A Fresh Start

What an NBA offseason! The days of a one-team player appear to be as rare as DeAndre Jordan making a free throw. Whether it be through decisions made by individual players or the franchise, the 2016/17 NBA season is the year of “The Fresh Start”. The question is, how will they adapt to their new surroundings and what can they bring to the table?

MAJOR FRESH STARTS:
Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
What is there to write that hasn’t already been covered by every sports media outlet across the globe? It was the decision that rocked the NBA and world. One of the world’s best basketball players turning his back on a team that got so close to glory, to join the team that ended it for them less than two months earlier.
As a Warriors fan (Yes, I was a fan before the glory days), it’s a tough one. I mean it is Kevin Durant, but when you build such a chemistry that allows you to win an NBA title and then create history with 73 regular season wins the very next year, it’s a dangerous game to essentially dismantle a supporting cast that allowed you to reach such heights. But hey as I said, it’s Kevin Durant! While the Warriors have somewhat disbanded, the core of their success remains and they have managed to replace their departures fairly well it terms of capable players.
So how will KD fit the Warriors’ system? You hear the old cliche’ “but there’s only one ball” which is granted, but the selflessness of the Warriors lends itself to being able to add another NBA superstar to their roster without taking away from the team’s overall style of play. Stephen Curry is already gone on record as saying that he’s happy to take a back seat to the “KD Show”, while Klay Thompson feels as though his natural game won’t change, then you have the Swiss Army Knives of Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala who are happy to chip in any way they can, to help get the win. The big question will come down to the team’s ability to defend opposition big men, given the fact that KD will the tallest player in the starting lineup. Draymond’s ability to defend rival bigs does soften the blow somewhat, but this is the one real question mark that remains in mind. But then again, if you’re scoring more at the other end, it may not be an issue. In all honesty, I don’t see Durant’s numbers changing much from last season. He’ll still get a lot looks at the offensive end, whether that be through creating his own shot or benefiting from the Warriors’ ball movement.

Derrick Rose/Joakim Noah (New York Knicks)
The rumours were swirling for a while that Noah would look elsewhere this upcoming season, but when the Bulls shipped Derrick Rose off to New York, it pretty much sealed the deal. The news that Chicago were trading Rose came as a shock to most. While an injury plagued career has slowed the former MVP quite substantially, he was Chicago born and bred. In terms of fresh starts, Rose to New York seems like such a great move in regards rejuvenating his career. As inconsistent as it may be due to injury, we still see glimpses of what Rose is capable of and with a solid offseason under his belt combined with the big stage of Madison Square Garden, I think we could see Rose V2.0 (or V3.0, or even V14.5, I can’t keep track) and see him produce numbers of around 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game.
In saying that, I think some people still need to pump the brakes a bit. While the existing pieces of Melo and Porzingis are there, the Knicks still have a long way to go in terms of really competing in the East. Don’t get me wrong, the Knicks are on their way up, but the team’s success weighs partially on the shoulders of an aging big man (who ironically has shoulder issues) in Noah and Rose’s ability to stay healthy over extended periods of time.

Dwyane Wade/Rajon Rondo (Chicago Bulls)
With the departure of Rose, Noah, Gasol and a number of role players, Bulls fans were on edge for a little while. For a franchise challenging in the East only two years ago, to then miss the NBA Playoffs all together last season, to then parting ways with three big names as well as a chunk of the supporting cast, that’s got to be a bitter pill to swallow. While I feel that picking up Rondo is a smart pairing with Jimmy Butler, had the Heat gone about their business differently with Wade, the Bulls could have been at the mercy of their fans this season.
Other than his rookie season, Wade has never averaged less than 19 points per game at 45% from the field over his 13 year NBA career and it still baffles me as to to why the Miami Heat would treat such a legend of their franchise the way they have. Either way, Miami’s loss is Chicago’s gain. Wade still has some great basketball left in him and much like my predictions on Rose, could quite easily average 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists this upcoming season.
While Rondo has never been a flat out scorer, he knows how control the tempo of a game and run the floor to get those around him involved. As much as Jimmy Butler wants to the be the floor general of the Bulls, Chicago have done the right thing in bringing in Rondo to take control. Rondo found some vintage form at the Kings last season, equaling numbers to that of his glory days with the Boston Celtics. I think that will carry over to the Bulls.
It will be interesting to see Jimmy Butler evolve his game again, having to slide up to the Small Forward position on a somewhat permanent basis to accommodate Wade and Rondo, but this is what could elevate him to the next level as a player.

Dwight Howard (Atlanta Hawks)
Dwight… Where do I start? The dude had and still has the potential to take over a game of basketball, but it’s a case of him actually wanting to do it. Ever since leaving the Magic in 2012, Dwight’s numbers were almost on a steady decrease as each year passed. It’s fair to say that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side!
This could be the fresh start that Howard needs, especially in his hometown of Atlanta. The bright lights of LA were too much, the egos in Houston were too big, Atlanta seems to be the right fit for a guy who’s looking to shoulder a significant role. With the absence of Horford and Teague, there is a significant opening in terms of a scoring option alongside Millsap. Something that wasn’t really available to him in an offense around James Harden’s dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, shoot style of play.
At 30 years old, Dwight is still at a reasonable age to make an impact with the right structures around him. Look for Dwight to come out strong this season and push for 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game while being that rim protector we all know he can be.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Pau Gasol (San Antonio Spurs) – Classic Coach Pop! With the retirement of Tim Duncan, he’s been able to pick up an experienced player with a high basketball IQ. Gasol’s style of play is built for a Spurs system. This could be what allows the Spurs to really push in the Western Conference again.
Victor Oladipo (Oklahoma City Thunder) – Had Durant stayed at OKC, they would be the flat out favourites for the NBA Championship next season. I’m a big fan of Oladipo and his exciting style of play. He can do it all and was exactly what the Thunder needed at the two-spot. Even with the absence of Durant, the combo of Westbrook and Oladipo will wreak havoc on opposing back courts.
Al Horford (Boston Celtics) – Finally, Horford will be able to play Power Forward on a more permanent basis, after having to carry the weight at Atlanta. Boston are a great young defensive team that lack a bit of offensive polish in my opinion. Horford will provide a genuine option down low, without having to do so against guys playing at centre.
Harrison Barnes (Dallas Mavericks) – One of the many transactions that happened as a result of KD’s decision. As someone who always saw the best in Barnes, I’m honestly starting to wonder if he will ever become the player that so many people thought he would be. Barnes is a confidence player in every sense of the word. If the Mavs can find a way to get him going and keep positive, maybe we’ll see the Black Falcon that we all hoped for!

Sometimes a fresh start can re-ignite a career and I think we’ll see a few rejuvenated players this upcoming season.

Agree or disagree with anything I’ve had to say? Hit me up on twitter: @miltrain
You can also check out Big Ballers Podcast right here on the FNX Network as myself, Todd, Moe, Buckets and LJ talk hoops without the political correctness!