James GordonAs the NBA’s free agency period draws to a close, all eyes are on who will be the lucky few teams to chase the NBA title next year, and how their rosters will look like. While the league’s free agency has gone relatively smoothly this year, the next few seasons will see a massive change in the league’s landscape. With that in mind, here are 3 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season.
The NBA season has less than a month to go. It’s now time to make a few bold predictions on how the league will look by the middle of this upcoming season. Ask anyone in the NBA, and they can tell you that the most important thing for basketball players to do is stay healthy, and this is true for every player, no matter where he plays his basketball. This is the only way for a player to stay productive and play as long as he wants. So, the big question is, what is the best way for a player to stay healthy?
The 2021-22 NBA season is mere months away, and some of the biggest storylines for the upcoming season are already being discussed: Will LeBron James re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers? Will the Miami Heat remain active in free agency? Will Kawhi Leonard play for the Toronto Raptors? Will the Denver Nuggets sign Paul George? Will the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Anthony Davis? Will the Boston Celtics trade Kyrie Irving? Will the Golden State Warriors sign Kevin Durant? Will the Orlando Magic sign a big name free agent this offseason? We’ll answer these and many other questions you have in the coming months.. Read more about chicago bulls trade rumors 2021 and let us know what you think.
After a slew of impressive offseason moves, the Washington Wizards might be dubbed the summer’s big winners. The Wizards were hyper-aggressive in the summer, securing a blockbuster deal including Russell Westbrook, fearful of losing Bradley Beal. The issue now is whether their fresh acquisitions will be enough to keep them in the playoffs every year. Will it be enough to re-establish a winning culture? Let’s attempt to make sense of the facts and make three bold predictions.
Three Season Predictions for the Wizards
3. A Less Difficult Path to the Playoffs
After defeating the Indiana Pacers in the play-in round, the Wizards made it to the playoffs. In the first round, they even beat the Philadelphia 76ers. While reaching the playoffs is a success in anyone’s book, the team’s journey to get there is a better indicator of their overall performance. Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, as you may remember, were a combination that simply didn’t work out. Beal alone was hitting 50 to 60 points all over the place, but it wasn’t enough to win games. This is a clear indication that a major revamp is required. And that’s exactly what the front desk did.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell were acquired as part of the Westbrook trade. Lakers fans (as usual) have strong feelings about one or both of the above. But, at the end of the day, you can’t deny their significance in the Purple and Gold’s campaign the last two seasons. They also grabbed Spencer Dinwiddie off the market to sweeten the deal. The Wizards have gone from a club without an identity to one with a very strong foundation. Wes Unseld Jr., the team’s new head coach, will have the difficult job of maximizing his excellent core. The advantage of these pick-ups is that, as members of a championship team, they know how to perform a role and do it very effectively. They understand that in a team sport like basketball, this is the only way to achieve greatness.
2. The Beginning of a Star Duo (or Trio?)
The Brooklyn Nets raised eyebrows for their quality of play before they became the superteam they are today. This was a squad that made a splash in the Eastern Conference despite having almost no All-Stars (though D’Angelo Russell was ultimately selected one). Apart from Russell, all eyes were on Spencer Dinwiddie, who might score a touchdown at any time.
When the big three arrived, there were just a few murmurs about Dinwiddie’s potential. Is he deserving of playing second fiddle to Kyrie Irving and James Harden? Is Dinwiddie capable of leading his own team and perhaps becoming an All-Star? In the coming season, we may get an answer to this issue. Dinwiddie seems to be talented enough to be an All-Star, based on all indications.
Apart from Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma’s performance should also be scrutinized. Lakers fans have strong feelings about Kuzma. People forget that in their first year together, he was out-balling Lonzo Ball. Kuzma was still working on his own game and persona. Then, all of a sudden, LeBron James appears with his enormous job of winning a championship and adding to his legacy. Whatever you want to say about it, Kuzma’s mindset has been impacted.
Finally, supporters of the Wizards should keep a watch on Rui Hachimura. In his first two seasons, the guy has gradually improved. Having Montrezl Harrell as a mentor and backup may help him go even farther.
1. Bradley Beal is certain to stay.
Bradley Beal will eventually remain with the Wizards if this resurrected squad performs well. This is, without a doubt, the front office’s goal. That’s why they made the Westbrook trade happen and signed Dinwiddie to a three-year, $54 million deal. The Wizards’ administration recognizes that Beal is a tremendous talent. Allowing him to walk away is like to knowingly squandering a winning lottery ticket.
Beal’s contract is set to expire after the 2022-23 NBA season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023. Despite the turbulence he had last season, Beal graciously said that he wants to remain in Washington and believes he can win there. No one appeared to remember his remarks as rumors spread about his impending departure from the state. Beal must be on cloud nine now that he’s learned he’ll have new teammates. Not just any teammates, but guys who understand how to play the game and contribute.
We’ve got 14 months left until the NBA’s next season begins, but in that little time the league’s landscape has already changed. The Warriors, Spurs, Cavs, and Celtics are still the top teams in the West, and the Spurs have a new star in Kawhi Leonard. In the East, the Cavs and Celtics are still fighting for the East crown, with the Raptors and Wizards making up the rest of the top six. The Heat are in shambles, and while the Clippers are still fighting for relevance, the Nuggets are looking to break out.. Read more about bulls trade 2021 and let us know what you think.
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James Gordon
