THE WHISTLEBLOWER’S SUPERLATIVES
The Most Improved Team: The Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans are hoping the years of mediocrity have ended. Chicago went all out in NBA free agency starting with the signing of Lonzo Ball, a skilled, although inconsistent point guard. Ball will start at point, but will share some major minutes with Coby White, a better shooter. The Bulls made a big sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs for Demar Derozan, an All-Star caliber wing who runs the floor and plays off the ball. Chicago also retained young talent Lauri Markkenan, who will mesh well with Derozan and Ball. Finally, the Bulls traded for Nikola Vucevic at the 2020 deadline, so can a team with Vucevic and these new acquisitions take the Bulls to the playoffs? Only time will tell.
The Immediate Contenders: The Miami Heat
Miami suffered a disappointing 1st round sweep against the reigning NBA champs Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat retained a good core: Jimmy Butler, Bam Abedayo, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro. The Heat kicked off with a max contract for Butler and an extension for Robinson. However, the biggest move came the next day. The Heat traded for All-Star Kyle Lowry, who spent his entire career with the Toronto Raptors. Goran Dragic was the cost for the Heat, though, and the former star point guard will be playing for the Raptors, barring a buyout. Once again, the Heat are contenders in the East.
The Retirement Home: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers made a Russell Westbrook-sized splash with an epic trade during the NBA Draft. But with some veteran signings, the Lakers are suddenly one of the oldest teams in the league. Lebron managed to sign Trevor Ariza, the elite wing defender and shooter Kent Bazemore. The Lakers also managed to bring back former Laker and All-Defense center Dwight Howard, and one of Lebron’s best friends, Carmelo Anthony. Melo is no longer his All-NBA form, and his defense has declined severely. However, he can still shoot the three-ball well and will be a good replacement for Kyle Kuzma. These Lakers lack depth and young blood. Malik Monk will be an injection of youth, but is a liability on defense and in the clutch, the same goes for Wayne Ellington.
The Wildcard: The New York Knicks
New York has a track record for making questionable NBA free agency decisions, but this year may be different. The Knicks had a good regular season and finished the fourth seed in the East. Unfortunately, they fell short of expectations and lost to the Atlanta Hawks in five games. Julius Randle, the crown jewel of New York, struggled against the Hawks’ tough defense and perimeter offense. Randle is a talented player, but he could use some help. The Knicks extended Derrick Rose, who arguably had his best run since his MVP season. Meanwhile, NY signed sharpshooter Evan Fournier, fresh off his silver medal victory for France in the Tokyo Olympics. New York still needed another weapon. Enter Oklahoma City and Kemba Walker who wanted a contract buyout. The situation was perfect and the Knicks signed Walker. Honestly, do I believe this signing is the best choice for the Knicks? No, I believe Derrick Rose is the clear starting point guard. Walker is a better shooter than Rose, but in the paint and on defense, he is inferior. Rose is also the better passer making him my choice for the starting point guard.
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