In the NBA, teams can get better via the draft, free agency, or trade. A few NBA teams got significantly better through all three phases of the offseason. While these moves aren’t the ones that will be talked about the most, they made each team get better.
Three NBA Teams That Had a Great Offseason
1. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers made several key moves this offseason that have made them a threat to be a top-four seed in the East next year. They traded for T.J. Warren who was second on the Phoenix Suns in scoring last year, averaging 18 points per game on 48 percent shooting from the field. With Bojan Bogdanovic going to the Utah Jazz, Warren is a fine replacement as a starting forward. They also added Malcolm Brogdon and Jeremy Lamb in free agency. Brogdon is coming off a career year for points (15.6 points per game) and also managed to notch 50/40/90 shooting splits, a feat all shooters covet. Both he and Victor Oladipo could potentially be the best defensive backcourt in the league next season. Lamb also averaged a career-high 15 points per game for the Charlotte Hornets last season, which was second-best on the team behind Kemba Walker.
2. Utah Jazz
One team that has been on the cusp of greatness is the Utah Jazz with their young dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. The only issue was the lack of offensive support around these two. With the moves the Jazz made this offseason, they can potentially make some noise next season. They traded for Mike Conley, a 20 point scorer who is a big upgrade over the departed Ricky Rubio. Defenses will now have to draw some of their attention off of Mitchell which should improve his efficiency. Another great addition was the signing of Bojan Bogdanovic, who had career highs last season in points (18), field goal percentage (49.7 percent), and three-point percentage (42.5 percent). His presence on the wing should be another great addition to compliment Joe Ingles.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that has put together one of the best offseasons so far. After losing franchise cornerstone Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pelicans quickly replaced him with Zion Williamson. They also added Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart via the Davis trade. In free agency, they added J.J. Redick, one of the best three-point shooting guards in the league. Redick should be a great addition off the bench and he can help mentor the Pelicans younger players. Another great addition was trading for Derrick Favors from the Jazz. He is an efficient big man (12 points, 7.5 rebounds) that can be a bridge to eighth overall pick Jaxson Hayes. This team has made tremendous strides since David Griffin took over as President of Basketball Operations.
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