GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
It’s becoming routine and fascinating at the same time. The Warriors won the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy for the second straight year and third time in four years by simply being better in all phases of the game than anyone else. Nobody matched Golden State for star power, as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry were too much in the end. That said, the 2017-18 season wasn’t without challenges. The Warriors often looked sloppy and … bored, maybe? Plus, Curry played only 51 games because of ankle issues, which means those haven’t gone away completely for him. In addition, the Rockets led Golden State 3-2 in the Western Conference finalsbefore Chris Paul suffered a hamstring pull and Houston faltered. It wasn’t the only time in 2018 that Golden State would take advantage of another team’s injured star. Hello, DeMarcus Cousins.
ICYMI
It’s tricky to reload a team that can only absorb so many contracts, but the Warriors did it again after waving good-bye to JaVale McGee, Zaza Pachulia and David West … While other teams were desperately trying to catch the Warriors, the champs distanced themselves from the hungry pack by getting Cousins. Is the 2018-19 title already in the bag? … From there, the Warriors made minor roster moves only because they had little choice, given the salary cap. … Kevin Durant re-signed and opted for another short-term deal but will look to break the bank next summer.
THREE POINTS
1. When Cousins could return remains an unknown. Cousins believes he’ll return before the holidays, but the Warriors rightfully are splashing cold water on those projections. Ideally, they’d love to keep him in the freezer until springtime and then have him use April to work his way into game shape. Either way, he’s a bonus.
2. Can Andre Iguodala can recapture some of the old magic? Plain and simple, he was mostly awful during the regular season (28.2 percent on 3-pointers), months after signing a three-year extension. Sure, maybe the Warriors don’t need him for seven months. And, if he’s solid throughout June, then who cares? Father Time paid Iguodala, 34, a nasty visit in 2017-18. Who knows if he can rev his game back up again.
3. Who’s the best player coming off the bench? Yes, this is a rather minor issue for a team with five All-Stars in the starting lineup (assuming Cousins returns to form, of course). Keep an eye on Jonas Jerebko, the latest veteran to join the Warriors on a minor contract. Jerebko, 31, is an athletic perimeter player and, therefore, a contrast to West and whatever lumbering center the Warriors trotted out in years past.
MAN ON THE SPOT
Cousins has had an awkward 2018. Eight months ago he was a perfect running mate with Anthony Davis in New Orleans, a one-two combo that seemed set for years. Then he injured his Achilles and it was a game-changer. The Pelicans, nor any other team, wanted to give him a multi-year contract. Cousins decided if he was going to only get a measly deal, he’d take it from the loaded Warriors. Obviously, he’s on a mission to regain his status in the league and also win a ring. Most likely he’s a rental in Golden State as the Warriors won’t be able to afford him if he turns back into a beast. But big men historically don’t recover well from Achilles injuries. All told, there are millions on the line here.
STARTING FIVE
Stephen Curry | 26.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 6.1 apg
Two-time MVP played only 51 games thanks to recurring ankle issues. When fully healthy, he’s one of the NBA’s top five players.
Kevin Durant | 26.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 5.4 apg
Certified himself as an all-time great by lifting the Warriors in the playoffs and winning another Finals MVP.
Draymond Green | 11.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 7.3 apg
Saw a drop off in his offense due to shoddy 3-point shooting, but otherwise is an all-around staple for Golden State.
Klay Thompson | 20 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg
A contract year looms for Thompson, who compliments Curry perfectly to form one of the league’s best backcourts.
Jordan Bell| 4.6 peg, 3.6 rpg, 1 bpg
A product of the Warriors’ player development remains a project big man who will keep the seat warm for Cousins.
KEY RESERVES
DeMarcus Cousins | 25.2 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 5.4 apg
Warriors are hoping he’s ready for the stretch run come late in 2018-19.
Andre Iguodala| 6.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.3 apg
Steady playoff performer and former Finals MVP slowed considerably during 2017-18 regular season.
Shaun Livingston | 5.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.0 apg
Reliable veteran is still carving out an important role on a contender.
THE BOTTOM LINE
What’s underrated about the Warriors’ epic run is the harmony that exists between Durant and Curry. Unless things are different behind closed doors, these two get along fabulously well and it shows on the floor. Because of that, the Warriors will be strong favorites to win again. It’s really about two former Kia MVP winners playing as one, and they’re still in their prime. Speaking of harmony, Curry, Thompson and Green have been together six seasons now — which means you’d think Steve Kerr will make sure Cousins falls in line with the rest. Put the Warriors down for 58-24 as they’ll rest their main guys in April even if that means surrendering home court in the West to Houston (or someone else) again.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Lakers started last season with an intriguing and exciting young core and ended it outside of the playoffs, which wasn’t terribly surprising. They rightly put the franchise in the hands of Julius Randle, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram and allowed them to grow and make mistakes. Each of the four had moments and made their mark but couldn’t overcome nights where they were simply outmatched and too inexperienced to win games. Veteran guard Isaiah Thomas arrived at midseason in a trade yet it was a short experiment, as Thomas once again suffered from hip issues. In the trade with Cleveland to get Thomas, the Lakers sent Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson as salary dumps to free up money to use in the offseason to land a transcendent star and savior to trigger a franchise turnaround.
ICYMI
LeBron James signed with the Lakers over the summer. Maybe you heard. Suddenly, the Lakers had another star in a long line of centerpieces that began with Baylor and West. But as much as the Lakers scored big with LeBron, the summer didn’t materialize as they imagined it … There was an obvious push to get Paul George in unrestricted free agency but George didn’t even give them an interview, electing to re-sign with Oklahoma City instead … Plus, discussions with the Spurs about disgruntled star Kawhi went nowhere partly because San Antonio didn’t want to trade him within the conference and likely asked for the moon, anyway. Therefore, the quest to align LeBron with another star or two failed and must continue next summer … To boost their spending in 2019, the Lakers let Randle leave in free agency, used the stretch provision on Luol Deng and signed four free agents to one-year deals.
THREE POINTS
1. LeBron showed no signs of slowing down last season at age 33. He played every game, burned heavy minutes deep into the postseason and delivered massive performances. Can he do that again at age 34, in a tougher conference and with a younger core? Sometimes Father Time shows up unannounced and taps you on the shoulder. Instead of a gradual decline, LeBron’s eventual sunset could come suddenly. Hopefully for the Lakers, it doesn’t happen this season.
2. The Lakers declined to trade Ingram last summer when surely the Spurs asked for him (and others) in talks for Kawhi Leonard. There are big expectations for Ingram; the Lakers believe he can be, at least, a borderline star at some point in his career. He can do himself and the club a favor by taking a significant step forward this season and relieve LeBron of the scoring load.
3. Rondo, Stephenson, Beasley and McGee on the same team? What could go wrong? Putting aside their well-documented quirks, the Lakers would like to know what’s left in the tank with these four, who are likely not long for LA. Rondo appears to be the strongest of the bunch; he was solid for the Pelicans last season, but he might not even start. Stephenson has never looked good in a uniform other than the Pacers’. Beasley remains an unrealized talent. And while McGee had moments in The Finals last summer, he’s only good for 15 minutes a night.
MAN ON THE SPOT
Luke Walton wasn’t a smash hit as a coach last season, but wasn’t the disaster that LaVar Ball claimed, either. Of course, things will heat up in a hurry now, with rising expectations and lots of decisions to be made about the rotation and lineup. There’s a lot on his plate and he must also deal with complex personalities as well. For instance: What does Walton do when confronted by Rondo, which you know will happen at some point? Juggling egos, both strong and fragile, will test the young coach, much as it did LeBron’s last coach, Ty Lue.
STARTING FIVE
LeBron James | 27.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 8.6 apg
An all-time great arrives to restore the luster of a franchise gone stale; he remains on top of his game.
Brandon Ingram | 16.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.9 apg
Improved his three-point shooting to 39 percent and became a reliable stretch-four; defense and rebounding need work.
Kyle Kuzma | 16.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.8 apg
Smooth-shooting swingman doesn’t shy from taking the big shot or taking a bunch of them; must adjust in LeBron’s shadow.
Lonzo Ball| 10.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 7.2 apg
Superb court vision and underrated rebounding almost compensates for poor shooting, especially from deep (31 pct) last year.
JaVale McGee | 4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.9 bpg
A rotational player on the two-time champion Warriors brings plenty of hop in his game but admittedly little else.
KEY RESERVES
Rajon Rondo | 8.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 8.2 apg
The tread after 12 years is starting to show, yet he remains a smart player and intense competitor; will he groom Lonzo?
Josh Hart | 7.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg
A strong summer was needed and welcomed by an emerging rotational player in the backcourt.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | 13.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.2 apg
He signed an extension mainly because of his 3-point work (38 pct) and it didn’t hurt to be repped by LeBron’s company.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Lakers will return to the postseason and to a degree of glory if only because of LeBron, who carried a lesser team to The Finals in Cleveland. Any significant growth from Kuzma, Ingram and/or Ball will go a long ways in pushing the Lakers up the charts in the West, which once again is unforgiving. Yet, there’s still a sense that they’re a year away from making the Golden State Warriors nervous, and only if they hit it big in free agency in 2019. Until then, expect the Lakers to go 46-36 and rattle a few contenders along the way. If LeBron is in the MVP discussion again, the season will be a success no matter what happens in the playoffs, assuming they make it that far.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Well, it was fun while it lasted. The Clippers owned Los Angeles for most of the last several years and then finally crashed, failing to make the playoffs and trading their franchise player, Blake Griffin, at midseason. The Griffin deal signaled a changing of the guard and strongly hinted that the Clippers are pressing the reset button as they move forward. It was a mild surprise that they finished with a winning record at 42-40, given the rash of injuries and constant lineup changes as a result. Lou Williams was a bright spot, bringing scoring relief to a team that often struggled to get buckets. With a new management team in place, led by Jerry West, the Clippers now embark on a new journey in search of their next personality. RIP, Lob City.
ICYMI
A page was turned in Clipper history this summer when DeAndre Jordan was gently encouraged to opt-out of his contract and sign with the Dallas Mavericks. DJ was Mr. Clipper, having spent his entire 10-year career with the club and living through the highs and lows. His defection was the final move that saw the Clippers distance themselves from Lob City … They also drafted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a point guard bringing size (6-foot-6) who was impressive for Kentucky in tournament play and solid in NBA Summer League … Rather than make other wholesale changes, the Clippers opted to keep their salary cap manageable for next summer.
THREE POINTS
1. Can the Clippers ever stay healthy? A common thread in the Doc Rivers era is injuries: Griffin, Chris Paul, etc., etc. And then last season it seemed the entire roster was hammered at one point or another. The only returnee who made it through the season unscathed was Williams. Danilo Gallinari in particular needs to stay upright for a team that might have scoring challenges. Aside from Williams, he’s the team’s only proven point-producer.
2. Williams was a tremendous sixth man last season. He’ll need a similar impact if the Clippers plan to challenge for a playoff spot. This would be unique to Williams, who has never been a lead singer throughout his career. The challenge is there, then, for him to equal or surpass last season’s 22.6 scoring average and finally crack the All-Star team.
3. The point guard situation will be interesting. Ultimately, it will determine the direction of the club. Pat Beverley is the holdover starter and Milos Teodosic will get some burn. But will Rivers use a portion of the year to groom Gilgeous-Alexander, the appointed successor to both? Much will depend on where the Clippers are in the standings and also the rookie’s growth. Rivers doesn’t have a rich history in being generous to rookies, so this bears watching.
MAN ON THE SPOT
More than a few basketball observers felt Rivers did his best coaching job last season, which is a statement in itself; Rivers is recognized as one of the best in the game. Yet this season presents another challenge for Rivers. The Clippers are in transition, lack star power and it’ll be a struggle to reach the playoffs in the loaded West. A turnaround seems years away. How much longer does Rivers want to stick around? The team stripped him of his personnel power two summers ago — which wasn’t such a bad move — and traded his son Austin this summer (ditto). When things went sour in Boston, he forced his way out of town. It wouldn’t be surprising if Rivers soon reaches a conclusion that he’d be better somewhere else.
STARTING FIVE
Tobias Harris | 19.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.1 apg
One of the league’s more underrated players is making himself into a go-to guy and a consistent source of scoring.
Danilo Gallinari | 15.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg
Has played 70-plus games only twice in his nine years; a very reliable shooter and offensive threat when healthy.
Marcin Gortat | 8.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.8 apg
A short-term answer at center arrives to replace Jordan, though his skills are declining at age 34.
Patrick Beverley | 12.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.9 apg
Bulldog point guard will get in your grill and make you work; still limited shooting and not a superb playmaker.
Avery Bradley| 9.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.8 apg
Limited to just six games because of injury last season; a dependable combo guard who brings a D-first mentality.
KEY RESERVES
Montrezl Harrell | 11.0 peg, 4.0 rpg, 1.0 apg
Signed team-friendly contract extension this summer; a worker bee who brings energy but perhaps not a starter.
Lou Williams | 22.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 5.3 apg
A supreme sixth man of the last several years is coming off a breakout season at age 30; can he duplicate?
Luc Mbah a Moute | 7.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.9 apg
Steady and reliable veteran and a favorite of Rivers returns to the Clippers and brings defense and deep shooting.
THE BOTTOM LINE
LeBron James and the buzz surrounding the Lakers will certainly diminish the visibility of the Clippers. In that sense, it’s a return to second-class status in town, from a glamour standpoint if nothing else, for the Clips. This probably isn’t so bad; as they reload, the Clips will escape scrutiny during tough times. Also, expectations are low for this club, so any positive surprise will reflect well on Rivers and the direction of the club. In the loaded West, winning streaks will likely be rare and therefore the Clippers are looking at 35-47. That’s quite a comedown from their heyday under Rivers, yet better days await next summer when they’ll likely have a lottery pick plus cash to spend on free agents.
PHOENIX SUNS
The playoff dry spell reached eight straight seasons as the Suns cratered and spent much of 2017-18 sweeping the basement in the Western Conference. Bright spots are hard to find when you win only 21 games and lose 27 of your final 31 games, yet the continued development of Devin Booker (24.9 points per game) as a big-time scorer was encouraging. A bonus was a breakout from TJ Warren (19.6 ppg) and a strong rookie year finish by Josh Jackson. Yet the Suns burned through two coaches, couldn’t defend anyone and made their way back to the lottery as expected, where they landed the No. 1 pick (Deandre Ayton) for their troubles.
ICYMI
The Suns traded Brandon Knight and his hefty contract on the Houston Rockets to acquire Ryan Anderson … Without Knight, there’s no NBA-proven point guard on the roster. Is Phoenix ready to give generous minutes to second-round pick De’anthony Melton? … The responsibility of solving these and other issues is up to new coach Igor Kokoskov … Anderson and Trevor Ariza, a pair of ex-Rockets, must find playing time at crowded positions if only to justify their big salaries.
THREE POINTS
1. The Suns have had terrible luck with big men lately. They washed their hands of Alex Len, overpaid an aging Tyson Chandler in free agency and are still waiting for Dragan Bender to break loose. Ayton, it would seem, will not keep that trend alive as he appears NBA-ready.
2. Phoenix was an NBA-worst 10-31 at home last season. There’s no hope of a turnaround unless they address that. Phoenix once had raucous and robust crowds and it’s time to get them back to build a home-court edge.
3. The decision to sign Ariza to a one-year deal remains a head-scratcher. This came the same month the Suns surrendered a future No. 1 pick (belonging to Miami) to trade up for Mikal Bridges, who plays the same position (as does Warren, their No. 2 scorer). Ariza will help defensively, but still, the wing is a logjam.
MAN ON THE SPOT
In the 2016 draft, the Suns picked Marquese Chriss and Bender, who were supposed to anchor the frontline for years to come. So much for that. They dealt Chriss in the Anderson trade and Bender could be gone next. He’s a mobile 7-footer who just hasn’t found a niche with this team. Other than giving a few glimpses, Bender is still working on his game, but what is it? He improved his 3-point percentage in Year Two (38.6 percent), but remains a below-average rebounder (4.4 rpg in 25.2 mpg last season). He’ll soon be extension-eligible and the Suns will be on the spot when that day arrives.
STARTING FIVE
Devin Booker | 24.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.7 apg
May miss start of season to recover from hand surgery. Suns’ top scorer still has much work to do defensively.
Deandre Ayton | 21.0 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.6 apg (Arizona)
Fluid, athletic big man brings NBA-ready body and a nose for rebounding. His defense may be another story.
TJ Warren | 19.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.3 apg
Not a threat from deep, but a creative scorer who fits as a solid second option.
Trevor Ariza | 11.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.6 apg
Stable veteran made 36.8 percent of his 3-pointers last season and remains a solid perimeter defender.
Tyson Chandler | 6.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.2 apg
Solid rebounder and (still) reasonably decent defender will show Ayton the finer points of post play.
KEY RESERVES
Josh Jackson | 13.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg
Second-year swingman averaged 18.7 ppg after the All-Star break, but remains a liability on 3-pointers (26.3 pct).
Dragan Bender | 6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.6 apg
Slowly morphing into a stretch big man, yet must develop consistency and improve as an interior player.
Ryan Anderson | 9.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 38.6 3-point pct.
Pricey 3-point threat must somehow fight for minutes on a crowded front line to salvage his career.
BOTTOM LINE
The task of making sense of the Suns falls to Kokoskov, the first NBA coach raised mostly on international basketball. He comes highly regarded and represents out-of-the box thinking by the Suns and GM Ryan McDonough. Still, there’s much work left to be done in Phoenix. The priority should be making Ayton comfortable and effective right away. If he’s a double-double machine by spring, consider it a success. Regardless, the Suns are still juggling young players at multiple positions and point guard represents an issue. This looks like a 28-54 finish with mild improvements over last season.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
When the Minnesota Timberwolves qualified for the playoffs on the final day of the 2017-18 season, it left the Kings as owners of the league’s longest postseason drought. Sacramento hasn’t tasted big-boy basketball since the 2005-06 season and the Kings were certainly in no shape to break that streak last season, winning only 27 times. The franchise tried to weave vets into a young core and the results were mostly dismal; George Hill became disgruntled and was traded at the deadline and Vince Carter was, well, old. Only Zach Randolph put in work. Meanwhile, youth was served as De’Aaron Fox and Bogdan Bogdanovic had moments. Still, it was back to the Draft lottery for the Kings, who are still searching for the right formula.
ICYMI
The Kings settled on Marvin Bagley III with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, arguably the best non-NBA teenager in the country over the last two years … Rather than make wholesale changes, the Kings are locked into a build-from-within mindset. They’ve decided to keep their cap space flexible in case of a trade opportunity at the deadline … Yogi Ferrell came aboard after a Cinderella-type story with Dallas. Can he duplicate those days with the Kings, who have a logjam at point guard? … Deyonta Davis came cheap from Memphis. If he can develop, that’ll be a plus for the front line.
THREE POINTS
1. The Kings were dead last in scoring average last season (98.8), one of only two teams (Memphis) that didn’t break 100. This was a byproduct of youth and they had to lean on old man Randolph, who shouldn’t have been this team’s leading scorer. The Kings tried to poach restricted free agent Zach LaVine from the Bulls and failed, which means scoring could be an issue again.
2. There are big hopes for versatile 6-foot-10 forward Harry Giles, who missed all of his rookie season while mending from knee injuries sustained in college. Are they unrealistic? Perhaps not, given how well Giles looked in NBA Summer League. Giles has a very mature game and, assuming good health, should contribute. In a best-case scenario, he’d be in the running for one of the All-Rookie teams and that would be great news for the Kings, who haven’t always gotten it right in the Draft.
3. While Bagley III was a reasonably safe pick at No. 2 overall, was he a better choice than Luka Doncic? Time will tell. In the meantime, Kings fans are clamoring for the franchise to develop a highly regarded young player to his potential. That’s been a sore point with this franchise over the last several years. Too many lottery picks have come and gone without leaving a positive mark, which is deadly for a rebuilding franchise.
MAN ON THE SPOT
Is Willie Cauley-Stein headed to the same graveyard that has claimed so many former Kings first-round picks? That’s what this season will determine. Now in his fourth year, Cauley-Stein hasn’t made a big leap yet. He’s still an athlete more than a basketball player, meaning his skill development hasn’t caught up to his jumping ability. That imbalance is holding him back and may cause him to fall on the depth charts this season if others, such as Bagley III and Davis, force their way into the picture. Cauley-Stein had moments last season, yet the consistency is lagging. With the Kings facing a decision on his financial future next summer, he’s due for a breakout, or else.
STARTING FIVE
Marvin Bagley III| 21.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.5 apg (Duke)
First-round pick brings style and gifts that are suited for immediate impact in the NBA.
De’Aaron Fox | 11.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.4 apg
Second-year man brought excitement to the Kings but also a hot-and-cold jumper with limited shooting range.
Willie Cauley-Stein | 12.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.4 apg
Athletic seven-footer showed some growth but also skill limitations that prevented him from taking the next step.
Bogdan Bogdanovic | 11.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.3 apg
Fought through inconsistency to emerge as a crucial young piece. One of the Kings’ best threats from deep (39.2 percent).
Justin Jackson | 6.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 apg
Was impressive in NBA Summer League play and could be primed for a leap.
KEY RESERVES
Zach Randolph | 14.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg
Reliable vet brought wisdom, taught youngsters about work ethic and, on some nights, showed his old Z-Bo form.
Harry Giles | DNP (injury)
Sat out the entire season to mend from knee issues, a wise decision in hindsight. Had a strong summer. Should help on both ends.
Buddy Hield | 13.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.9 apg
Sacramento’s best 3-point shooter (43.1 percent) had moments, yet never established himself as a certified go-to guy.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Can it get any worse for the Kings? They seem to be in a perpetual state of rebuilding, unable to make a climb from the basement. Once again they’re putting their faith in young players with hopes of seeing them grow, and maybe Bagley III is the foundational piece for the future. There are no proven stars or even borderline stars on the roster. As constructed, they’re on path for another year without the postseason. In a best-case scenario, they’ll be tough to beat at home and see star potential in Fox and a bonus in Giles. Let’s put the Kings down for 25-57. What’s one more year in the lottery, anyway, especially in a 2019 draft that’s supposed to be top-heavy?
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