The NBA Is Back

With the preseason coming to a close we are getting closer and closer to having basketball back.

After an offseason of big trades and free agency signings, new contenders have emerged. After seeing how Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the postseason last year, many teams have made big moves to try and up their game. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls both made key changes to their rosters. 

BULLS

The Bulls acquire both Demar Derozan and Lonzo Ball along with key bench pieces Alex Caruso and Derrick Jones Jr. Derozan brings some much needed scoring, as well as some veteran leadership to a young core. Lonzo Ball adds some defensive presence and spot up shooting to a team that struggled with the 3 ball last year. 

LAKERS

The Lakers are coming off an extremely disappointing season after losing in the first round of the playoffs only a year after winning the championship. The biggest of the Lakers moves wass acquiring star point guard Russell Westbrook. Other important acquisitions were acquiring players that bring good depth like Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, and Trevor Ariza. They were also able to bring back Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard who were a part of their 2020 championship team.

CELTICS

Another team who ended last season off as a disappointment was the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have one of the best young cores in the league but injuries caused them to fall short of their goal last year. Jaylen Brown missed the entire Playoffs which was the main reason as to why they didn’t stand a chance against the Brooklyn Nets. But this offseason the green made some moves. After losing Kemba Walker, the C’s went after a new PG, Dennis Schroder, and brought back big man Al Horford from the Thunder. Another key move was bringing in Josh Richardson, a guy who can guard multiple positions and can shoot the ball decently enough as well. Along with these moves we get to see another year of Jayson and Jaylen, who might be the best young duo in the league.

BUCKS

Last year’s NBA Finals were one of the most entertaining matchups in recent memory. With the Bucks ultimately coming out on top over the Suns. Two time MVP and now Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo solidified his spot in history by dominating the Suns every game of the series, but he is most definitely not satisfied with just one championship, and we should expect Milwaukee to be in the discussion for the title again this year.

The NBA had a weird year last year between the short offseason after the bubble, a less amount of games, and the introduction of the play-in tournament. After a regular offseason this year, all the teams are refreshed and geared up to go, and who knows what this season has in store for us.