With the focus on the Southwest Division we conclude our journey towards the new NBA season, which will begin tonight at 1.30 am Italian time with the match between the Boston Celtics and the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/nba-dallas-mavericks-winning-streak-ends-abruptly/" title="NBA: Dallas Mavericks winning streak ends abruptly”>New York Knicks.
dallas Mavericks:
After the Finals reached last season, Dallas no longer wants to stop and has operated on the market with this intention in mind. The jewel in the crown of the Mavs’ free agency is clearly Klay Thompson, who arrived in Texas by signing a three-year, $50 million contract after spending his first thirteen seasons in the NBA wearing only the Golden State jersey. The signing of the former Warriors allows the Mavericks to add perimeter danger, consequently guaranteeing greater freedom for Doncic in attacking the paint. This is also valid for Irving, who this year will have to take a further step in the post season if Dallas wants to climb the last step and put the ring on his finger. To close the summary of the summer at Mavs, noteworthy are the signings of Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall, while they said goodbye to Jones Jr – in free agency – and Josh Green with Tim Hardaway Jr via trade.
Houston Rockets:
We expected a summer with a bang in Houston, but instead the Rockets were left with a shot in the works. However, there was an attempt, and it is one of those that make noise. In fact, a few days before the draft the Texan management knocked on the Suns’ door for Kevin Durant, but Phoenix rejected the sender. At that point, Reed Sheppard was selected with pick number 3 in the draft, an exceptional shooter who promises to have an immediate impact even among the greats. A few hours ago, however, the renewals of Jalen Green (106 million dollars in 3 years) and Alperen Sengun (185 million for five years), i.e. two young players who could be useful to the Rockets. The Turkish big man with franchise man prospects, the former G-League Ignite guard as a possible bargaining chip for a disgruntled star. In the meantime, the young Rockets coached by Ime Udoka will try to get to the play-ins to return to the post season.
Memphis Grizzlies:
It is the year of revenge for the Grizzlies, who after a season characterized by a series of serious injuries to all the most important players on the roster, want to return to making the league tremble. Nothing special happened in the summer, other than the draft choice of Zach Edey, a Canadian center who will have to prove that he won’t make Valanciunas and Adams regret it. The first pre-season outings give rise to hope, but everything will pass through the hands (and head) of Ja Morant, as well as the health of a team with great potential.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Dejounte Murray is the new face at the Pelicans, arriving from Atlanta via trade. The doubts about his fit in New Orleans, however, are there for all to see, as is the disappointment over the failure to sell Brandon Ingram, who is increasingly shown the door and separated at home. As with Memphis, the Pelicans’ season depends entirely on the health of Zion Williamson. If the former Duke player finally manages to have a year without physical problems then Nola will aim for a playoff placement without going through the play-ins.
San Antonio Spurs:
A year later, Wembanyama is still the talk of the town in San Antonio. In fact, the French center showed up at the Spurs training camp with 11 kg more than twelve months ago. At his side is an additional Chris Paul, who in Texas will be the mother hen for a team that will be able to aim for important goals in the space of a few months. Another addition of experience is that of Harrison Barnes, who could be included in some trades before the deadline. From the draft, noteworthy is the arrival of Stephon Castle – guard from Uconn – called with the fourth overall pick. The Spurs are unlikely to be a play-in team this year, but with Wembanyama, never say never.
