the same kind of improvement that coach Borrego gave us the first three years.”
Interestingly, Kupchak’s search led him back to coach Steve Clifford, who had been fired after the 2017-18 season, to lead a team that will be virtually the same group – minus Miles Bridges and Montrezl Harrell – as last season. Charlotte re-signed its best defender in Cody Martin to a four-year deal, and selected center Mark Williams out of Duke with the 15th pick in addition to signing Anthony Duruji, Isaiah Whaley, Jalen Crutcher and Jaylen Sims to Exhibit 10 contracts. Outside of the firing of Borrego, the most significant offseason development the Hornets experienced was the felony domestic violence charges faced by Bridges. That situation left Charlotte in somewhat of a holding pattern for the entire summer.
Ultimately, the Hornets continue to harbor postseason aspirations, and plan to rely on their extensive youth taking the next step in development, as well as Clifford’s penchant for producing teams that can defend at a high level. Expect more minutes for inexperienced players such as James Bouknight, JT Thor, and Kai Jones.
BIGGEST QUESTION
As mentioned earlier, Charlotte enters the season with postseason expectations. But with the Hornets likely to utilize virtually the same roster as 2021-22 (likely without Bridges), you wonder whether younger players such as rising star LaMelo Ball, Bouknight, and Martin can raise their games to the next level, while veterans such as Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward continue to provide steady contributions. Based on the club’s offseason decisions, it appears the Hornets are leaning on the expertise of veteran coach Clifford to take Charlotte where it wants to go.SEASON PREDICTION
Bridges’ legal situation froze what should have been a productive offseason for the Hornets, and it’s too late in the game to add any contributors of note. Clifford believes this is his most talented team as an NBA head coach, and while Charlotte should be better holistically, it’s unlikely the record will indicate as much. The majority of the Hornets’ divisional foes (notably Atlanta and Orlando) improved over the offseason, while they stood pat. Charlotte certainly isn’t a lottery team, but it’s likely to fall short of its own postseason expectations. Projection: Play-In Tournament.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
92 — Terry Rozier led the league with 92 corner 3-pointers last season. That was the ninth most for any player in the 26 seasons of shot-location data.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
LaMelo Ball: All-Star point guard is poised to enter Year 3 and showing leadership having spent nearly the entire summer working in Charlotte.Terry Rozier: Explosive guard continues to blossom in Charlotte but might need to raise his 19.3-point scoring average from last season to compensate for the likely absence of second-leading scorer Bridges.
Gordon Hayward: Hayward’s health will remain a concern, as the Hornets are 26-35 without him in the lineup over the last two seasons, according to StatMuse.
P.J. Washington: Defense improved last season, and he’s currently working to hone ball-handling and finishing at the rim as he returns to role as full-time starter.
Mason Plumlee: Oldest player on the roster (32) has shot 60% or better on FGs in four of the last five seasons.
KEY RESERVES
James Bouknight: Scoring guard and former No. 11 pick of 2021 should receive the opportunities that eluded him as a rookie.Cody Martin: Former second-round pick established himself as team’s top defender and needs to build on his career-high 38.4% from deep last season.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: Became only player in franchise history last season to string together multiple games as a reserve with 35 points or more.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Hornets have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 43 | 39 | 0.524 | 113.6 | 8 | 113.1 | 22 | +0.5 | 16 | |
| 2020-21 | 33 | 39 | 0.458 | 110.1 | 23 | 112.0 | 16 | -1.9 | 23 | |
| 2019-20 | 23 | 42 | 0.354 | 105.9 | 28 | 112.8 | 25 | -7.0 | 27 | |
| 2018-19 | 39 | 43 | 0.476 | 110.7 | 11 | 112.0 | 23 | -1.3 | 19 | |
| 2017-18 | 36 | 46 | 0.439 | 109.0 | 9 | 109.0 | 17 | -0.1 | 18 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: CHICAGO BULLS
Chicago will lean on its 2 All-Stars as it tries to build on last season's return to the playoffs.
Steve Aschburner
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:01 AM
Zach LaVine (right) signed a new deal to return to the Bulls this offseason.
A return to the playoffs last season after four lottery finishes wasn’t just refreshing, it was overdue by the traditions and expectations for this franchise. Now the challenge for Chicago – the players and coaches, sure, but particularly the front office – is to prove that was a step rather than a peak or plateau.
The Bulls were one of the league’s happy surprises through the first four months. Basketball bods Arturas Karnisovas and his crew had been aggressive, adding Lonzo Ball, sleeper Alex Caruso and somewhat written-off DeMar DeRozan around Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and promising Patrick Williams. The pieces fit, coach Billy Donovan pushed most of the right buttons and only seeding seemed to be a question for the postseason.
Then injuries hit, notably to Ball, Caruso and Williams. A limited 3-point game, poor shooting defense and shoddy rebounding undercut the early exuberance. The Bulls went 1-14 against the East’s top four clubs. Now last season’s superlatives are this season’s imperatives, with Ball still out and LaVine expected to play up to his new $215 million max contract. Stopping the ball at the point of attack and blanketing the other guys’ top scorers are musts.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Can a point guard’s health hold this operation hostage again? It might seem unhelpful to compare Ball’s slow-to-heal left knee to Derrick Rose’s multiple knee injuries, but there’s plenty of linkage in the minds of Chicago fans. The Bulls were 27-13 in mid-January when Ball went out with seemingly a minor knee issue. They went 19-23 from there, sliding from first to sixth as Ball underwent surgery, then an aborted rehab. Now he’s out again after another surgery and uncertain return.SEASON PREDICTION
The Bulls’ coming-out party and strong first half were a happy surprise and an indication of their potential. But Ball’s knee is a real setback as this season begins. It’s probably expecting too much for DeRozan to repeat his magical season, and it might be too much to think Williams’ game will take a huge jump. Plus the East is better, so… Projection: Play-In Tournament.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
741 — DeMar DeRozan led the league with 741 field goal attempts from mid-range (between the paint and the 3-point line), 274 more than any other player attempted and 48% of his total field goal attempts.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Alex Caruso: Best option to start if you prioritize defense and facilitating the scorers on the court.Zach LaVine: Now that he has gotten paid, defense and playoff success are keys to LaVine’s reputational climb.
DeMar DeRozan: From “worst offseason pickup” in 2021 to second-team All-NBA, but can’t be asked to carry same load.
Patrick Williams: Frisky summer work has raised hopes and expectations after his second season was mostly lost to injury.
Nikola Vucevic: His numbers at both ends dropped almost across the board during Bulls’ 8-13 post-All-Star swoon.
KEY RESERVES
Lonzo Ball: Lingering left knee issue has Bulls season, his career in question.Goran Dragic: At 36, in 15th NBA season, a solid addition to run the second-unit offense.
Ayo Dosunmu: Overachiever as No. 38 pick rookie, he was at his best when not overworked.
Javonte Green: Made himself surprisingly valuable with increased opportunity (45 starts, 1,519 minutes).
Coby White: Streaky player with scoring chops to be Bulls’ “instant offense” off the bench.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Bulls have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …Last 5 seasons
| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 46 | 36 | 0.561 | 112.7 | 13 | 113.2 | 23 | -0.5 | 20 | X |
| 2020-21 | 31 | 41 | 0.431 | 110.4 | 21 | 111.5 | 12 | -1.1 | 20 | |
| 2019-20 | 22 | 43 | 0.338 | 105.8 | 29 | 108.9 | 9 | -3.1 | 22 | |
| 2018-19 | 22 | 60 | 0.268 | 104.5 | 29 | 112.8 | 25 | -8.3 | 27 | |
| 2017-18 | 27 | 55 | 0.329 | 103.4 | 28 | 110.5 | 28 | -7.0 | 28 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Can new addition Donovan Mitchell propel Cleveland to new heights in 2022-23?
Steve Aschburner
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:01 AM
The Cavaliers followed up a strong turnaround season with a blockbuster deal for proven All-Star Donovan Mitchell.
The Cavaliers were the epitome of a hurry-up-and-wait team last season. They got themselves and everyone else excited with an unexpected 9-5 start, then steadied themselves with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley emerging as two pillars for the new Cavs. By the end, Cleveland had doubled its victory total from the previous season, leaping from 22 to 44. But injuries and other struggles let the air out of their year, with a 9-17 regular-season finish followed by back-to-back losses in the Play-In Tournament to Brooklyn and Atlanta.
Then, Donovan Mitchell enters. The three-time All-Star commanded a hefty price, yet the single greatest asset cashed in by Cleveland – guard Collin Sexton – who missed 70 games in 2021-22 anyway. He’s off to assist with Utah’s rebuild project while Mitchell, a legitimate scoring star, proves capable of helping his new team where it’s most needed.
Cleveland ranked 5th in defensive rating last season, a nod to coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s priorities and a pair of intimidating 7-footers up front in Mobley and Jarrett Allen. But the team finished 20th on the offensive end, sorely in need of Mitchell’s potential cavalry impact. Garland and the new guy will have to sort out ball privileges, while Mobley and Allen help cover for Mitchell’s errant defense the way Rudy Gobert did in Utah.
If there’s any urgency for the Cavs now, it’s not to chase a title right away but avoid a swoon and take a big stride in the springtime.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Who steps into the small forward/wing spot? Cleveland got a lot of attention and mileage out of its front line of redwoods last season, with Mobley and Allen teaming with Lauri Markkanen to good effect. But Markkanen went out in the Mitchell trade, leaving Caris LeVert or Isaac Okoro as the top candidates to play the three spot. Okoro would be better as a designated shadow of other teams’ premier scorers, while LeVert could boost the starters’ scoring punch to elite levels.SEASON PREDICTION
SEASON PREDICTION: Swooning is out in Cleveland. Adding Mitchell to the team that hiked up its performance and reinvigorated fans’ hopes – the first real post-post-LeBron success – was a winning move. It will require adjustments but Bickerstaff and staff are up to that challenge. Meanwhile, we get to see Mobley’s burgeoning two-way game and Garland’s maturation at the point. A top-four seed is a proper target. Projection: Playoffs1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
10.4 — The Cavs were 10.4 points per 100 possessions better last season (plus-2.1) than they were in 2020-21 (minus-8.3). That was the fourth biggest season-to-season improvement in the last 25 years, trailing only those of the 2007-08 Celtics (14.3), 1997-98 Spurs (13.2) and 2004-05 Suns (10.8).— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Darius Garland: The first-time All-Star was one of only three players (with Nikola Jokic and Dejounte Murray) to average at least 19 points and seven assists while shooting 46% or better.Donovan Mitchell: Keep an eye on Cleveland’s pick-and-roll play, with Mitchell averaging 12.4 points as a ballhandler in such action (second in the NBA among qualified players).
Isaac Okoro: After making less than 30% of his 3-pointers through his first 106 NBA games, Okoro shot 46% from the arc over the last 28 games of last season.
Evan Mobley: Nothing short of a revelation as a rookie, this future Defensive Player of the Year also reached thresholds only Rudy Gobert achieved last season (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 50% shooting).
Jarrett Allen: This animated shot swatter set a franchise record with his 67.7% shooting rate, part of the reason Cleveland went 35-21 when he played and 9-17 when he did not.
KEY RESERVES
Caris LeVert: Just beginning and ending the season with the same team would be a success for the volume shooter, after splitting the past two with Brooklyn, Indiana and the Cavs.Robin Lopez: Newcomer had 40 DNP-CDs with Orlando but in his 14th season posted 13.3 points in nine starts with the Cavaliers.
Kevin Love: The veteran big man led the NBA in double-doubles among reserves (12) and tied for tops in the league overall by drawing 26 charges.
Ricky Rubio: Might be out a few more months from the left ACL tear he suffered in December, but his playmaking, defense and leadership earned him a ticket back to Cleveland.
Cedi Osman: Veteran forward ranks 9th in Cavs history for 3-point field goals (512).
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Cavaliers have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 44 | 38 | 0.537 | 111.0 | 20 | 108.9 | 5 | +2.1 | 13 | |
| 2020-21 | 22 | 50 | 0.306 | 105.2 | 28 | 113.5 | 25 | -8.3 | 28 | |
| 2019-20 | 19 | 46 | 0.292 | 106.9 | 26 | 114.8 | 30 | -7.9 | 29 | |
| 2018-19 | 19 | 63 | 0.232 | 106.8 | 25 | 116.8 | 30 | -10.0 | 30 | |
| 2017-18 | 50 | 32 | 0.610 | 112.0 | 5 | 111.1 | 29 | +1.0 | 14 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: DALLAS MAVERICKS
Does Dallas have enough supporting cast around Luka Doncic to make another deep postseason run?
Michael C. Wright
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:01 AM
Another impressive season from Luka Doncic should keep the Mavericks in the top half of the West.
Jason Kidd insisted Dallas felt no pressure last season throughout its surprising run to the Western Conference finals. But along the way, superstar Luka Doncic and the Mavs applied plenty to opponents in moving past the opening round for the first time since 2011, highlighted by a stunning upset of the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals.
Dallas’ unexpected playoff success in 2021-22 sets the stage for lofty expectations heading into this season, with Doncic poised to seriously challenge for the Kia MVP award. Perhaps it’s premature to launch the Mavs into the stratosphere of being a potential contender, but Doncic gives his squad a legit shot at finishing the regular season in the top half of the West bracket. The Slovenian also assuaged concerns about entering 2022-23 out of shape (the way he did last season) by throttling competition over the summer in EuroBasket 2022.
The concern now lies in the supporting cast. The Mavericks did well to lock up defensive stopper Dorian Finney-Smith in February with a four-year extension. But the club lost free-agent guard Jalen Brunson in July to the New York Knicks, after a breakout season in which the 2018 second-round pick averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists as the clear-cut No. 2 option behind Doncic. Just before losing Brunson, the Mavs traded with Houston for big man Christian Wood, who might be able to shoulder some of the scoring burden left by the departed guard. Dallas also added more heft inside (and a lob threat) with veteran center JaVale McGee and Swiss Army Knife forward Maxi Kleber, who recently signed an extension. After trading away its first-round pick to Houston in the deal for Wood, Dallas gave up two future second-rounders to acquire the 37th pick it used in June to acquire Jaden Hardy.
BIGGEST QUESTION
We’ve watched Doncic definitively answer the questions concerning his conditioning in EuroBasket ’22. Now the attention turns to whether the Mavericks can make up for the scoring punch lost in Brunson’s departure. The new Knick averaged 21.6 points in the playoffs, including performances of 41, 31 and 31 points. It’s likely Dallas expects some combination of Spencer Dinwiddie, Tim Hardaway Jr. (who is back after suffering a season-ending foot fracture in January), and Wood off the bench to make up for Brunson’s production, which certainly won’t be easy.SEASON PREDICTION
Dallas snuck up on the rest of the league last season when it posted a record of 52-30 to finish fourth in the West. Although the Mavs likely didn’t do enough this offseason to bring in more help for Doncic, the superstar is talented enough to again carry the squad past the first round. Plus, he’ll come into this season ready to roll after entering 2021-22 out of shape. Let’s also not discount the impact Hall of Fame point guard Kidd will have on Doncic’s development in Year 5. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
9.3 — Luka Doncic has led the league in time of possession in each of the last two seasons and in each of the last three postseasons. He averaged 9.3 minutes of possession last season and 9.7 minutes in the playoffs.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Luka Doncic: As good as he’s been over four seasons in the NBA, Doncic showed during international competition over the summer the best is still yet to come.Spencer Dinwiddie: Some wrote him off after 44 games with the Wizards, but in the playoffs, Dinwiddie flashed glimpses of the player that averaged 20.6 points in 2019-20 with Brooklyn.
Reggie Bullock: Teamed with Finney-Smith in his first season in Dallas to provide some edge on defense, and timely deep shooting after overcoming a slow start.
Dorian Finney-Smith: Self-made grinder produced career-highs in scoring (11.0 points), 3-point accuracy (39.5%), assists (1.9) and steals (1.1) last season.
JaVale McGee: McGee’s second stint in Dallas is expected to begin with him as a full-time starter for the first time since his championship season (2019-20) with the Lakers.
KEY RESERVES
Christian Wood: Should log major minutes and start some games as Dallas needs his scoring punch inside and on the perimeter.Tim Hardaway Jr.: After shooting at least 40.4% from range the previous three seasons, that number fell to 39.4% in an injury-shortened season.
Maxi Kleber: Multi-dimensional sharpshooter gives Dallas flexibility to play small ball without sacrificing much defensively.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Mavericks have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 52 | 30 | 0.634 | 112.5 | 14 | 109.1 | 7 | +3.5 | 7 | X |
| 2020-21 | 42 | 30 | 0.583 | 114.6 | 8 | 112.3 | 21 | +2.3 | 10 | X |
| 2019-20 | 43 | 32 | 0.573 | 115.9 | 1 | 111.2 | 18 | +4.8 | 6 | X |
| 2018-19 | 33 | 49 | 0.402 | 108.7 | 20 | 110.1 | 18 | -1.5 | 21 | |
| 2017-18 | 24 | 58 | 0.293 | 105.4 | 24 | 108.4 | 16 | -2.9 | 22 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: DENVER NUGGETS
Can a healthy trio of Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic propel Denver to the top of the West?
Shaun Powell
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:56 AM
If Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic can all stay healthy, the Nuggets have the talent to contend for a title.
The Nuggets are whole again, and this will show in the springtime. At least that’s the hope for Denver as the club welcomes back Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who are No. 2 and 3 in the pecking order and two necessary players if Denver harbors any hope of representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.
Yes, that’s a lofty goal, but such is the possibility for a team led by the back-to-back Kia MVP Nikola Jokic. He’s exactly what a team needs to win it all, a player who can change the game and win a few of them almost all by himself. Jokic did heavy lifting the last season and a half and will be relieved to know the load will be lessened this season.
Assuming Murray and Porter will be good to go — and they’ll likely be load-managed throughout the season — the Nuggets have their own version of a Big Three and a decent cast around them. Michael Malone is a solid coach who connects with his players, so overall, the Nuggets figure to travel deep come springtime, this time with a few pieces that were missed last year.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Are Porter Jr.’s back issues a chronic thing, or finally a non-issue? Remember, his lower back first derailed him a week into his college career, then caused him to fall in the 2018 Draft, then held him to nine games last season. Back injuries are tricky, and multiple procedures are always a cause for concern. The Nuggets gave him a rich contract extension prior to last season, so there’s a lot at stake for Porter Jr., both on the floor and the payroll, to finally stay upright.SEASON PREDICTION
The Nuggets are qualified to proclaim themselves a top-four team in the West if only because of the obvious — Porter Jr. and Murray return to join the winner of the last two Kia MVP awards. These three have great chemistry and together form a winning nucleus. Remember, they reached the Western Conference finals together in the 2020 bubble. The ultimate fate of the Nuggets, and how far they travel, could be decided by everyone else in the rotation — there really isn’t another player with a high upside other than maybe Bones Hyland. Denver is built for 50-plus wins, even with load managing of Porter Jr. and/or Murray, and will be a factor in the postseason, but they might be missing one more piece to get to June. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
113.2 — Over the last five seasons, the Nuggets have been the league’s most efficient offensive team, scoring 113.2 points per 100 possessions.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Jamal Murray: Missed all of last season while recovering from a knee injury, Murray is a certified bucket-getter and big-shot taker who’ll be anxious to restore his flow.Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Newcomer will instantly give the Nuggets a tough-minded perimeter defender and someone who isn’t afraid of taking big shots, especially from the deep corner.
Aaron Gordon: He’s not the A-option offensive player he was in Orlando, but he’s a credible defender who’ll get the toughest assignments.
Michael Porter Jr.: Solid and silky-smooth shooter is capable of challenging Jokic for the scoring lead on some nights.
Nikola Jokic: A multi-functional big man who serves as the core for the club and rates as a top-five talent in the game.
KEY RESERVES
Bones Hyland: He was a revelation last season as an impactful combo guard who lessons the pain of losing Monte Morris in the offseason.Jeff Green: He never seems to age or become a liability and remains a solid contributor at both forward positions.
Bruce Brown: Newcomer hopes to carve a meaty role in the rotation. He’ll need to continue his efficiency (40.4% shooting on 3-pointers and 50.6% shooting overall last season) to do that.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Nuggets have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 48 | 34 | 0.585 | 113.8 | 6 | 111.5 | 15 | +2.3 | 11 | X |
| 2020-21 | 47 | 25 | 0.653 | 116.3 | 6 | 111.5 | 11 | +4.8 | 6 | X |
| 2019-20 | 46 | 27 | 0.630 | 112.6 | 5 | 110.4 | 16 | +2.2 | 11 | X |
| 2018-19 | 54 | 28 | 0.659 | 112.1 | 7 | 108.1 | 10 | +4.0 | 8 | X |
| 2017-18 | 46 | 36 | 0.561 | 111.4 | 6 | 110.0 | 23 | +1.4 | 11 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: DETROIT PISTONS
Detroit looks to boost its offensive performance this season and help establish itself as a future contender in the East.
Steve Aschburner
Steve Aschburner
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Will Cade Cunningham (far left) and Detroit’s young core prove to be a future contender in the East this season?
Rebuilding is a perfectly acceptable option for teams in dire need of talent and experience, and that will be the Pistons’ focus again this season. Within that, though, there needs to be tangible progress and Detroit is at that point. After three straight seasons (2019-22) of 20, 20 and 23 victories, it’s time for something resembling a push – say, for a Play-In spot – to give all the youth and development some real context.
The Pistons seem to think so, too, with their acquisition right before training camp of Utah’s Bojan Bogdanović for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Bogdanović is a player who could help several contenders, so it seems to signal at least a desire on Detroit’s part to be feisty. After their 12-45 start dug too big a hole last season, they did go 11-14 in the final 25.
Hard as it might be to believe, the Pistons’ core got even younger with lottery picks 20-year-old Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren (18). Others solidly in the pipeline include Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes (all 21), with 23-year-olds Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley III. There already is a crying need for a pecking order, so adding more kids with high picks holds little appeal compared to honing a few winning habits.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How will the Pistons boost their 3-point game? Make no mistake, it needs work. Detroit ranked 26th in made threes last season and 29 in accuracy (32.6%). The Pistons were 9-for-39 when they didn’t hit more than the other guys in a game. And they only reached 40% as a team 15 times. There are candidates to boost the long-range game, such as Bogdanović, Burks and Bey, but it has to fit into a scheme that suits their teammates.
SEASON PREDICTION
OK already, the cupboard isn’t bare anymore. In fact, it’s the opposite. The tricky part for the Pistons will be nurturing along all that young talent at the same time, like the entertainment of a plate-spinner on an old variety show. Cunningham and Ivey, if truly precocious here and now, can propel Detroit toward the East’s Final Four – those final four postseason-hopeful spots of the Play-In. But 10th place still might be a slot too high. Projection: Draft lottery.
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
+7.8 — The Pistons were the league’s most improved team after the All-Star break last season, 7.8 points per 100 possessions better than they were be before the break (minus-2.2 vs. minus-10.0).
— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Cade Cunningham: A late start last season limited him to 64 games, but his points (1,114), rebounds (354) and assists (356) totals have been reached only by five other rookies through 64 games in NBA history: Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Alvan Adams, LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Jaden Ivey: The No. 5 pick might earn starting spot with his athletic ability but he’ll keep it if his game matures.
Saddiq Bey: Worked this offseason on improving across the board, determined to flex a more balanced game.
Marvin Bagley III: What Detroit saw in his 18-game sample after arriving from Sacramento at the February trade deadline earned him a three-year deal.
Isaiah Stewart: Undersized overachiever is hoping to stretch his offense out to 3-point range.
KEY RESERVES
Bojan Bogdanović: Veteran sniper has started in all 365 of his appearances the past five seasons but at 33, might be suited to a bench role.
Alec Burks: An experienced option should Ivey need help at shooting guard.
Killian Hayes: His defense is ahead of his offense after two years, with improvement in the latter key to his minutes.
Cory Joseph: In his 12th NBA season, the point guard brings experience to an extremely young backcourt.
Isaiah Livers: His defense and shooting over the final two months suggest a rotation spot.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Pistons have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …
Season W L PCT OffRtg Rank DefRtg Rank NetRtg Rank Playoffs
2021-22 23 59 0.280 105.6 28 113.3 24 -7.7 26
2020-21 20 52 0.278 107.6 26 112.2 19 -4.5 25
2019-20 20 46 0.303 108.8 20 112.3 22 -3.5 23
2018-19 41 41 0.500 108.4 21 108.7 12 -0.3 16 X
2017-18 39 43 0.476 106.6 19 106.7 10 -0.1 19
OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
Detroit looks to boost its offensive performance this season and help establish itself as a future contender in the East.
Steve Aschburner
Steve Aschburner
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Will Cade Cunningham (far left) and Detroit’s young core prove to be a future contender in the East this season?
Rebuilding is a perfectly acceptable option for teams in dire need of talent and experience, and that will be the Pistons’ focus again this season. Within that, though, there needs to be tangible progress and Detroit is at that point. After three straight seasons (2019-22) of 20, 20 and 23 victories, it’s time for something resembling a push – say, for a Play-In spot – to give all the youth and development some real context.
The Pistons seem to think so, too, with their acquisition right before training camp of Utah’s Bojan Bogdanović for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Bogdanović is a player who could help several contenders, so it seems to signal at least a desire on Detroit’s part to be feisty. After their 12-45 start dug too big a hole last season, they did go 11-14 in the final 25.
Hard as it might be to believe, the Pistons’ core got even younger with lottery picks 20-year-old Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren (18). Others solidly in the pipeline include Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes (all 21), with 23-year-olds Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley III. There already is a crying need for a pecking order, so adding more kids with high picks holds little appeal compared to honing a few winning habits.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How will the Pistons boost their 3-point game? Make no mistake, it needs work. Detroit ranked 26th in made threes last season and 29 in accuracy (32.6%). The Pistons were 9-for-39 when they didn’t hit more than the other guys in a game. And they only reached 40% as a team 15 times. There are candidates to boost the long-range game, such as Bogdanović, Burks and Bey, but it has to fit into a scheme that suits their teammates.
SEASON PREDICTION
OK already, the cupboard isn’t bare anymore. In fact, it’s the opposite. The tricky part for the Pistons will be nurturing along all that young talent at the same time, like the entertainment of a plate-spinner on an old variety show. Cunningham and Ivey, if truly precocious here and now, can propel Detroit toward the East’s Final Four – those final four postseason-hopeful spots of the Play-In. But 10th place still might be a slot too high. Projection: Draft lottery.
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
+7.8 — The Pistons were the league’s most improved team after the All-Star break last season, 7.8 points per 100 possessions better than they were be before the break (minus-2.2 vs. minus-10.0).
— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Cade Cunningham: A late start last season limited him to 64 games, but his points (1,114), rebounds (354) and assists (356) totals have been reached only by five other rookies through 64 games in NBA history: Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Alvan Adams, LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Jaden Ivey: The No. 5 pick might earn starting spot with his athletic ability but he’ll keep it if his game matures.
Saddiq Bey: Worked this offseason on improving across the board, determined to flex a more balanced game.
Marvin Bagley III: What Detroit saw in his 18-game sample after arriving from Sacramento at the February trade deadline earned him a three-year deal.
Isaiah Stewart: Undersized overachiever is hoping to stretch his offense out to 3-point range.
KEY RESERVES
Bojan Bogdanović: Veteran sniper has started in all 365 of his appearances the past five seasons but at 33, might be suited to a bench role.
Alec Burks: An experienced option should Ivey need help at shooting guard.
Killian Hayes: His defense is ahead of his offense after two years, with improvement in the latter key to his minutes.
Cory Joseph: In his 12th NBA season, the point guard brings experience to an extremely young backcourt.
Isaiah Livers: His defense and shooting over the final two months suggest a rotation spot.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Pistons have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …
Season W L PCT OffRtg Rank DefRtg Rank NetRtg Rank Playoffs
2021-22 23 59 0.280 105.6 28 113.3 24 -7.7 26
2020-21 20 52 0.278 107.6 26 112.2 19 -4.5 25
2019-20 20 46 0.303 108.8 20 112.3 22 -3.5 23
2018-19 41 41 0.500 108.4 21 108.7 12 -0.3 16 X
2017-18 39 43 0.476 106.6 19 106.7 10 -0.1 19
OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
With a solid veteran core and emerging youngsters, Golden State is positioned well to defend its title.
Shaun Powell
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:56 AM
Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga are just 2 reasons the Warriors are built to contend for years to come.
The Warriors last season stamped themselves as the league’s premier franchise of the last 10 years, as if there was any doubt, by winning a fourth title in the Steph Curry era. And even better, the Warriors not only return with their crucial players intact but are prepared to give some youngsters a chance to carve a role in the rotation and therefore bring a different element.
Curry had a decorated 2021-22 with the all-time 3-point record and Finals MVP and shows few signs of slippage, although to be fair, his accuracy did dip during the last regular season. Still, he was dominant in the postseason and that’s all that matters. Klay Thompson made a solid, though not tremendous, return from two major surgeries and Draymond Green once again was a factor defensively.
What makes the Warriors especially dangerous this season is their “next” generation: Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman all bring youth and upside and should provide a balanced mix next to the vets. Basically, the Warriors are once again built to contend, and in a twist, seem built to last as well.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How good is Wiseman? The Warriors still don’t have a clue about their 21-year-old big man, held to only 39 career games because of injury. Keep in mind the Warriors selected him over LaMelo Ball in the 2020 Draft; while Wiseman couldn’t stay on the floor, Ball was Kia Rookie of the Year in 2021. Wiseman has potential, but that word is always tricky, and the Warriors aren’t in a position to let him learn on the job and make mistakes — they’re built to win big now, not later.SEASON PREDICTION
With a batch of young players who are restless and anxious to play, the Warriors are the rare NBA champion that returns with upside. Make no mistake, they’ll need star-level performances from Curry, Green, Thompson and Wiggins to position themselves near or at the top in what will be a competitive conference. But the youngsters, if they prosper much like Poole, could be the difference-maker in the defense of the championship. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
3rd, 2nd — The Warriors were the only team that ranked in the top three in both effective field goal percentage (55.2%, third) and opponent effective field goal percentage (50.9%, second). It was fifth time in the last eight years that they’ve ranked in the top three in both, with all other franchises (Milwaukee twice, San Antonio once) doing it just three times over that stretch.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Stephen Curry: Already a legend and an all-time great, Curry is building a case for being a top-10 player in league history because his skills, especially from deep, remain deadly at age 34.Klay Thompson: He spent his comeback season dealing with inconsistency, yet averaged 20 points and kept defenses on alert.
Andrew Wiggins: The secondary hero of the championship run, Wiggins polished his reputation and upgraded his status in the league with solid play at both ends.
Draymond Green: He was lost a few years ago without Curry and Thompson, then re-established himself as a valuable glue guy and piece of the puzzle when they returned last season.
Kevon Looney: Unassuming big man had a string of crucial games in the postseason and as a result, scored in the offseason with a contract extension.
KEY RESERVES
Jordan Poole: One of the league’s major revelations made himself into a major component for the Warriors by scoring big and taking winning shots while Thompson was out, then adjusted off the bench once Thompson returned.Jonathan Kuminga: Easily the most athletic player on the roster brings plenty of bounce and energy to the floor; now needs to improve his skill-set to stay on it.
Moses Moody: A very fluid guard can assume bigger minutes and a role, now that Gary Payton II fled to Portland through free agency; can he bring it on defense?
James Wiseman: A mystery and a riddle rolled into one, Wiseman can make the Warriors exhale if he stays healthy and makes a strong push to start at center.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Warriors have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 53 | 29 | 0.646 | 112.1 | 16 | 106.6 | 2 | +5.5 | 4 | X |
| 2020-21 | 39 | 33 | 0.542 | 110.5 | 20 | 109.4 | 5 | +1.1 | 15 | |
| 2019-20 | 15 | 50 | 0.231 | 104.4 | 30 | 113.0 | 26 | -8.6 | 30 | |
| 2018-19 | 57 | 25 | 0.695 | 115.0 | 1 | 108.6 | 11 | +6.5 | 2 | X |
| 2017-18 | 58 | 24 | 0.707 | 112.8 | 3 | 106.8 | 11 | +5.9 | 3 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: HOUSTON ROCKETS
Houston remains optimistic about its youthful roster and new additions for the 2022-23 season.
Mark Medina
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:56 AM
How will the pairing of rising star Jalen Green (left) and No. 3 pick Jabari Smith Jr. help Houston succeed in 2022-23?
With the Rockets’ rebuilding project continuing to unfold this season, we will once again see Houston rely heavily on its young core. But unlike last season, that emerging young roster may actually start winning more consistently in 2022-23. The Rockets experienced their fair share of losing in 2021-22, finishing with the NBA’s worst record (20-62). They also labored through multiple losing streaks shortly into the campaign (15), around the holidays (eight), most of February through early March (12), and to close out the season (seven).
Though Houston struggled in its first full season without James Harden, the Rockets still collected victories that did not often reflect in the win-loss column. They saw promise in key young players Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate. They liked how coach Stephen Silas handled a mostly inexperienced group with both an encouraging and firm touch. And amid their season-long struggles, the Rockets accumulated more Draft picks and made other key offseason moves to help their future.
Houston selected a pair of talented forwards in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft both at the beginning with No. 3 pick Jabari Smith, and in the middle, with No. 17 pick Tari Eason.
The Rockets dealt reliable center Christian Wood to Dallas for various expiring contracts, the No. 26 pick Wendell Moore (who was then flipped to Minnesota for the draft rights to the No. 29 pick TyTy Washington Jr., as well as two future picks (2025, 2027).
Shortly into training camp, Houston acquired center Derrick Favors and a future second-round pick as part of an eight-player trade with Oklahoma City. The Rockets are not done either. Beyond needing to trim their 18 guaranteed contracts down to 15 by Oct. 17, they could make deals involving Eric Gordon and Kenyon Martin Jr. But regardless of what changes happen with the roster, the Rockets should feel optimistic about two things: They should become more competitive in the 2022-23 season. And also have plenty of roster and cap flexibility moving forward.
BIGGEST QUESTION
It appears likely the Rockets will improve this season but by how much? It is hard to imagine the Rockets playing any worse than they did last year. Young players, especially lottery picks, also develop quicker when they play more. Yet, the Rockets are competing in a Western Conference that is expected to have more postseason contenders than rebuilding teams. Barring major setbacks to a handful of teams, the Rockets will likely struggle to squeeze into a crowded playoff picture.SEASON PREDICTION
The Rockets’ young core will make encouraging progress. Houston will not labor through multiple double-digit losing streaks as it did last season, either. But the Rockets do not appear ready for liftoff just yet. The Western Conference has plenty of viable playoff contenders. Houston will need time to develop three rookies (Smith, Eason, Washington) with three second-year players (Green, Şengün, Garuba). The Rockets’ long-term future, however, looks promising. Houston will have plenty of assets to bolster its roster next summer through the draft and free agency. Projection: Draft Lottery.PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Kevin Porter Jr.: Despite his ups and downs as a young player, Porter has at least shown enough upside to land the starting point guard spot.Jalen Green: After impressing the Rockets with his explosiveness and athleticism during his rookie season, Green appears capable of a stellar encore by showing off his refined ballhandling and decision-making.
Eric Gordon: If Gordon remains in a Rockets uniform, expect him to start most games so he can nurture his young teammates with his experience, shooting and defense.
Jabari Smith Jr.: Smith is expected to make an immediate impact with his scoring touch and positional versatility.
Alperen Şengün: After serving as Wood’s backup last season, Şengün appears ready for the starting center spot as a dependable passer, rebounder and defender.
KEY RESERVES
Jae’Sean Tate: He has a case to start after inking a new deal, but Tate appears more valuable as a sixth man because of his energy and versatility as a passer and defender.Tari Eason: The rookie does not appear afraid to get in the mix, as indicated by his aggressiveness at the rim and his defense.
TyTy Washington Jr.: He seems ready to provide needed backup point guard minutes to help the Rockets absorb any of Porter’s hiccups.
Josh Christopher: Look for Christopher to make strides with both his confidence and two-way capabilities in his second season.
Usman Garuba: Following an injury-plagued rookie season, Garuba could offer some frontcourt depth with physical defense if he stays healthy.
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
25.0 — The Rockets allowed 25.0 points per game in transition. That was the highest opponent mark in 18 seasons of Synergy tracking.— John Schuhmann
LAST 5 SEASONS
| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 20 | 62 | 0.244 | 108.1 | 26 | 116.4 | 30 | -8.3 | 29 | |
| 2020-21 | 17 | 55 | 0.236 | 107.0 | 27 | 114.4 | 27 | -7.4 | 27 | |
| 2019-20 | 44 | 28 | 0.611 | 112.5 | 6 | 109.8 | 15 | +2.7 | 7 | X |
| 2018-19 | 53 | 29 | 0.646 | 114.9 | 2 | 110.1 | 17 | +4.8 | 5 | X |
| 2017-18 | 65 | 17 | 0.793 | 114.1 | 1 | 105.7 | 7 | +8.4 | 1 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: INDIANA PACERS
The Pacers will try to pair change with success as they maneuver through a rebuild.
Mark Medina
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:56 AM
Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton were 2 of the biggest additions to the Pacers last season.
The Indiana Pacers will field a different roster this season. But will they field better results?
Before finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference last season (25-57) and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive campaign, the Pacers focused on improving their future. Consider their moves before the NBA trade deadline.
Indiana dealt to Sacramento a two-time All-Star center (Domantas Sabonis), a perimeter threat (Justin Holiday) and a role player that struggled to stay healthy (Jeremy Lamb). The Pacers received the Kings’ prized second-year player (Tyrese Haliburton), a productive secondary scorer (Buddy Hield) and a bruising forward (Tristan Thompson), whom the Pacers then waived as a buyout candidate. Indiana traded a valued combo guard (Caris LeVert) and a second-round pick (2022) to Cleveland for a veteran point guard (Ricky Rubio), a first-round pick (2022) and two second-round picks (Houston’s 2022, Utah’s 2027). The Pacers sent a role player (Torrey Craig) and cash to Phoenix for a promising second-year forward (Jalen Smith) and a future second-round pick (2022).
The Pacers continued their roster overhaul during the offseason. They used their No. 6 pick on a player that has positional versatility (Bennedict Mathurin), their No 31. pick on backcourt depth (Andrew Nembhard) and their No. 48 pick acquired from Minnesota on wing reinforcement (Kendall Brown). The Pacers dealt their veteran and injury-riddled point guard (Malcolm Brogdon) to Boston for a versatile big man (Daniel Theis), a first-round pick (2023) and a handful of role players (Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Juwan Morgan, Malik Fitts). Indiana then waived three of those players (Stauskas, Morgan, Fitts). The Pacers allowed Rubio and T.J. Warren to leave as free agents. And Indiana inked Smith to a new deal. The Pacers tried to top off a busy offseason with landing restricted free-agent center Deandre Ayton, but Phoenix matched the offer sheet.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How will the Pacers handle all the change? Indiana coach Rick Carlisle has the credentials to oversee a successful rebuild following his challenging first season. But Carlisle faces a difficult task with incorporating so many new players. The Pacers also might not be done with making moves, having been linked with various trade proposals that involve Myles Turner and Hield. Either way, Indiana faces a heavy burden with rectifying last season’s output in points per game (14th), points allowed (26th), rebounds (21st), turnovers (23rd) and 3-point shooting (25th).SEASON PREDICTION
The rebuilding process will continue. The Pacers currently only have four players that have played at least five NBA seasons (Turner, McConnell, Hield, Theis). And they could become just as busy leading into the trade deadline as they were last season. Therefore, Indiana will deal with plenty of inexperience and roster turnover. That naturally will lead to plenty of losses. But they have started building a sturdy foundation to ensure a bright future. Projection: Draft Lottery.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
5.12 and 4.26 — Among 375 players who played at least 500 minutes last season, Isaiah Jackson (5.12) and Turner (4.26) ranked first and second in steals + blocks per 36 minutes.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Tyrese Haliburton: He appears capable of becoming the Pacers’ franchise player.Buddy Hield: If he stays in a Pacers uniform, can he both score and play efficiently?
Bennedict Mathurin: He might not be a franchise savior his rookie season, but Mathurin has the tools to become a star with his athleticism, confidence and shooting.
Jalen Smith: Smith will reward the Pacers for their long-term commitment to him with consistent scoring, rebounding and defense.
Myles Turner: If he remains on the roster, Turner has to prove he can stay healthy.
KEY RESERVES
T.J. McConnell: Just as it has been for his past three seasons in Indiana, McConnell will stay consistent with his hustle.Chris Duarte: Expect Duarte to show the maturity and dependability he displayed at the beginning of his rookie season before becoming hobbled with injuries.
Daniel Theis: He will serve as a dependable big with finishing, setting screens and passing.
Aaron Nesmith: After having a limited role during his first two seasons in Boston, can Nesmith emerge in Indiana as a reliable 3-and-D player?
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Pacers have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …Last 5 seasons
| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 25 | 57 | 0.305 | 111.9 | 18 | 115.5 | 28 | -3.6 | 24 | |
| 2020-21 | 34 | 38 | 0.472 | 111.9 | 14 | 111.9 | 14 | +0.1 | 16 | |
| 2019-20 | 45 | 28 | 0.616 | 109.5 | 19 | 107.5 | 6 | +1.9 | 13 | X |
| 2018-19 | 48 | 34 | 0.585 | 109.4 | 18 | 106.0 | 3 | +3.4 | 9 | X |
| 2017-18 | 48 | 34 | 0.585 | 108.5 | 11 | 107.3 | 12 | +1.3 | 12 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: LA CLIPPERS
Is this the year? The Clippers boast depth with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both healthy and John Wall joining the mix.
Shaun Powell
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:01 AM
If Paul George and Kawhi Leonard stay healthy, the Clippers should be a force in the Western Conference.
This will be the most anticipated Clippers season since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George came aboard because, for the first time since they became a tandem in the summer of 2019, the planets finally seem aligned.
They had to fight the elements of the 2020 bubble, then injuries, and therefore the Clippers came up short of projections. Finally, not only are both fully mended, but the Clippers are bringing a very enticing supporting cast and also a championship-proven coach in Ty Lue. This team is deep (eight players averaged double-figure scoring last season) with a nice mix of veterans and youth and a pair of very cohesive stars.
The most intriguing player in the rotation is John Wall, who hasn’t played a full schedule in three years, who is only 32 and antsy about restoring his reputation and being on a championship contender. Wall was a five-time All-Star with the Washington Wizards before injuries mounted and his career went sideways. The atmosphere in L.A. will likely rejuvenate him and could give the franchise its first realistic shot at a title.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Can the Clippers overcome themselves? Perhaps more than any other team, the Clippers suffer from a snake-bit history and a lack of enduring respectability. You can rewind it back to Danny Manning, Ron Harper and the unfulfilled era of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. In short, it was always one thing (mostly injuries) or another that denied this franchise the chance to grab the prize. And of course, there’s the overwhelming shadow of the Other Team In Town that will haunt the Clippers until they move into their new digs or win a title.SEASON PREDICTION
The anticipation is perhaps at a franchise-record high for the Clippers to travel deep into the postseason and, for once, reach the NBA Finals. Much will depend on health, what else, and how Wall connects with George and Leonard. With their depth and defensive players and star power, it’ll be no surprise if the Clippers are the last team standing in the West come June. They’re that dangerous … and due. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
+7.8% — Reggie Jackson saw the biggest jump in usage rate (from 19.5% to 27.3%) among 191 players who played at least 1,000 minutes in each of the last two seasons. He also saw the biggest drop in effective field goal percentage (from 55.4% to 46.0%) among 112 players with at least 500 field goal attempts in each of the last two seasons. Marcus Morris saw the second biggest drop (from 59.2% to 50.7%).— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Paul George: One of the league’s premier two-way players, George is stretching his prime well into his 30s and showing no sign of rust.John Wall: A blur with the ball who can change speeds, find the open man and brings an improved jumper, Wall is searching for validation post-injuries.
Kawhi Leonard: If his body is right, Leonard is a top-10 player in the league who impacts games at both rims and is steady in the clutch.
Marcus Morris: Offensively he’s primarily a spot-up 3-point shooter who can be streaky yet dangerous when feeling frisky.
Ivica Zubac: The primary screen-setter and dirty-worker on the club, Zubac is the most reliable of a thin group of big men.
KEY RESERVES
Reggie Jackson: The starting point guard of the last two years will be fine off the bench and his shooting will keep him on the floor.Norman Powell: Very solid all-around swingman will push for starter’s minutes and blend in defensively next to George and Kawhi.
Luke Kennard: He made 44.9% of his 3-pointers in 2021-22 and is a big factor whenever he’s aggressive (which, unfortunately, isn’t often enough).
Terrance Mann: The young and energetic change-of-pace guard brings a unique dimension to a loaded Clippers backcourt.
Robert Covington: He’ll add to the mix of 3-point shooters who can space the floor and also bring some perimeter defense.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Clippers have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 42 | 40 | 0.512 | 109.5 | 25 | 109.5 | 8 | -0.0 | 18 | |
| 2020-21 | 47 | 25 | 0.653 | 116.7 | 3 | 110.6 | 8 | +6.1 | 2 | X |
| 2019-20 | 49 | 23 | 0.681 | 113.3 | 2 | 106.9 | 5 | +6.3 | 2 | X |
| 2018-19 | 48 | 34 | 0.585 | 111.4 | 9 | 110.4 | 19 | +1.0 | 13 | X |
| 2017-18 | 42 | 40 | 0.512 | 109.4 | 8 | 109.2 | 19 | +0.2 | 17 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Will the Lakers have a healthy season and make a return to the playoffs?
Mark Medina
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
The Lakers hope their star trio can play more than 21 games together this season.
Once they ended the 2021-22 NBA season with a 33-49 record and a missed Play-In Tournament appearance, the Los Angeles Lakers made immediate changes. The Lakers fired coach Frank Vogel only two seasons after he helped them win an NBA championship. The Lakers then hired Darvin Ham, who had earned strong respect as a former dependable NBA role player and for his multiple gigs as an assistant coach. The Lakers then tried to construct a better roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
L.A. spent all summer deliberating about potential deals involving Russell Westbrook after he exercised his $47 million player option. Despite harboring mixed feelings about how LeBron, Davis and Westbrook co-existed amid varying playing styles last season, the Lakers expressed optimism that Westbrook could improve if James and Davis stay healthy. The team faced complications as it gauged the market on Westbrook. Other teams had questions about Westbrook’s play following last season’s struggles. They also stayed firm on not offering any more than one first-round pick in potential deals.
Otherwise, the Lakers improved on the margins because of limited spending tools stemming from salary cap rules. The Lakers pursued younger players instead of retaining their veteran-laden free agents after they showed issues last season with their durability and athleticism. Yet, the Lakers remained aware that their young newcomers (Lonnie Walker IV, Troy Brown Jr., Damian Jones, Thomas Bryant and Juan Toscano-Anderson) could not fully address their issues. They also dealt two young players (Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson) to Utah for a player that could irritate opponents, make shots and elevate his teammates with his infectious intensity (Patrick Beverley). Only two seasons after struggling during a first-round playoff exit against Phoenix, Dennis Schröder reunites with the Lakers on a veteran’s minimum deal.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Can James, Davis and Westbrook coexist? They contended they would have last season had they played more than 21 games together. The Lakers went 11-10 during that stretch, but they also struggled when Westbrook played with only James (25-30) and with only Davis (17-22). The Lakers also went 0-5 with Westbrook as the No. 1 option. The Lakers believe such issues won’t arise this season if James and Davis stay healthy. That might be wishful thinking, though, given James’ mileage, Davis’ injury history and Westbrook’s struggles with adjusting his role.SEASON PREDICTION
James and Davis will spend more time on the court than they did last season. Ham will impact the Lakers better than Vogel could with his voice and rotations. And the Lakers will benefit from adding more youth. Nonetheless, they still do not have enough to return to NBA title contention. Westbrook will remain an awkward fit, even if he accepts Ham’s coaching and has more on-court time with James and Davis. The Lakers at least won’t end their season in April. But both this franchise and James measure their success on if they play through June. Projection: Playoffs.The health of Anthony Davis and how much of a burden LeBron James must bear will shape L.A.'s chances in 2022-23.
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
31.8% — Anthony Davis shot 66.3% in the paint and had an effective field goal percentage of 34.5% on shots from outside the paint. That (31.8%) was the biggest differential among 258 players with at least 100 field goal attempts both in and outside the paint.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Russell Westbrook: His attitude and adaptability will largely determine if Westbrook has a bounce-back season.Kendrick Nunn: After missing the 2021-22 season with a bone bruise in his right knee, Nunn can climb up the Lakers’ depth chart if he replicates the shooting he displayed his first two seasons in Miami.
LeBron James: He will defy Father Time and set more milestones when he plays, but can James reduce his time in the training room to heal injuries?
Anthony Davis: The Lakers are curious to see if Davis can stay more durable and play more aggressively.
Damian Jones: He can help the Lakers as a lob threat and rim protector, but Jones often struggles with avoiding foul trouble.
KEY RESERVES
Patrick Beverley: He will bolster the Lakers’ identity with his attitude, shooting and perimeter defense, but will the Lakers become comfortable with elevating Beverley’s role even at Westbrook’s expense?Dennis Schröder: He appears motivated to rectify how his first stint ended with the Lakers in 2020-21, but will Schröder receive consistent playing time in a crowded backcourt?
Austin Reaves:The Lakers might benefit from granting more minutes to Reaves, whose improvement with his strength and 3-point shooting could help the team’s spacing.
Lonnie Walker IV: The Lakers believe Walker’s athleticism can help them on both sides of the floor, but he needs to show more discipline with his shot selection and defense.
Thomas Bryant: The Lakers have become encouraged with Bryant’s mobility nearly 20 months after tearing his left ACL with Washington.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Lakers have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 33 | 49 | 0.402 | 110.0 | 22 | 112.8 | 21 | -2.9 | 22 | |
| 2020-21 | 42 | 30 | 0.583 | 109.8 | 24 | 106.8 | 1 | +2.9 | 8 | X |
| 2019-20 | 52 | 19 | 0.732 | 111.7 | 11 | 106.1 | 3 | +5.6 | 5 | X |
| 2018-19 | 37 | 45 | 0.451 | 107.4 | 24 | 108.9 | 13 | -1.6 | 22 | |
| 2017-18 | 35 | 47 | 0.427 | 106.0 | 23 | 107.3 | 13 | -1.3 | 21 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
The Grizzlies will have a big hole to fill to start the season with Jaren Jackson, Jr. sidelined.
Steve Aschburner
Archive
October 4, 2022 6:02 AM
Desmond Bane and Ja Morant make up a dangerous backcourt in Memphis.
Some might be tempted to view the Grizzlies as “upstarts” for how they put the Western Conference on notice last season, finishing with the conference’s second-best record (56-26) and then pushing the eventual champion Golden State Warriors to six games in the West semifinals. But upstarts most often are flash-in-the-pan types or momentary overachievers, like Atlanta in the 2021 postseason. This team has the look of something more lasting. And formidable.
Even before the Grizzlies threw down gauntlets at both the Timberwolves and the Warriors as rivals with which to be reckoned in the coming seasons, they thrived and grew. They ranked fourth (114.3) in offensive rating and sixth in defensively (108.9), one of only four teams to reach the Top 10 in both (Boston, Phoenix and Utah were the others). Memphis led the league in shots, rebounds, offensive boards, steals and blocks, as well as in points in the paint, second-chance points and fast-break points. It ranked second in field goals and scoring average, and third in pace.
Doesn’t sound like a fun foe to play, does it? Won’t be this season either, with a talented and deep core, impressive chemistry and a bright young coach in Taylor Jenkins. Then of course, there’s Ja Morant, arguably the NBA’s most entertaining performer and a legitimate contender for Most Valuable Player. The hardest part of that might be topping himself after a 2021-22 season in which the slender, explosive guard was voted Most Improved Player, made his first All-Star Game, was an All-NBA second teamer and finished seventh in MVP balloting.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How do they plug Jaren Jackson Jr.’s spot until he returns? This is both literal and stylistic, based on the foot surgery Jackson had in June that laid out a recovery timeline of four-to-six months. There’s an opening in the starting lineup to fill and a void most dramatically in Memphis’ defense, given his work against opposing bigs and overall rim protection. Some candidates: 2021 first-round pick Ziaire Williams, grinding reserve Xavier Tillman Sr., maybe third-year hopeful Killian Tillie or another surprise selection.SEASON PREDICTION
The Grizzlies, in spite of their impressive 2021-22, remain the pesky little brothers among the West’s best teams. That’s a great thing. Their results put several more advanced, savvy contenders to shame. Yet up and down their roster, they have players (and a coaching staff) who feel they still have much to prove. Morant for the heights to which he can soar, Jackson to return and improve, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane to earn their own coming paydays and so on. The energy is undeniable. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
+2.4 — The Grizzlies were the league’s best team in the first six minutes of the first quarter last season, outscoring their opponents by 2.4 points per game in the opening six minutes.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Ja Morant: After posting career stats (27.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 6.7 apg) and leading the Grizzlies to the NBA’s top ranks, he was rewarded with a five-year max extension that could be worth $231 million.Desmond Bane: No one in the NBA has been better from the arc (43.5%) since Bane entered the league as the No. 30 pick in 2020.
Dillon Brooks: Injuries limited Brooks to just 32 games, but he did more with less, boosting his per-36 scoring to 24.0 while shooting a career-best 43.2%.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: The All-Defensive first-team pick and NBA blocked shots leader might have been focused on getting his 3-point prowess back to his 2019-20 standards, but now he just needs to get back, period.
Steven Adams: Big Kiwi had trouble getting on the floor in the playoffs but he led the NBA in offensive rebounds and it wasn’t particularly close (349 to runner-up Mitchell Robinson’s 295).
KEY RESERVES
Brandon Clarke: So valuable off the bench, Clarke’s playoff numbers – 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 61.5% shooting and nearly 25 minutes – would be great starting points this season.John Konchar: Nailed a rotation spot and earned a contract by hitting 44.8 from 3-point range, logging 18 minutes per game.
Tyus Jones: Staked his claim as league’s “best backup point guard” by posting a record 7.04/1 turnover ratio and, ironically, by leading Memphis to a 19-4 mark starting in Morant’s absence.
Xavier Tillman Sr.: Lots of room to improve as a shooter but he has a strong post game and is a physical defender.
Ziaire Williams: Experience in the playoffs (14.8 points per 36 minutes) and Summer League boosts 21-year-old’s case for bigger role.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Grizzlies have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …Last 5 seasons
| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 56 | 26 | 0.683 | 114.3 | 4 | 108.9 | 6 | +5.3 | 5 | X |
| 2020-21 | 38 | 34 | 0.528 | 111.7 | 15 | 110.5 | 7 | +1.2 | 14 | X |
| 2019-20 | 34 | 39 | 0.466 | 108.7 | 21 | 109.7 | 14 | -1.0 | 17 | |
| 2018-19 | 33 | 49 | 0.402 | 105.6 | 27 | 108.0 | 9 | -2.4 | 24 | |
| 2017-18 | 22 | 60 | 0.268 | 103.6 | 27 | 110.4 | 26 | -6.8 | 27 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
* * *
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: MIAMI HEAT
Led by perennial All-Star Jimmy Butler, the Heat bring back the key components that led them deep into the playoffs in 2020 and 2022.
Shaun Powell
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:58 AM
Just entering their prime, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could raise their games this season.
If not for an errant Jimmy Butler shot late in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics, Miami could claim a pair of NBA Finals appearances in the last three years, and who knows, maybe even a title last June if that shot goes in.
As it is, the Heat remain an undecorated yet formidable squad that’s bringing all of the major components back for another chance to make a deep run. What’s more, there’s a chance that at least two members of the rotation, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, are just entering their prime and could raise their games.
Herro did just that last season and was the runaway choice for league’s most improved player. Adebayo was held back by injuries yet once again established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders. Miami will miss the toughness of the departed PJ Tucker, yet any team with Butler on the floor and Pat Riley in the front office and Erik Spoelstra on the bench will not want for muscle and grit. Miami is back for more and expects to have a major say in who emerges from the East next summer.
BIGGEST QUESTION
Is Kyle Lowry “fit” for duty? When he arrived two summers ago from Toronto, Lowry brought all of the necessary ingredients to the point guard spot. He also brought a body that couldn’t withstand the rigors of the season, and therefore couldn’t be relied upon. A bad hammy limited him late and sent the Heat scrambling for a replacement. At this stage of his career, Lowry needs to bring less weight and more muscle, or else.SEASON PREDICTION
There shouldn’t be much of a drop-off from last season for a Heat team that drips with leadership, cohesion, defensive chops and coaching. Butler and Bam are the killer B’s who show the way, and everyone else falls in line. Assuming good health, it’ll come down to postseason matchups for Miami and whether the Heat can catch the right opponent at the right time, because everything else is here for a team with few exploitable weaknesses. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
15.1 — Heat opponents averaged 15.1 seconds per possession, according to Second Spectrum tracking. That was the league’s highest opponent average.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Kyle Lowry: His steadiness and leadership is unquestioned; Lowry is a smart veteran who must dismiss any doubts about his durability here in his twilight.Duncan Robinson: He does one thing well, but when the 3-pointer isn’t falling, Robinson becomes a liability who was benched late last season because of his limitations.
Jimmy Butler: A solid, old-school star who brings consistency and an appetite for big moments, even if it doesn’t always result in a heroic ending.
Nikola Jovic: The rookie might not start, but the Heat have a critical need to replace Tucker at power forward and could just play three guards instead.
Bam Adebayo: Good rebounder and defender who has improved offensively to the point where Miami is calling his number more often.
KEY RESERVES
Tyler Herro: Averaged just over 20 points last season and never was bashful about taking the big shot.Victor Oladipo: If Lowry stumbles, Oladipo is the most logical candidate to get reps at point guard even though he’s not a natural at the position.
Max Strus: An underdog who fought his way into the rotation and became a reliable and needed floor-spacer as last season progressed; can he do that again?
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Heat have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 53 | 29 | 0.646 | 113.0 | 12 | 108.4 | 4 | +4.5 | 6 | X |
| 2020-21 | 40 | 32 | 0.556 | 110.6 | 18 | 110.7 | 10 | -0.1 | 17 | X |
| 2019-20 | 44 | 29 | 0.603 | 111.9 | 7 | 109.3 | 12 | +2.7 | 8 | X |
| 2018-19 | 39 | 43 | 0.476 | 106.7 | 26 | 107.1 | 7 | -0.4 | 17 | |
| 2017-18 | 44 | 38 | 0.537 | 106.2 | 21 | 105.8 | 8 | +0.4 | 16 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee are among the favorites to win the NBA title.
Steve Aschburner
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:58 AM
The Bucks’ roster is mostly intact after falling short of the NBA Finals last season.
Brooklyn always grabs the most headlines. Philadelphia’s James Harden got serious summer social media play with an apparent rededication physically. Boston was in the news (for unhappy reasons) right before camps opened. Meanwhile, the Bucks quietly went about their offseason prep as an almost overlooked contender to win it all in 2023.
In hindsight, one might argue that some jockeying around for playoff seeding (which cost home court in Game 7 vs. Boston) and Khris Middleton’s sprained knee in the first round against Chicago spoiled Milwaukee’s solid shot at a repeat championship. But there were signs throughout 2021-22 that it was going to be a part-afterglow, part-exhale season. The issue now is, can the Bucks open that title window again and, if so, for how long?
The wondrous Giannis Antetokounmpo, if mostly healthy, makes them an every-spring threat. The Bucks are built to win their way, favoring 3-point barrages around the Greek Freak and a dare-you-to-make-it defense. But this is an older, high-mileage team: Middleton is 31, Jrue Holiday 32 and five others are 33 to 36. Milwaukee knows how to win but might be better off if the postseason began in January.
BIGGEST QUESTION
What has Giannis done for us lately? Harsh, sure. But such is life when your resume, talents and age mount a persuasive case that you’re the best player in the league. Two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, an NBA title and a Finals MVP trophy are Hall of Fame-assuring. But all of that came at age 26 and younger. What did the legends of this league achieve between age 27 and, let’s say, 33? That’s a six- or seven-year prime demanding, at least, another Finals trip and additional hardware to push into all-time Top 10 consideration.SEASON PREDICTION
Once again, the Bucks will begin a season with the end in mind, a self-help standard that permits top contenders to pace themselves mentally but mostly physically. Given some of their recent and past injuries, this is a must. But eventually, Middleton and Holiday are going to have to play like their best selves again, Allen or someone else needs to make the shooting guard spot his own and that infernal “drop” defense will have to hold once more against a crafty counter-attacking league. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
2,339 — The Bucks and their opponents combined for an NBA-record 2,339 3-pointers last season. On offense, they were the only team in the top seven in both 3-point percentage (36.6%, fifth) and 3-point rate (43.0%, sixth). On defense, they ranked 19th in opponent 3-point percentage (35.6%), but had the league’s second-highest opponent 3-point rate, with 44.8% of their opponents’ shots coming from beyond the arc. The Bucks have three of the seven highest marks for opponent 3-pointers per game in the 43 years of the 3-point line, including a record 14.8 per game in 2020-21.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Jrue Holiday: Long considered a stellar two-way player but the playoffs suggested he soon might thrive at either end, not both.Grayson Allen: Budenholzer gave the feisty guard as much responsibility as he could handle, though it proved too much by the end.
Khris Middleton: Giannis’ indispensable wing man could have to ease into the season after recovering from a left knee strain and left wrist surgery.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The only guy in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in four seasons might be tuckered from his EuroBasket work with Greece?
Brook Lopez: The man in the middle has made Milwaukee’s defense work, but he was a clanky 6-of-28 (21.4%) from three in the postseason and a 32.8% bet from the arc the past three years.
KEY RESERVES
Pat Connaughton: Key reserve was one of four Bucks to hit 39% or more of their 3-point attempts.George Hill: Savvy vet needs to show he has something left in his tank, or Jevon Carter will take more of the minutes backing up Holiday.
Joe Ingles: Had shown signs of slippage even before his torn left ACL last winter, but a full return could add facets to the Bucks’ attack.
Bobby Portis: “Bob-BEE” got paid this offseason and could be a Sixth Man candidate again (as much as bigs are considered).
Wesley Matthews: His challenge is staying spry and healthy enough to shadow wing scorers in a deep playoff run.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Bucks have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 51 | 31 | 0.622 | 114.3 | 3 | 111.1 | 14 | +3.2 | 8 | X |
| 2020-21 | 46 | 26 | 0.639 | 116.5 | 5 | 110.7 | 9 | +5.8 | 4 | X |
| 2019-20 | 56 | 17 | 0.767 | 111.9 | 8 | 102.5 | 1 | +9.4 | 1 | X |
| 2018-19 | 60 | 22 | 0.732 | 113.5 | 4 | 104.9 | 1 | +8.6 | 1 | X |
| 2017-18 | 44 | 38 | 0.537 | 109.0 | 10 | 109.1 | 18 | -0.2 | 20 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
With a healthy Zion Williamson, New Orleans looks to take next step after return to playoffs last season.
Michael C. Wright
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:56 AM
If all its stars can stay healthy, New Orleans has the look of a legitimate perennial playoff contender.
A disastrous 3-16 start blossomed into the No. 8 seed in the West, after New Orleans downed San Antonio and the LA Clippers in the Play-In Tournament to advance to the postseason for the first time since 2018 under a first-year head coach in Willie Green. Once the Pelicans hit the playoff stage, they pushed the top-seeded Phoenix Suns to the limit over six games. Amazingly, New Orleans mapped its current course of optimism without the services of 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson, who missed the entire season due to a right foot injury.
How did they do it? That part is multi-faceted but highlighted by the February trade for veteran point guard CJ McCollum, as well as strong play from Brandon Ingram, not to mention the lightning-quick emergence of rookies Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy III. As Williamson watched the New Orleans’ playoff excitement unfold as a spectator, you could almost predict what would transpire next. Williamson, who had played in just 85 games in his first three NBA seasons, wanted in on the fun.
So, the power forward headlined the Pelicans’ most significant offseason development in July by signing a five-year maximum rookie extension. The move provides New Orleans a Big Three comprised of Ingram, Williamson and McCollum that is built to compete alongside its strong supporting cast for years to come. The club also drafted Dyson Daniels (No. 8), E.J. Liddell (41st) and Karlo Matkovic. Liddell suffered a knee injury in July that required surgery. But Daniels could join the latest in the Pels’ line of young contributors. New Orleans selected Murphy in the first round of the 2021 draft and Jones in the second round, in addition to bringing in Alvarado as an undrafted free agent. So, there’s precedence for early contributions here.
BIGGEST QUESTION
By far, it’s the health of Williamson, who has played 85 of a possible 226 contests over his three seasons. The former No. 1 overall pick now works with a trainer and a chef to keep him lean, so that his rare explosiveness doesn’t inflict too much wear and tear on the body. Don’t forget Williamson averages 25.7 points on 60.4% shooting with 7 rebounds and 3.2 assists. If the Pels can keep him on the floor alongside McCollum and Ingram, the brass knows the sky’s the limit.SEASON PREDICTION
The Williamson health factor looms large here, but what we saw last season provides at least some optimism about New Orleans’ capabilities without its power forward in the lineup. If Williamson stays healthy, and all the surprising youngsters build on their strong rookie campaigns, the Pelicans could wind up turning into the legitimate perennial playoff contender we’ve been anticipating for a couple of years. Green and McCollum’s steadying influence will help, as well as Ingram’s growth as a leader. This Pels squad should be just as gritty as Memphis. Projection: Playoffs.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
1-12 — The Pelicans started last season 1-12. That’s tied for the second-worst record through 13 games in NBA history for a team that eventually made the playoffs.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
CJ McCollum: Steady, savvy vet was the only player in the NBA last season to average 22 points or more and five-plus assists with fewer than 2.1 turnovers.Brandon Ingram: Raised his game in a major way in first playoff series from 22.7/5.8/5.6 to 27.9/6.2/6.2.
Herbert Jones: Second-round pick finished 2021-22 as the only rookie in franchise history to rack up 80 steals or more and 45-plus blocks in a single season.
Zion Williamson: The 22-year-old hasn’t participated in an NBA game since May 4, 2021.
Jonas Valanciunas: Just two players – Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert – finished last season with more double-doubles than the Pels’ big, who is also deadly from deep.
KEY RESERVES
Jose Alvarado: Undrafted rookie led all first-year players last season in total-plus minus (plus-143).Trey Murphy III: Second-round pick finished 2021-22 leading all NBA rookies in 3-point percentage (38.2%).
Devonte’ Graham: First season in New Orleans was so-so, but Graham provides valuable outside shooting when playing up to his capabilities.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Pelicans have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 36 | 46 | 0.439 | 111.2 | 19 | 112.0 | 18 | -0.8 | 21 | X |
| 2020-21 | 31 | 41 | 0.431 | 113.0 | 11 | 113.3 | 23 | -0.3 | 18 | |
| 2019-20 | 30 | 42 | 0.417 | 110.5 | 15 | 111.8 | 21 | -1.3 | 20 | |
| 2018-19 | 33 | 49 | 0.402 | 110.7 | 12 | 112.0 | 22 | -1.3 | 20 | |
| 2017-18 | 48 | 34 | 0.585 | 108.5 | 12 | 107.4 | 14 | +1.1 | 13 | X |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW: NEW YORK KNICKS
After taking a big step backwards last season, the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson to help kickstart their offense.
John Schuhmann
Archive
October 4, 2022 5:56 AM
The Knicks are counting on a breakthrough season from RJ Barrett (left) and a bounce-back year from Julius Randle.
Once again, the New York Knicks’ offseason was defined by the star they didn’t get. Donovan Mitchell, the New York native who seemingly wanted to return home, is in Cleveland and the Knicks are still searching for their guy … or at least some sustained success. After a breakthrough in 2020-21 — the East’s No. 4 seed and the league’s fourth-ranked defense — the Knicks took a big step backward last season. Their offensive upgrades didn’t pan out and their defense fell out of the top 10 as they finished six games out of the Play-In Tournament. Julius Randle went from accepting the Kia Most Improved Player Award to asking Knicks fans to be quiet. The Knicks still have won just a single playoff series in the last 22 seasons, also holding the NBA’s worst regular-season record over that stretch.
The Mitchell saga overshadowed the Knicks’ acquisition of Jalen Brunson, a big upgrade at point guard who can help his new team climb out of the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency (where it’s finished in each of the last four seasons). The Knicks have several rotation guys still under the age of 25, so improvement can (and should) also come from within. But if they’re to have any chance of reaching the playoffs in a strong Eastern Conference, Randle’s ability to bounce back will be critical.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How good is RJ Barrett? The Knicks didn’t trade Barrett for a star and, instead, signed him to a four-year, $107-million extension that kicks in next year. He’s now a franchise cornerstone in the spreadsheet but still has to prove he can be that on the floor. His scoring average has seen big jumps in each of the last two seasons and he’s still just 22 years old. But while had some big games and big moments last season, he (like a number of Knicks) took a step backward in regard to his shooting, finishing with the fourth worst effective field goal percentage (46.6%) among 89 players with at least 750 field goal attempts. (Randle had the worst mark — 45.9%). To really earn cornerstone status, Barrett needs to be both more efficient and more consistent.SEASON PREDICTION
Simply, there are too many good teams in the Eastern Conference — the eight that made the playoffs last season plus Mitchell’s Cavs — for the Knicks to be any higher than 10th in preseason projections. But a lot can happen over the next six months. Maybe one or more of those nine teams ahead of them has issues. Maybe another star becomes available via trade. Maybe Brunson continues to score efficiently at a higher volume, Barrett finds some consistency, and the Knicks rediscover their defense from two seasons ago. Projection: Play-In Tournament.1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
1.06 — Jalen Brunson scored 1.06 points per possession as a pick-and-roll ball-handler last season. That was the best mark among 79 players with at least 200 ball-handler possessions.— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Jalen Brunson: With Luka Doncic out, Brunson averaged 32 points on 51% shooting over the first three games of the playoffs, pushing Dallas to a 2-1 series lead.Evan Fournier: Has shot 39.7% on 902 3-point attempts over the last two seasons, but needs to give the Knicks more on both ends of the floor.
RJ Barrett: Pull-up shooting numbers (31% on pull-up 2s, 25% on pull-up 3s) were particularly rough last season, but he gets to the line at a good rate.
Julius Randle: Doesn’t need to be as good as he was in ’20-21, but definitely needs to be better than he was last season, and may need to defer to Brunson.
Mitchell Robinson: Highest FG% in NBA history (72.2%) among players with at least 1,000 field goal attempts. Free throws are another story.
KEY RESERVES
Quentin Grimes: Shot 38.1% from 3-point range as a rookie and could start instead of Fournier to further shake up a starting lineup that struggled last season.Isaiah Hartenstein: Seven-footer who brings a lot to the table — passing, finishing, rim protection — as one of the league’s best back-up centers.
Immanuel Quickley: Has been an impactful reserve for two years and can still improve a lot more, with better playmaking and shooting inside the arc.
Derrick Rose: Shooting splits of 47/41/91, with an assist/turnover ratio of 2.83, in his 61 games with the Knicks over the last two seasons. Missed the final 53 of 2021-22.
Obi Toppin: Provides some needed energy and bounce. Team was best with him on the floor last season, but Randle’s presence limits his minutes.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Knicks have fared stats-wise over the last 5 seasons …| Season | W | L | PCT | OffRtg | Rank | DefRtg | Rank | NetRtg | Rank | Playoffs |
| 2021-22 | 37 | 45 | 0.451 | 109.7 | 23 | 110.2 | 11 | -0.4 | 19 | |
| 2020-21 | 41 | 31 | 0.569 | 110.2 | 22 | 107.8 | 4 | +2.4 | 9 | X |
| 2019-20 | 21 | 45 | 0.318 | 105.9 | 27 | 112.4 | 23 | -6.5 | 26 | |
| 2018-19 | 17 | 65 | 0.207 | 104.0 | 30 | 112.9 | 26 | -8.9 | 28 | |
| 2017-18 | 29 | 53 | 0.354 | 106.3 | 20 | 109.7 | 22 | -3.4 | 23 |
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
