Here, foxsports.com.au looks at some of the key talking points to come out of the opening round, including a few steals and where Furphy could land on day two.
WHAT HAPPENED TO AUSSIE JOHNNY FURPHY… AND WHAT COMES NEXT?
It is always the case that some projected first-round picks end up missing out on selection and Furphy was one of the unlucky few, with the Victorian instead expected to have his name called early in the second round.
In terms of looking at why Furphy may have fallen, it was always going to be tricky to project where this year’s first-round prospects would be taken given the varying opinions on them.
Furphy was routinely mocked to Orlando at 18th overall, although the Magic’s eventual pick — Colorado wing Tristan da Silva — made plenty of sense for a number of reasons.
Firstly, while Orlando still has a young core, this is a team that is already competitive in the Eastern Conference and a late bloomer like da Silva is more likely to produce right away.
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Johnny Furphy will have to wait a little bit longer. Chris Gardner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Then of course there is the fact the Magic clearly value big wings with a well-rounded skillset and da Silva fits that bill, while it of course is also handy he shot 40 per cent from deep in his last year with Colorado.
From that point there were a few other teams that made sense for Furphy, although there were also a bunch of contenders drafting later in the first round and given the Australian is still an incredibly raw player he may have just not been the right fit at this stage of his career.
The good news for Furphy is he should not have to wait long to have his name called.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie said on his ‘Game Theory Podcast’ that he is going to mock Furphy to the Toronto Raptors with the first pick of the second round and if he doesn’t go then, the Utah Jazz at 32nd overall also make plenty of sense.
ESPN.com’s latest mock draft has Furphy now going 33rd overall to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if another team currently not on the board near the top of round two trades up to snag Furphy, shocked that he is still available.
“Even if you don’t believe in Furphy to the same degree as my projections, which had him fifth overall, he was the best available player in the top 100 from [Jonathan] Givony and [Jeremy] Woo for a long time,” added ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.
While it was unfortunate that Furphy was made to wait only to not have his name called, the 19-year-old only made his first state team in 2022 and even then, that was as part of the second team.
Speaking to former coaches and mentors of his in the lead-up to the draft, they all constantly stressed one thing — Furphy was never the type to complain, always grateful for every opportunity.
The early setbacks and Furphy’s attitude towards them have perfectly set him up for this moment and considering he wasn’t even expecting to have played college basketball last season, the 19-year-old is already ahead of schedule anyway.
With that in mind, while obviously disappointing, Furphy’s background means missing out on first-round selection isn’t necessarily the hit to his confidence that it would be for others.
If anything, it only adds another layer to his remarkable rise, should Furphy continue to exceed expectations.
WHICH TEAMS GOT THE BIGGEST STEALS?
You have to start with the Lakers, who landed an absolute steal at 17th overall when they drafted Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht.
The 23-year-old was the seventh overall player on ESPN’s big board but fell down the draft, much to the surprise of Jonathan Givony, who said he was “shocked” Knecht was still available.
The ESPN draft expert reported sources had been telling him Knecht’s age was the reason for his slide.
“I am shocked that Dalton Knecht is still on the board here,” Givony said
“For the last 30 minutes, I’ve been racking my brain, texting every GM, saying ‘What is going on? Why is Dalton Knecht falling?’
“They say, ‘There is no medical concern. It’s strictly because of the age. We are going with teenagers here.’
“I really do not understand this. Dalton Knecht is a first-team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, shot 40 percent from three. He can help an NBA team right now. He needs to come off the board in the next pick or two at worst.”
That ended up happening, with the Lakers taking the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter who averaged 21.7 points in his only season with the Volunteers after shooting 49.9 per cent from the field and 39.7 per cent from 3.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka described the value as “extraordinary” when speaking to reporters after the draft, while also revealing that new head coach J.J. Redick, who shares similar traits with Knecht, already has ideas on how to get him involved in the gameplan.
“We would have never imagined a player as skilled and sort of perfect for our needs would be there as Dalton Knecht,” Pelinka said.
“We had him as a top 10 player unanimously across our scouting reports. Across the board, just couldn’t be happier. I was at the SCC tournament scouting him extensively and in my mind I was like, ‘There is no way a player like this will be available for us to pick on draft night’.
“I was joking with coach Redick upstairs that we found a movement shooter to match his skills as a player and he already had his whiteboard out drawing up pindowns and ATOs and actions where he could run a movement shooter off screens. So, I think his mind is already working on drawing up plays for Dalton.
“If we would have had the 10th pick in the draft, we would have taken him, so to get that value at 17 is really extraordinary.”
Dalton Knecht is a Laker. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Meanwhile, for Knecht, the fact he fell down the draft board is just another reason for the 23-year-old to continue carrying the “chip on my shoulder” that he developed in his three-school journey to the NBA.
“I’d say my why is I feel like I’ve been underrated my whole entire life ever since I was coming out of high school,” he said.
“I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder, and to this day I’ll always have that chip on my shoulder to go out there and prove people wrong.
“… Every single time I touch a basketball or walk into a gym, I always feel like I’ve got something to prove.
“It doesn’t matter where I’m at. It’s always going to be there, having that chip on my shoulder, feeling like I’ve been underrated for my whole life. It’s something I’m going to carry with me the rest of my career.”
Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls were another team to pick up value in the first round as they landed Matas Buzelis, ESPN’s No.5 ranked prospect.
Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas said in his post-draft press conference that “did not plan” to draft Buzelis, who was not expected to be available when Chicago was picking at 11th overall.
Matas Buzelis was emotional. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“It just worked out that way,” Karnišovas said.
“But we’re very excited to add him to our young group. He’s a very versatile wing swing. We watched him all year.”
The 19-year-old profiles as a versatile piece to add to a Chicago team that is heading towards a rebuild of sorts, having taken the first step in that direction with the trade for Josh Giddey last week.
Then there is the Utah Jazz, who had a need in the backcourt and drafted their potential point guard of the future in Isaiah Collier.
The USC point guard was generating No.1 buzz late last year but had issues with turnovers and his shooting that saw him fall down draft boards, although at the 29th pick he is more than worth the swing given his high upside if he tidies up those other aspects of his game.
It is also worth mentioning the Portland Trail Blazers here as Donovan Clingan was at one point earlier in the week considered a chance of even going with the first overall pick.
Instead, he dropped to No.7, which was seen as his absolute floor in this year’s draft, as the Blazers picked up the best rim-protector in this year’s class.
TIMBERWOLVES TRADE SETS UP ‘HOLY S***’ COMBO
Well, this is going to be a lot of fun and Rob Dillingham is clearly a player the Timberwolves wanted, making the most aggressive move of the draft by trading up to No.8 to get him.
It is clearly a move for the future, with Mike Conley already 36 years old and in Dillingham Minnesota has a potential successor for the veteran point guard.
He profiles as a great fit as an off-ball shooter next to the franchise superstar Anthony Edwards, having shot 44 per cent from deep in his final season at Kentucky, while he also has plenty of potential as a passer.
Speaking to reporters after the draft, Dillingham said he is excited by the prospect of playing in “the open space on the floor” that the NBA offers.
Rob Dillingham is an exciting prospect. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“There’s so much open floor, and I feel like I’m quick and I can get past dudes,” he added.
“It’s really the fact of me getting past dudes and making decisions. You’re playing with a bunch of NBA players, so players can’t really help off super a lot because these are NBA players and they knock down shots.
“I feel like, for me, getting past my defender and making plays with my teammates will be way easier, and if they don’t help, it’s just a bucket.”
The obvious concern in Dillingham’s game is his defence, with the 19-year-old standing at just 6-foot-1, although the Timberwolves as a roster are uniquely built to help hide that weakness in his game, especially when sharing the floor with Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
THE ONE PICK FEW EXPERTS CAN AGREE ON
Well, Zach Edey was the most polarising draft prospect before Wednesday night and that was made even more clear by the reaction to Memphis’ pick in the first round.
The Grizzlies had a glaring need in the frontcourt after trading away Steven Adams and reportedly had shown interest in trading up to draft Donovan Clingan.
They weren’t able to pull that off so they ended up taking the next best option in Edey, who at 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds made a name for himself in college basketball at Purdue.
There were question marks about his mobility and how his game would translate to the NBA though and opinions were split across the board when it came to Memphis taking him at No.9.
Yahoo Sports’ draft expert Krysten Peek described it as “one of the worst picks I’ve seen in draft history”.
ESPN analyst and former Golden State Warriors manager, Bob Myers, called it the “most surprising pick” of the draft at the time.
In saying that, he did think Edey would be a good fit alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and while Peek wasn’t a fan, there were plenty of other experts who saw the logic in the move for Memphis.
“There will always be concerns about how Edey fares defending in space, but a player of his size, skill, and touch ought to be able to produce in small, concentrated bursts off the bench at the very least,” wrote The Ringer’s Danny Chau.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, meanwhile, wrote that he believes Edey will “carve out an NBA role and stick around for a while”.
“He’s going to be a killer rebounder, monster screener and will consistently establish his position even against some of the stronger NBA players,” wrote Vecenie.
“I’m done doubting Edey, even as an NBA player. He’s exceptionally tough, and intel suggest his worth ethic is excellent. He’s an unbelievable competitor who desperately wants to win. He plays with an edge that allows him to overcome a lot of the perceived deficiencies of his game.”
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, meanwhile, was one of Edey’s biggest fans and said on Brian Windhorst’s podcast before the draft that he thinks the 22-year-old will be “awesome” in the NBA.
Zach Edey was a contentious pick. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“You hear them a lot possibly moving up. If they don’t move up, they need a center in the worst way and Zach Edey is clearly the second best center in the draft,” Givony said of Memphis.
“I look at him and I say, ‘What if Jonas Valanciunas was six inches taller?’. That’s what Zach Edey is… he plays incredibly hard, he’s physical, he’s competitive, he draws fouls and rebounds at a ridiculous rate. He is the best screener in this draft which counts a tonne in today’s NBA.
“We need to remember he’s been playing basketball for six years… he’s got better and better every year. His conditioning has improved… I just think when you put him in a smaller role in the NBA where he can go out and foul people, he’s going to be awesome. I think he’s a starting center in the NBA.”
All of this is to not necessarily say one person is right and another is wrong but that there were varying opinions on Edey before the draft and that was only magnified afterwards by how high he was taken.
Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks as a senior while helping Purdue to the national championship game.
THUNDER REPLACE GIDDEY AND CONTINUE TO DO THINGS THEIR OWN WAY
Well, Oklahoma City clearly has a type and after making a charge to top seed in the highly-competitive Western Conference last season, why not lean into it more?
First, the Thunder drafted a guard and forward that general manager Sam Presti did not want to specifically say were picked as replacements for Josh Giddey, who the team traded to Chicago for Alex Caruso last week.
Instead, he wanted to focus more on the type of players they were — namely high-level processors with positional size and versatility.
So, Oklahoma City took Nikola Topic 12th overall even though Presti admitted he would likely not play next season as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered in June.
Then, the Thunder traded five second-round picks to move up in the draft and take the extremely versatile Dillon Jones with the 26th overall pick.
Nikola Topic was drafted by the Thunder. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“I wouldn’t compare him specifically to Josh… but like I said earlier, guys that are big for their position, that process the game well, those guys can play pretty much all over the floor,” Presti said of Topic.
“We value those skillsets more than trying to replicate a specific role. I don’t think you can have enough people that can make decisions on the court and when you combine that with size, it definitely increases the effectiveness and probability of those decisions being good.”
Presti said that he had travelled alongside the team’s longtime director of medical services, Donnie Strack, to visit Topic before the draft, where he underwent an in-person medical exam.
A group of Thunder scouts also interviewed Topic at the NBA Draft Combine in Italy and while the expectation is that it will be a redshirt rookie season, the team’s similar experience with Chet Holmgren gave them confidence this was an opportunity worth taking.
But it were those qualities Presti mentioned earlier and specifically players who are big for their position and that can process the game well that made both Topic and Jones solid picks.
Of course, Giddey was one of those players at 6-foot-8 with his playmaking and high basketball IQ. So, it is safe to say the Thunder found potential replacements for his production.
The NBA rumour mill has hit overdrive as teams crash out of the playoffs, with the futures of a host of superstars up in the air.
Paul George, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler – and almost the entire Philadelphia 76ers roster – have been sparking intense trade talk as free agency looms.
Here’s the latest around the league.
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The LA Clippers could be set to lose two big names, with James Harden becoming an unrestricted free agent – and he could be joined by Paul George.
The Clippers, who lost 4-2 to the Mavericks, are hoping to keep the 34-year-old pair on their books alongside 32-year-old Kawhi Leonard, who signed a three-year extension in January.
George has a player option to pick up the $48.8 million he is due next season, but hasn’t inked a deal yet – and would become a free agent if he can’t come to terms before the June 30 deadline.
George’s maximum available is a four-year, $221 million extension, which he could still receive from the Clippers even after free agency begins. Other teams can offer $9m less.
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Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was bullish about the prospect of holding onto Harden and George for next season.
“We’d like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James,” Frank said Monday. “We’re hopeful we can, but also understand and respect the fact that they’re free agents. Paul has a decision with his option. James will be an unrestricted free agent, so our intent is to bring him back, but also realise that they’re elite players and they’ll have choices.”
“We want Paul, we value Paul,” Frank added. “Paul’s done some tremendous things here. He’s an elite player, and our biggest thing is we always want to be able to treat players well and pay them fairly, and we also have to build out a team, especially, this is a new CBA.
“But in terms of the exact money, I would never go into details other than we’ve had really, really good conversations over the course of the year and hopeful that we can get him to remain a Clipper.”
Paul George and James Harden could be leaving the LA Clippers.Source: Getty Images
But the amount they are willing to pay George to keep him – with rivals including the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly interested – appears the biggest problem.
The Clippers landed Leonard for less than the maximum deal he could have commanded, but if George and Harden both sign for max deals then the Clippers will be significantly limited in terms of how they can strengthen the team elsewhere.
“So he’s been under contract negotiations with the Clippers for months. No deal, and I think he is likely headed for free agency,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Get Up. “The question really is this: Will they give him a max contract? I don’t think that they want to. They didn’t give Kawhi a max contract.
“And there’s a couple of teams out there, namely the 76ers, who have max cap space that would be interested. I suspect, at the end of the day, if the Clippers actually believe they would lose Paul George, if they don’t give him max, I think they pay up.”
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The 76ers are preparing for a major overhaul after their first-round exit to the Knicks, given they haven’t made it past the second round of the playoffs despite the remarkable talents of Joel Embiid.
A major roster rebuild is on the cards as they look for the right pieces around Embiid to make a title run.
Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said: “There’s going to be a lot of change.
“Except for [head coach] Nick Nurse, Joel and Tyrese [Maxey] and Paul [Reed] and Ricky [Council IV], we don’t know for sure who’s gonna be back next year.”
“This off-season’s a big one,” Morey added. “I owe it to the fans, to ownership, to everybody, to get this team in a place where we’re competing for championships.”
The Sixers can raise a mammoth near-$65m in cap space, and Windhorst claims George is “the player at the top of their list,” with the 76ers willing to offer the full $49.4 million max salary next year.
That could force the Clippers to pay up if they hope to retain George.
THOMPSON LINKED TO MAGIC
Klay Thompson’s four-title era with the Golden State could be over – and the opportunity to join a rising title contender in Orlando might be too good to resist.
The Orlando Magic are set to be a major player this off-season given their ability to create around $60m USD in cap space – one of very few franchises that can do so.
The Magic’s young core of Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner is crying out for veteran reinforcements to take them to the next level, and Thompson’s elite shooting from deep could be a massive boost for the team that made the fewest three-pointers per game in the NBA this season (11.0).
The Athletic’s Shams Charania said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back that there is “mutual interest” between Orlando and Thompson.
“The Magic can open up in excess of $60 million in cap space this off-season, so they’re gonna be players when you think about free agency and other moves that can be made,” he said.
“You look at scoring in Game 7, obviously struggled a little bit to score the ball, especially in the second half of the game when the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell kept coming for them.
“So you look at the point guard position, but also shooting and scoring on the wing and one name to keep an eye on Klay Thompson. I’m told there is mutual interest between the Magic and Klay Thompson.
“Thompson, along with several other vets around the league are looking at the Magic of the situation where if you plug in a guy like Klay Thompson, you plug in another veteran player whether it be at the point guard position, shooting guard position, this team can make a real jump around Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
“Both guys, Paulo Banchero already a star, already a guy that’s been a part of team USA. Franz Wagner has the ability to potentially be an All-Star as well. But you plug in some more shooting and scoring. I think that’s what can take this Orlando team to another level.”
Thompson is 34, yet shot at 38.7% from deep this season – and the Magic may well present his best chance of adding another ring to his collection.
The Warriors’ dynasty is over, and Thompson could be out the door.Source: AFP
NO TALKS FOR BUTLER … AND NO TRADE
The future of Jimmy Butler has also been widely discussed, though the Miami Heat have shut down suggestions the six-time All-Star could be traded.
The 34-year-old still has two years left on a three-year, $146.4 million contract, per Spotrac. Butler can also pick up a player option for 2025-26 worth a little over $52.4 million.
According to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang, Butler is seeking a two-year extension worth $113 million – the maximum possible under his current deal.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley told the Associated Press that “we haven’t in earnest discussed” an extension yet, saying the team has another year before deciding on a fresh offer for their star man.
But Wes Goldberg of the Ringer says Riley isn’t entertaining trade talk over Butler, replying with a straightforward “no” when asked about possible trades.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claimed that the Philadelphia 76ers could be a potential landing spot for Butler if the Heat change their mind.
Jimmy Butler’s future at the Heat is under a cloud.Source: Getty Images
Less than two years ago, they were being called “the black eye of the league”.
And all for what? Being bad for two seasons?
“I would say we’re a rebuilding team,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in his end-of-season exit interview in 2022.
“Other people like to name things because they have opinions. It’s performance art. Not everyone should be a publisher. I think there’s a difference between being opinionated and being informed.”
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That one word, that dirty, little word — tanking — never sat well with Presti. Never accurately represented what was actually happening in Oklahoma City, not that many people actually cared anyway.
But things have quickly changed. That same franchise that was once the “black eye of the league” is now one of its star attractions, returning to national TV and the spotlight in a big way.
The Thunder aren’t just back in the playoffs either, they are the No.1 seed in the Western Conference, making NBA history as the youngest team ever to achieve that feat.
With more publicity, more people have become more informed on what makes this Thunder team a genuine Western Conference contender — along with why Presti had been preaching patience all those years ago.
It was never about losing for the sake of it, or being bad for those two seasons. It was about purposely and methodically masterminding a rebuild that never departed from the bigger picture.
That even extended to the start of this season when Presti, fresh off OKC’s surprise play-in tournament appearance and now met with growing expectations, was asked if the Thunder would consider an all-in move for a star piece.
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“We are open-minded, literally. But there’s a couple reasons why I think that particular topic is maybe not relevant right now,” Presti opened, recalling an analogy he had used the year prior.
“One, I used the example with the paint last year. You can’t buy the paint for your house that you haven’t actually bought. You don’t know where the house is. You don’t know where it’s situated. You don’t know what style it is. You don’t know how much paint you’ll need.
“So we don’t really know what we have right now.”
In other words, before making any significant moves, the Thunder first needed to know what they were working with, and how could they make that assessment if Chet Holmgren, their second overall pick, had not played a single game with the team yet?
Which brought Presti to his next point.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the playoffs. Joshua Gateley/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“So to even say, it’s a very broad term ‘star’. Where? Who’s to say we don’t have a player that could be really good in that spot already?” he added.
“We don’t know the answer to that, right? I don’t know. So we may not, I mean, the chances are, it’s really hard to find those players.
“We have one of them. If there happens to be one or two or more on the roster… we’ve really got fortunate.”
Fortunate, yes. But that suggests it is all luck and when it comes to what the Thunder have now built, the fact they have ended up with a roster with versatile playmakers at every position is much more than good fortune.
The same goes for uncovering two more of those ‘stars’ they could have gone after last summer.
The Thunder rebuild its roster the right away and has now punched their ticket to the playoffs for the first time in four years. Now, the next challenge begins.
Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down how Oklahoma City got back to his position so quickly, how success will be defined in the postseason and where Josh Giddey fits into the picture after a turbulent third season in the NBA.
MVP, MOST IMPROVED AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES ALL ON THE SAME TEAM?
Of course, any discussion of the Thunder’s success this season starts with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has established himself as one of the NBA’s rapidly rising superstars.
Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined late in the season by a quad injury and while Nikola Jokic is likely to take home MVP honours once again, there is little doubting just how valuable the All-Star guard is to OKC given how the team looked without him on the court.
The Thunder still remained competitive for the most part, but being without their shifty superstar definitely hurt, especially in the clutch, while Jalen Williams’ absence only took away another one of Oklahoma City’s primary ballhandlers.
The thing that makes Gilgeous-Alexander so good is the multiple ways he can beat you, although it all starts with his driving and elite finishing ability at the rim.
The Canadian averages a league-high 23.6 drives per game while converting on 57.6 per cent of his 10.7 field goals attempted from drives.
Stopping Gilgeous-Alexander from getting into the paint is only made harder though by the amount of outside shooting threats the Thunder have, which plays into the drive-and-kick game and ball movement OKC has built its offence around.
The Thunder quite comfortably average the most drives (62.3) per game in the league, with the Indiana Pacers (56.6) the closest to Mark Daigneault’s team.
But Oklahoma City also has the best 3-point shooting percentage (38.9) and averages the ninth-most made despite only attempting the 16th-most, which speaks to the fact the Thunder are smart with the 3-point shots they take.
That is only further proven by the fact the Thunder attempt and make the second-most wide-open 3-pointers, which is defined as the closest defender being over six feet away.
Then there is Holmgren, with his combination of rim protection and shooting skill, who has been a perfect fit in this Thunder team and specifically alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.
“No question about it. He changed the dynamic of everything,” Lakers superstar LeBron James said on his ‘Mind The Game’ podcast with J.J. Redick.
“… OKC now, at the same time that the big is trying to load on Shai, there’s a guard that’s flaring Chet to the opposite slot. Do you know how hard that is? They’re flaring a 7-footer to the opposite slot.”
Redick, who said on the podcast that Holmgren “unlocks everything”, also touched on how the rookie big man’s floor spacing ability has opened up Oklahoma City’s offence.
“Having him at the five and his ability to space and make plays out of closeouts is huge,” Redick said of Holmgren, who is shooting 37.2 per cent from deep this season.
Along with Holmgren’s accelerated development, there is the emergence of Jalen Williams as one of if not the NBA’s most underrated star.
Williams’ rise as a playmaker is the primary reason why Giddey has needed to adjust so much in his third year, with the Santa Clara product quickly proving himself a reliable second option behind Gilgeous-Alexander.
The numbers don’t always tell the story but in Williams’ case they do, with the 22-year-old averaging a career-high 19.2 points and 4.6 assists — up from 14.1 and 3.3 in the 2022-23 season.
And that is despite only averaging a touch over a minute more playing time.
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Jalen Williams is on the path to superstardom. Dustin Satloff/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Williams is shooting at 43.1 per cent from downtown, capable of beating you in different ways as is the case with Gilgeous-Alexander, while also possessing the kind of size and athleticism to guard multiple positions.
In Williams, the Thunder have a genuine emerging superstar to ease the pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander, having carried the offensive load this season at the start of the second and fourth quarters.
For example, before his injury, Williams had 17 games with 10 points or more in the fourth quarters of games this season and 6 in the second quarter compared to three in the first and third quarters combined.
Williams’ ascent to NBA stardom gained more steam in a 113-112 win over the Knicks, where he had 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block in the fourth quarter alone to inspire the Thunder to victory.
Williams had 33 points in that game and for former NBA player Tim Legler it was proof of what he already knows and what some people in the league are finally starting to realise.
“Not enough people either have seen him enough [or] buy into it enough that he could do this for a series or two or three in the postseason,” Legler said on the ‘ALL NBA Podcast’.
“I think that is what holds people back from buying completely into the Thunder. And if you watched the game yesterday, you couldn’t come away from that any other way than thinking Jalen Williams is ready to have a significant playoff run.”
Cason Wallace has also come a long way in his rookie year. Julio Aguilar/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Add in Cason Wallace’s emergence in his rookie season, Lu Dort’s legitimate two-way impact and Isaiah Joe starting to find his shooting rhythm again and this Thunder team as a whole looks primed to go deep into the postseason.
Just how deep, however, may come down to whether Giddey can continue his strong run of form to end the regular season.
A resurgence that didn’t always look like it was going to happen given the turbulent season Giddey has had — both on and off the court — in his third year in the league.
HOW GIDDEY BECAME A ‘COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PLAYER’… AND WHAT DOES IT MEANS FOR HIS FUTURE?
It started in the offseason when Giddey was at the centre of an investigation by both the NBA and the Newport Beach Police Department into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
While cleared by the police, the NBA’s investigation continued as did the boos every time Giddey played in road games — every time Giddey touched the ball.
And as if there was not already enough attention on Giddey, midway through the year rival teams started to make a noticeable change, one that only further thrust the Australian into the spotlight.
It had Giddey “dreading” coming to games at some points, knowing teams would more than likely put their center on him and sag off, daring the 21-year-old to shoot. Shoot he did.
But every time the shots didn’t fall, every time the ball clanked off the rim or missed it entirely and clips spread all over social media, Giddey’s confidence continued to drop.
It has been a tough year for Josh Giddey. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Probably the first 50 or so games, I used to overthink everything,” Giddey said earlier this month.
“A lot of the time when I touched the ball, I would think too much about what I’m doing. And it’s hard to play that way. It’s hard to play freely and comfortably when that’s what’s happening.”
Giddey had addressed the deliberate way teams were guarding him before, constantly telling the media it was an adjustment for him and just further proof that development is not always linear for players in the league.
All of which is true. But after the 128-103 win over the Suns, where Giddey had a team-high 23 points, he ditched the platitudes and opened up on just how mentally draining this season had been.
“I used to hate it,” Giddey said.
“I used to dread coming into a game knowing a big was going to guard me. I used to think, ‘It’s another one of these nights where they’re gonna dare me to shoot it.’ I used to judge my game so much on if I made or missed 3s.”
But now Giddey has “changed his mindset”, increasing his aggression by better using his 6-foot-8 frame to hunt mismatches on smaller players while finding other ways to be involved off the ball, be it as a cutter or a screener.
“Now I’ve kind of changed my mindset going into games where it’s like, if teams are going to leave me open, I’m going to punish them and I’m going to make them pay and make them change their defensive scheme,” Giddey added.
The numbers back it up too, with Giddey shooting at 62.7 per cent from the field in March off drives, averaging 6.3 per game as he became much more assertive in his play.
JOSH GIDDEY IN MARCH vs REST OF SEASON
Points: 16.3 vs 11.6
Rebounds: 7.0 vs 6.3
Assists: 5.5 vs 4.8
FG%: 57.2 vs 44.4
3P%: 41.4 vs 31.2
Giddey is playing with more confidence (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“He was a guy that earlier in the year when we talked about the Thunder we were questioning, ‘Is this sort of like a weak link for them right now?’, the way he was playing offensively,” Legler said of Giddey on the ‘ALL NBA Podcast’.
“He’s been so much better than that that it absolutely elevates the Thunder in my mind and their ability because I’ve always liked Josh Giddey’s game… but at some point you’ve got to put the ball in the basket… he struggled with his confidence so much at times and just in general wasn’t really making an impact.
“They stuck with him, to their credit… and he’s been a completely different player.”
While Giddey’s improved 3-point percentage in March isn’t sustainable, all that matters is that he maintains the same confidence — both shooting and driving towards the rim and through contact.
“Like everyone on this roster, he’s a terrific driver,” Redick said of Giddey during ESPN’s broadcast of Oklahoma City’s 135-100 loss to Boston.
“That’s the base of his game. He has size, he has touch around the basket, incredible vision. He has to be aggressive for this Oklahoma City team to reach its peak.”
Giddey’s rebounding in particular still makes him a valuable asset for OKC heading into the playoffs given it remains one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
You only have to look at the 113-112 win over the Knicks earlier this month, where Giddey himself had 13 rebounds compared to a combined 12 from the Thunder starters.
Looking forward though, this postseason could have wider ramifications for Oklahoma City and Giddey, who this summer will be eligible for a contract extension.
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Lakers book in series with Nuggets | 02:20
Complicating matters, of course, is the fact Holmgren and Williams will also be due extensions in the near-future while Gilgeous-Alexander is a likely supermax candidate.
As NBA insider Brian Windhorst pointed out on ESPN before the Boston game, if Giddey continues to play well he could “be a prime piece of trade bait” if there is no extension with OKC.
In response, Kendrick Perkins added that Giddey is “going to be the key” for the Thunder’s success in the playoffs.
“He’s auditioning,” Perkins said on ESPN.
“He kind of got lost in the shuffle. Before the season we were talking about Chet, SGA and Josh Giddey. Now, all of a sudden, Jalen Williams kicked him out of that position. This is the perfect time for him to step up and elevate his game.”
Whether there is a trade market out there for Giddey remains to be seen and will largely depend on how he performs in the playoffs.
After all, as well as Giddey was playing in the final few months of the season, there are still legitimate question marks over his off-ball fit.
A team like San Antonio could do with a point guard of Giddey’s calibre to run its offence and feed Victor Wembanyama, although in general surrounding him with shooting would be key.
It is too early at this point to have any clear idea on whether the Thunder are entertaining moving Giddey anyway, especially given how he had performed in Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams’ absence.
Unless they are able to get the right return, it may make more sense to keep Giddey given he has already proven he can operate as the primary playmaker in this Thunder team should either of the two go down.
Giddey was much-improved down the final stretch of the season. (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Plus, Giddey was already starting to show signs of significant improvement playing off the ball before the pair were sidelined while the playmaking at his size makes him an ideal fit for Oklahoma City’s offensive identity.
Ultimately, money may talk in the end. What is certain though is that the better Giddey plays, the better off OKC is regardless of whether he remains on the team or not.
That is also the case for the Thunder as a whole entering the team’s first playoffs berth in four years.
The average age of their young core (Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Giddey, Dort and Wallace) is 22 while those six players have just 19 games of playoff experience between them.
But, provided the Thunder can keep the majority of that core together, that only means better days ahead for OKC even if there is no championship or deep postseason run this year.
According to ESPN, the Thunder are also projected to have between $30 and $35 million in cap space this offseason, 12 players under contract and a total of 12 first-round picks over the next seven years, starting in 2025.
In other words, it should be a long time before anyone is calling the Thunder “the black eye of the league” again.
The NBA’s play-in tournament is here, with the possibility that one of the league’s superstars in LeBron James and Steph Curry could not feature in the playoffs.
But before eight teams from the Eastern and Western Conference try to keep their championship hopes alive, foxsports.com.au has assessed just how much pressure every franchise is under heading into the postseason.
Factoring in expectations, recent playoffs success and failure along with the state of their salary cap and impending contract calls, each team was rated from 1 to 10.
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EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Boston Celtics — 10/10
It seems like the majority of people have locked in the Celtics for the Finals, such is both their dominance in the regular season and the sorry state of the rest of the Eastern Conference. But there still are a few sceptics, wary of backing Boston in too strongly considering what has happened the past few years. Namely, blowing a 2-1 lead against the Warriors in the 2022 Finals and then falling to the Jimmy Butler-led Heat in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. This is a different Boston team with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis while someone like Derrick White has been a genuine difference-maker at stages this season. It makes it that much harder for teams to game plan around simply getting the ball out of either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown’s hands. It makes the Celtics, who finished the season No.1 in offensive rating and No.2 in defensive rating a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut. But that is exactly the reason why there is so much pressure to go all the way this time around. How Tatum performs in particular will help answer whether the supermax he is poised to sign this summer, which could be worth over $300 million, is worth it.
The Celtics need to make the Finals. Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
2. New York Knicks — 4/10
The injury to Julius Randle was a gut punch that makes it hard to envision them going all the way to the Finals, although the Knicks have been the kind of team all season that doesn’t go down without a fight so it isn’t out of the question. Still, unlike previous years, there doesn’t seem to be the same level of expectation heading into the playoffs for New York, potentially because when healthy this team has proved it is capable of pushing any team in the NBA. It eases the pressure on the Knicks to go big-name hunting this summer too, given it is realistic that they could run it back with the same group and hope for more injury luck, otherwise Randle, Bojan Bogdanovich and Mitchell Robinson are the kind of pieces who could be central to a potential trade.
3. Milwaukee Bucks — 9/10
Fortunately for the Bucks, they were able to agree to a three-year, $186 million contract extension with Giannis Antetokounmpo before the start of the season. If he hadn’t, you can just imagine how much pressure would be on Milwaukee heading into the playoffs. Still the pressure is on the Bucks to get to the Eastern Conference Finals given the starpower in their roster, headlined by Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. If not, it is likely most of the blame will fall on coach Doc Rivers, who has struggled to generate any real consistent play since taking over Adrian Griffin while it seems like he is coming under scrutiny after every press conference for dodging self-accountability in some fashion. Lillard too is under pressure to perform after being traded to Milwaukee with the hope of finally being in a position to compete for a title. The Bucks are built to win right now but with an aging roster, who knows how much longer they will be in this position, even with Antetokounmpo’s future settled.
Doc Rivers is under pressure. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
4. Cleveland Cavaliers — 9/10
Things have not been pretty since the All-Star break and entering the playoffs off a game where you were booed by your own fans isn’t exactly ideal. But that is exactly what happened after Cleveland, resting Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Caris LeVert, lost to Charlotte.
With it, the Cavs avoided a potential first-round match-up with the No.7 seed Philadelphia but now find themselves on the same side of the playoffs brackets as the Celtics. Given how the regular season finished, it is hard to see Cleveland going far in the playoffs. That is a problem given Mitchell is set to enter the final guaranteed year of his current contract next season should the Cavs not secure a contract extension for him this summer. NBA insider Marc Stein reported this month that there is a “growing belief among rival teams” that Cleveland will be “forced to trade” their superstar guard if the franchise cannot come to terms on an extension. It comes after a report from Joe Vardon of The Athletic in February on the “deep, psychological effect” Cleveland’s first-round exit against the Knicks last playoffs had on the team, adding “Mitchell’s decision on a contract extension likely [is] tied to how good he thinks the Cavs can be”. A repeat of last year’s swift playoffs failure could see Mitchell turn his attention elsewhere and could put the spotlight on coach J.B. Bickerstaff too.
5. Orlando Magic — 1/10
Sure, you never want to take for granted being in the playoffs. But the Magic have a bright future and this is only the start. Regardless of how far Orlando goes, this season was a big success and unless the Magic collapse dramatically in the postseason, there won’t be any real pressure heading into the summer.
6. Indiana Pacers — 2/10
Another team that is young and ahead of schedule. Indiana has had Milwaukee’s number this season, so it wouldn’t be a shock for the Pacers to push — and potentially eliminate — the Bucks in the opening round of the playoffs. But even if they don’t, a solid enough showing where they don’t get swept should be enough to consolidate what has been a positive season for a Pacers team that booked its first trip to the postseason in four years, led by Tyrese Haliburton.
7. Philadelphia 76ers — 6/10
An Eastern Conference Finals appearance has eluded Philadelphia for some time now, with the Sixers qualifying for the playoffs for six straight years without ever making it past the semifinals. With that in mind, there is always going to be some level of pressure on the 76ers and specifically reigning MVP Joel Embiid to prove they are genuine contenders. However, Philadelphia’s decision not to chase a big name before the trade deadline means the Sixers are loaded with ammunition to go star chasing in the summer. With that in mind, the 76ers have room to improve next season, especially if Embiid can stay healthy. Of course, if Philadelphia somehow didn’t even make it out of the play-in tournament or was eliminated in the first round it would be a massive disappointment. But the silver lining of what is to come in the summer would at least help ease some of the pain.
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Joel Embiid is back but the 76ers have to first make it out of the play-in tournament. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
8. Miami Heat — 5/10
Surely they can’t do it again? This Heat team doesn’t look to have the consistency the make another unlikely run to the NBA Finals after a regular season that never really hit any heights. Of course, you can never rule out the possibility of ‘Playoff Jimmy’ taking over, and it hadn’t helped the Heat either that they dealt with lingering injuries that tested their guard depth. Ultimately, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of external pressure on Miami to replicate last year’s magical run, but just how far the Heat go could have implications on Jimmy Butler’s future with the team. The 34-year-old, who has two years and $100 million left on his current deal, is eligible for an extension this summer. To a similar extent, the Heat — should they make it to the playoffs — will also get an extended look at whether the Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier combination will work moving forward after injury-interrupted seasons.
9. Chicago Bulls — 1/10
Perennial play-in tournament contenders and nothing more. This is what the Chicago Bulls are right now and that doesn’t look like changing after another middling season. There is little pressure on Chicago because, frankly, there aren’t really any expectations on this Bulls team to do much in the postseason. Instead, the bigger priority for Billy Donovan needs to be working out what this team looks like moving forward given the development of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, especially when considered alongside the headache that is Zach LaVine’s contract and where potential free agent DeMar DeRozan fits in the timeline.
10. Atlanta Hawks — 1/10
Like the Bulls, there isn’t much pressure on Atlanta given the fact the Hawks also finished the regular season with a losing record and hence shouldn’t really be a threat to do anything in the playoffs. With such low expectations comes an opportunity to overachieve or, at worst, only further push the front office towards trading either Dejounte Murray or Trae Young in the summer. It seems to be the direction the franchise is heading, with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting the Hawks are “likely” to trade either of their star guards this offseason.
Boban hits God status after free chicken | 00:30
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Oklahoma City Thunder — 2/10
Like the Magic, Thunder fans can just enjoy the fact they find themselves in this position, sitting on top of the Western Conference with a young core that will only get better and a multitude of draft picks to build on this season’s success. Unlike Orlando there are more expectations that come with finishing the top seed and a potential first-round match-up against the Lakers would be particularly tough. But even if the Thunder went out in that scenario, it would at least help crystallise the changes OKC needs to make in the offseason, should the size mismatch be exposed.
2. Denver Nuggets — 7/10
A similar situation to the Celtics, although to a lesser extent given Boston’s record is far superior and the Western Conference is much more competitive. With that in mind, it would hardly be shocking to see the Nuggets rolled in the semifinals. Still, the assumption for most of the regular season has been that the Celtics and Nuggets are on a Finals collision course and anything less than that would be a disappointment for last year’s reigning champions.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves — 6/10
After making a blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert, things didn’t go to plan for Minnesota last season, struggling for chemistry before drawing the unfortunate straw of having to play the eventual champions Denver in the playoffs. This season though things are different and with that comes higher expectations. It is not championship-or-bust as the Timberwolves have young players in Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels to build their future around, but they at least need to show they are heading in the right direction. That makes the semifinals a bare minimum, although the Conference Finals are a realistic goal too.
The Timberwolves have a future with Anthony Edwards. David Berding/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
4. Los Angeles Clippers — 9/10
After giving up assets for James Harden, the Clippers are light on for future draft capital should this version of the team not go deep into the playoffs and, potentially, win a title. That has to be the goal after all, with Harden the third best player on a roster that features Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. George could become a free agent this summer and a standout postseason run would put him in a strong position to either leverage the Clippers for more money or become the hottest available name on the market. Regardless of which decision he makes, Los Angeles can’t take for granted the position it finds itself in right now, entering the playoffs with all four of its star players healthy. With an aging roster and limited draft capital to work with, there is plenty of pressure on the Clippers to make it count now. In a stacked Western Conference though, the path to a title is tricky.
5. Dallas Mavericks — 6/10
There is always a decent level of pressure when you have Luka Doncic. He alone has been enough to single-handedly win Dallas games before, although this time around the Slovenian superstar has plenty of help in the form of Kyrie Irving and trade deadline additions Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. It only adds to the pressure for the Mavericks to at least get past the first round of the playoffs, having made genuinely positive moves to bolster their roster and build around Doncic with the goal of taking a swing at the title. The Mavericks ended the regular season with a 16-2 record to wrap up the fifth seed before resting their stars. It also means there will be high expectations for a deep playoff run, although the pressure isn’t as high given they have key players under contract for a few years to come while Gafford and Washington will have the summer to further integrate themselves into the team.
6. Phoenix Suns — 10/10
Well, avoiding the play-in tournament was definitely a step in the right direction because not even making the playoffs in the first place would have been an abject failure for the Suns. Still, Phoenix enters the postseason as one of the most under-pressure teams after going all-in once again last year in a trade for Bradley Beal. Like the Clippers, the Suns have traded away most of their future draft capital, not owning or controlling a first-round pick until 2031. Adding depth to the roster next season will also be tough as Phoenix is over the second-apron ($182.5 million of the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement), meaning the Suns don’t have access to the Mid-Level Exception or Bi-Annual Exception and will only be able to add free agents through minimum contracts.
Grayson Allen has just signed a new four-year contract extension. David Berding/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
There is at least now the guarantee of sharpshooter Grayson Allen staying put after news the Suns have extended him on a four-year deal worth nearly $70 million.
Royce O’Neal is another key piece Phoenix could lose and, again, only be able to replace with minimum players. ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on NBA Countdown in March that the reality of the salary cap puts “tremendous pressure” on the Suns to pay those players and keep them. “Suns owner Mat Ishbia has operated with a relative disregard for the new salary cap realities of the NBA, essentially in a championship or bust mentality over the next couple of years,” Wojnarowski said. This year’s playoffs could go a long way to deciding whether it works out or not.
7. New Orleans Pelicans — 5/10
The Pelicans have to be one of the most confounding teams in the league right now. At one point this season they looked like pushing for the top seeds in the Western Conference but dropped four straight games in early April before suffering a 124-108 loss to the Lakers on Monday. A win would’ve kept New Orleans out of the play-in tournament but now the Pels need to go about it the hard way. If anyone is under pressure entering the postseason it is Zion Williamson, who has never played in a playoff game and will be looking to rebound from the disaster that was New Orleans’ in-season tournament thumping at the hands of the Lakers. It will also be interesting to see how the Pelicans deal with their lack of elite center play against the top teams and what impact it has on the future of Jonas Valančiūnas, who is headed towards free agency. With all of that in mind, New Orleans still looks like a playoff team but not a genuine contender and if there is any question mark it is less on the team’s biggest names and more on coach Willie Green and his rotations.
8. Los Angeles Lakers — 5/10
LeBron James could become a free agent this summer, although the focus for the Lakers superstar has always been getting the chance to play with son Bronny. With that in mind, even if Los Angeles doesn’t replicate last year’s playoffs run or crashes out of the play-in tournament, results alone won’t be the only determining factor in James’ decision. The other question mark for the Lakers is what they do with D’Angelo Russell, who has a $18.69 million player option for the 2024-25 season, which he would surely decline given the level he has been playing at. Complicating matters is the fact The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported multiple sources believe the Lakers will go “third-star hunting” this summer. All of this is to say it will be an intriguing summer for the Lakers and perhaps a deep playoff run could convince the front office a third star isn’t necessary, or alternatively postseason results may only highlight shortcomings in the roster that make another high-level scorer a must. Either way, there will always be some level of pressure on the Lakers given the James factor and their popularity in the league, but it isn’t championship-or-bust as has been the case in the past.
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Where will LeBron James play in the 2024-25 season? Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
9. Sacramento Kings — 3/10
The Kings were one of the fairytale stories of last season. But that was last year. Now they have somewhat regressed while the rest of the Western Conference has improved, meaning the Kings may not even make it to the playoffs this time around. Again, there isn’t too much pressure because this is a young team who weren’t really widely expected to build on last season’s success. In fact, most people seemed to be tipping them to fall back a bit. That in itself is a problem though and speaks to the fact Sacramento at this stage looks like a solid play-in tournament team who could snag a first-round series but not much more. Whether that prompts the front office to make a big swing in the postseason remains to be seen. But a swift exit this year should at least prompt the Kings to consider what the ceiling is for the roster as currently constructed.
10. Golden State Warriors — 3/10
Another team, like the Lakers, who are under pressure primarily on name value and nothing else. It is clear that the Warriors are in a transitional period and coach Steve Kerr has accepted it too, giving the team’s younger players like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski a chance to push for more minutes while experimenting at times with Klay Thompson’s role. If anything, the pressure is on Thompson to prove he can still be a difference maker as the Warriors prepare to make a call on his future with the team. Maybe this is the last time we see Thompson, Draymond Green and Steph Curry on a court together in Golden State colours. Even if that is the case though, it no longer seems like that reality would be the undoing of Golden State or leave the Warriors in a worse position than they find themselves in right now. In fact, it was only once Kerr embraced youth that the Warriors started to improve and there are no indications at this stage that Curry is unhappy or wants out of Golden State if there is no playoff run this year.
The NBA playoffs are just over a month away and while the Boston Celtics are clear frontrunners in the East, there is a three-way tussle for supremacy over in the West.
Here foxsports.com.au breaks down where every NBA team finds itself ahead of the run home, placing them into five tiers — contenders, dark horses, teams making up the numbers, those planning for next year and teams who should also turn their attention towards 2025.
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There is one exception though, which brings us to the first team in the Eastern Conference.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
1. Boston Celtics (48-12)
In the Western Conference the top teams are separated into a tier of contenders. But in the East that doesn’t apply. The Celtics are just in a tier of their own, most recently destroying the much-improved Warriors by 52 points in yet another reminder of their championship credentials. “I think the entire league needs to be watching what the Boston Celtics are doing and understanding that they are the team to beat,” Richard Jefferson said on ABC during that game. “I understand that the Denver Nuggets are the defending champions but to me there is no greater threat to them really going on a run and winning a couple than what the Boston Celtics are presenting this season.”
The Celtics are on another level. Brian Fluharty/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
The challenge when it comes to Boston is just how talented and deep this roster is, to the extent that you can’t send help to double Jayson Tatum, for example, because whoever you leave open is going to make you pay. Just as the Warriors learned after intentionally sagging off Jaylen Brown near the perimeter in the opening quarter. The result? He had 19 points in seven minutes. Boston ranks first in the league in offensive rating and second in defensive rating. It is hard to see the Celtics not making the NBA Finals considering how good they have been, although performing in the playoffs hasn’t always been a guarantee from Boston in recent seasons.
CONTENDERS
2. Milwaukee Bucks (41-21)
When the Bucks sacked first-year coach Adrian Griffin it came as a bit of a surprise, at least on the surface, since the team ranked second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 30-13 record. But there was a prevailing thought that Milwaukee was achieving those results in spite of Griffin, particularly given the lack of improvement on the defensive end under him. So, understanding they needed to capitalise on their current championship window, the Bucks made a ruthless call to sack Griffin and hire Doc Rivers. For all the talk about Rivers’ inability to take accountability, the results on defence speak for themselves so far.
The Bucks have gone from recording the 22nd best defensive rating in January to the third-best under coach Rivers while the transition defence in particular has improved from 20th to second-best in the NBA. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the way the Bucks shouldn’t have too many dramas scoring points either, especially in the fourth quarter. It may still take some time to gel but the defence is no longer a major area of concern.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (39-21)
Given what happened last year, where the Cavaliers finished fourth in the East only to be easily handled 4-1 in a first-round series defeat to the Knicks, we can’t get too ahead of ourselves here. But then again, this is a different Cleveland team to the one that didn’t make any noise in the 2022-23 playoffs. This Cavaliers team is stacked with 3-point shooting options off the bench with Sam Merrill shooting 44.1 per cent from downtown while Isaac Okoro is even going at a 40 per cent clip. Max Strus hasn’t been the most consistent outside shooter, averaging 34.0 per cent from deep, but is capable of big games like the one when he went 7-for-10 on 3-pointers against the Mavericks. Elsewhere, Dean Wade is healthy and offering solid production while Craig Porter is a handy depth option too at guard. Of course, then you add in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt and backcourt duo Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs have been one of the hottest teams in basketball, winning 20 of their 26 games since the new year.
The Cavaliers are a contender. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
4. New York Knicks (36-25)
Under Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have become a hard-edged, gritty, defensive-minded team that scraps for every win. And they’re certainly scrapping for every result at the moment, with All-Star guard Jalen Brunson the latest Knicks starter to go down. Brunson was diagnosed with a left knee contusion after landing awkwardly on his leg in New York’s win over Cleveland earlier this week. Already without starters Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks have had their depth tested recently, losing eight or their last 15 games. The door is open for the Knicks to book an Eastern Conference Finals berth against the Celtics. They just need to stay healthy.
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Brunson limps off moments after tip-off | 00:43
5. Philadaelphia 76ers (35-25)
It all hinges on Joel Embiid’s health. Without him, the Sixers belong in the tier below. Embiid spoke to media earlier this week and said he plans to return at some point before the end of the regular season, regardless of what the team’s record looks like. The reigning MVP has been sidelined since late January after undergoing a procedure to “address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee”. The Sixers have been able to stay afloat without Embiid, winning six of 14 games to sit in fifth position in the Eastern Conference, although the seventh-placed Heat are just one game back from Philadelphia facing the prospect of having to fight its way through the play-in tournament. The Sixers rank 20th in offensive rating and second-last in defensive rating in their 14 games without Embiid. They can’t afford to rush him back though given they still have the ammunition to go after a big name over the summer and put all their focus into the 2024-25 season.
7. Miami Heat (34-26).
If we learned anything from last season, it is that you can never count out Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra and the Heat. Of course, Miami’s magical run to the NBA Finals had as much to do with Max Strus and Gabe Vincent as it did the team’s superstar forward, who averaged 21.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists in the month of February. The Heat have won eight of their last 10 to sit 0.5 games short of the sixth-placed Orlando Magic and just 1.5 games behind the fourth-placed Knicks, who are now vulnerable with their recent run of injuries. Miami has ranked eighth and third in offensive and defensive rating during that period. Miami’s backcourt depth has been tested with injuries to Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, although the additions of Terry Rozier via trade and Delon Wright have helped bolster its guard stocks. The Heat even added Patty Mills in a low-risk move ahead of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Duncan Robinson has improved into a more well-rounded player to go from out of the rotation to pushing for a starting spot. And then there is rookie Jaime Jacquez Jr., who has been an immediate contributor averaging 12.7 points.
Knicks lose Brunson, but still beat Cavs | 00:55
MAKING UP THE NUMBERS
6. Orlando Magic (35-26)
This young Magic team made a statement before the season proper even started, showing early signs they could become the best isolation defence teams in the league. Those pre-season performances didn’t end up being a fluke either, with Orlando’s top-tier one-on-one defenders helping the Magic to the fifth-best defensive rating this season and, at the moment, sixth spot in the East. It is hard to see Orlando going deep in the playoffs given this is still an inexperienced team but like Oklahoma City in the West, it doesn’t matter all too much. The Magic are quickly building one of the most exciting, young rosters in the league and will only continue to get better with emerging and already emerged talent in Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr. and Anthony Black.
Paolo Banchero is one of Orlando’s rising stars. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
8. Indiana Pacers (34-28)
The numbers tell quite a simple story. This is one of the most dynamic scoring teams in the league but their best chance of doing anything in the playoffs involves outgunning their opponent because they aren’t going to win on the back of their defence. The Pacers currently have the second-best offensive rating and fifth-worst defensive rating in the league. After the All-Star break though Indiana’s offensive rating has dropped to eighth-best in the NBA while the defence has improved, but only slightly, to sixth-worst. That coincides with Tyrese Haliburton slowing down after a stunning start to the season which saw him average 28.6 points and 11.7 assists per game in November. Haliburton admitted on J.J. Redick’s podcast last month that he had rushed back from his hamstring injury because of the 65-game threshold he needed to reach to be eligible for the All-NBA team and a potential $41 million bonus. Whether Haliburton is still feel the ill-effects on that or taking on too heavy a workload in his return is something only the All-Star guard himself can answer.
Emotional Paolo discusses game-winner | 00:45
SHOULD BE PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR
9. Chicago Bulls (29-32)
DeMar DeRozan said last summer that the Bulls were too “inconsistent” in the 2022-23 season. Well, guess what? Inconsistency has again been Chicago’s biggest issue and it makes it incredibly hard to get a read on the Bulls ahead of the playoffs. Are they capable of winning one playoffs series? Sure. But a lot of things would have to go right and that is definitely true if Chicago is somehow going to make a deep run. The Bulls looked to be building something when they beat the Timberwolves and Grizzlies earlier this month but went on to drop four of their next six games, including a 10-point loss to the lowly Pistons. They then backed that defeat up with an overtime win over the Cavs before a 16-point loss to the Bucks. Consistently inconsistent is what the Bulls have been all season long. Just not good enough to take the leap, which makes their inactivity at the trade deadline all the more puzzling. At least the improvement of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu gives Bulls fans something to look forward to.
Coby White has had a big year. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
10. Atlanta Hawks (26-34)
The Hawks were always going to be a frisky play-in tournament team with a chance of pulling off an upset in the first round of the playoffs and nothing more. An injury to star guard Trae Young, however, has Atlanta in danger of falling out of the play-in tournament entirely with the 25-year-old undergoing surgery on a torn radial collateral ligament in the fifth finger of his left hand. Young is going to be re-evaluated in four weeks and while the Hawks won their first two games without him they have since dropped two straight against the Nets. Regardless, Atlanta has the second-worst defensive rating in the league so it was hard to see the Hawks going deep in the playoffs even with Young healthy.
11. Brooklyn Nets (24-37)
They are technically still in the hunt but things really took a turn for the worse before the Nets sacked Jacque Vaughn, with Kevin Ollie taking over as interim coach. The results since have been mixed, with Brooklyn winning three of its last five games. But the Nets have also been blown out by the Raptors, Timberwolves and Magic since Ollie’s appointment. This is a team still trying to figure out its identity and injuries to emerging guard Cam Thomas and Ben Simmons only makes things harder, especially given the Australian was such a central part of Brooklyn’s plans on offence — especially in transition. Mikal Bridges continues to prove why he was such an in-demand target at the trade deadline while Dennis Schroder is proving a handy pick-up, averaging 12.4 points and 5.1 assists since joining the Nets.
Struss sinks ABSURD halfcourt winner! | 01:04
12. Toronto Raptors (23-38)
Another team that at this point is better using the remaining games of the season to develop its on-court chemistry after the departures of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby before the trade deadline. The injury to Scottie Barnes, which was later revealed to be a fracture to his third metacarpal bone in his left hand, will only make things harder for the Raptors given he is unlikely to return before the end of the regular season. One shining light to emerge in the second half of the season is the form of RJ Barrett, who has impressed with a career-high 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists since making the move from New York via trade. Meanwhile, fellow former Knicks teammate Immanuel Quickley is growing in confidence as a playmaker and in particular when operating in the pick-and-roll with big-man Jakob Poeltl.
ALREADY PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR
13. Charlotte Hornets (15-46)
Can we just have one season with a healthy LaMelo Ball? The 22-year-old guard has been sidelined since late January with an ankle injury after managing just 36 games in the 2022-23 season. Ball is the biggest name missing but Seth Curry, Cody Martin, Nick Richards and Mark Williams are all also battling injuries while the Hornets have now dropped five of their last six games after a promising stretch of results earlier in February.
14. Detroit Pistons (9-51)
After a disastrous start to the season the Pistons have picked up a few wins and are now level with the Wizards on nine wins. There is still plenty of potential in this young team, with Cade Cunningham the most likely player to emerge into a genuine top-tier star in the NBA. Although there are still question marks over what his ceiling looks like and obviously injury setbacks since his rookie season haven’t helped. Elsewhere, there are concerns over Ausar Thompson’s shooting while Jalen Duren’s defence remains a work in progress. More than anything, patience is needed if this is the young core Detroit wants to build around.
Pistons coach FIRES UP after Knicks loss | 02:27
15. Washington Wizards (9-52)
Watch out Pistons, the Wizards are coming for you. Washington has dropped 15 games in a row and if its losing ways continue, coincidentally Detroit would have the opportunity to inflict a 28th defeat in a row on the Wizards, tying its record losing skid. Unlike the Pistons and Hornets, the Wizards are right at the start of a full-scale rebuild after trading away Bradley Beal so it may be a long time before Washington is relevant again. Of course, usually being the worst team in the NBA isn’t such a bad thing when it involves the potential of a high draft pick but this year’s class lacks top-tier talent — at least the kind of talent that can turn around this franchise’s fortunes right away.
PLAYOFFS SERIES IF SEASON ENDED TODAY:
(1) Celtics vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(2) Bucks vs. (7) Play-In Winner
(3) Cavaliers vs. (6) Magic
(4) Knicks vs. (5) 76ers
Play-in tournament
(7) Heat vs. (8) Pacers
(9) Bulls vs. (10) Hawks
WESTERN CONFERENCE
THE CONTENDERS
1. Minnesota Timberwolves (43-19)
While the Clippers may have the bigger names, this is the team that has already caused real problems for the defending champion Nuggets this season. Minnesota and Denver play each other three more times before the playoffs but it was a comprehensive 110-89 win for the T’Wolves in their one meeting earlier this season as Nikola Jokic was held to just three assists. The Timberwolves settled to letting Jokic score in exchange for taking away his playmaking, effectively using Karl-Anthony Towns as an on-ball defender while having Rudy Gobert roam the paint. It proved the right strategy on that occasion and when you add in the rising superstar that is Anthony Edwards, a 3-and-D wing in Jaden McDaniels and the experience of Mike Conley, this is a team that could go deep and potentially all the way to the Finals considering the match-up problems they could present the Nuggets.
NBA Wrap: Slow burn Lakers silence OKC | 01:33
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (42-19)
The Thunder are ahead of schedule so there is the temptation to not entirely buy into their contender status because it just seems to all be happening so fast, as if this young group needs a bit more time and a bit more playoff experience before making a deep run. But keeping OKC out of this tier would be a disservice to just what this team has achieved in the regular season under Mark Daigneault, led by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Of course, playoff basketball is another beast entirely but the Thunder have built their success off doing things differently, putting together a roster stacked with playmaking, positional size and high basketball IQ that makes them uniquely well-positioned to make things uncomfortable for rival teams in the post-season despite their inexperience.
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What will the Thunder do with Josh Giddey’s minutes in the playoffs? (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The big question mark is what role Josh Giddey plays given the way opposition defences have already treated him in the post-season, often leaving the Australian wide-open until his outside shooting in particular improves. The acquisition of Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline offers OKC an experienced option with similar skills to lean on more heavily should Giddey continue to struggle and be more heavily targeted on defence. It is not necessarily that Giddey won’t play but that his minutes will be staggered to better surround him with shooting and have the Australian play on the ball more. The only complicating factor is that Jalen Williams has done particularly well running OKC’s second unit so it is hard to go away from what works.
3. Denver Nuggets (42-19)
Based on their recent stretch of form since the All-Star break, the defending champions look to be building towards another run at the title. The Nuggets dropped three games in a row early last month, including heavy defeats to the Kings and Bucks, but have since won six straight despite a few lingering injury concerns. Jamal Murray has been playing through shin splints while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was dealing with a hamstring injury before the break. Murray had been really heating up before suffering an ankle injury against the Heat, scoring 59 points in wins over the Warriors and Kings. Fortunately he returned for the Nuggets’ victory over the Lakers, putting up 24 points and 11 assists. Of course, Nikola Jokic remains a walking triple-double while Michael Porter Jr. has been lights out recently. Add in the two-way impact of Aaron Gordon and the presence of the always ready Justin Holiday off the bench and the Nuggets looked primed to give the West another shake. Denver is in a good position to take top seed in the conference with the 11th easiest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon.
Nuggets win NBA finals rematch | 01:04
4. Los Angeles Clippers (39-21)
Health was always going to be the key for the Clippers and fortunately for them Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have been able to stay on the court more often than not this season. A fractured hand for Russell Westbrook won’t help given the success Los Angeles had after the guard reportedly volunteered to come off the bench after the Clippers suffered six straight losses. Although Westbrook had been in a rough shooting stretch lately anyway. Westbrook though isn’t the only one who has put the team first this season, with James Harden also embracing his role as the third option in this Clippers offence since making the move from Philadelphia. In fact, Harden’s usage percentage is the lowest since his second NBA season with the Thunder, which in some ways will be a relief in the post-season where there won’t be as much pressure on the 34-year-old with Leonard and George running the show. Speaking of which, if Jokic didn’t exist Leonard may well be a leading contender in the MVP race. Leonard is averaging 24.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists and provided he stays healthy, the Clippers could be poised to make the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history (53 years).
Kawhi Leonard is fit and firing. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
THE DARK HORSES
5. New Orleans Pelicans (36-25)
Like the Clippers, this one is all about health. Losing Australian Dyson Daniels, who underwent a successful meniscectomy on his left knee in mid-February, doesn’t help. For his shortcomings on the offensive end, Daniels is one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in the league and formed a fearsome tandom with teammate Herb Jones, helping create fast-break opportunities. Otherwise, New Orleans has a clean bill of health — a stark contrast to where New Orleans found itself last season after injuries spoiled a strong start to the year. If anything, finding ways for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to continue playing off each other into the post-season will be central to determining just far the Pelicans can go. On a personal level, both Williamson and Ingram have been able to stay on the court and in the case of the former, he is looking explosive again finishing at the rim. And when Williamson isn’t doing that he’s running the offence, with New Orleans quickly realising it is at its best with ‘Point Zion’.
6. Phoenix Suns (35-26)
There is little doubting the Suns have the offensive firepower to challenge for a title. But what about the defence? Phoenix currently ranks 13th in the league for defensive rating (114.3), which isn’t too bad. But this just doesn’t look like a team that is complete enough to challenge the likes of Boston and Denver. It is similar to Dallas. Phoenix could absolutely upset a higher seed in the first round of the playoffs, especially when you have Devin Booker and Kevin Durant averaging 27.5 and 27.8 points per game respectively. But the Suns just haven’t been able to build the kind of chemistry needed to make a deep playoffs run, especially when you consider Bradley Beal’s injury woes. Now Booker is dealing with an ankle injury. Phoenix currently sit in sixth position but is at risk of dropping into the play-in tournament with Sacramento, Dallas, Golden State and Los Angeles lurking.
Cavs shock Mavs with crazy buzzer-beater | 01:08
Working against the Suns is the fact they have the hardest schedule remaining according to Tankathon, having to play the Celtics, Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Cavaliers and Clippers twice before the end of the season. ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on ‘NBA Today’ that it would be a “potential disaster scenario” for the Suns to fall into the play-in tournament. “They went all-in for this team and just haven’t seen it together. When they’ve been together they’ve been really good but once you’re in the play-in you are super vulnerable to not even getting into the playoffs or getting a match-up where it is super hard to win even two or three rounds,” Lowe added.
8. Dallas Mavericks (34-27)
Honestly, the temptation was there to put Dallas in just making up the numbers given its inconsistent recent form. Last month the Mavericks beat up on the Thunder and scored wins over the Knicks and Suns but also went down to the undermanned Sixers, were thumped by the Celtics and Pacers and pipped by a Max Strus prayer shot. It is just hard to see Dallas playing at the consistently high level that is needed to make the NBA Finals, let alone go deep in the competitive Western Conference. The additions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford though give the Mavericks something they haven’t always had in previous years — high-calibre depth. It means the burden shouldn’t always be on Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving to produce the kind of big games that Dallas previously needed to even stand a chance in the post-season. Whether it is enough to compete with well-drilled teams that seem to have a better understanding of their identity remains to be seen.
MAKING UP THE NUMBERS
7. Sacramento Kings (34-26)
The Kings were one of the big surprise packets last season and currently sit seventh in the Western Conference. In a lot of ways, not a whole lot has changed for Sacramento, who entered the All-Star break with a 31-23 record, which was identical to where the franchise stood at the same point last season. The biggest difference? The West is much more competitive this season and so while the Kings again look like a solid playoff team, it is hard to see them making the jump to genuine contender status this year. Another first-round series defeat or even a play-in tournament exit looks the likeliest option.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (34-29)
The Lakers will go as far as LeBron James and Anthony Davis can take them. Although a repeat of last year’s charge to the Western Conference Finals may be tough to come by if Los Angeles is again forced to win its way through the play-in tournament. That may be the reality for LeBron and co. though as they face the fifth toughest remaining schedule according to Tankathon, having to play the Timberwolves and Bucks twice in the run home. A resounding win over the Thunder though, even if it just one game, proves the Lakers could be a problem in the playoffs with the right match-up. But it is hard to buy them sustaining that level of play to get all the way to the Finals. Of course, James’ potential impending free agency status looms large but even if the Lakers aren’t able to replicate last season’s post-season run their main selling point will be the trade assets they have up their sleeve this summer. That will somewhat soften the blow if the Lakers make an early exit.
All hail the King! LeBron reaches 40k! | 00:37
10. Golden State Warriors (32-28)
Playing against the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics is one way to get a sense for just how close — or far away — you are from contending for a championship this season. And in the case of the Warriors, it was a timely wake-up call as Golden State was blown out by 52 points. This was a Warriors team that had won 13 of their past 16 games to potentially emerge as a championship dark horse that may have been better placed with the above three teams. From Draymond Green’s welcomed return and the associated re-emergence of Andrew Wiggins to Klay Thompson embracing his new role after moving to the bench, these Warriors looked to be building something. They still could be. The Celtics are just that good that sometimes you’re going to have losses like the one Golden State had on Monday. But it was a reminder of just how far ahead the better teams in the league are this season, including the Nuggets who overcame a slow start to finish well on top of the Warriors last week. Golden State currently sits in 10th in the West, meaning they would be facing the Lakers in a do-or-die play-in tournament game if the season stopped right now.
SHOULD BE PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR
11. Utah Jazz (28-34)
It has been a rough recent stretch for the Jazz, who have dropped eight of their last nine games to fall to 11th in the West and it is hard to see them making up enough ground to challenge either the Lakers or Warriors for a spot in the play-in tournament. The Jazz have the worst defensive rating (123.3) in the league over the last 15 games, punished in size mismatches while Lauri Markkanen hasn’t been able to keep up the kind of production that had Utah moving up the standings earlier in the season.
12. Houston Rockets (26-34)
Like the Jazz, the Rockets just haven’t been consistent enough to anticipate the kind of run they need to make in the next month to qualify for the play-in tournament. Although the fact Houston is even on the playoff bubble has to be a positive given expectations were relatively low for the rebuilding Rockets this season. The focus in the summer though will be working out how Houston approaches the next stage of its rebuild, whether it is continuing to patiently develop its young core or package some of its assets for a star player via trade.
BasketBRAWL: Butler ejected in NOLA | 01:10
ALREADY PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR
13. Memphis Grizzlies (21-41)
The Grizzlies were already up against it before the season tipped off, with superstar guard Ja Morant suspended for the first 25 games. Memphis looked to be building something when Morant returned but it was short-lived as the 24-year-old was later ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. The injury list keeps growing too, with Ziaire Williams And Derrick Rose the latest names set for time on the sidelines. Bring on next year.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (17-43)
Another team that was expected to be sitting down the bottom of the Western Conference after trading Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Although the Blazers didn’t enter full-scale rebuilding mode, holding onto players like Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams at the trade deadline. Where they fit in the team’s long-term plans remains to be seen but Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are still key building blocks for the future.
15. San Antonio Spurs (13-48)
This season was all about the Victor Wembanyama experience, with the No.1 overall pick firmly in Rookie of the Year calculations. Wembanyama has averaged 20.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.4 blocks and 1.3 steals in his rookie season. Finding a starting point guard still remains the likely next move for the Spurs, who have leaned on Tre Jones to fill the void left by Dejounte Murray for the time being.
The Miami Heat have taken a swing in a bid to get back to the NBA Finals, trading Kyle Lowry and a 2027 protected first-round pick for Charlotte Hornets star Terry Rozier.
That is according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who broke the news of the trade in the early hours of Wednesday morning [AEDT].
Rozier is currently having one of his best seasons in the NBA, averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists — both of which are career-highs for the 29-year-old, who played four years with the Celtics before being dealt to the Hornets ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Rozier was traded to Charlotte as part of the sign-and-trade that saw Kemba Walker sent to Boston.
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BEST OF EMBIIDS 70-POINT EPIC VS WEMBY | 02:15
Rozier won’t have the same burden on the offensive end at Miami, instead operating as more of a complementary creator and scoring option to ease the pressure on the likes of Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Add in sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, who is shooting 41.1 per cent from deep and averaging a career-high 13.7 points, alongside impressive rookie Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Miami, despite sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, could yet again push for another deep playoffs run.
Rozier will also offer much-needed experience for the playoff stretch, something Lowry would have offered but the veteran guard is on the decline and on an expiring $29.6 million contract, making him a valuable asset to move before the deadline.
Lowry, a six-time All-Star and NBA champion, is unlikely to stay put either given he doesn’t offer the rebuilding Hornets much value right now or into the future.
Sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Hornets will look to move Lowry before the deadline but otherwise he could become a buyout contract candidate.
Wojnarowski also reported the Hornets are weighing up deals on other veteran players on the team ahead of the deadline as they look to continue to build around LaMelo Ball and rookie Brandon Miller.
Giddey hits WILD behind-the-back pass! | 00:18
“I want to thank Terry for all his efforts since coming to Charlotte,” Mitch Kupchak, general manager and president of basketball operations, said in a statement confirming the trade.
“On the court, he was a true professional and a great competitor who set a positive example for our young players. He also made himself a staple of the Charlotte community with his commitment to giving back. We wish him all the best in the future.
“The acquisition of a future first-round pick provides us an asset as we look to build long-term sustainable success around our young core of talented players. We believe adding this future pick and the additional financial flexibility from this trade will be beneficial as we continue to build our team moving forward.”
What are the Power Rankings? This is our attempt to rank every NBA team from best to worst. We take wins and losses into account, but also the quality of opposition faced and whether teams are likely to get healthier or improve going forward. It’s a little bit ‘who’s hot and who’s not’; part predictive, part analysis of what’s happened. If Team A is above Team B, we’d probably tip A to beat B at a neutral venue.
Every NBA team analysed in our Power Rankings.Source: FOX SPORTS
1. BOSTON CELTICS (14-4)
Who else but? Continuing on from last campaign’s dominant regular season, the Celtics appear to have gotten even stronger with the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Integrating such key pieces to a rotation can take time for teams to adjust, but not Boston, having posted a top eight offensive rating and top three defensive rating. Still undefeated at home, the Celtics’ +9.6 point differential is the best in the league. Not only do they have top-line stars, most notably Jayson Tatum, who’s having another MVP-calibre season, but Joe Mazulla’s rotation is arguably the deepest and most talented in the NBA. It’ll help them mitigate injuries (provided they don’t come at the business end of the season). Can anyone stop them? The clear best team in the league right now.
2. DENVER NUGGETS (13-6)
The reigning champs have been in cruise control in the early parts of the season, while Jamal Murray has been limited to eight games due to a hamstring injury … yet they still sit second in the West standings at 13-6 and have a top 10 offensive and defensive rating. It included a particularly strong start to the season before the Nuggets hit a lean patch, dropping four of five games as their less experience and depth compared to last season showed. But a road win over the Clippers on the second half of a back-to-back without Murray, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon displayed championship DNA at its finest and would build huge belief in the second unit and team as a whole. Jokic remains out-of-this-world good as the current frontrunner for the MVP in what’d be his third overall. Oh and they’re also the only other team still unbeaten at home.
‘Wait a minute!’ Smith blasts ‘idiots’ | 02:01
3. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (13-4)
One of the big surprise packages so far, Minnesota is emerging as a legitimate contender before our eyes. In fact, it’s the Wolves we thought we were getting last season after three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert joined the team, as his twin tower frontcourt pairing with Karl Anthony-Towns is starting to flourish. Sitting first in the West with the best defensive rating in the entire NBA – built around Gobert, and great size and flexibility that’s really troubled opposition – the Wolves have taken the leap into the top tier of teams. Then there’s the Anthony Edwards piece, with the star guard evolving into a MVP-level superstar that plays both ends of the floor and has a certain dog and killer instinct about him that reminds you of some of the game’s all-time greats.
4. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (13-5)
The new-look Bucks are starting to figure things out – and that’s a scary prospect for the rest of the NBA. After a slow start, Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine games and is beginning to live up to the hype after recruiting Damian Lillard to join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo and create one of the most dominant one-two offensive punches in the NBA. Though the Bucks have the fourth-best offence in the league, there’s still issues at the other end of the floor, with a bottom 10 defensive rating. Brook Lopez is starting to rediscover his dominant defensive form from last season, but misses having Jrue Holiday out on the perimeter, while Khris Middleton is still ramping up to full health after off-season knee surgery. If they can make improvements on the defensive end to at least be middle of the road, the Nuggets showed last season you don’t necessarily need to have an elite defence to win it all. Could they simply score their way to a title?
5. PHILADLEPHIA 76ERS (12-6)
Couldn’t have navigated the James Harden trade saga much better. It was addition by subtraction for the Sixers, with Harden’s departure paving the way for Tyrese Maxey to evolve into a superstar – even if he’s cooled off from his epic early-season heights – while Joel Embiid continues to do Joel Embiid things. The star centre has also improved as a facilitator, averaging a career-best 6.6 assists per game. Philly also added a host of handy role players in the Harden trade plus assets it could use to recruit another star by the trade deadline. They sit top four in the East and have the second-best points differential (+8.7) in the NBA, having shown a ruthlessness to really crush teams. Nick Nurse’s team has the second-best offence – playing with more movement and freedom than last season – to go with a top 10 defence. A team with all the tools to make another deep playoff run.
6. ORLANDO MAGIC (13-5)
The other shock riser – and this one has been even more unexpected – including riding a current seven-game winning streak. Orlando was seen as a fun, budding team on the rise, but not many could’ve predicted Jamahl Mosley’s side would be this good, this fast. The Magic have the third-best record in the East and their improvement has largely come behind a more robust defence – currently the second-best in the league. They simply have guys who compete hard every game like Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony, while Paolo Banchero has taken his game to new heights alongside co-star Franz Wagner, an elite running partner who’s still somehow underrated. Joe Ingles has also provide invaluable leadership and stability off the bench. The Magic, who’ve taken down arguably the best two teams in the NBA in Boston and Denver, have done all of this with Markelle Fultz missing most of the season with a knee injury!
Booker torches the Garden with dagger 3 | 00:37
7. PHOENIX SUNS (11-6)
The Suns are coming. Despite Bradley Beal being restricted to three games due to a back issue and Devin Booker also battling injury, they’re still sitting in the upper echelon of the always competitive West. Kevin Durant has wound the clock back to look like… well, prime Kevin Durant, while Booker too has had some monster performances top really ascend his status to the top-line superstars. What’s also been encouraging is how recruits Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen have stepped up with more opportunities and Jusuf Nurkic might have found his perfect landing spot. It’s the defensive end of the floor where there’s still some issues, but sitting 11-6 despite their new big three having never played together yet and there’s huge reason for optimism in the Valley of the Sun.
Giddey starts for OKC amid investigation | 00:50
8. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (11-6)
Another big improver and team that looks genuinely ready to contend, perhaps slightly ahead of its time. OKC is ranked top seven both offensively and defensively and doesn’t seem to fear anyone. The impact of former Pick 2 Chet Holmgren has been significant, with the gun big man emerging as the unlikely frontrunner for Rookie of the Year over Victor Wembanyama, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be crazy good to back up his breakout 2022/23 season. Mark Daigneault is generally getting better production across the board from the likes of Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, allowing him to be more flexible with his line-ups. The hovering allegations about Josh Giddey have been the only real downside amid an indifferent start to the season for the Aussie, but there’s so much to like about what the Thunder are doing. And all of this with a mountain of draft picks at their disposal to upgrade the roster when they see fit. Look out.
9. DALLAS MAVERICKS (11-6)
The forgotten contender in the arms race following last season’s big disappointment, even after they acquired Kyrie Irving. But Luka Doncic looks like a man on a mission – with a better roster around him including a barrage of three-point shooters. It’s the offensive end of the floor where Dallas has really excelled – boasting the No.3 offensive rating – while they do have a ways to improve defensively to be taken more seriously as a legit contender. But the Doncic-Irving duo has proven to be a real handful, plus in Dereck Lively II the Mavericks have a promising big man for the first time in several years. It’d be nice to see more consistency from Josh Green, though the Aussie remains an important member of the rotation and has had some bright moments.
Kings topple Warriors for Group C throne | 00:57
10. SACRAMENTO KINGS (10-7)
The beam is starting to come alight. After a 2-4 start to the campaign where the Kings looked like a big regression contender, they’ve rediscovered their spark, going 8-2 over their last 10 games including 4-2 over a recent road trip. The offence from last season is starting to come back too, led by De’Aaron Fox amid a spectacular start to the season from the star guard, who’s averaged a career-best 3.1 three-pointers per game. And Mike Brown’s team has improved at the other end of the floor to become middle-of-the-road defensively. Keegan Murray hasn’t quite taken the second-year leap in what could really propel the Kings to another level, which might be more likely to come in the forward’s third season.
11. LA LAKERS (11-8)
It’s been an up and down start to the season for the Lakers — and perhaps they’re ultimately not the contenders we thought they were amid a host of other Western Conference sides improving. While it’s still early days, LA has had issues at both ends of the floor — mainly the offensive end (ranked bottom three in three-point shooting) — as Darvin Ham works through finding his best line-ups after a few off-season changes to the roster. They’ve also been affected by injury and have struggled on the road (3-6). Beyond Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who’s still freakishly good at near age 39, there’s a lack of other consistent production, even if D’Angelo Russell has bounced back from a disappointing playoff series, while Austin Reaves hasn’t had the breakout season come expected in year three and has been moved to the bench.
LeBron suffers WORST loss in NBA career | 00:51
12. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (10-8)
The Cavs have overcome a slow start to the season to get on a roll in recent times, having won six of their last eight games. We frankly haven’t seen Cleveland at full strength enough yet this season to get a real grasp of where this team is at – a team that finished top four in the East last season. The core remains as talented as some of the top sides and the addition of Max Strus has been a big win to add much-needed three-point shooting on the wing. The Caves don’t really want for anything, though there’s question marks of whether the Even Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt is viable long-term given the spacing issues. It comes in an important juncture and season at large for the franchise as it’ll be hoping to convince Donovan Mitchell to stick around long-term, in one of the potential trade narratives to keep an eye on.
13. NEW YORK KNICKS (10-7)
When it’s all clicking for the Knicks, they’re a strong unit. Jalen Brunson proved last season was no aberration, backing up his breakout campaign to again lead this team, while Julius Randle and RJ Barrett haven’t been quite as consistent even though the latter has shown an improved three-point stroke. New York does have a top-five ranked defence and the 11th-best offence, but Tom Thibodeau’s squad has struggled against the best teams in the league. From that perspective, how far can a Brunson-Randle-Barrett trio go — even with an improved roster around them? Might be one big move away from seriously contending.
Knicks stun Heat with comeback in NY | 01:16
14. INDIANA PACERS (9-7)
With Tyrese Haliburton in this kind of form, anything might be possible. Haliburton is putting together an All-NBA level season, averaging stupidly good numbers across the board (25.9 points on 51 per cent shooting, 3.8 triples and 11.9 assists per game). It’s been key to the team’s promising 9-7 start to the season, with claim to the league’s No.1 offensive rating while averaging 127 points per game. It’s completely opened the Pacers up defensively though …and where’s Haliburton’s help coming from? Myles Turner’s minutes are down, while Rick Carlisle seemingly can’t decide if he wants to develop Benedict Mathurin as a starter or just play veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield heavy minutes, with the latter more of a win-now move. Bruce Brown has been a handy addition, but he’s more a role player than anything. Another team to watch ahead of the trade deadline.
15. MIAMI HEAT (10-8)
Another team that’s hard to figure out, albeit hampered by injuries, As if coming off an NBA Finals appearance as the eighth seed didn’t already make it tricky enough! The Heat have at least navigated the majority of the opening weeks without star guard Tyler Herro, who looked set for a huge breakout season as Miami’s leading scorer, and they’ve clearly missed his offence. The good has been good — including a seven-game winning streak and Bam Adebayo rolling in a career-best season to take on the mantle as Miami’s alpha. But the bad has been bad — opening the campaign 1-4 and currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, while there’s question marks of the team’s depth.
16. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (10-9)
One of the biggest enigmas in the NBA … are still an enigma? There’s been some good and some bad — including a five-game losing streak — and they’ve all-round just been an average side. It’s a somewhat disappointing return for a franchise that spent parts of last season as the No.1 seed in the West and could be so much more with Zion Williamson. But the former No.1 pick hasn’t yet lived up to expectations and has appeared frustrated at times with how the team is going and his role. Frankly, we haven’t seen Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum on the court together enough to get a proper gauge of how good they can be. McCollum’s lung injury did open the door for Dyson Daniels to play more minutes though and show a glimpse of the Aussie young gun’s promising future.
17. LA CLIPPERS (8-9)
Still adjusting to life with James Harden, the Clippers might’ve worked things out. After starting the Harden era 0-5, Tyronn Lue’s side has since won five of its last seven games as it starts to move up the West standings. There were always to be growing pains with Harden and a need to fine-tune rotations, which has ultimately seen Russell Westbrook move to the bench. Well, over their last six games, the Clippers have the best defensive rating in the league, while Harden is coming off his best game yet as a Clipper with a season-high 26 points, five triples and five steals. Paul George’s hot start to the season hasn’t been talked about enough too amid the team’s struggles.
18. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (8-10)
It’s hard to know what to make of Golden State at times and how much we judge Steve Kerr’s team on reputation. Some predicted the addition of Chris Paul would take the Warriors to the next level, but right now they’re sitting just inside the Play-In qualification. It’s been the same story as last season — they rely too much on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson has been inconsistent and unreliable, Draymond Green has been engulfed in drama and the young players haven’t stepped up (but haven’t necessarily had opportunities to). Andrew Wiggins has meanwhile fallen off a cliff to leave a big scoring void, but Kerr doesn’t quite seem prepared yet to pass the baton to the next crop. They’ve gone 2-8 in their last 10 games and Paul has already suffered his first injury setback of the season.
Curry tops Wemby in battle of the stars | 01:11
19. HOUSTON ROCKETS (8-8)
Ime Uodka has done some sort of job in his first 16 games as Rockets coach. A team considered a potential improver looks like a genuine playoff team. It’s been a bit of a seesaw — with revolving winning and losing streaks — but this team is highly disciplined defensively, helped by the addition of Dillon Brooks, is deep and has beaten reigning champion Denver twice. Having an established point guard in Fred VanVleet has provided more overall structure and Alpereen Sengun looks like a mini Jokic in a brilliant breakout season from the 21-year old centre. And to think the Rockets tried — and failed — to land Brook Lopez in the off-season in what would’ve almost certainly prevented Sengun from doing what he’s doing now. A really impressive start in H-Town in a big tick overall. Now just to replicate their home form (8-1) on the road (0-7) — and more Jock Landale too please!
20. ATLANTA HAWKS (8-9)
One thing you can count on with Atlanta — it’s going to score in bunches. The Hawks have the No. 5 offensive rating this season while averaging 122.5 points per game — trailing only Indiana — driven by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Jalen Johnson’s emergence has offset John Collins’ departure, and so the forward’s injury leaves a big hole in Quin Snyder’s streamlined rotation — that has featured Patty Mills for all of five total minutes this season. After a promising start to the season, the Hawks have gone 2-5 over their last seven games, so they have a few things to figure out ahead of tough upcoming schedule including playing Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Denver in their next five games. Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu remain locked in a minutes split at centre, but you sense it’s only a matter of time before Okongwu is given full rein.
21. BROOKLYN NETS (9-8)
The Nets have managed to keep their head above water despite battling a host of injuries to the likes of Ben Simmons, Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas. Considering the amount of changes to the line-up, Brooklyn would be happy to currently be sitting ninth in the East including currently riding a three-game winning streak. The team has also had the sixth-toughest schedule in the league, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, while Mikal Bridges hasn’t quite had the breakout season some anticipated yet. With all that in mind, there’s a fair bit of upside when — or if — the Nets get fully healthy.
22. TORONTO RAPTORS (9-10)
Offence has been the main concern for the Raptors — in particular their bottom-five ranked three-point shooting. As good as Scottie Barnes has been in a breakout season from the forward, it’s hard to get a grasp of this team’s identity. One game it’s Barnes leading the charge, the next it’s Pascal Siakam, while OG Anunoby has struggled amongst it all and Jakob Poeltl has been used sparingly despite costing the team a first-round pick and getting a juicy contract extension. Could they be sellers at the deadline? Dennis Schroder has at least enjoyed a strong season as the team’s new point guard to get back to some of his best form of years past.
23. UTAH JAZZ (6-12)
Lauri Markkanen is doing everything he can, but fair to say this season hasn’t started nearly well as last for the young Jazz. You could see it going either way in Utah — but it’s been tough goings for Will Hardy and company. After struggling in the opening games before getting injured, Walker Kessler now finds himself coming off the bench, though that should change soon, while Keyonte George has moved into the starting line-up in Hardy’s bid for more playmaking and movement in that opening five. The Jazz however still have major issues at both ends of the floor, and at some stage, they’ll need to commit to a path of either competing for the playoffs or rebuilding, as right now it feels like they’re trying do both but failing to achieve anything.
24. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (5-11)
Just when the Hornets were starting to turn their season around, the near worst possible thing happened – LaMelo Ball suffered another setback to his troublesome ankle that required surgery earlier this year. At full strength, Charlotte has a solid roster that could contend for the playoffs, but it hasn’t had all its key pieces on the floor together at once, with Ball central to everything. Controversial forward Miles Bridges has taken no time to get up to speed since returning from suspension, and now he and Terry Rozier in particular will need to take on a much bigger load with the Hornets’ franchise superstar sidelined for the next several weeks.
25. CHICAGO BULLS (5-14)
If it wasn’t already clear, it’s time to blow it up. Things are a mess for the Bulls right now — a team built to win now is a ways off and is sitting all the way down as the Eastern Conference 13th seed amid a five-game losing streak — including dropping eight of their last nine. If Chicago’s situation doesn’t improve, which, right now, it’s hard to see how it does, expect one — or both — of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to be wearing a different jersey by the trade deadline. At least then Chicago can start building with a new nucleus, because the current one is stuck in NBA purgatory — where no team wants to be.
26. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (5-12)
Going according to script after the Damian Lillard trade as the Blazers prioritise developing their emerging crop of youngsters including Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, who should eventually take over the starting point guard job. Portland recently snapped an eight-game losing streak, with its offence the key area letting it down. Anfernee Simons having only played one game due to a thumb injury clearly hasn’t helped. Elsewhere, Aussie duo Matisse Thybulle and Duop Reath are getting more opportunities in the rotation to show their worth, with the former’s defensive prowess again proving valuable.
27. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (4-13)
When is Ja Morant free to return again? It’s the question the Grizzlies would be repeatedly asking themselves amid a grim 4-13 start to the season as perhaps the most disappointing team. Because sure, having no Morant for over a quarter of the season is significant, but the Grizzlies have looked like a lottery team without him. It includes the Griz being ranked dead last in three-point shooting with the second-worst rated offence. Unlike Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled to step up with extra offensive opportunities. And as if it couldn’t get any worse, Marcus Smart is now sidelined for the next several weeks after suffering a nasty ankle injury. They did finally end their 0-8 winless drought at home — the last team to do so — after beating Utah on Thursday.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (3-14)
The Spurs are probably lucky they’re not even lower (not that there’s much scope). But it’s been the very definition of growing pains and teething issues for the rebuilding team in welcoming Victor Wembanyama into its young core despite the No.1 pick’s sensational start to his career. San Antonio is in the midst of a 12-game losing streak to sit dead last in the West, while its -12.9 point difference is the worst in the NBA. Maybe expectations were simply set too high amid the hype around ‘Wemby’ — but just because they’re not playing well doesn’t mean their future isn’t bright. The Spurs are simply in experiment and trial and error mode — so even a Play-In appearance feels unlikely right now. Devin Vassell missing five games due to an adductor injury hasn’t helped their cause.
Spurs fall short despite Wemby heroics | 00:51
29. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (3-15)
Not that the Wizards were expected to be any good this season, but it’s probably been even worse than imagined, with Kyle Kuzma the sole shining light. It took for Washington to play the Pistons to end a nine-game losing streak and pick up its fifth overall win nearing the quarter-way mark of the season. Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones have underwhelmed, though neither have played big minutes amid some curious rotation decisions from Wes Unseld Jr. Ranked bottom 10 at both ends of the floor, the Wizards are officially in all-out tank mode and could be sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
30. DETROIT PISTONS (2-16)
Perhaps the most alarming thing is that the Pistons started the season 2-1 and looked like a sneaky improver! Well, they’ve since lost 15 on the trot to hold the worst record in the NBA, with the eighth-worst defence and fourth-west offence. This is a team some thought could start climbing the standings after spending years going to the draft. But Detroit is still behind newer rebuilding teams like Portland, San Antonio and Washington, while Monty Williams can barely figure out his rotation and which players will help take this franchise forward. Having Cade Cunningham back has been important and rookie Ausar Thompson and second-year centre Jalen Duren have both impressed, but it looks set to be another long season in the Motor City — even if Bojan Bogdanovic’s imminent return will help.
The Bucks pulled the trigger on one of the biggest trades in recent seasons, landing point guard Damian Lillard to partner Giannis Antetokounmpo as they aim to head back to the NBA Finals.
Meanwhile, can Australia’s very own Josh Giddey and his emerging Oklahoma City Thunder squad progress to the playoffs after falling agonisingly short last season?
Here at foxsports.com.au, we’ve run our eye over all 30 teams. Read on for our bumper NBA season preview!
Analysis: It was only three seasons ago that the Hawks made the Eastern Conference Finals, but in the two campaigns since, they’ve been bundled out in the first round. It’s clear what this team wants to do, considering they possess a stack of shooters, including Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic and the emerging Saddiq Bey. They also added Patty Mills and Wesley Matthews in the offseason as well as drafting shooting guard Kobe Bufkin. The back-court of Young and Dejounte Murray, who signed a 4-year, $120 million extension, is one of the best in the league. They compliment each other well and showed that in the first round of the playoffs, when taking two games off the Celtics. Quin Snyder took over as coach towards the end of last season and is an upgrade on Nate McMillan, who was fired heading into the All-Star break. Snyder has had a full offseason with the Hawks which is important, and that, coupled with the addition of two savvy veterans, should see Atlanta improve on last season and make some noise in the East.
Prediction: 6th in the East
BOSTON CELTICS
Gained: PF Kristaps Porzingis, PG Jrue Holiday, G Oshae Brissett
Lost: SG Marcus Smart, F Grant Williams, F Robert Williams, PG Malcolm Brogdon
Analysis: The Celtics have made the conference finals in three of the last four seasons but keep finding a way to fall short. Favoured by many to win it all in 2022-2023, it was a disappointing playoff campaign last season, taking six games to beat the Hawks, seven to progress over the 76ers in the conference semis before losing in seven against the Heat. Something needs to give in order to get over the hump, so GM Brad Stevens decided to make a number of huge moves this offseason, including orchestrating a bumper trade to acquire Porzingis. Unfortunately, that mean tough-nosed fan favourite Marcus Smart had to go. The Celtics also picked up Jrue Holiday in the Damien Lillard-to-Milwaukee three-team trade. In addition, star forward Jaylen Brown ensured his future in Boston by signing the richest NBA deal ever. Throw in MVP candidate Jayson Tatum and the Celtics boasts one of the most potent offenses in the NBA and are as well as they’ve ever been placed to win their first title in 15 years.
Prediction: 1st
BROOKLYN NETS
Gained: PG Dennis Smith Jr, G Lonnie Walker, F Noah Clowney (draft), G Dariq Whitehead (draft)
Lost: F Yuta Watanabe
Analysis: The question on the lips of many is ‘will Ben Simmons ever get back to his best?’ The Aussie star has barely been sighted over the past two seasons (just 42 games) and has become an NBA whipping boy. However, there have been good signs in the offseason/preseason that Simmons is ready to perform like we know he can. Simply put, he’s going to have to for this Nets team to have any chance of winning at least one playoff series. Defensively, Simmons makes this team much better, and that aspect is going to have to be a strength for a Nets side who lack a superstar. Mikal Bridges emerged last season after being traded from Phoenix as a part of the Kevin Durant deal. Of course, the Nets boast several draft picks from the Durant and Kyrie Irving (Dallas) trades, so perhaps the front office could use those in future deals to improve their team immediately. However, until that happens, the Nets are just a middle-of-the-road team.
Prediction: 12th
Ben Simmons.Source: Getty Images
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Gained: Brandon Miller (1st round draft pick)
Lost: G Dennis Smith Jr, Kelly Oubre Jr, Kai Jones
Analysis: The Hornets were never in the hunt last season, finishing with one of the worst records in the league (27-55). They are likely to be significant improvers this time around, even though it likely won’t end in a playoff berth. Charlotte drafted Alabama guard/forward Brandon Miller with the second overall pick, and he’s a player who should boost this team right away as he was the most-ready-made prospect in the entire draft. LaMelo Ball is a star, who inked a massive five-year extension, but his absence through injury for most of last season was noticeable. The Hornets really could have used Miles Bridges, but his future on the team is uncertain. Bridges, who didn’t play at all last season, was suspended 30 games by the league after being charged with domestic violence. He was due back this season but has since violated a protection order. There are some good, young pieces on this roster (Ball, Miller), and underrated players who are more than capable (PJ Washington, Mark Williams) and will improve from last season, I just don’t think there are a team primed to challenge in the East just yet.
Prediction: 13th
CHICAGO BULLS
Gained: G Jevon Carter, F Torrey Craig
Lost: G Pat Beverley, F Derrick Jones Jr.
Analysis: It’s fair to say the 2022-23 Bulls were a big disappointment. The 40-42 record indicates a mediocre team, which is what they were, despite boasting Zach Lavine, Demar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. With so much money tied up in those three players, there isn’t much wiggle room for the Bulls to improve their roster and barring the pick-up of some needed point guard depth in Jevon Carter, they didn’t really get a whole lot better in the offseason. Sadly, Lonzo Ball will again miss yet another season with his troublesome left knee. He would have been a huge help. High draft pick Patrick Williams hasn’t kicked on like the franchise would have expected, and if anything, regressed last season. At this stage, the Bulls are a middling team and with Lavine, DeRozan and Vucevic not getting any younger, I don’t envisage them scaring anyone in the East.
Prediction: 9th
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Gained: G Max Strus, F Georges Niang, G Emoni Bates (draft)
Lost: F Cedi Osman
Analysis: Donovan Mitchell was excellent in his first season with the Cavs, averaging over 28 points a game, building a strong back-court with the talented PG Darius Garland who should only improve again in what is his fifth year in the league. Evan Mobley impressed in his second season, showing off plenty of versatility. After winning 51 games in the regular season, was an anticlimactic end for the Cavs, losing to the Knicks 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs. They were able to get better in the offseason as they didn’t lose any key players but were able to add a couple of sharpshooters in Max Strus and Georges Niang. The Cavs are one of the better teams in the East, but until they can win at least a series in the postseason, they aren’t yet a serious threat for the title.
Prediction: 3rd
Donovan MitchellSource: Getty Images
DETROIT PISTONS
Gained: F Joe Harris, G Monte Morris, G Ausar Thompson (draft)
Lost: G Cory Joseph
Analysis: The Pistons have a new coach in the well-regarded Monty Williams and plenty of young pieces who should enjoy long NBA careers. The return of Cade Cunningham is key. He was very good as a rookie and improved in his second season but only played 12 games before a stress fracture ended his season, although there was seldom a shot he didn’t like which affected his shooting percentage. Jaden Ivey is Cunningham’s running mate in the back court and he made huge strides last season. Jalen Duren is Detroit’s centre of the future while rookie Ausar Thompson will have an immediate impact defensively. It won’t be hard to win more games than they did last season (17) but it won’t be for at least a couple of years until we see the Pistons be in a position to challenge for a championship.
Prediction: 14th
INDIANA PACERS
Gained: G Bruce Brown, F Opi Toppin, G Ben Sheppard (draft), F Jarace Walker
Lost: G Chris Duarte
Analysis: There were plenty of decent signs from this Pacers team last year, despite missing the postseason with a 35-47 record. Tyrese Haliburton was one of the league’s best point guards and was rewarded with a new contract. The Pacers added the tenacious Bruce Brown from the championship winning Nuggets and playing around him will only improve this team’s effort. Bennedict Mathurin looks set for a very good career in this league after showing out as a 6th man in his rookie season. Expect to see him in the starting line up in the near future. The Pacers should improve on last season’s record.
Prediction: 11th
MIAMI HEAT
Gained: C Thomas Bryant, F Jaime Jaquez (draft)
Lost: G Gabe Vincent, G Victor Oladipo, F Max Strus
Analysis: It was a remarkable run from the Heat last season, progressing to the NBA Finals from the Play-In Tournament. The catalyst for that run was the play of Jimmy Butler, who had one of the all-time finals series. There was a time during the offseason where it appeared Damian Lillard would end up at the Heat, but it was the Bucks who swooped in, which caught the ire of a few Miami players, notably Butler. However, they have to let bygones be bygones and focus on the team they have. Tyler Herro’s return from a wrist injury is a big boost but the losses of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus will be felt as both players were strong contributers last season. With that said, the Butler-led Heat will again be competitive with Herro and Bam Adebayo to feature prominently. After last season, you just can’t count this team out.
Prediction: 7th
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Gained: PG Damian Lillard, G Malik Beasley, C Robin Lopez
Lost: PG Jrue Holiday, G Grayson Allen
Analysis: After being bundled out in the first round last year (the sixth ever No.1 seed to lose to an 8 seed), superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo made no secret that the Bucks had to make improvements soon or he might be out of there. The front office were obviously listening as the Bucks pulled off one of biggest trades in recent memory when acquiring Portland point guard Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, they had to part ways with fan favourite Jrue Holiday but it was clear it was a move Milwaukee had to make to get back into the NBA Finals. It’s the first time both Lillard and Antetokounmpo have played with another star player and the veteran point guard’s best chance of winning a championship after toiling away in Portland in recent seasons. Giannis may have only just signed a new three-year extension worth $186m (USD), but the clock is ticking on this new partnership. The Bucks have to win now as the franchise have committed so much money to both Antetokounmpo and Lillard to the tune of over $122m (USD) a year between the two of them. In fact, Antetokounmpo and Lillard are the two highest earners in the NBA annually ($62m, $60.8m respectively). The Bucks’ first round exit last season resulted in coach Mike Budenholzer’s firing. He’s been replaced with former Toronto assistant and rookie head coach Adrian Griffin.
Prediction: 2nd
Milwaukee’s trade for Damian Lillard sent shockwaves through the NBA.Source: AFP
NEW YORK KNICKS
Gained: G Donte DiVincenzo
Lost: G Derrick Rose, F Obi Toppin
Analysis: The Knicks won just their second playoff series in 10 years when defeating the Cavs 4-1. It was one of their better seasons in recent memory and they’ll hope to build off that. The Jalen Brunson acquisition was a terrific move with the point guard taking his game to a new level in New York after getting out from under Luka Doncic’s shadow in Denver. Immanuel Quickley also had a career-best season, resulting in a runner-up finish in the sixth man of the year race. There are no out-and-out superstars on their roster, but they have a very good core of Brunson, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett and are a well-coached team. They will be thereabouts again.
Prediction: 5th
ORLANDO MAGIC
Gained: G Anthony Black (draft), F Jett Howard (draft)
Lost: F Bol Bol
Analysis: There’s plenty to like about this team and the way they finished off last season, and if it wasn’t for such a sluggish start, the Magic would have likely made the Play-In Tournament. Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero was immense from day dot for the Magic, averaging nearly 21 points and seven rebounds a game. He leads a young team that just got younger in the offseason, adding Anthony Black (6th overall) and Jett Howard (11th overall) in the draft. Orlando just inked an extension with handy guard Cole Anthony who is plenty versatile and will be a sixth-man of the year contender this season. Are the Magic a serious threat? Far from it, but they should provide plenty of entertainment as they continue navigating through a rebuild.
Prediction: 10th
Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic may surprise some people this season.Source: AFP
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Gained: G Pat Beverley, F Kelly Oubre
Lost: F Georges Niang, G Shake Milton
Analysis: We will start with the elephant in the room. What in the world is going on with James Harden? At this stage, it doesn’t appear he’ll be on the floor for the 76ers’ opening game against the Bucks on Friday (AEDT). What happened? Well the relationship between Harden and GM Daryl Morey has disintegrated badly with the star guard publicly calling out Morey numerous times this offseason in addition to requesting a trade (which hasn’t been granted). Harden opted into his contract and picked up his $35.6 million (USD) option but then wanted to be traded. In Harden’s eyes, he should have been offered a long term deal and wasn’t so Morey can’t be trusted. New coach Nick Nurse will have to go on without Harden, who led the league in assists last season. Joel Embiid was able to win his first MVP this season, and while he will still be one of the best players in basketball with or without Harden, he may not be as effective as last season without Harden running point. The 76ers have picked up a couple of good role players in Beverley and Oubre Jr, the latter who will instantly improve the team’s three-point shooting.
Prediction: 4th
Has James Harden played his last game for the 76ers?Source: AFP
TORONTO RAPTORS
Gained: G Dennis Schroder, G Gradey Dick (draft)
Lost: G Fred VanVleet
Analysis: It’s a new dawn for the Toronto Raptors, who fired Nick Nurse after an underwhelming 10th placed finish last season and replaced him with rookie NBA head coach Darko Rajakovic. All-Star forward Pascal Siakam is the star of the show, but he’ll need help from the likes of Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby with Fred VanVleet leaving in free agency. It was somewhat of a sophomore slump for Barnes last season but expect him to bounce back. He’s a stat sheet filler who is improving his shooting range so if the Raptors are to play well, he’ll need to be better. Rookie Gradey Dick is a three-point threat which is desperately needed, especially in VanVleet’s absence. They are a long way from getting back to a championship, but their best form would be good enough to progress to the playoffs and perhaps win a series.
Prediction: 8th
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Gained: G Jordan Poole, G Tyus Jones, G Landry Shamet, F Bilal Coulibaly (draft)
Lost: G Brad Beal, G Monte Morris, F Kristaps Porzingis
Analysis: The Wizards said farewell to Brad Beal and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, their two best players. Beal is a huge loss as he was the heart-and-soul of this team, but it was a necessary change to trade him onto a contender as they weren’t getting anywhere with him as the team’s first scoring option. Instead, they’ll rely on walking bucket Jordan Poole and the newly extended Kyle Kuzma. Poole has his shortcomings, but he proved when given the chance to start at the Warriors, that he could post big numbers. Bilal Couliabaly is a promising high draft pick who should find himself playing quite a bit in his rookie year. They might prove to be a plucky team at times, but make no mistake, the Wizards will be finishing near the bottom of the standings in the East.
Prediction: 15th
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Dallas Mavericks
Gained: F Grant Williams, G Seth Curry, G Dante Exum, C Richaun Holmes, C Dereck Lively II (draft)
Lost: F Reggie Bullock
Analysis: The Mavs suffered a late-season collapse, missing the playoffs despite heading into the All-Star break with a 31-26 record. That collapse coincided with the arrival of Kyrie Irving in late February. Whether Irving and Luka Doncic can coexist is the big question. They went 5-11 when playing together last season, but with the benefit of a full offseason under their belt together, expect that record to prove to be an outlier. Dallas added several handy role players which will help defensively, including Grant Williams from the Celtics. Aussie Dante Exum is back in the NBA with Dallas and he too will had plenty of starch defensively. Tipping the Mavericks to hit back from a disappointing 2022-2023 and progress to the postseason.
Prediction: 7th in the West
Can Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic coexist in Dallas?Source: AFP
Denver Nuggets
Gained: G Justin Holiday
Lost: G Bruce Brown, F Jeff Green
Analysis: Last season’s champs did it with the ears pricked in the end as the nonchalant, harness racing-loving Nikola Jokic proved he was the best player in the NBA with his first title. Guard Jamal Murray made a big leap last season, earning a place on the All-NBA team while Michael Porter Jr. hit big shots time and time again. The departure of Bruce Brown is hard to replace, but there a couple of younger players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson who can play a similar role. The Nuggets didn’t get much better, but they won’t need to to go back-to-back as was the ease they cruised to a championship last season. At this early stage, the West is between the Nuggets and Suns with a bit of a gap to the rest of the teams.
Prediction: 2nd
Golden State Warriors
Gained: G Chris Paul, G Cory Joseph, Brandin Podziemski (draft)
Lost: G Jordan Poole, G Donte DiVicenzo
Analysis: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green may be in the twilight of their careers, but as long as that core is on the floor, Golden State can never be counted out. Jordan Poole was traded to the Wizards, with veteran PG Chris Paul joining the Warriors. It’s hard to envisage what Golden State will look like with Paul joining the fray, but there’s no doubt he adds another level head and basketball smarts to a team that aren’t lacking in those areas. The key is Steph Curry and whether he can continue to play at such a high level. The Warriors adding a savvy vet in Cory Joseph while Jonathan Kuminga improved vastly last season and has been near outstanding in preseason action. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski is another who has been balling out for the Warriors this preseason. They’ll shock some people and make a deep run.
Prediction: 5th
Houston Rockets
Gained: G Amen Thompson (draft), G Cam Whitmore (draft), F Dillon Brooks, G Fred VanVleet, C Jock Landale, F Jeff Green
Lost: G Kevin Porter Jr, F KJ Martin
Analysis: Were willing to make a splash in free agency, giving rich deals to Fred VanVleet and the polarising Dillon Brooks. From an outsiders perspective, it may look like Houston paid overs for these two players, but for a young team yearning for experience, they are good acquisitions. VanVleet will be good for 20 points a night, while Brooks’ defensive prowess can’t be overstated, despite his shortcomings. Houston traded last season’s point guard Kevin Porter Jr. because of serious legal issues, so VanVleet will be required to earn every cent of his $128.5m (USD) contract. The Rockets drafted Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore in the first round to add to a young core of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr and the very impressive big man Alperen Sengun. There will be more growing pains for this group this campaign, but they should eclipse last season’s 22 win total.
Prediction:13th
LA Clippers
Gained: G Kobe Brown (draft), Kenyon Martin Jr
Lost: G Eric Gordon
Analysis: This shapes up as a huge season for the Clippers. In what has been indicative of the past few seasons, they were bundled out after a 4-1 first round series loss to the Suns with Paul George missing the entire series. When Kawhi Leonard and George joined the team in July 2019, many thought the Clippers would soon be winning championships or at the very least, contesting the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case with injuries playing a big factor as Leonard and George have only played together in 142 of a possible 308 games, going an impressive 96-46. That stat alone should give Clippers fans hope that if these two superstars can stay on the court, it bodes well for their title chances. However, from what we’ve seen recently, it is a big if.
Prediction: 3rd
LA Lakers
Gained: C Jaxson Hayes, F Taurean Prince, F Christian Wood, G Gabe Vincent
Lost: G Malik Beasley, G Dennis Schroder
Analysis: The Lakers have probably one of the more well-rounded rosters heading into a new season than they have in years past. Depth has been the concern in those recent seasons, but the Lakers were able to add some handy pieces such as Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent, which will potentially be low risk, high reward signings. Both are very handy players, Wood especially on his day. With that said, the burning question is whether 38-year-old LeBron James shows any sign of slowing down. It doesn’t appear he is just yet and with running mate Anthony Davis at the peak of his powers, the Lakers look well placed to make another deep run with these added parts to the roster expected to be key.
Predicition: 6th
LeBron James is gearing up for season 21.Source: AFP
Memphis Grizzlies
Gained:
Lost:
Analysis: The Western Conference will be extremely competitive this season, and despite winning 50 games in 2022-2023 to finish second, the Grizzlies are a team who may find themselves sliding down the standings. Star point guard Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games and centre Steven Adams is out for the entire season with a knee injury. The conference is so strong and a slow start without Morant might be too tough to overcome later in the season. Adding Marcus Smart via trade was a shrewd move after gun defender Dillon Brooks left for Houston in free agency. The Grizzlies are a tight-knit bunch who are well-coached, but their lack of top-tier talent outside of Morant may hurt them in a season a number of teams in the conference are expected to ascend.
Prediction: 10th
Minnesota Timberwolves
Gained: G Shake Milton
Lost: F Tauren Prince
Analysis: Intriguing team are the Wolves. On paper, they have one of the more talented starting fives in the league, but for one reason or another, they can never seem to gel as a unit. Anthony Edwards as a bona fide superstar and has earned every cent of the bumper new $260 million (USD) deal he signed in the offseason. For mine, he’s Minnesota’s most important player, however what will also be critical to the Timberwolves’ success will be how the frontcourt pairing of Karl Anthony-Towns and Rudy Gobert will work. Minnesota sold the farm for Gobert before last season but his form was mixed at best. He didn’t see much time on the floor with KAT though with the latter only appearing in 29 games last season. One thing that this team doesn’t lack though is confidence. Point guard Mike Conley isn’t short of belief in this group, stating at Minnesota’s media day, “I think that last year our team, if we were healthy, we were a team that could have been the Denver Nuggets of last year”. Huge call, but it’s hard to disagree that if these talented group of players can find a way to put it altogether, the Timberwolves can make some noise this season.
Prediction:8th
Timberwolves star Anthony EdwardsSource: Getty Images
New Orleans Pelicans
Gained: G Jordan Hawkins (draft)
Lost: C Jaxson Hayes
Analysis: After a terrific first couple of months, the Pelicans dropped off to finish 9th in the West last season and were eliminated during the Play-In Tournament after a loss to the Thunder. At the moment, they are simply a middling team who don’t have the firepower to challenge for a title. Australia’s own Dyson Daniels, Herbert Jones and sharpshooter Trey Murphy III are three players set to make a big leap this season and improve on their strong end to 2022-2023, but outside of them, a lot of guys have hit their ceiling. There’s talent on this roster, notably Zion Williamson, but he just can’t stay healthy. If the Pelicans were to make into the playoffs, it wouldn’t be a shock, but there’s as good a chance they miss out completely. The concern is that they didn’t really improve in the offseason other than adding rookie Jordan Hawkins in the draft whereas other teams around them in the standings in the West, did.
Prediction: 11th
Oklahoma City Thunder
Gained: F Davis Bertans, G Cason Wallace (draft)
Lost: F Dario Saric, C Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Analysis: Every Aussie’s first or second favourite team made huge strides last season. The Thunder were one game away from progressing to a seven-game playoff series, but were defeated by Minnesota in the Play-In Tournament. Conventional wisdom suggests they’ll improve on that result with last year’s number two overall pick Chet Holmgren to now feature in the line-up. It’s essentially Holmgren’s rookie year after missing all of last season with a foot injury. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved he is one of the most prolific scores in the league last season and the Thunder will go as far as he takes them, while Josh Giddey took a huge leap in his development Giddey was able to score more effectively last season, and many experts expect him to enjoy a breakout campaign in 2023-2024. A starting five of Giddey, SGA, last season’s outstanding rookie Jalen Williams, Holmgren and Lu Dort will make some noise in the West, and if they can keep those four core players together, success appears imminent at some stage over the next four to five seasons.
Prediction:9th
Phoenix Suns
Gained: G Brad Beal, C Jusuf Nurkic, G Grayson Allen
Lost: G Chris Paul, G Landry Shamet
Analysis: The Suns arguably possess the most potent trio of scorers in the league with Brad Beal joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix. The Suns gave away quite a bit to land Beal, including giving away Chris Paul and a number of draft pick swaps. Phoenix will be hoping Beal can be that piece that can help them get back to the NBA Finals after failing to progress pass the second round in the last two seasons. In addition, Durant has had the benefit of a full offseason with the Suns after arriving halfway through 2022-2023 campaign. They loom as the biggest threat to Denver in the West, and betting markets reflect that with the Suns and Nuggets $3.75 joint favourites to win the conference. While centre Deandre Ayton is a loss, former Trail Blazer Jusuf Nurkic is no slouch, and will certainly be an offensive threat down low that opponents can’t take lightly. The additions of bench players Grayson Allen, Bol Bol and Chimezie Metu ensures the Suns’ depth won’t be an issue.
Prediction:1st
The NBA’s newest superstar trio: Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.Source: Getty Images
Portland Trail Blazers
Gained: G Scoot Henderson (draft), F Kris Murray (draft)
Lost: G Damian Lillard
Analysis: The end of an era in Portland. Star guard Damian Lillard, after 11 seasons of tremendous service, was traded in the offseason to Milwaukee. It was a move both teams had to make, as the Trail Blazers weren’t able to build a strong enough team around Lillard to contest. However, as sad as it is to see a player like Lillard go, Portland fans are ready for the Scoot Henderson show. Henderson fell to the Trail Blazers at pick number 3 in the 2023 NBA Draft, and will probably be the main option offensively. Anfernee Simons is a future All-Star who improved last season while Jerami Grant, who inked a rich five-year extension, can score from anywhere on the court while former number 1 pick Deandre Ayton will command plenty of respect from opponents. Depth is the concern for the Trail Blazers, but even though they are in the midst of a rebuild, they will have their moments this season.
Prediction: 14th
Sacramento Kings
Gained: G Chris Duarter, C Nerlens Noel, G Sasha Vezenkov (Euroleague)
Lost: C Richaun Holmes
Analysis: The question is, can they back up last season’s somewhat surprising third-placed finish in the West? They had the talent, but they were able to put it altogether and break a lengthy playoff drought. They wound up being bundled out by the Warriors in the first round, but that’s nothing to scoff at. The West is always a tough conference, so it’s hard to be confident they’ll nab a top four seed, but one thing is for sure – the Kings haven’t got worse. Sacramento have added Sasha Vezenkov from the Euroleague, and he’s shown in the preseason that he’ll be a player that has to be closely guarded on the perimeter from opposition defenses. Superstar point guard De’Aaron Fox is just hitting his prime so expect him to build on last season’s career best campaign, which resulted in a maiden All-Star appearance.
Prediction:4th
San Antonio Spurs
Gained: F Victor Wembanyama (draft), F Cedi Osman, G Reggie Bullock
Analysis: It’s safe to say they’ll be one of the most-watched teams this season, particularly early on because of the addition of one Victor Wembanyama. The 224cm, 19-year-old is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James and for good reason. His rare size blends with an unique skillset blends which creates a type of player that hasn’t been seen before in the NBA. While Wembanyama will undoubtedly make this team better, it’s still a very young roster in San Antonio. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell are nice pieces who are improving but growing pains are to be expected again from the Spurs. Plenty will disagree, but this team will struggle to finish better than the bottom two in the West even with their shiny new toy.
Predicition:15th
Victor WembanyamaSource: AFP
Utah Jazz
Gained: F John Collins, F Taylor Hendricks (draft), G Keyonte George (draft), Brice Sensabaugh (draft)
Lost: C Juan Toscano-Anderson
Analysis: The acquisition of John Collins from Atlanta in a trade will help this burgeoning roster. Collins joins a frontcourt consisting of the up-and-coming centre Walker Kessler and All-Star Lauri Markkanen. In the back-court, Jordan Clarkson is a sharpshooter who can go on a tear with the drop of a hat, while Collin Sexton has flashed glimpses. Consistency is the issue with him, but if he can figure that out, he has a tonne of upside. There’s plenty to be excited about for Jazz fans, including three first round draft picks. But while they might not go deep into the playoffs, it wouldn’t shock to see them nab a lower seed and contest a Play-In match.
The NBA’s Media Day has come and gone, with Jimmy Butler turning heads after debuting a bold, new look while Giannis Antetokounmpo answered questions about his future following the team’s blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard.
But a host of Australia’s NBA players were also made available to the media, with Josh Giddey revealing what he is putting a “heavy emphasis” on in his third year in the league.
Ben Simmons, meanwhile, spoke confidently ahead of his return to the court for the Brooklyn Nets while a few Australians on the move touched on how they will fit into their new teams.
Here are some of the key topics every Australian in the NBA touched on at Media Day!
Giddey, who is entering his third season at the Oklahoma City Thunder, has already proven himself as a top-tier passer while his 3-point shooting still remains a work in progress.
But an underrated aspect of his game, and one the 20-year-old will need to lean into more to further enhance his ceiling on the offensive side of things, is his elite positional size.
Giddey already showed glimpses of that in the recent FIBA World Cup — and against Japan in particular, finishing with 26 points as he used size mismatches to his advantage and drove to the rim with aggression.
Of course, Giddey isn’t going to have that extreme of a size mismatch across the court in the NBA but he still certainly has an advantage as a guard with his 6-foot-9 frame.
Giddey only had 1.9 free throw attempts per game last season despite averaging 12.4 drives and it is something he is looking to increase ahead of his third year with OKC.
Josh Giddey is entering his third season in the NFL. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I wanted to make a heavy emphasis on putting pressure on the refs to blow the whistle and get me foul calls and getting to the free throw line,” Giddey said.
“My first two years that was something I struggled with, was getting to the line a lot. I think I settled for a lot of floaters and a lot of short shots in the mid-range area as opposed to getting all the way to the rim and forcing the ref to make a call.
“That’s something that this year I’m putting an emphasis on, not settling for floaters and mid-range shots and getting to the rim. Getting to the free throw line is something I need to get better at and something I spent a bit of time at the World Cup trying to improve on.”
Using size mismatches to his advantage:
More broadly though, Giddey said he at times fell into the trap of underestimating his size and has been working with Mike Wilks — OKC’s assistant coach — to address that.
“That was something me and Mike Wilks, one of our coaches, we spent a lot of time on it,” Giddey said.
“I think sometimes I underestimate my size and I’m letting teams off the hook taking these mid-range shots as opposed to using my size and strength to get all the way to the rim. That’s something I want to put a heavy emphasis on. I think it helps match-up wise, obviously as a bigger guard you can see things a little better than the average-sized guard and I’m able to make a few extra passes.
“But putting myself in positions where my height and my size can be an advantage to the team is something we’re getting good at and coach is putting me in those positions to exploit teams. It is something I put an emphasis on, trying to use my size to hurt teams.”
Josh Giddey is ready to up the physicality. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Improving as a shooter:
Of course, 3-point shooting still remains a swing skill for Giddey but he can take some confidence from his gradual growth in that regard last season.
No one is asking Giddey to be a lights-out shooter from deep. He just needs to be respectable enough to warrant the respect and attention of the defence.
That, in turn, will only open up more driving lanes for Giddey to increase his free-throw attempts or even kick it out to open teammates like he already does so well.
“Shooting the ball is obviously a big emphasis for me that I wanted to improve on in the off-season,” Giddey said.
“I’m 20 years old, there’s so many things in my game that need to get better and improve. Some of that will come with time, other stuff comes with putting the work in the off-season.”
For the record, Giddey went from a 26.3 per cent 3-point shooter in his rookie year to 32.5 per cent in his sophomore season and is definitely trending up in that regard.
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
It has been quite noticeable this summer that not only does Ben Simmons look in the best shape of his career but he’s also seemingly more confident than ever too.
After a tumultuous few seasons, the 27-year-old told YES Network on media day that this is “the best” he has “felt in a long time” after struggling in his return from back surgery last year.
Now Simmons is looking to be a key part of a young Brooklyn squad that he believes can push the pace and be one of the fastest teams in the league.
On how he feels and the road to recovery:
“I feel great,” Simmons said.
“This is the best I’ve felt in a long time. I had a real opportunity this summer to focus on myself, take my time and rehab properly and get to a place where I’m comfortable and physically able to compete at the highest level.
“There were multiple times that you just didn’t see Ben Simmons out there and that’s because I physically couldn’t do it.
“But for myself, my job is to put myself out there and try to do what I can on the court. Looking at it now, I was put in a place where I probably wasn’t feeling the greatest.
“I probably needed more time to rehab, truthfully. But at the same time I want to compete and help my teammates win.”
Ben Simmons is ready to make a statement. Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Simmons even went on to admit there were times he “couldn’t sit down properly”, such was the pain he was dealing with after being diagnosed with nerve impingement in his back.
“Sitting down here, it’s comfortable,” he said.
“There were times where I couldn’t sit down properly, I couldn’t get into cars and be comfortable sitting down too long. I wasn’t able to get up and perform and do things I needed to do.
“So for me now, I’m looking at it and day-to-day things are easier. I think that also takes a toll on you mentally if you’re not able to compete and do the things naturally you can do. It’s frustrating. But I’m in a place now where everyday is a lot easier.”
Simmons added that he took ownership of his rehab this summer, with pilates in particular playing a key role in his recovery.
“It’s the best,” the three-time All-Star said.
“I do it everyday. It’s something I’ve built into my everyday life and it helps tremendously. This summer I really took my rehab into my own hands.”
Ben Simmons speaks to reporters. Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On having a team that can push the pace:
Whether Simmons can return to the same heights that saw him earn three All-Star selections remains to be seen.
What we already know though is that the 27-year-old is an elite facilitator, particularly in transition, and the make-up of Brooklyn’s current roster has Simmons excited in that regard.
The Australian is expecting the Nets to be “one of the fittest and most fast-paced” teams in the league.
“It’s exciting to have a group of guys that are willing to run, space the floor and get their shots,” Simmons said.
“I don’t think we have anyone on the team that’s worried about the individual shots or anything like that. I’m excited because I know I’m going to find my teammates pushing the ball. I know we have multiple guys who can push the ball.
“That’s something I’ve noticed coming into the league years ago. When you play with pace and everybody’s able to keep up with that pace, it’s hard to stop. Not everybody in the league wants to run… looking at this team, I think we can be one of the fittest teams and [most] fast-paced teams in the league.”
The Nets seemingly prioritised athleticism over shooting given some of their moves this offseason, trading away Joe Harris and Patty Mills.
Brooklyn did sign Cameron Johnson, who shot 45.5 per cent from 3-point land in games for Phoenix last season, to a four-year deal maxing out at $108 million with incentives.
Ben Simmons is back with a point to prove. Cole Burston/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On dealing with criticism and his relationship with coach Jacques Vaughn:
Simmons has faced his fair share of criticism over recent years, although the 27-year-old has quite a mature approach to it all — especially when you consider it would be easy to lash out given the personal nature of his mental health struggles recently.
“It’s difficult but at the same time it comes with it,” Simmons said.
“I know what’s expected of me, I know what I can do and what I’m capable of so I get it. If I was a fan I’d be frustrated too but also I know what’s going on, so physically when I wasn’t able to do it that’s what it was.
“That’s why I took the whole summer, put all the focus into myself and my body to get back to where I need to be.”
Simmons was famously thrown out of training by 76ers coach Doc Rivers during his time in Philadelphia and admitted his relationship with Brooklyn coach Jacques Vaughn has been “a little up and down”.
“It’s hard for a coach to really trust and believe in you when he’s not seeing it, right?” Simmons said.
“And I’m not able to physically do it. You can’t see it. As a coach, I’d do the same thing: I’m not going to play you when you’re not able to compete and do the things I know you can do, right?”
But then Vaughn was able to see Simmons’ progress this summer in person.
“So this summer, I’ve taken the time to get healthy, obviously. He came down to Miami a few times and saw me: That’s what it was,” Simmons said.
“He was able to see me get healthy, put the work in and put the time in and focus on myself and show him that I want to play at this level and be the point guard and do these things.
“So that comes with grace. When you put that work in, you’re going to get grace from the surrounding people, your teammates, your coaches, and staff.”
What have Simmons’ teammates been saying?
Nic Claxton: “He’s feeling a lot better, a lot more confident in himself. I know he’s ready to get out there. He has a lot of people to prove wrong. He wants to get back to his old self.”
Cam Thomas: “There’s not many players in the league that can do what he does. His size and athleticism, and his ability to distribute the ball, defend, rebound, score the ball. He’s a setup guy, and for myself, I can really benefit from playing with him. I think it can bear a lot of fruit.”
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Coming into the NBA, Daniels had already established himself as arguably the most talented defender in his draft class.
It is why Pelicans coach Willie Green did not hesitate to give the Bendigo product minutes early in his career and he didn’t have much choice either as injuries piled up.
As the postseason approached though, the 20-year-old’s minutes dwindled with Daniels a non-factor in the team’s play-in tournament loss to Oklahoma City.
Heading into his sophomore season, Daniels told reporters while defence always will remain his priority he also knows he needs to increase his offensive output to get more minutes.
On finding his offensive identity:
Daniels averaged 3.8 points in 17.7 minutes per game last season but flashed his potential as the focal point of the Pelicans’ offence at the Summer League this year, averaging 14.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 7.2 rebounds.
The 20-year-old guard is unlikely to play the same role without injuries given New Orleans already have talented ballhandlers in Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.
It means becoming a more consistent shooting threat will be key to opening up Daniels’ game.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that can play with the ball and I think our team is very positionless,” Daniels said.
“We want to play fast, we want to get the ball out quick and push the pace. I feel like that’s something I can do with the ball. Obviously I’m not going to have the ball a lot this year because of some of the offensive firepower we have this year.
“So I’ve been learning to play in James Borrego’s offensive system — set screens, slip out of screens, uphill dribble handoffs, fakes and stuff like that. There’s a lot of different things I can do to impact the game and I’m looking forward to getting into training camp and playing with some new guys and playing in new positions.”
Pelicans coach Green told reporters that “creating an offensive identity” will be central to Daniels taking the next step, having already proven himself as an NBA-ready defender.
Dyson Daniels dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Supplied
On changing his shooting technique:
Daniels went on to reveal that he has made changes to his shooting technique under the guidance of Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson.
While Daniels found other ways to score in the Summer League, he still struggled to shoot it from deep after going 2-for-20 from downtown in the tournament.
Having made just 31.4 per cent of his 3-pointers in his rookie season, Daniels said changing his hand placement on the ball has helped correct some of his shooting deficiencies.
“I think it’s huge,” Daniels said of improving his 3-point shooting.
“For me in Summer League I didn’t shoot the ball well at all. I’ve been working with Fred [Vinson] for the last month and a bit now. I’ve changed my shot again and completely changed my technique and I’m very happy with where I’m at now.
“I’ve changed my hand placement on the ball, so I’ve brought my guard hand back a little bit. I’ve got a quicker dip now. I’ve got a more out front reach rather than up. I’m just catching the ball relaxed.
“Last year I caught the ball with wide hands and I was gripping it too much so my fingers are relaxed and I’m able to get my follow through more, get a little bit more arc on the shot and softer touch around the rim. Last year the ball was hitting the rim too hard, this year it’s hitting it soft so it has a chance to go in if it does hit the rim.
“It was tough at the start because when you change something it’s not always going to work at the start but you’ve got to stick with it. The first week I was missing a lot of shots but the second and third week I’m starting to make more and more and be more consistent. I’ve definitely learnt a lot in this short month of changing my shot.”
Dyson Daniels blocks a shot by Nikola Vucevic. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On taking another leap as a defender:
From LeBron James to Luka Doncic and Russell Westbrook. Daniels had his fair share of tough defensive assignments for a rookie.
But that in itself spoke volumes of the confidence the Pelicans had in his impressive defensive instincts.
Even still, Daniels said he wants to further improve as a defender in his sophomore campaign and is looking to draw on the impact teammate Herb Jones had as one of the league’s best perimeter stoppers.
Jones had a team-high 103 steals last season despite missing 16 games and Daniels said he is hoping to have a “defensive impact this year rather than just being a defensive stopper”.
“Defence is what I pride myself on,” he said.
“That’s what got me on the floor last year and I want to make offensive strides this year but we have so much offensive firepower, it’s about making sure I play inside the system and for me on the defensive end I feel like last year I was able to stop people, I was able to guard people but this year I want to have a defensive impact.
“I want to be able to get in the lanes, get more steals, block more shots and be more like Herb. He’s always active, getting hands on balls and that’s what I want to do this year.”
Dyson Daniels handles the ball. (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
It was quite the eventful offseason for Mills, who was first traded to Houston before immediately being dealt to Oklahoma City and then finally settling at the Hawks.
All of that happened in the space of 10 days too.
Mills will fill a bench role for Atlanta as an experienced and stable point guard option to help run the offence while also offering disruptive defensive presence if playing at his best.
The veteran guard had limited opportunities for Brooklyn last season, averaging just 6.2 points per game to go with 1.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 36.6 per cent from deep.
It was the 35-year-old’s worst 3-point shooting season since his 2014-15 campaign with San Antonio, although the lack of consistent playing time certainly played a significant role in that.
On his role in the team and playing under Quin Snyder:
Now with some much-needed clarity on his future, Mills is looking forward to being part of a young core that has struggled to really establish itself as a legitimate playoff contender in recent years.
“I’m very excited to be here in Atlanta. I’m extremely excited to be part of an organisation and a team, from being here only a few days now, but to feel the energy and excitement from everyone,” Mills said.
“Each and everyone understanding their role from players to coaches to staff. There’s a real goal here, so to come in and find my way, be a leader for this team and complement the other leaders that are here is very important.
“It’s been incredible to watch someone who I’ve seen as a rookie, to see him grow in San Antonio and then to see him make a change and see him continue to be on that growth at an extraordinary level has been awesome for me as a vet to follow along.
“His [Snyder] basketball mind is exceptional. The strategies going against him for so many years, I’m definitely pleased to be on the other side with him now.”
Patty Mills is in new colours. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On playing with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray:
The Hawks are coming off three-straight playoffs appearances but have failed to progress past the first round in the past two seasons.
Whether Atlanta is able to finally take a step in the right direction towards a championship largely will depend on Trae Young, the undeniable face of the franchise.
The Hawks also re-signed Dejounte Murray to a four-year, $120 million contract extension this summer, with Mills describing the duo as “the head of the snake”.
“Coming into a locker room that is very talented, young and filled with that excitement is a great place to start,” Mills said.
“You put Trae, you put Dejounte… to be able to lead this thing down a path of success, my role and [that of] the other older guys’ [is] to be able to keep the group together. There’s going to be a lot of adversity as there always is every season but to be able to keep this group together and in a growth mindset is important.
“But Trae and Dejounte are obviously the head of the snake here and being able to empower them to be the players they are is very important.”
On the motto driving his fresh start:
Having spent a decade at San Antonio before his move to Brooklyn, it could be easy for Mills to question the path his career is heading in after what transpired this summer.
But the Boomers legend had a mature approach to the most eventful offseason of his career and it all centres around sticking solid with one motto in particular.
“It was probably a couple of years there where there were a lot of different things that were happening and changing, so I don’t think I was too surprised,” Mills said of his time at the Nets.
“But more just excited about an opportunity. A strong motto for me at the moment is: ‘Be where your feet are’. It’s about being present, making the most of the opportunities that are in the front of you and enjoy it.
“Being here in Atlanta is a great opportunity for me that I’m thoroughly excited about.”
Patty Mills was traded a few times this offseason. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
JACK WHITE (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Joining Giddey at Oklahoma City this year will be Jack White, who knows a thing or two about winning after becoming the seventh Australian NBA champion last season.
While White didn’t see much playing time, only averaging 3.9 minutes across 17 games for the Denver Nuggets, it was an invaluable experience for the 26-year-old nonetheless.
Now White will have a better chance for more minutes at an Oklahoma City team that is still figuring out its identity and could always use a high-effort player of his calibre off the bench.
White though was signed to a deal cheap with minimal guarantees, meaning he will need to impress at training camp or risk being cut before the season tips off.
Giddey’s praise for White:
Boomers and now Thunder teammate Giddey though is confident White will fit right in at the Thunder given the winning habits he has picked up in stints with Melbourne United, Duke and Denver.
“You guys will love him,” Giddey said at media day.
“He’s awesome. A guy that plays with a lot of energy, makes the right play, makes the game easy for his teammates, will do the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.”
Jack White vies for a rebound. (Photo by Aaron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
What kind of player the Thunder will be getting in White:
That proved the case at times in the recent FIBA World Cup, with White a late inclusion in Australia’s squad after former United teammate Jock Landale was ruled out due to injury.
White stepped up to make an immediate impact on both ends in the team’s World Cup opener against Finland, proving particularly effective in defence on NBA star Lauri Markkanen.
“My best strength is being a sort of 3-and-D guy on the wing and forward position, being able to rebound the ball really well for my size and position,” White said.
“Just being able to stretch the floor, being able to be reliable as an individual and team defender, being a communicator and great culture guy. But really, just trying to do all the simple things and all the hard-working, one per centre things that you need to win.
“I couldn’t really care too much about my individual stats or anything like that as long as I feel like I’m contributing to winning, that’s the most important thing to me and I’m super excited to try showcase that here.”
On any similarities between Denver and OKC:
While Oklahoma City is still building and unlikely to be in a position to contend like Denver was last season, White does see some similarities between the two franchises.
Namely, the 26-year-old pointed towards the lack of egos in the locker room with the Nuggets of course being led in that regard by selfless Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic.
“I think the biggest thing that is consistent across different teams and different levels is having that sort of camaraderie and team culture to fall back on,” White said.
“I think last year at Denver we just had a great bunch of guys. We had great vets, great young guys, obviously super talented players. It’s a long season, obviously there’s going to be ups and downs throughout two games and if you have sort of that base and relationship with your teammates and just a great culture within the group, it’s great to be able to fall back on that when things aren’t going well and obviously when things are going well you’re able to ride that wave and keep it at a high level.
“My experience here so far meeting all the guys and meeting all the staff… I definitely get that similar vibe from what I felt at Denver. Although it’s a young group we have great leadership and guys that are all-in and all about winning. There are no egos coming into the gym. I’m just super excited to see how it all comes together.”
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
Like White, Ingles has also made the move from a contending team in Milwaukee to one on the rise in Orlando.
With former first overall pick Paolo Banchero leading a young Magic core, Ingles will provide some much-needed veteran leadership and experience off the bench and in the locker room.
On why he signed with the Magic:
Ingles signed with the Magic on a two-year, $22 million deal in free agency but the decision to join Orlando had more to do with family than it did with how much he was pocketing.
“I think for me as you get older, I’m not purely picking where I play basketball,” Ingles said.
“Obviously that’s a part of it but having my wife and kids and my son especially who is on the spectrum and starting school now, one of the things my agent obviously knew straight away is I wasn’t going anywhere where there wasn’t a school for Jacob so that does limit it a fair bit.
“But there was a great opportunity obviously with school, obviously the living side of it speaks for itself and then having a bit of a relationship with coach, kind of getting to know him over the last few years through some mutual connections and playing against him and how they’ve been trending upwards and the way they play.
“Just all of that combined in, it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”
Joe Ingles in new colours. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On the lessons learned that Ingles can bring to a young core:
Of course, Ingles brings more than just a veteran presence to Orlando, also offering a catch-and-shoot option for a Magic team that finished 27th in the league last year in 3-point attempts per game.
Ingles will also offer a playmaking option to help run the young second unit and ease the pressure on Cole Anthony, who developed into a strong sixth man for the Magic last season.
“Obviously knowing that it is a younger group, luckily or not I’ve been around a fair bit,” Ingles said.
“I’ve played a lot of basketball. I’ve played for good teams, I’ve played on some average teams. Bringing those experiences to these guys on the daily basis, kind of understanding what it takes to win.
“I’ve been lucky enough to win 50-plus games for a number of years. That’s hard to do in this league, taking the right steps on a daily basis to get that and obviously with coach it’s a great voice of leading that and I think for me to be able to echo that from a players’ point of view, instead of just from a coach or front office, is important for me to do.
“I think I’ve got a good balance of being able to be that leader but still obviously do what I need to do on the court.”
Joe Ingles in action for the Bucks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On how he felt returning from a long injury layoff:
Ingles spent nearly 10 months away from the court before returning for Milwaukee in December from a torn ACL.
The veteran had a shaky first few shooting games as he started to get back into his rhythm before really heating up in January, shooting 45.8 per cent from downtown.
As the regular season drew towards a close Ingles was providing even more spark off the bench, averaging 8.5 points and 3.5 assists while making 50.8 per cent of his 3-point attempts.
“I started to feel really good at the end of the Milwaukee season,” Ingles said.
“I guess it was a bit of a weird time for me because I was still kind of coming back from that, had a bit of time off, spent the summer in L.A. to get ready for the World Cup, felt really good going into that, had a couple of injuries in the first game.
“I had a couple of injuries in the first game of that, that probably slowed my upper body down a little bit but my knee feels great, fitness levels feel great… now it’s about getting the game reps in.
“Playing with a new group it’s really about learning about how they play individually and as a team. Coach has been great at watching some film on the side just trying to get the understanding of it but I guess that’s one of the hardest parts, coming to a new team — especially when 90 per cent of the team is the same.
“So it’s me really just trying to get on the same page as them.”
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
Thybulle may be 10 years younger than Ingles but he too will be a veteran of sorts for a younger Portland Trail Blazers squad to lean on.
Thybulle, who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a three-team deal this February, is now the third-oldest player on Portland’s roster after superstar guard Damian Lillard was dealt to Milwaukee.
On stepping into more of a leadership role:
With the offence now in the hands of rookie Scoot Henderson, Thybulle is set to offer a much-needed disruptive defensive presence in the starting small forward role.
Shaedon Sharpe and rookie Kris Murray are likely to be the strongest competition to Thybulle’s starting spot.
“Being more of a veteran player now, I think the biggest thing for me is being available and probably in my case being a bit more vocal,” Thybulle said.
“But I have four seasons under my belt now and for me it feels like a pretty solid foundation of knowing what I’m doing out there or at least pretending really, really well. For the young players, if I see something I can help them with [it is] just being willing and able to step in and then for me also just continuing to learn.
“This is my first team playing on such a young team. For me it’s a new experience and with that there’s a lot [that intrigues me]. I wouldn’t say there’s any thing. I’d say the potential for the speed we can play with is intriguing to most of us here.”
Matisse Thybulle is one of the more experienced players at Portland. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On the Dame trade and his own uncertain future:
It was an eventful offseason for the Trail Blazers, with Lillard eventually traded to the Bucks almost two months after making the request in the first place.
Thybulle admitted he felt “bad” for Lillard given how long it took for the move to be finalised, having also struggled with the uncertainty of his own playing future.
The versatile Boomer signed a three-year, $33 million offer sheet with the Mavericks but the Trail Blazers decided to match the offer, securing his services until at least the 2024-25 season.
“It’s a business, right? I ended up here because of the business of basketball, so I understand it a little bit differently than I might have before I got traded,” Thybulle said.
“Also just to speak on peace of mind, even for me signing the contract this summer. Until I had it signed it was actually quite stressful, just not knowing where you’re going to end up, not knowing what you’re going to make and for long.
“So, for him I feel bad it took so long, to be unsettled for that long not knowing where you’re going to land. I hope it works out. It leaves us with a really going and really fast group, a group that can build and for me being here that’s my main concern.”
Matisse Thybulle in action for the Blazers. Alika Jenner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Speaking of being unsettled, Thybulle even went on to reveal that he had only just found a place to live after spending a few months “living out of duffle bags”.
“I found a place to live last week, so I’m really excited about that. I’ve been joking with friends, I’ve been living out of duffle bags since February so to now have a place I can put my stuff and things and start to settle in is very, very exciting,” he added.
On his role and development as a shooter:
Like second-year Pelicans guard Daniels, Thybulle’s elite defensive instincts have always kept him on the court, with Portland coach Chauncey Billups describing him as a “wizard”.
The challenge for Thybulle, as is the case for Daniels, has been offering a consistent shooting threat to space the floor.
The 26-year-old made strides in that area of his game since making the move to Portland last season, shooting 38.8 per cent from downtown compared to 32.5 per cent in four seasons at Philadelphia.
“I think my role is the same on any team in the NBA,” Thybulle said.
“I think what’s different here or the opportunity I’ve had here and what’s been different in the past is the involvement I’ve been able to have offensively.
“But at the end of the day, what keeps me in the NBA and what got me here is what I do defensively and the things you do better than everyone else is what gets you here and those things don’t change overnight or in a year.
“For me, it’s just been to continue to do that well and then just build on the things I want to improve. Shooting for me is a thing that was a problem of opportunity and then when I got here the opportunity showed itself and the numbers showed in my ability to do it.
“Now just having an offseason where I got to put more work under my belt and continue to improve on that, this season will be yet another chance to prove it some more.”
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
There is plenty on the line heading into Green’s fourth season in the NBA.
Having flashed his potential powering the Dallas offence without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the challenge for Green is to now find ways to contribute without the ball in his hands as much.
Green’s confidence seemed to wane at times throughout the year, with the 22-year-old having a few strong shooting games before going cold in others.
On a whole though it was an impressive third year for the Australian wing, who shot 40.2 per cent from downtown while averaging 9.1 points in 25.7 minutes — all career-high numbers.
On the key areas of improvement in his game:
The Mavericks have reportedly opened contract extension talks with Green, who spoke at media day about the biggest areas of improvement he targeted in the summer.
“A big focus of mine was making sure I was in the weight room a lot, continuing to try build a bigger upper body,” Green said.
“And then just staying consistent through my whole game just playing more one-on-one in tight situations, three seconds to get a shot off, being consistent with my 3.
“The main thing was making sure I was deliberate with everything I did. I knew I had the World Cup this offseason so as soon as we didn’t make the playoffs I kind of straight away went to work there for two-and-a-half months before being able to head to Australia for camp. It was a fun summer and I feel like I got a lot out of it.
Josh Green dunks. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I think a big focus is making sure I’m consistent with everything, with 3-point shooting and just making sure I’m able to get a lot of reps up.
“But I’d say my biggest thing I tried to improve is the 1-on-1 game and just making sure I’m comfortable with the ball, especially at the end of shot clocks and everything like that. If I get put into a situation where I need to score I worked on that.”
Green also conceded he has at times been the “quieter guy” in the team, adding he is looking to become a more “vocal leader” in his fourth year.
On a potential contract extension with Dallas:
Green was certainly leaving no doubt that he wants to stay put with the Mavericks, telling reporters he “wants to win” with the Mavericks.
“I’m going to work as if I’m going to be here for a long time,” he said.
“I want to win in Dallas, I want to be in Dallas, so whatever their decision is their decision. But at the end of the day, I’ve got the same goal every single day and that is to be the best teammate and best player I can be.”
What new Australian teammate Dante Exum said about him:
Green will team up with Boomers teammate and former fifth overall pick Dante Exum this season.
Exum said on Media Day that Green had an immediate impact on Australia’s World Cup campaign when he took to the court after being sidelined with a few niggling injuries and is looking forward to continuing to see his growth.
“It’s great. Just seeing his growth as a player when I was watching him on the Mavs and then in the Australian team what he’s able to bring for us and then even these couple of days he’s been in training camp and just how he conducts himself and the steps that he takes to be a professional and be the guy he is on court, it’s amazing to see,” Exum said.
“I know he battled a bit of an ankle injury coming in but as soon as he stepped on the floor it changed us dramatically. He was picking up full court, just a dog on the ball.”
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
Green wasn’t the only Boomers player to suffer an injury setback in the lead-up to this year’s World Cup, with Landale a late scratching from the Australian team after turning his left ankle.
Landale was set to play a key role for the Boomers as the team’s clear leading big man but instead was forced to watch from home, although it gave him time to study up on new Houston teammate Alperen Şengün.
The 27-year-old was rewarded for a strong showing with the Suns in the playoffs last season, signing a four-year, $32 million contract with the Rockets in free agency.
Landale will operate as Houston’s first option to backup Şengün and will need to perform if he is to see the entirety of his contract, with just one year guaranteed.
On why he signed with Houston:
“Look it’s a business, part of it was financial and I won’t hide from that fact,” an honest Landale admitted.
“The other part is I’ve come to a situation where we’re on the precipice of turning this thing around and getting it back on track in terms of winning and that really excites me, being part of a program where they’re making all the right decisions to get back into playoff contention and I really wanted to be a part of that. Phoenix was an unbelievable experience.
“I would love to go back there and compete for a championship but I was also really excited by the opportunity to come to Houston and help this team over a few years get back towards the winning circle.”
Jock Landale is now playing for the Rockets. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On the ankle injury:
“I feel really good,” Landale said.
“It was a bit of an interesting process because obviously I was eager to play in the World Cup and then when it happened 12 hours before we were taken off to Tokyo that was pretty disheartening but we sat there in Melbourne for about a week, kind of got the bleeding in the ankle to stop and then jumped on the flight and managed to inflame it because that’s a damn long flight out to Houston.
“It went big as it ever was. From there it was just a process of getting that swelling out over a week-and-a-half and then we’ve been rehabbing since then. The rehab process has been phenomenal here and it’s in a place where I can play right now if I have to. We’re pretty pumped with the progress.”
On what he is going to bring to Houston:
“Just what I try to bring to every other team I suppose is just a level of toughness, playing hard every single possession,” Landale said.
“I’m going to make mistakes but there will be no lack of effort, run hard up and down the court, play defence, rebound on both ends of the court. Just try and apply as much pressure all-round every game.
“I’m going to help get these guys open as much as I can, just set screens and do the dirty work and I think that last year really cleared itself up for me moving forward is that that’s what my role is going to be.
“My role is going to be playing between the gaps and really doing the dirty work to help the more prominent scorers out, shoot good shots, not really force anything and play winning basketball the right way.”
Jock Landale missed the FIBA World Cup with an ankle injury. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Landale shot just 25.0 per cent from deep last season but is confident he can improve on that after seeing immediate results as he ramps up to return from injury.
“I didn’t have a great year shooting the ball last year,” Landale said.
“I think everyone knows that but that was something where towards in the end it was just the reality of the situation was, ‘Hey, we’ve got a lot of guys that can score the ball, we don’t need another one, so where can you fit in?’.
“I was totally content with just being able to help those guys get open and then get my shot creation, offensive rebounds and rim running and I love that stuff. That was a really enjoyable role for me and I’d be content doing it again. I think I can help the team a lot this year. I’ve been shooting the ball really well since coming back from my injury and in the few days I’ve played live there’s been a carryover effect there.”
On first impressions of the team:
This Houston squad is definitely a work in progress, a far cry from the juggernaut Landale left behind in Phoenix with superstar Bradley Beal the latest addition to the stacked roster.
The Rockets though are building quite the talented, young roster with rookies Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson joining Şengün, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
Landale though had not been able to see much of his teammates in person when asked for his first impressions of the Rockets at Media Day.
“That’s the tough thing,” Landale said.
“I’ve been on the opposite schedule of the team thus far just doing my rehab when they’ve been up on court and then we flip flop so then I go up and I haven’t seen a whole lot just yet. “I got to witness a little bit down in the Bahamas when we went down there as a team and I think we have some extremely high-level young talent and a young core.
“We just need to understand how to play the game the right way and that’s where Ime [Udoka] and his coaching staff have been pushing the guys this offseason and just teaching them how to make the right reads, teaching them how to play with each other and play winning basketball. That’s where I think we’re going to take a big step this season.”
Jock Landale will be the back-up to Alperen Şengün. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
What he can teach/offer Şengün:
While Landale hadn’t seen much of his Rockets teammates in person, he did remember playing against Houston last season and one key deficiency stood out.
“I remember playing against Houston last year there wasn’t a whole lot of boxing out that was going on necessarily so just doing those little things that help teams win in the long run is an area I can help him with,” Landale said when asked what he could offer to Şengün, who he described as an “unbelievable” talent.
Landale did have plenty of spare time during the World Cup and said he “watched a lot” of Şengün, studying up on what he does well and where he may still need to improve.
“I watched Turkey play, not in the World Cup games, but they were playing against other national teams and you can tell there is a guy right there that cares about winning, who has it all offensively,” Landale said.
“I think where I can help him is just by pushing him. I’m someone who doesn’t take possessions off and plays hard every possession and I think I can help him in that regard.
“I took a big step defensively last year as an undersized, not the most athletic centre going around and I think I can help him out being good positionally defensively and then just pushing him.
“Making him chase me up and down the court, applying pressure on the offensive end and the glass.”
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
It has been a long road back to the NBA for Exum, who was taken fifth overall by the Utah Jazz in 2014.
“I felt like I had the skill to be here but being healthy has kind of been the problem,” Exum said on Media Day.
“But I think going over to Europe and spending the last two seasons there has helped me tremendously, learning their game and how they play it and the importance of valuing the ball and possession.”
Exum, who was traded to Cleveland late in 2019 before being waived by Houston two years later, signed with Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
Most recently he suited up for Partizan, leading the team with 11.2 points per game while also improving his 3-point shooting to make 47 per cent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
“I wouldn’t take it back in any sense but I’m glad I was kind of able to fight my way back here but I think it’s just staying on court, staying healthy and making sure everyday I’ve been working on my game and on areas in my game that haven’t been my strong suit and making them a strong suit now,” Exum added.
“… This opportunity means the world to me. Just the path I’ve gone down and experiences I’ve gone through being in the league, being a high draft pick and then going over to Europe, it’s tough. Not a lot of people come back.
“So for me I think I want to come back and stay, show teams that I can be useful, I can be a piece going forward.”
Dante Exum in action for the Mavericks. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On deciding to join the Mavericks:
“There were a few teams that were interested but I think the Mavs provided a unique opportunity,” Exum said.
“Obviously them having Kyrie and Luka, it’s a lot of minutes taken up but I think where my strong suits are in pushing the ball and being a fast, over-sized point guard is going to help me so that’s kind of why I liked the Mavs too.”
On making leaps in his shooting:
“The biggest thing for me has just been the confidence,” said Exum.
“I’ve always said if I missed my first one I’m going to make the second one, if I miss my second one I’ll make the third one so that’s just kind of the mindset I’ve had with my shooting.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had form and just wasn’t confident. Obviously going over to Europe provided me with the opportunity to just be confident with it and shoot it.”
On what sort of role he could play for Dallas:
Mavericks fans already got a glimpse into the answer to that question during the World Cup, where Exum’s elite athleticism and length gave the Boomers a versatile, switchable option on defence.
Exum though also used those exact qualities to his advantage with the ball in hand too, helping push the pace in transition. Put simply, Exum said he wants to be an “energy guy”.
“I want to bring that energy when I come in,” Exum said.
“I like to push the ball, play fast. The coaches talked about that a bit this year, playing a bit faster and open-court transition, that’s where I’m going to try excel the most.
“My spot shot is the best it’s ever been, so whether it’s playing on ball and pushing the ball or having to play off it and be ready to shoot, that’s what I’m going to be able to do.”
Dante Exum is grateful for the opportunity. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Exum also later revealed that when he first went into the league Dennis Lindsey, who drafted him with the Jazz, told him he was a “horrible defender”.
“So, I took that to heart and that’s something I wanted to focus on,” Exum added.
“I want to be the guy that if you walk on the court and there’s a guy that’s dominant offensively, I want to be the guy [who says], ‘I will take him.’
“… That’s why when I was playing in that series against James Harden [in 2018] I think I was able to stop him. To have the confidence to move my feet, play a bit harder.
“I feel like the European game is a lot [more] physical and I’m going to gauge it as soon as I get on the court here and see how physical I can be. But I know a lot of the players are very smart in how they draw fouls so it’s something I’ve got to be very careful about.”
DUOP REATH
Reath signed a one-year deal with the Blazers after impressing in the absence of Landale at the World Cup, making the most of his opportunity as Australia’s starting big man.
Portland already got a look at Reath at the Summer League too, where he averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks in 19.5 minutes.
According to Spotrac, Reath is one of six players on the Blazers roster that is on an Exhibit-10 contract.
It is a minimum, one-year deal that allows NBA teams to bring in players to provide competition at training camp so it remains to be seen whether Reath will figure on the roster once the season tips off.
Duop Reath gets his shot in the NBA. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Things weren’t supposed to happen this fast for the Thunder, a young team very much still finding its identity and projected to win just 23.5 games entering last season.
But like sophomore guard Josh Giddey, this Oklahoma City squad is quickly proving that age is just a number.
By the end of January, the youngest team in the league — and second-youngest in NBA history only to last year’s Thunder squad — already had 24 wins on the board.
That included victories over title contenders Denver and Philadelphia, as OKC later beat Cleveland to cap off an impressive 9-6 run during the first month of the new year.
It also coincided with a standout stretch from Giddey, who averaged 18.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists during January to quickly become a walking triple-double threat every night.
Of course, this Thunder team is about so much more than just Giddey.
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Josh Giddey impressed in his second season in the NBA. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It is about his backcourt partner and now All-Star teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The needle-mover. The selfless star on the verge of superstardom. The franchise cornerstone.
The first step in any rebuild is finding that guy, the one who has the potential to be the face of the franchise now and long into the future. Oklahoma City has that in Gilgeous-Alexander.
Just as important though is finding the right pieces to put around him.
Denver is tangible proof of that team-building process paying off, carefully constructing a championship-calibre roster headlined by the most complementary duo in the league.
It is a process that is already producing results for Oklahoma City, drafting players with positional size, versatility, playmaking and high-level character traits.
With Chet Holmgren still to be added to the mix and a haul of draft picks at their disposal, the Thunder shape as one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams in both the short and long-term.
Chet Holmgren will finally make his Thunder debut in the NBA next season. Ian Maule/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
He spoke to Oklahoma City’s success in accelerating its rebuild and what lessons in team-building it could offer the rest of the league.
On a more specific note, he also touched on early evaluations of Giddey and how the way the basketball community views him has changed, and in other ways stayed the same.
But any discussion of the rebuild at Oklahoma City always has to start with one man in particular.
THE MASTERMIND AND BRILLIANT BLUEPRINT BEHIND OKC’S REBUILD
Calm and calculated. Two words that sum up not only this roster facelift at OKC, but the demeanour of the mastermind behind this project — general manager Sam Presti.
Presti has never been afraid to curve conventionality.
The selection of Giddey with the sixth overall pick was proof of that. The same goes for the 138-minute marathon that was his exit interview in April earlier this year.
Again, just another example of how calm and calculated Presti is as he carefully explained to the media and, by extension, Thunder fans his vision for Oklahoma City’s rise back to relevance.
Although Presti likes to talk in metaphors — a lot — and in this instance he compared it to climbing a mountain.
“When I think back to where we started in 2008, we were looking up a pretty steep mountain,” Presti opened, reflecting back on the Thunder’s inaugural season in the NBA.
“We didn’t have a team name. We had no uniforms. Some would argue we didn’t have much of a team at the time. We didn’t really have pens or pencils.
“But we climbed the mountain, we fought it for as long as we could, we stayed up there for a long time. We had a pretty good run of sustained success and now we’re facing another climb.”
That second climb though has not taken as long as most would have expected, fast-tracked by a team-building approach that prioritises players with elite positional size and a high level of skill.
That last part is particularly important as while several NBA teams have already started to embrace the transition to positionless basketball, that in itself is not always guaranteed to be an exact blueprint for success.
The experiment at Toronto speaks to that point, having left the Raptors with more of an identity crisis than a clear path towards contending for another title.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the key piece in the Oklahoma City rebuild. Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“It’s just easier to win in the NBA when you have big guards and wings that know how to fit into an offence and play with others,” Schlecht told foxsports.com.au.
“You see it in Houston right now. Not to say Houston can’t be as successful as OKC is someday, but their road is a lot tougher because they have a bunch of guards that are just like bucket-getters. Jalen Green was just created in a lab to go get buckets on his own and it’s hard to play with those guys, especially when they’re young.
“It’s not hard to play with Josh Giddey. Josh Giddey makes the game easier for everybody. It’s not hard to play with Shai. Shai is one of the most humble stars that you would ever meet and he makes it really easy to play with him, the same with Jalen Williams and all those guys. “… They’re all so malleable and also the Thunder have really dug their heels in with bringing in only really quality people with really good character. If you have a major character flaw when it comes to decision-making outside of basketball, you’re probably not going to play for the Thunder, no matter how talented you are.”
What the Thunder are doing may not be conventional, but tell Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault that and he is more likely to take it as a compliment than anything else.
“We’re not interested in average and being conventional leads to average,” Daigneault said at media day in September last year.
“We’ve had a willingness from a strategic and team-building standpoint to chase excellence. We’re aggressive in our pursuit of our goals.”
And heading into the 2022-23 season, the Thunder needed to be aggressive if they were going to make the playoffs. At least that is what Lu Dort said he thought the team was capable of.
“I’m happy that’s where our head is,” Presti said in response ahead of last season.
“But I’m more interested in how we are doing that.”
Again, it is all about the process and from the outside looking in, the playoffs seemed a bridge too far — not that wins and losses were the biggest determiners for success at OKC anyway.
This was a young squad that had finished the season prior with a 24-58 record while a serious injury to Holmgren threatened to destabilise that process Presti had always stressed.
Jalen Williams emerged as a rising star in the NBA. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Instead, new building blocks emerged in the rebuild as Jaylin Williams and Jalen Williams flashed their potential, with the latter finishing runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting.
The Thunder may have fallen short of making the playoffs but qualifying for the play-in tournament and then beating the Pelicans made last season a resounding success.
Oklahoma City eventually bowed out of the postseason at the hands of Minnesota, outclassed and outworked in a comprehensive 120-95 defeat in the team’s second play-in game.
But if anything, the general feeling after that loss was the clearest sign of just how far this team had come.
It felt like there was so much more left in this team, as if celebrating making it that far was doing the opposite of what Daigneault had preached and accepting “average” instead of chasing “excellence”.
The Thunder are building something special under head coach Mark Daigneault. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I think they certainly ended the season ahead of schedule,” Schlecht said.
“This is not where they thought they would be… and they say things like, ‘Oh we really didn’t have a target or goal of what we wanted to do’. But certainly, I don’t think from a coaching and management standpoint that they really thought that they could get here this quickly.
“A lot of it is due to the kind of people that they have in the locker room for sure. They’re all pretty mature, they’re all pretty — as much as an NBA player can be — unselfish. They all really believe in what the Thunder are building, they’re all kind of pulling on the same rope. “That’s kind of how you get ahead of schedule in the league is that everybody’s pulling the same rope, everybody’s in lockstep with what the overarching plan is.”
That overarching plan, of course, comes back to Presti — who has long promoted patience as the key to Oklahoma City’s rebuild.
To him, injuries and setbacks are all part of the journey back to the top of the mountain and if anyone doesn’t believe that, Presti can just point to last season’s NBA champions Denver.
He shouldn’t need to anyway. After all, Gilgeous-Alexander would’ve requested a trade a long time ago if he didn’t buy into Presti’s vision. Now he’s about to enter his fifth season at OKC.
“They believe in what Presti has built,” Schlecht added.
“They were kind of like, ‘OK, we’re betting on Sam a lot. What Sam has put in place, we’ve seen it be successful in the past’, and they kind of believe that they can trust him and his plan for their culture and plan for the team.
“If you just fit into it you’re going to have success, you’re going to make so much money and you’re going to win. They’re all bought in and the season was a huge success, a huge surprise to everybody.
“But this is the beginning. This is like step one of a multi-step process here.”
Or, as Presti would put it, the valley between that first and second mountain.
And as young as this group may be, any exposure to postseason basketball — even if just a few games in the play-in tournament — will only accelerate their development and shorten that climb.
Proof of the 20-year-old’s enormous ceiling that has been hard to conceptualise at times, as a player that Schlecht believes is “unlike almost anybody we’ve ever seen” in the NBA.
‘I’VE NEVER SEEN IT’: WHY SOME PEOPLE ‘MISS THE MARK’ WITH GIDDEY
When Giddey first declared he would be entering the 2021 NBA draft he was projected as the No. 13 prospect in ESPN’s rankings.
ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski even reported at the time that Giddey could still climb higher in the lottery, although being taken by Oklahoma City at No. 6 seemed a stretch.
That is exactly how it played out though, with the Thunder shaking up the draft as they reached for the Australian point guard. At least, it seemed to be a reach to some at the time.
For others, Giddey — a tall gifted playmaker with an advanced feel for the game — was an intriguing fit alongside Gilgeous-Alexander with a strength of being able to make his teammates better.
Josh Giddey’s BEST MOMENTS in the NBL | 01:51
Schlecht described it as the “boldest selection Presti has made in the draft” since taking Russell Westbrook with the fourth overall pick in 2008 — and he was a fan from the start.
“Giddey is new age Thunder,” Schlecht wrote in a scouting report for The Athletic after the draft. “Sam Presti has been building a team full of high IQ players that can all shoot, pass, and dribble. The 18-year-old certainly does two of those things, with passing and ball handling.”
Sure, there were concerns over Giddey’s jump shot and overall defence but the potential was there for the Australian to emerge as a key piece in the rebuild at Oklahoma City.
The question marks over his shooting still remained heading into Giddey’s sophomore season but for the most part he had already largely proven it wasn’t a reach to take him sixth overall.
In fact, his selection is now looking like yet another masterstroke from Presti.
Josh Giddey smiles after being drafted by the Thunder. (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Supplied
For Schlecht, the assessments of Giddey both before he stepped onto an NBA court and throughout his career so fare are reflective of a bigger issue in player evaluation.
“I think largely people don’t know how to think about Josh for a lot of reasons,” Schlecht said.
“One, he is so well-spoken that he doesn’t seem like he’s 19 or 20 this past year. He’s very polished. You can tell that he’s been trained. I know his parents played pro ball and so they kind of know that world and then he’s surrounded himself really well with people that know the business and know media too.
“And so he’s really good about saying the right things, not saying anything controversial. He’s never in the news for what he says and I think that’s extremely intentional on his part. It’s a good thing for the organisation and it’s a good thing for him.
“And then with his game overall people don’t know how to process it because he’s unlike almost anybody we’ve ever seen.
Josh Giddey is a unique talent. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“If you really compare him to players that have played in the NBA in the past, you have to go to players like Jason Kidd and Magic Johnson when you’re making comps and you don’t really want to do that because it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, is he really going to be like one of the best point guards of all time like those two?’.
“The answer could be yes but people don’t know how to think about his game. So oftentimes they just underrate him and they just talk about what he can’t do.”
And there were plenty of things Giddey couldn’t do according to that infamous scouting report.
“He’s not that athletic compared to other guys, there’s a lot of criticism that he’s not a great defender, he’s going to get targeted in the playoffs,” Schlecht said.
“People tend to gravitate there because they know how to talk about those kinds of players.
“But with a 6-foot-8 point guard who can score, people kind of put that on the backburner when they try to talk about him, like the dude can really score. One of the best rebounding guards in the league, one of the best passers at 6-foot-8.
“I think people really miss the mark in evaluating him. I think people just really are bad at evaluating him, just because there’s not a great comp for him.
“Watching Shai, watching JDub [Jalen Williams], watching those other guys is like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve seen this before, I know this story’. Those are sort of what a star guard or forwards looks like.
“Then you watch Josh and it’s like, ‘I’ve never seen it’. People were really late to get on the Jokic train because it’s like, ‘I’ve never seen a center that’s this kind of like doughy but can pass like a maniac and can do all these things’… but early on people were criticising his defence, criticising his athleticism, it’s like we don’t know what to do with him.
“I think it’s similar stuff with Josh. It’s like people don’t know how to think about the guy.”
Josh Giddey continues to defy expectations. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
‘IN MY OWN HEAD’: HOW GIDDEY TOOK HIS GAME TO ANOTHER LEVEL
Both Giddey and Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, represented the start of a new wave at the point guard position in the NBA.
Like Giddey, Cunningham’s versatility was also one of his biggest weapons entering the league as a do-it-all guard with a 6-foot-8 frame that allowed him to see above the defence.
It was only last season though that Giddey started to really use his size to his advantage, averaging 11.5 points in the paint compared to 7.4 in his rookie campaign.
Giddey also attempted more shots from inside the restricted area (37.7 per cent of his FGs versus 27.3 per cent) while improving his finishing (62.5 per cent versus 57.9 per cent) close to the basket.
“I spent a lot of time last off-season just lifting and getting stronger so I think trying to use that to my advantage,” the Australian said at his exit interview earlier this year.
“Obviously being a bigger guard, trying to get into the paint and make plays – whether that is score, kick the ball out – just making the right read.
“I started to figure out that I’m typically going to be a lot bigger than the guys that are guarding me so I’m trying to use that to my advantage.”
While Giddey has always been known for his flashy playmaking, last season saw the 20-year-old really diversify his offence by putting pressure at the rim and improving his jump shot.
It has never been about becoming a prolific 3-point shooter anyway, with Giddey just needing to earn enough of the opposition’s respect to open up driving lanes and his offence in general.
Giddey took a big step towards doing just that this past season, going 32.5 per cent from deep under the guidance of Oklahoma City’s offseason addition — shooting guru Chip Engelland.
That was up from 26.3 per cent in his rookie season and after an early shooting slump which saw Giddey make just 23.8 per cent of his 3-point attempts in November last year.
“I think when you try change something you’ve been doing your entire life it’s like breaking out of any bad habit, they don’t happen quick,” Giddey said of his shooting struggles.
“It takes time. For me at the start it was frustrating because I wanted the results straight away but you have to understand when you break out of a habit it takes time, it doesn’t work that way that it clicks overnight.
Josh Giddey improved his shot over time. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Everything will be different and I think for me the early days with Chip [Engelland] and Mike [Daigneault], even when I was in California in the summer, I was getting so worried about the results and the outcome right there that it was distracting me from the process and how long those type of things take.
“Even earlier in the season, I really struggled to shoot the ball. I was in my own head. Chip and Mike kept reinforcing that these things take time and I think that once I learned that and stopped worrying about the immediate result and thinking more long-term in the outcomes from the process, that’s when a switch really flipped and things headed in a better direction for me.”
Giddey finished the 2022-23 season averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists while also growing more comfortable playing off the ball alongside backcourt partner Gilgeous-Alexander.
For his All-Star teammate, the best part of Giddey’s sophomore season was the way he was able to improve his game despite the increased attention from opposition defences.
“A lot of guys get better, come back and then you’re the new guy, then teams figure you out and you’re a little bit stagnant but for him to get better throughout the season and continue to improve his game is very impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“Right now he is a world better than he was in the summertime and the year before and I hope and am pretty sure he will continue that growth because the kid works hard.”
And for all of Giddey’s playmaking sorcery, it was that hard work and hustle that stood out to Presti when he was asked for a highlight moment from the Australian’s second season in the NBA.
“There’s one play that stuck out to me with him this year and I know when anyone talks about him it’s going to be some wizard pass but it’s not,” Presti said.
Instead, the Thunder GM recalled a single rebound from Oklahoma City’s 123-119 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.
“Big possession, huge possession. He holds off Pat Williams and gets the ball and I think we may have got fouled and got to the free throw line after that to close the game out,” Presti said.
“But that rebound was a winning rebound. That was a free-for-all play and that was a nasty play. He held him off.
“Those are the plays that serve the game, that you make but not a lot of people will probably write about them or tweet about them or highlight them.
“That was a big play. I was impressed by that. Just the strength to be able to do that and to understand the importance of that possession and come through like that.”
Josh Giddey celebrates the win against the Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
GIDDEY’S POSTSEASON STATEMENT… AND A ‘GLIMPSE’ INTO THE FUTURE
It was just one of the many sides to Giddey’s game that makes him such a tantalising talent, and the Australian showed another side entirely in his postseason debut against the Pelicans.
For the most part Giddey has always been relatively understated and measured in his post-game press conferences, a “PR director’s dream” as Schlecht put it.
On the court though he plays with a youthful swagger and confidence not too dissimilar to the way he approaches social media, while still making the selfless plays. The right plays.
But when Giddey copped a low blow from Josh Richardson during Oklahoma City’s play-in game against New Orleans, the 20-year-old didn’t just let himself be pushed around.
“I think that will continue to manifest itself as he gets more confident on the court,” Schlecht said.
“We saw Josh Richardson hit him below the belt in that first game. You got to kind of see him.
“It was like, ‘Oh there he is’, because I remember I watched a tonne of his games when he played for Adelaide and boy did he just have like this fire about him that I was like, ‘Oh I really like this guy. He’s really fun. He thinks he’s the man, like look at him out there. He’s 18 years old playing with all these men but he thinks he is the man. Like this is really cool’. “Then he didn’t show it a whole lot in his rookie season and some of that started to come back out a little bit here.”
Josh Giddey shoots against Jonas Valanciunas and Trey Murphy III. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
It was just one moment of many in that game against the Pelicans where Giddey didn’t shy away from the spotlight and pressure that came in playing in front of a national TV audience.
Instead, Giddey and the Thunder proved what those close to the team had already known for so long.
That this 20-year-old out of Australia was so much more than just a gifted passer and that Oklahoma City was so much more than just a team on the rise.
This was already a competitive team. A team that was already making some noise and that noise will only get louder as this team grows together in the next couple of years.
“I thought it was a really big deal,” Schlecht said of Giddey’s 31-point game against the Pelicans.
‘That game got a lot of eyes… I think it’s just like a glimpse into the future of what this guy’s going to do when it comes to being in a playoff series.
“Not that he’ll average 30 points but that he’s not afraid, that he wants the moment. There’s guys that just shrink from the moment a little bit.
“I always heard from people that knew Josh well that he was like a big-game type of guy and that was really his first big game. I think the sky is the limit with him if he’s already this good.”
Josh Giddey took a big leap in his second year. Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Statement games like the one against New Orleans will only make Giddey more popular with a fanbase that quickly latched onto the Australian guard when he was first drafted.
Gilgeous-Alexander may still be Oklahoma City’s best player while Lu Dort’s hard work and hustle have always made him a fan favourite. But Giddey?
“Fans love him,” Schlecht said.
“I would say that young fans like him the best of anybody. I have an 11-year-old son and an eight-year-old son and Josh is their favorite player, like by far. That’s the same with all of their friends.
“If they’re talking about the Thunder it’s always Giddey, which is really interesting just because Shai is by far the best player but for whatever reason they really gravitate toward Josh.”
A lot of that probably goes back to Giddey’s online presence, with the Australian boasting over 1.4 million followers across TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
Gilgeous-Alexander has more followers on Instagram alone (2.1 million) but it is TikTok in particular where Giddey’s personality shines through, allowing him to break down the walls between fan and athlete.
“Definitely the social media stuff people pick up on and think he’s really funny and that’s where you can kind of see his age shine through,” added Schlecht.
“Because you watch him on the court, you listen to impress conferences, you’re like, ‘Oh man’, you would never know that he’s 20 years old and then you see him on social media and it’s like, ‘Oh okay, there’s the 20 year old, that’s where he is’.
“I know that anytime that you can humanise any of these guys, it just makes them more likeable and attaches them to the fanbase a lot more.”
Giddey is popular with young basketball players. Picture Glenn HampsonSource: News Corp Australia
THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR OKC … NOW A TEAM TO ‘WATCH OUT’ FOR
According to Schlecht, Giddey “probably had the most underrated season of anybody in the league this past year”.
“Just because people had a hard time conceptualising his game moving forward,” he added.
But it is no longer hard to see how Giddey, with his positional size, versatility and strong basketball IQ, will continue to develop as a key piece of the young core at Oklahoma City.
There is still plenty of room to build around that core too as the Thunder own 14 first-round picks through to the 2029 NBA draft.
Oklahoma City had the 10th and 50th selections in Friday’s draft, trading up to land Kentucky guard Cason Wallace before using its second and final pick on Keyontae Johnson.
Add in a healthy Holmgren and the Thunder have become not just an intriguing team of the future but one of the most interesting in the NBA right now.
“The past couple years, I’ll tell you, not many people reached out to me from national media asking me anything about the Thunder,” Schlecht said.
“In this past year a lot more guys reached out just even to ask questions or to have me on their shows and stuff like that, which just shows that people are starting to pay attention to the Thunder again.
“I think they’ve definitely taken notice and there’s going to be some expectations starting next year with them and we’ll see how they handle it. They’re going to be a lot different with Chet on the court.”
Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.Source: FOX SPORTS
In Holmgren, the Thunder finally have an elite rim protector with the combination of size and skill that should also make him a seamless fit in the Oklahoma City offence.
The challenge now will be to remain patient in following Presti’s plan while also managing external expectations, which will now be much higher than ever after last season’s success.
Forget the talk about tanking, not that the Thunder were doing that for long anyway.
This team is on the rise and could very soon be a serious contender. The entire NBA is on alert too.
“People are going to have to watch out for that team,” Mark Tatum, Deputy Commisssioner of the NBA, said recently to international media including foxsports.com.au.
“They overachieved, right? They’re so young, they’re still developing and I don’t think people really thought that they had a chance this year.
“.. I think you see a similar thing now with Sacramento with De’Aaron Fox and Sabonis and that young team of Sacramento, who pushed Golden State to the brink. They’re going to be in the playoffs on a regular basis going forward.
“I think Oklahoma City has the talent that will put them in the playoffs and [they will] be a threat to other teams going forward.”
