This summer was bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
DeAndre Jordan to the Mavericks. Paul George returns to OKC. Chris Paul and Clint Capela to the Rockets. DeRozan and Kawhi switching places in San Antonio and Toronto, respectively. LeBron James to the Lakers. DeMarcus Cousins to the Warriors. These were the moves that shaped the NBA this offseason.
But just like in every offseason, a great number of smaller moves turn out to truly shape who competes the next season. This offseason was no exception, with smaller moves truly changing the NBA’s balance. Here are the three most forgotten NBA offseason moves which will change the league this season.
Rajon Rondo (PG)
New Orleans Pelicans to Los Angeles Lakers
The laundry list of talent the Lakers brought in and brought back this summer has been comprised of relatively forgettable players who want to jump on the back of a LABron led team. Rondo does not fit this description.
Now, Rondo will work side by side with Lonzo Ball and get to be his mentor. Rondo’s still a starting level point, but the Lakers would be wise to use him in a backup role. With assistance from Rondo, Ball’s aggressiveness can improve and his decision making can only improve. This move also provides the Lakers with a serious boost in efficiency, as two high IQ playmakers will share the court together. Both units, starters and bench, will now be able to have a PG who can run an offense and get easy looks. This is a solid move by the Lakers by obtaining a high IQ and championship hungry point guard.
Dwight Howard (C)
Charlotte Hornets to Washington Wizards
Dwight Howard moving to the Wizards is a smart move for a Wizards organization that has been stuck in a rut for the past few years. Despite having Marcin Gortat, one of the league’s most reliable big men, the Wizards needed a change. Washington hopes to improve and no longer be striving for a deep playoff spot.
Although John Wall last season was an interesting, seemingly lackluster player after his injury, he’s still one of the best playmakers in the league. With a stronger and more explosive center than Gortat in the 5-spot, Wall’s playmaking can make a resurrection and assist the Wizards in being a multi-threat offensive team. This also opens the floor for their rebounding core. The Wizards ranked in the bottom 21st in overall rebounding numbers last season. This stems from their lack of a true rebounder, usually splitting the load between all five players on the court.
With Howard manning the middle, the rebounding numbers will definitely raise and can lead to more second-chance opportunities and perimeter kick-outs to players like Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr, and Markieff Morris. This strong shooting cast and large rebounding increase will lead to a stronger offensive flow and attack from the Wizards this season.
Julius Randle (PF)
Los Angeles Lakers to New Orleans Pelicans
Yeah, I know, he’s not DeMarcus Cousins, but this move doesn’t necessarily strengthen a team like the other two moves. The purpose of this move is reparation and helping the Pelicans lock their position as a playoff team in the West.
Anthony Davis will continue to do Anthony Davis things. The aggressive Julius Randle will be able to contribute immediately and function as the replacement of the Pelicans big three last year, which will now include Elfrid Payton instead of Rajon Rondo as well. Randle’s scoring and aggressiveness will play nicely in a hard-hitting Pelicans system, and his bounce will serve to compliment Davis’ natural IQ as a post player. This move keeps the Pelicans strong and competitive after the loss of Boogie Cousins and instills hopes in the Big Easy.
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