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The 2019-2020 NBA season is just around the corner with preseason starting on October 4th and opening night begins on October 22. Fans are waiting to see the new look and balanced NBA. Some teams improved others worsened, and a couple of teams stayed right where they are. Here are five NBA teams that improved in the 2019 offseason.
5. New Orleans Pelicans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxA-mNEbSw0
2018-2019 Record: 33-49 (13th in West)
Additions: Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Jaxon Hayes, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, J.J Reddick, and Derrick Favors
Losses: Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, Solomon Hill, Elfrid Payton, and Ian Clark
The Pelicans may not make the playoff this season. The west is stacked with talented teams. The Pelicans traded away their franchise player in Anthony Davis so you would think that they got worse. In a sense, they did, but it is temporary. The pelicans landed the number one pick and took Zion Williamson. The Anthony Davis trade landed the Pelicans three young players. The Pelicans will look to improve this season they will win 5 more games then they did last year. They have a bunch of young players that can only develop plus the leadership of veteran guard Jrue Holiday and free agent signings the Pelicans will be a playoff team in a couple of years.
4. Miami Heat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozJnSW49BFs
2018-2019 Record: 39-43 (10th in East)
Additions: Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Myers Leonard
Losses: Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson, and Dwayne Wade
The Heat did not make the playoffs last year. They made one big move during the offseason, and that was signing Jimmy Butler they traded Hassan Whiteside for Myers Leonard. They drafted Tyler Herro, and there were rumors about trading for Chris Paul. The Heat could make the playoffs this season especially if the Thunder are willing to deal Paul. Bam Adebayo, Derrick Jones Jr. will develop into crucial players for the Heat.
3. Philidelphia 76ers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-T8-j-9ib0
2018-2019 Record 51-31(3rd in East)
Additions: Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Kyle O’ Quinn, Raul Neto
Losses: J.J Reddick, Jimmy Butler, Boban Marjanovic, T.J. Mcconnell
The 76ers last year had a great team; the problem with them was that they had different playstyles on the floor at the same time. Mix that with late-game troubles and the 76ers would have some difficulties in the playoffs. Acquiring Al Horford in the offseason really helps them out especially late in the season where fatigue starts to catch up to players. If Ben Simmons really comes out of his shell and starts knocking down jump shots, then the 76ers could potentially win the East.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=747YW4gYHzQ
2018-2019 Record: 37-45 (10th in West)
Additions: Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Dwight Howard, Quinn Cook, Avery Bradley, and James Dudley
Losses: Lonzo Ball, James Hart, Brandon Ingram, Lance Stephson, Tyson Chandler, and Reggie Bullock
The biggest story last season was the Anthony Davis trade saga. It was supposed to happen during the season, and that caused some drama within the organization. Add to the fact LeBron missed the most games he’s ever lost in a season. Add injuries to major key players, and that equals no playoffs for the Lakers. The Lakers would eventually acquire Davis. Some say they gave up too much, but they gained a lot more than just Davis. The Lakers would go out and sign a supporting cast that would include DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins would eventually get injured, and they would have to sign Dwight Howard. The Lakers will go from no playoffs top 5 seed in the West.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl2_C77lK4I
2018-2019 Record: 48-34 (8th in West)
Additions: Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Kawhi Leonard, Maurice Harkless
Losses: Shai Gilegous Alexander, Danillo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler
The Clippers won this year offseason by pulling off one of the significant heists by taking Paul George from the Thunder and signing Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers gave up draft picks and a future point guard to get Paul George. They were last in the conference last year and got bounced in the first round when they faced the Warriors. The Clippers will go from 8th seed in the West last year to number one seed this year. The Clippers are a favorite to win the NBA finals.
