Saying 3 nice things about every NBA team is a complex task, yet also a simple one.
In this piece, we’ll uniquely take a look firstly, at the Western Conference and finally at the Eastern Conference. In the process, saying 3 nice things about each team in the National Basketball Association.
Dallas Mavericks
Firstly, Luka Doncic lives up to all the hype, with yet another superstar season for the Slovenian. Luka Doncic averages 28.5 points, 8.2 rebounds in addition to 8.7 assists per game in 35 minutes of action.
The Mavericks’ overall team health bettered itself throughout the season. Key roster members, including Kristaps Porzingis, Jalen Brunson, Dorian Finney-Smith, missed significant time. COVID-19 protocols and injuries significantly impacted the Dallas Mavericks early in the 2021 NBA season; return to full health is encouraging for the organization.
Recently acquired shooting guard JJ Redick looks to be a promising acquisition for the franchise, adding a shooting jolt.
Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is playing out of his mind, averaging a near triple double in his 6th NBA season. Nikola Jokic currently averages 26.3 points, 10.9 rebounds in addition to 8.9 assists.
Aaron Gordon’s seamless fit with the Denver Nuggets elevated their playoff ceiling immensely. Denver’s playoff ceiling raises undoubtedly as a result of the Aaron Gordon trade. Gordon’s versatility, in addition to his improved three-point shot, is an asset.
Michael Porter Jr’s improved play and star potential continue to tantalize. Denver Nuggets fans worldwide hope defensive growth follows in the long term.
Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry’s superstar play continues to impress. Curry averages 29.7 points, 5.5 rebounds in addition to 6.0 assists in only 34 minutes per game. It is important to realize just how much Stephen Curry means to Golden State both on and off the court.
Andrew Wiggins’ defense improved dramatically in comparison to his overall career. Wiggins’ DBPM (defensive box plus-minus ) is the highest in his entire career, sitting at -0.2 points per 100 possessions.
Chase Center in San Francisco, California, is a beautiful arena, setting a new standard in design and amenities alike. To summarize, Golden State Warriors fans are in for a treat once life returns to normal post-COVID-19.
Houston Rockets
By and large, Christian Wood’s continuing development is a huge positive for the Houston Rockets franchise. Wood continues to prove his skills and development are no fluke. At just about 13 million this season, it looks like a bargain signing.
At this instant, Kevin Porter Jr is looking like the steal of the season. Porter Jr’s time in Cleveland defined itself with off-court incidents. Houston suddenly acquires Porter Jr for a measly second-round pick. Porter Jr’s play paid back that investment tenfold.
Houston’s uniforms continue to stand out, being one of the NBA’s best collections.
Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard continues to have the quietest All-NBA caliber season. Leonard presently averages 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in his 10th NBA season.
Terance Mann proves it’s important to realize you must maximize your minutes. Mann’s emergence is a pleasant surprise for a Clippers team without much young talent. Mann surely awaits a nice payday this offseason.
Paul George’s commitment to Los Angeles solidified itself with a 5-year max contract. George continues to produce in the regular season, particularly improving his playmaking whilst continually being an excellent two-way player.
Los Angeles Lakers
Dennis Schroder continues to impress as a solid secondary playmaker next to LeBron James. Schroder notably rejected a lucrative extension from the Lakers, eventually hoping to secure a large contract in free agency.
At present, Andre Drummond’s signing is a low-risk, high-reward investment for Los Angeles. Hopefully, Drummond has a Dwight Howard-Esque career resurgence with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Talen Horton-Tucker’s value all of a sudden increased immensely. The Lakers were allegedly refusing to part with Horton-Tucker in trade talks for Kyle Lowry. In addition to the franchise, LA Lakers fans hope their investment and faith in Talen Horton-Tucker will pay off.
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant continued his stellar play in 2021, surprisingly keeping the Memphis Grizzlies afloat in the play-in race. Jaren Jackson Jr’s return in due time illustrates a bright future in Memphis.
Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton are both having career years in Memphis. Excellent pieces of business from the Memphis Grizzlies front office.
The Vancouver Grizzlies throwbacks became universally acclaimed amongst NBA fans. Ja Morant’s dazzling play immediately adds style with the addition of the throwbacks.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards’ dunk on Yuta Watanabe is one of the best dunks of all time. In the meantime, Edwards notably improved his stock, being of the best rookies in 2021.
Minnesota’s weather is improving, and with vaccinations ramping up, summer is looking good. On the positive side, Minnesota Twins baseball looks to be a major draw this summer.
Minnesota’s pitiful season immediately increases their chances of retaining their draft selection. Additionally, it establishes Minnesota as a key player in the Cade Cunningham sweepstakes.
New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson’s superstar level play this year has flown under the radar. However, I will give Zion Williamson his props for proving the doubters wrong. Williamson presently averages 26.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, whilst also averaging 32.6 minutes per game.
Lonzo Ball’s improvement, his improved three-point shooting, in particular, comes as no surprise to those closely examining Ball’s career. For this reason, Lonzo Ball becomes a top target in restricted free agency.
New Orleans’ future is bright, with Lonzo Ball, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and another high draft pick in due time.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress, yet again elevating his level of play despite anemic offensive costars. Gilgeous-Alexander presently averages 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in his 3rd NBA season.
Aleksej Pokusevski is emerging as a key future piece for the Oklahoma City Thunder, nicely coming along at 19.
Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City controls 34 draft selections , including 17 first round picks.
Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul’s addition to the Phoenix Suns improved the squad enormously from their previous incarnation. Firstly, Phoenix improved from nearly missing the playoffs to being a contender.
Mikal Bridges’ emergence, in addition to Jae Crowder, gives the Phoenix Suns multiple wing defenders. Bridges and Crowder could prove critical to Phoenix’s playoff run.
Long-suffering Phoenix Suns fans await their return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Chris Paul drastically improves a franchise for the second straight season.
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard’s legendary status among Portland Trail Blazers fans continues, carrying a Trail Blazers squad hurt by injuries.
Norman Powell presently gives Portland more offensive firepower, with three proven scorers on the roster.
Portland Trail Blazers jerseys are continually amongst the best in the league. However, the new gray earned edition drags the jersey set down quite heavily.
Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Haliburton’s impressive rookie season confirms his status as the NBA’s biggest draft steal. Sacramento’s previous draft struggles with Tyrese Haliburton’s selection. With LaMelo Ball’s injury, Haliburton looks to be amongst the favorites to win Rookie Of The Year.
DeAaron Fox’s continued excellence puts him on the path to be a future all-star caliber player. Fox presently averages 25.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists.
Richaun Holmes’ emergence as a starting big-man surprised and impressed many NBA fans this season. Richaun Holmes’ future with the Sacramento Kings is a presently intriguing situation with multiple possibilities.
San Antonio Spurs
DeMar DeRozan’s spectacular game-winner over the Dallas Mavericks, in addition to his play this season, continues to impress.
San Antonio’s youthful roster is comparatively different from their usual veteran-heavy teams. Only Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, DeMar DeRozan, and Gorgui Dieng are over 30 years old.
Jakob Poeltl’s improved play massively benefits San Antonio. Despite Poeltl’s woeful free-throw shooting, his overall offensive play is solid.
Utah Jazz
Mike Conley’s return to form significantly benefitted the Utah Jazz. At this instant, Conley is averaging 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and, 5.4 assists.
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert’s continued excellence, enough said. The Jazz’s supporting cast playing excellent has Utah as the current number 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Jordan Clarkson’s contract initially appeared too expensive. However, by the time 2021 came around, his contract is looking more and more like a solid piece of business.
Saying 3 Nice Things About Every NBA Team: Eastern Conference
Saying 3 nice things about every NBA team is difficult, but after completing one-half of the NBA. The western conference was doable, but the eastern conference will be much more difficult.
Staring out on a positive note, let’s say 3 nice things about every nba team (in the eastern conference)
Atlanta Hawks
DeAndre Hunter’s massive offense improvement alongside his defensive excellence critically improved Atlanta’s defense. Atlanta’s defense suffered heavily when Hunter was out with a knee injury.
Trae Young continues his offense brilliance, presently averaging 25.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, in addition to 9.5 assists.
John Collins’ improvement on both ends of the floor will prove critical in due time. Collins will hit restricted free agency in 2021.
Boston Celtics
Despite the Boston Celtics’ up and down season, Jayson Tatum’s excellent play continued. Tatum presently averages 25.7 points, 7.1 rebounds in addition to 4.9 assists.
Boston’s amongst the hardest hit teams by COVID-19 in the NBA. Improved team health is nothing but a positive for a Boston Celtics squad in the Eastern Conference.
Robert Williams III continues to shine bright in limited spots. Williams’ potential is tantalizing for a Celtics team in need of a big man.
Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving’s off-court controversies aside, he is still a stellar basketball player. Irving’s new role as Brooklyn’s primary shooting guard has resulted in stellar production for Brooklyn.
Kevin Durant is sitting out the 2020 season; I was hoping he would be healthy for 2021. Durant proved he was still the old KD, the best player on a championship contender.
James Harden’s addition gives the Brooklyn Nets the three best isolation scorers in the NBA. Harden’s role as Brooklyn’s primary point guard showcased his spectacular playmaking even more.
Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball’s spectacular play had him as favorite for Rookie Of The Year prior to his injury.
Miles Bridges’ development adjacent to LaMelo Ball ensures a bright future in Charlotte. They look to be a fearsome duo in due time.
Eric Collins, the Charlotte Hornets’ announcer instantly became a favorite in NBA fan circles.
Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine’s ascension to all-star status is a massive boost to Chicago’s playoff hopes. LaVine currently averages 27.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, in addition to 5.0 assists.
Chicago surprisingly traded for Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline. Nikola Vucevic’s addition adds to the Bulls’ playoff push. Nikola Vucevic is undoubtedly Chicago’s second-best player.
Despite puzzling reactions at start, Patrick Williams proved himself as a critical component to the Chicago Bulls defense. At the tender age of 19, Williams undoubtedly established himself as Chicago’s best perimeter defender.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton and Darius Garland continue to improve, with Garland especially coming along nicely.
Isaac Okoro’s defensive potential is real. Cavaliers fans hope eventually, Okoro’s potential on the defensive end blossoms.
Cleveland’s current squad at the present time in the running for the Cade Cunningham sweepstakes.
Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes’ potential in the NBA was extremely promising. Pistons fans hope Hayes pans out as a future star.
Jerami Grant proved the doubters wrong, justifying his 3 years $60 million contract. Grant is a favorite for Most Improved Player.
Detroit got rid of Blake Griffin’s colossal monstrosity of a contract. Immediately freeing up an immense level of cap scape.
Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner routinely impresses on the defensive end, significantly improving the Indiana Pacers defense.
Caris LeVert’s return from a cancerous mass encourages Pacers fans, intrigued by LeVert’s fit in Indiana.
Malcolm Brogdon surprisingly underrated season continues to impress. Brogdon presently averages 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
Miami Heat
Bam Adebayo continues his journey to NBA stardom. Adebayo’s chiefly important role continues to hold up this season.
After his bout with COVID-19, Jimmy Butler’s return to form remains a joy to watch. Butler’s vocal role as Miami’s emotional leader illustrates his importance to the Miami Heat organization.
Pat Riley is still the godfather. Riley managed to acquire Victor Oladipo for pennies on the dollar, trading two expiring and a pick swap. Riley also discarded the dreadful Myers Leonard for a savvy veteran in Trevor Ariza.
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokoumnpo resigned for a supermax, extending his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis’ salary will make him the first-ever player to surpass $50 million in one season.
Jrue Holiday’s resigning allows Milwaukee to retain their current core for the foreseeable future.
Donte DiVincenzo remains a talented young player. DiVincenzo went into the season with a chip on his shoulder following the botched Bogdan Bogdanovic sign-and-trade.
New York Knicks
Julius Randle’s emergence this season earned him an all-star nod. Well deserved for making the New York Knicks significantly competent.
Tom Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy enshrined a hard-working winning culture in New York, desperately needed after years of incompetency.
Immanuel Quickley’s is a pleasure for New York Knicks fans. The competitiveness and new mentality of the New York Knicks will pay dividends in due time.
Orlando Magic
Markelle Fultz’s play tantalized Orlando Magic fans early in the season. While Fultz did tear his ACL, the promise still appears to be there.
Orlando’s future core of Fultz, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr has potential. Their upcoming lottery pick adds to a bright future down the road.
Wendell Carter Jr promises to be a stellar player in due time.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid’s MVP-level season. Embiid’s superstar play will carry Philadelphia as long as Embiid can stay healthy.
Ben Simmons’ defensive output is at a career-high level. Simmons is in contention for winning Defensive Player Of The Year.
Since hiring Doc Rivers as a coach, Philadelphia unlocked the potential of their supremely talented defense. Their offense still needs work, but the devastating defense gives high hopes in Philadelphia’s finals hopes.
Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry ultimately stayed in Toronto after the trade deadline. Kyle Lowry’s status as the GROAT (Greatest Raptor of All Time) will never change; his jersey next year, however, might.
Gary Trent Jr’s acquisition from the Portland Trail Blazers looks better and better every day. Trent looks to be a huge player in Toronto’s future.
Despite Anthony Edwards’ dunk over him making NBA highlight reels for life. Yuta Watanabe carved out a solid spot for himself in the Toronto Raptors rotation.
Washington Wizards
Rui Hachimura could eventually develop into a very quality NBA player. Hachimura’s averages at the present time are 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Russell Westbrook broke the Washington Wizards’ triple-double record without delay in his first season with Washington.
Bradley Beal is still a supremely talented player, continually proving his excellence on the offensive end.
