Kobe and Rondo be destined to join the lottery ranks.
The 2013 offseason has been busy. Many of last year’s lottery teams have made enough improvements to push for a playoff spot, meaning a few of last year’s playoff teams could find themselves in the lottery mix. Below are four teams who could join the lottery family.
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics: – (Rebuilding, Trades, inexperience)
The Celtics have finally split up the big three after years of speculation, Danny Ainge has been ruthless this offseason trading away the likes of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry. Rajon Rondo is still on the roster as off now, but don’t be surprised if he is traded for CAP space and draft picks once he has played enough to bump up his value. The Celtics have timed their rebuilding process perfectly, they appear to be in a good position for the stacked 2014 NBA draft. Some think that the Celtics above average league defense will be enough to get them to the postseason, but during the 2013 off season much of the Eastern conference has improved. The Wizards, Pistons and Cavaliers all looked geared to challenge for the lower seeded play off spots and I feel they could just squeeze out the Celtics.
Atlanta Hawks: – (Chemistry, Big shooting)
The Hawks have put together and entirely new team for the 2013/14 season with only six of last seasons team still on the roster. The Hawks have had some success adding to their team this offseason, landing Paul Millsap on perhaps one of the best contracts on free agency. They also appear to have drafted some promising players such as Dennis Schroeder, Lucas Nogueira and Mike Muscala. However, both Nogueira and Muscala will be playing the 2013/14 season overseas and Schroder will be playing behind the talented Jeff Teague. Overall, I feel the Hawks will struggle with chemistry issues, it will take time to adjust to their new coach Mike Budenholzer and the influx of new players.
Western Conference
Denver Nuggets: – (Chemistry, Iguodala, Crowded of frontcourt)
The Nuggets have gone through an offseason of change, after winning a franchise record 57 games and George Karl getting coach of the year its surprising they make this list. With the loss of Udrij, Karl and Iguodala, Denver has some major adjustments to make and it is yet to see how Brian Shaw will adapt to being a head coach for the first time. The Nuggets still have a lot of talent and young pieces, so don’t be surprised if the new GM Tim Connelly moves one of their many many big men for another piece. Also, keep an eye on Denver making a run at Eric Gordon at some point. I don’t think the Nuggets will be bad, however I see both the Timberwolves and Pelicans just squeezing them out of the lower play off seeds.
LA Lakers: – (Injury, Free Agency, improving Western Conference)
Bring back Phil Jackson! But seriously, I feel the Lakers are going to struggle this year, all you have to do is look at their off season additions: Chris Kaman, Nick Young, Wes Johnson and Elias Harris (all on one year deals). Do those names make up for Dwight Howard? Even if he did have a down year Howard was still easily one of the top 2 centers in the league. A major factor here is obviously the return date of Kobe Bryant from his achilles injury, even then it will take a number of months for him to get back to 100%. The rental squad the Lakers have brought in don’t look like the type of guys who are going to improve this team from last year. With other teams like the Pelicans, Timberwolves and Rockets all improving I think the Lakers are going to get left behind.
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