The top ten NBA offseason moves (Part 1)
The NBA offseason has been filled with explosive moves. Old dynasties are fracturing, super teams are emerging and there seems to be an unhealthy arms race brewing in the West. With the NBA season fast approaching, we thought it was time to reflect on the offseason and look at the big player moves that will impact you when you’re picking your teams on Draftstars. Here are numbers ten to six on our list of top ten offseason NBA moves.
10. J.J. Redick signs with the Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers splashed out for the free agent Redick who adds some experience to another young roster. Redick is a quality outside shooter who has averaged over 15 points per game for the last 5 seasons. Redick joins a team loaded with high draft picks that are very promising, but still quite raw. Redick adds experience and durability to the Sixers, as well as a lethal 3 point shot (made 42.9% of 3-point shots last season). The signing of Redick might just see the Sixers sneak into the playoffs, in what is a weakened Eastern Conference.
9. Tim Hardaway Jr. signs with the New York Knicks
In what is one of the more surprising offseason moves, Tim Hardaway Jr. rejoins with the Knicks on what looks to be a generous contract (4 years, $71 million). Hardaway Jr. starting less than half of his matches for the Hawks last season, but managed to average a career high 14.5 points per game. The Knicks will be hoping that Hardaway Jr. can continue on his upward trajectory, especially as their star player, Carmelo Anthony, has manufactured a move away from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks might be relying on Hardaway Jr. to score a lot of points, making him an excellent play on Draftstars.
8. Paul Millsap signs with the Denver Nuggets
Millsap taking his talents to the mile high city may have slipped under the radar compared to most of the high profile moves, but it looms as a significant move in how the Western Conference will shape up. Millsap has made the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the last four seasons, and is coming off a career best year for scoring and assisting, but might struggle to produce the same numbers as he shares the team with rising star, Nikola Jokic. Millsap’s relationship with Jokic could push Denver into the playoffs, where they have the potential to do some damage, but they might also find it difficult to gel, which makes this move so intriguing.
7. Los Angeles Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez
The faces of two franchises have traded places with Russell joining the Nets in exchange for star big man Brook Lopez. Lopez was a gold mine on Draftstars last year due to him adding a lethal 3 point shot to his game as well as offering decent defensive protection for a team who struggled. Lopez adds a new dimension for the Lakers and is a clear upgrade on Timofey Mozgov, however he might not see the same usage as he enjoyed last season. Russell joins a team who couldn’t really get much worse. They have added some pieces (Crabbe and Carroll) which should help, but Russell will have the opportunity to develop as the number one man in Brooklyn.
6. Gordon Hayward sign with the Boston Celtics
Perhaps the biggest free agent move of the offseason sees Hayward join the Eastern Conference finalist Celtics. Hayward fills the glaring hole in the Celtics lineup and marks the end of the Celtics stockpiling future talent in their quest to win now. Hayward and other boom recruit, Kyrie Irving, strengthen the already strong Celtics, who now appear to be a lock to reappear in the conference finals and a decent chance to progress beyond, into the playoff finals.
Who makes the top 5? Make sure you check out part two.
NBA SCORING SYSTEM
Base Points
Point Scored = 1 point
Missed Field Goal = -0.25 points
Missed Free Throw = -0.25 points
Assist = 1.5 points
Rebound = 1.25 points
Turnover = -0.5 points
Steal = 2 point
Block = 2 points
Bonuses
3 Point Made = 1 point
Double-Double = 2 points
Triple-Double = 2 points
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