Reflecting on the Eastern Conference Lottery Teams: 2019–2020 Season
With the NBA looking to find a way to cancel the remainder of the year, teams could soon be sent into the offseason sooner than usual.
Every year we see a new player take his city by storm and gain traction with the fans of his respective team and this year was no different. Rookies have proven to be the future of their franchises and some young stars have revitalized their careers. For the time we had hoops in our lives, the NBA did not disappoint.
Here is one thing that every Eastern conference lottery team learned about themselves over a troubling year of basketball.
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young is a future STAR.
Often times a point guard will enter the league and struggle to adapt to the pace and play at the highest level.
That was not the case for Oklahoma’s one and done sensation.
After putting together one of the better rookie campaigns in 2019, it was obvious that the savvy guard had potential to be a star in this league and he followed it up with a marvelous second year.
Young averaged nearly 30 points along with his 9.3 assists and proved to be a big time performer in clutch scenarios. He was second in the league, only behind Chris Paul, in points in the clutch. As the season progressed, you could see Young start to get more and more confident. Throwing the ball between his opponents legs, making no look passes to a cutting teammate or simply pulling from the logo, Young was a show every night.
The Hawks made a move at the deadline to bring in Clint Capela to pair with Young. A rim running center who brings a defensive prowess the Hawks needed. It’s a move that helps now but also in the future.
Despite not being able to put a winning formula together around Trae Young right now in Atlanta, it’s with no doubt when we say that Trae Young has a rightful spot among some of the best guards in basketball.
Charlotte Hornets: Devonte’ Graham is a valuable offensive weapon.
After spending four-years at Kansas University, Graham would declare for the draft and find himself in Charlotte. Upon his arrival, Kemba Walker was still the main guy and the minutes were slim, if any, over his rookie year. However, the departure of Kemba Walker gave Graham the opportunity to show his worth and he has not spoiled that opportunity whatsoever.
As front office execs and scouts approach draft festivities, it’s easy for three or four year players to get lost in the shuffle. They aren’t necessarily young in terms of basketball years and the window to capitalize on their prime is rather small. While that holds truth, there’s always those few players that are too talented to pass up on and Devonte’ Graham is one of those players.
While the shooting numbers aren’t the prettiest, Graham has had flashes of being a lethal scorer as he continues to mature at the NBA level. Averaging 18.2 points per game, Graham is leading the Hornets in scoring while also leading them in assists with 7.5 per game.
During a road game in Brooklyn, Graham exploded for 40 points and captured the attention of the national media. It was a real coming out party for the second year guard.
While it hasn’t been a memorable year for the Hornets as a whole, Graham has been able to give the fans and organization a glimmer of hope for the future.
Chicago Bulls: GarPax is NOT working out.
The fans of Chicago have been calling for their jobs for years now and finally, their prayers have been heard.
It just wasn’t working with these two and after the recent news, the Bulls have finally come to the conclusion that a change was needed. Although the two will still have jobs within the organization, the next hire will be given FULL control surrounding basketball operations.
Now, you’d have to think that with a new sheriff in town, Jim Boylen is gone, right?
It’s blatantly obvious that the Bulls players don’t have any respect or admiration for their current coach. And when tempers are flaring between the coach and your stars, it’s a recipe for disaster.
The Bulls have talent. So much talent that it’s mind-boggling to think they’ve been on the outside looking in for the majority of the year. Perhaps the drastic change in the front office gets this team on the right track for success. It’s time for the Bulls to be back in playoff contention. The organization has suffered dark days, hopefully they get a right person to steer them back to brighter days.
Cleveland Cavaliers: I honestly don’t know.
It’s just a mess in Cleveland.
Cleveland is just there right now. Not doing much of anything but what they are doing has you scratching your head.
Kevin Love is still a Cavalier after signing an extension that, from the start honestly, didn’t make much sense. John Beilein called his roster thugs and then apologized and made amends with the team. Then he stepped down as head coach. Then you had the whole Drummond trade that really didn’t need to be done but hey, it cost them about as much as a bag of balls and a meatball sub so why not pull the trigger?
Two-years since LeBron’s second departure and the Cavs just can’t seem to get anything right. Collin Sexton had a pretty good sophomore season so that’s a positive. Darius Garland was alright in his rookie year as one of the lead guards.
I think this offseason could be a big change in the tide for Cleveland. Which direction that may be is uncertain as of now but only time will tell.
Detroit Pistons: Christian Wood deserves a long term contract extension.
Christian Wood is really good at basketball. In his four-years in the NBA, Wood has played for five different teams and never found a true home.
But maybe that all changes in the summer of 2020.
With the injury of Blake Griffin and the departure of long time Pistons big man, Andre Drummond, front court minutes have opened up in Detroit and Christian Wood is THRIVING.
In his last 16 games before the season was ultimately suspended, Christian Wood was averaging 21.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and shot 55.9% from the field. Simply insane numbers from the 24-year-old forward. If there is any year for Wood to get his big pay day, it has to be this year.
Wood is apart of a free agency that doesn’t have the star power that other classes have had. He’s your prototypical big man for the future. He’s athletic and can stretch the floor, shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc. Some team is going to come into this free agency and not be afraid to spend their money and I predict that several teams are going to be calling this man when the time comes.
Wood as made it known that his next goal is to be named an All-Star. And if given the opportunity, that goal is definitely in sight.
New York Knicks: This summer is crucial to the future of the New York Knicks.
Despite the Knicks having another down year of basketball, the organization is set up to have a fairly eventful offseason.
If you ignore the shenanigans surrounding Knicks owner, James Dolan, the Knicks weren’t that bad this year. Of course, they weren’t able to really piece together wins but there were flashes of what the future might hold.
RJ Barrett had moments where he struggled but you could see the potential in the 3rd overall pick. Averaging 14.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Mitchell Robinson showed flashes of being an elite rim protector despite not being given a starting spot like one would assume. And now, the Knicks will go into the draft with a high lottery pick and they’ll add onto their young core.
The Knicks have majority of their roster locked into one-year deals or have team options attached to the end of them. Outside of Julius Randle, the Knicks are not tied into tons of money. So if the opportunity presents itself for them to pay a player that can help them, not only now but in the future, they have the flexibility to do so.
Despite blowing it in the 2019 offseason, the Knicks spent money right and hit on their picks. Now, it’s just about patience and getting the right coach in the huddle.
The Knicks are in a good place right now when it comes to their on court affairs. No need to rush anything. Patience is key and those who remain patient, will come out victorious.
Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal is the main guy going forward.
Is Bradley Beal’s All-Star snub the biggest snub in the history of the NBA? Maybe. Even with that debate up in the air, there is no denying how great Beal is. He’s been so great that the when John Wall returns, Bradley Beal must be the main guy in the Wizards future going forward.
Bradley Beal did just about everything this year. Not only being able to score the ball but, getting his teammates involved. Averaging over 30 points and 6 assists, Beal is on the brink of super-stardom.
With his backcourt mate, John Wall, sidelined for the whole 2019–2020 season, Beal showed just how dominant he could be. As Wall is expected to return just in time for the start of next season, you have to wonder how this should impact Beal on the court. And honestly, Beal shouldn’t have to give or take any more or less than he is right now.
When Wall returns, Beal should still be your guy. Not that Beal should be pounding the rock in isolation for 90% of the game but that you keep calling his number. This is all lies on the shoulders of the coaching staff as they have to find the best way possible to make Beal and Wall mesh without taking away from each other.
John Wall hasn’t touched an NBA floor in over a year. Over that time, we’ve forgotten that the Wizards were making the second round with their back court duo. It’s been so long since we’ve seen Wall and Beal on the court together and honestly, the return of Wall is something all NBA fans are awaiting. Hopefully things turn around in the future with Beal and Wall together once more.
Western Conference version coming 4/12/2020! Follow me on Twitter @brockdickerson0 to follow more of my NBA opinions!
