Buy or Sell: (Very) Early NBA Season Takeaways
The NBA season has already caught us with a few surprises. Change was always inevitable, but not like this. Are we buying into the hype?
… maybe a little.
The Warriors’ Dynasty is Over: BUY
The narrative that was built up all offseason came to fruition on Thursday. The Warriors aren’t the dominant force they once were. Steph Curry has to be “MVP Steph,” and that may not even be enough for them to make the playoffs. With Klay Thompson potentially missing the whole season, the Warriors’ struggling defense is a glaring hole. The inexperience and lack of spacing is a huge problem for Golden State.
The Thunder are a Playoff Team: SELL
The Thunder had a solid game, but keep in mind that it was against a revamped Jazz roster that’s still trying to figure things out. Frankly, the Thunder aren’t as bad as people think. Chris Paul is still a stud and Danilo Gallinari is a solid player and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is destined for stardom. Unfortunately, Paul and Gallinari can never seem to stay healthy. In a tough Western Conference, it’s going to be tough for the Thunder to pull off enough wins to get in.
The Phoenix Suns are… Good?: BUY
Phoenix crushed a Sacramento Kings team that many people were high on coming into the season. Things feel like they are really coming together for the Suns. Phoenix has compiled a ton of talented assets over the years, but their inability to develop players was a major problem. That and coaching. New coach Monty Williams looks like the right man for the job. The Deandre Ayton suspension hurts, but this looks like the year the Suns have their “Trust The Process” moment.
Trae Young is Going to Be an All-Star: BUY
Quiet all the doubters, then quiet them some more. Lloyd Pierce and this Hawks coaching staff have done wonders for the former Oklahoma Sooner. Young had a dazzling debut with 38 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. He also shot 6–10 from beyond the arc, showcasing the range that we were promised. Young has the talent, IQ and work ethic of a star. He’s in for a huge breakout season.
The Hornets Have Life?: MAYBE
The leading scorer for Charlotte versus the Bulls wasn’t prized offseason acquisition, Terry Rozier. It wasn’t even promising sophomore, Miles Bridges. It was the 12th overall pick, P.J. Washington. The former Kentucky Wildcat led the way with 27 points. The Hornets have a ton of promising pieces with Washington, Bridges, Dwayne Bacon, Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk. Development will be the biggest factor in the Hornets’ success this season.
The Rockets Already Have Problems: SELL
The media caught Harden and Westbrook arguing, and made a huge deal out of it. It’s basketball, these things happen. The two players have much respect for each other, and they will flourish together as they figure when and how to delegate. Westbrook’s ability to push the pace is a natural fit with Mike D’Antoni’s usual up-tempo offense. This team has the pieces to contend for a championship.
The Clippers are the Better LA Team: BUY
This is not a knock on the Lakers, I still expect them to contend for a ring, the Clippers are just that good. The Clippers pulled a 10 point victory on Tuesday and that was without Paul George. But that’s no surprise. This team is supremely talented, but also deep. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell coming off the bench should tell you all you need to know. This team is clearly the favorite to win the NBA Finals.
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All statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.
