The NBA offseason isn’t just a lull; it’s the breeding ground for the next big contenders—unless, of course, your team is gunning for the young phenom, Cooper Flagg. Still, every franchise is on a relentless quest to evolve, striving to present the best version of themselves. For some, this might mean a strategic step back, but for most, it’s about boosting their on-court prowess to inch closer to becoming the NBA’s Most Complete Team.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The NBA’s Most Complete Team?
This analysis delves into which teams have made the most significant strides, setting themselves up to blow last year’s performance out of the water. It’s not merely about win totals or flashy new signings. This is about the teams that will elevate their status in the NBA’s grand hierarchy.
Dallas Mavericks: A Masterstroke of Improvement
Who says you need cap space to upgrade a Finals team? The Mavericks have proven that notion wrong, making shrewd moves that could see them soar. Losing Derrick Jones Jr.’s defensive flair stings, but it’s a small price to pay for the firepower they’ve added.
Enter Klay Thompson, the sharpshooter who brings a dimension Dallas has lacked beside Luka Dončić. His shooting style might have been an issue with Golden State, but a change of scenery—and teammates—can work wonders. Paired with ball-dominant stars like Luka and Kyrie Irving, Thompson’s game could reach new heights.
Naji Marshall steps in to fill the defensive gaps left by Jones, bringing versatility and strength. His three-point shooting could be a game-changer in the playoffs. Quentin Grimes, often overlooked, adds another layer of toughness and shooting, despite a rocky 2023-24 season.
Dallas is not just looking to maintain their post-trade surge—they’re aiming to surpass it, potentially setting the stage for another deep playoff run.
Memphis Grizzlies: A Sleeping Giant Awakes
The Grizzlies might not have had a blockbuster offseason, but don’t let that fool you. Their biggest move was drafting Zach Edey, whose size and defense could form a formidable duo with Jaren Jackson Jr. But the real story is what they already had in place.
Healthier seasons from Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Luke Kennard, and Marcus Smart are game-changers. Add Brandon Clarke into the mix, and Memphis gets the equivalent of two top-tier free agents without making a single trade.
This doesn’t even touch on the continued growth of Bane and Jackson, who were forced into bigger roles last season. That experience will only make them—and the team—stronger.
Memphis is set to obliterate last year’s 27 wins, and it’s not just about racking up victories. They’re poised to reclaim their status as a legitimate threat in the West.
New York Knicks: Reinvented and Ready
Losing Isaiah Hartenstein might seem like a setback for the Knicks, but let’s not overthink it. A healthier Mitchell Robinson will fill much of the void left behind, and the frontcourt duo of Julius Randle and OG Anunoby adds a new dynamic.
Speaking of Anunoby, his presence was felt immediately. The Knicks only lost five games across the playoffs and regular season when he played significant minutes. His injury history is concerning, but it also means there’s room for growth.
Then there’s Mikal Bridges, a player whose versatility elevates every aspect of the Knicks’ game. He’s not a conventional superstar, but his impact is undeniable.
The Knicks aren’t perfect, but they’re deeper and better than last season, even if Jalen Brunson doesn’t make the top five in MVP voting.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Quietly Building a Juggernaut
The Thunder’s 57-win season exposed some weaknesses: lack of physicality, inconsistent spacing, and limited shot creation. But they’ve addressed these issues head-on.
Swapping Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso gives OKC a respected shooter and an elite defender. Adding Isaiah Hartenstein bolsters their physical presence and allows for more versatile lineups.
The shot creation dilemma remains, but the solution might already be within the team. Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Aaron Wiggins are all poised for significant growth.
The Thunder have also stockpiled draft picks, positioning them to make a splashy midseason trade if needed. They might already be the most complete team in the league.
Philadelphia 76ers: From Good to Great
Signing Paul George was a game-changer for the 76ers, but their offseason moves didn’t stop there. They added depth with players like Caleb Martin and Andre Drummond, who could push the team to new heights.
Joel Embiid, who played just 39 games last season, is expected to shoulder less of the offensive burden, thanks to George and the rising star Tyrese Maxey. This could make Embiid’s minutes more impactful.
With the ability to trade up to four first-round picks, the Sixers could make another big move midseason, transforming from a solid team into a potential juggernaut.
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