By Hocine LOUKKAF on 9/27/2022
While most people were waiting for a star like Durant to be traded, the summer was a bit more quiet with Utah as the main stage of the offseason.
#1 Atlanta Hawks : Dejounte Murray PG/SG
Atlanta needed a boost in the backcourt to help Young and they get the most compatible player and one of the best two-way player, Dejounte Murray. The former Spur has had more and more responsability but wasn’t helped by his management. The Hawks get a big guard and a defensive stopper to pair while keeping their core of Collins, Capela and Hunter.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers : Donovan Mitchell SG
The Cavs decided to trade their future (two first round picks plus two swaps plus Sexton, Markannen and Agbaji) but they did it because they manage to keep their real core of Garland, Okoro, Mobley and Allen. Mitchell will have to fit it and will not be the franchise player like he was in Utah. If he understands his role, the Cavs could target at least the Eastern Conference semis.
#3 Minnesota Timberwolves : Rudy Gobert C Kyle Anderson SF/PF
The Wolves went all-in by trading multiple players and picks/swaps to get Gobert, the three-time DPOY. This trade should allow KAT to play more at the PF position while Gobert should protect the rim and get easy baskets in the paint. While what Gobert brings is obvious, it will be interesting to see how KAT will fare defending the opposite PF as he could struggle guarding smaller/more athletic players. Anderson is another nice asset as he brings versatility and playoffs experience after a nice stint with the Grizzlies.
#4 Utah Jazz : From Cleveland, Collin Sexton PG/SG Lauri Markkanen PF Ochai Agbaji SG/SF + 2025 1st-round pick 2026 pick swap rights 2027 1st-round pick 2028 pick swap rights. From Minnesota, Malik Beasley SG Jared Vanderbilt PF Leandro Bolmaro SG Walker Kessler C + 2023 1st round pick (protected) 2025 1st round pick (unprotected) 2026 1st-round pick swap rights2027 1st-round pick (unprotected)2029 1st-round pick (protected)
By trading Mitchell and Gobert respectively to the Cavs and the Wolves, the Jazz basically received a complete roster. Among those players, Markannen seems like the big prize after a nice Euro, then it will be intriguing to see how Sexton and Beasley will fit. The Jazz also acquired also intriguing young role players who could become more like Vanderbilt, Bolmaro and rookie Walker Kessler, a potential replacement for Gobert as a rim-protector. Of course, this summer would not be complete without a bunch of picks and swaps for the next drafts but nothing interesting for the very deep 2023 draft (a protected first-rounder from Minnesota).
#5 Boston Celtics : Malcolm Brogdon PG/SG
The Celtics needed an upgrade in their backcourt and their received one of the steadiest combo guards, Malcolm Brogdon. A nice defender at both guard spots, Brogdon could become the third offensive option and bring the stability than Smart doesn’t always bring. Their duo in the backcourt could solidify Boston’s regular season and help them target the Finals once again. I could have added Gallinari to Boston’s summer but he unfortunately tore his ACL with the Italian team and should be out for the year.
#6 New York Knicks : Jalen Brunson PG Isaiah Hartenstein PF/C
The Knicks have some talent (maybe overrated) but have lacked a leader as Kemba wasn’t able to be the PG he used to be. The Knicks decided to take a gamble on Jalen Brunson ($104m over 4 years), whose father played for the Knicks and is a member of the current staff. One of the most efficient NBA PGs, Brunson has benefited from Doncic to shine and has always been a winner (2* NCAA champion with Villanova). Not he hypest choice but definitely a signing that could translate into wins. Hartenstein is another solid signing as he has become a solid rotational big with the Clippers last year.
#7 Philadelphia Sixers : Montrezl Harrell PF/C Danuel House SF PJ Tucker PF
With three simple signings, the Sixers have added toughness, experience and shooting to complement the talent of Embiid, Hardenn Maxey and Harris. Each of these player know their role and should transform Phily into a more rugged team in the playoffs.
#8 Portland : Jerami Grant PF Gary Payton II SG
With Lillard confirming his commitment to the Blazers, Billups and his staff are urged to find the good players to help him. Grant and Payton II may not be stars nut bring toughness and athleticism. Grant used Detroit to display his versatility on offense despite percentages to improve while Payton II has proved to be one of the best defensive guards in the League. Will it be enough to bring the playoffs in town again ?
#9 Golden State Warriors : Jamychal Green PF Donte DiVincenzo SG
For less than $7m, the Warriors have added two soldiers with playoffs experience. DiVicenzo could be very valuable if he stays healthy to help Stephen and Klay get some rest while Green, a longtime friend of another Green, Draymond, has the versatility to fight in the paint and shoot it when he’s open.
#10 Sacramento Kings : Kevin Huerter SG Malik Monk SG
Led by Fox and Sabonis, the Kings are struggling attracting the best free agents but got two solid players at the SG spot with Huerter and Monk. Huerter is a good defender who, despite struggling in the playoffs, adds defense and shooting to the roster. Monk was one of the only bright spots of the Lakers last year as he score 13.8pts a game on 39% 3pt coming from the bench.
Click below for our latest mock draft.
http://www.weballin.net/2022/09/14/2023-nba-mock-draft-1-let-the-wemby-lottery-begin/