David Aldridge says Hornets had third best offseason in the NBA

[Dorian Gray]

 

THE SKINNY: Nobody got better bang for their buck this summer than the Hornets, who spent just under $47 million -- about $1 million more than Dallas did for Chandler Parsons -- to bring in Stephenson, Williams and Roberts, three players that will fill specific needs for an already-good playoff team. (None of that would have happened if Utah hadn't matched the $63 million offer sheet the Hornets gave restricted free agent Gordon Hayward. The best laid plans, you know?) Stephenson was an All-Star caliber two in Indiana last season, showing his improvement as a passer to go with his shooting and defensive skills. For all of his issues, and they are real ones, he was one of the few guys that competed in Game 6 against Miami in the playoffs, when many of his teammates mailed in their efforts. And he's just 23 years old. In Charlotte, his presence will definitely make things easier for Jefferson and Kemba Walker. Williams was coveted by several other playoff teams and is a veteran who'll balance the floor. Roberts played very well for the Pelicans last season, with a True Shooting Percentage higher than John Wall, Reggie Jackson or his now-teammate, Walker. Vonleh was a top-five pick on many Draft boards before sliding just far enough for Charlotte to be able to snag his incredible length and rapidly developing game. The Hornets were already a top-10 team in defensive rating, opponent field goal percentage and points allowed. With Stephenson and Vonleh teaming with the likes of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte could have the makings of a lockout, championship-caliber unit.

 

Full story: http://www.nba.com/2014/news/features/david_aldridge/08/04/morning-tip-2014-offseason-grades-top-10/index.html?cid=nba_12_twitter_L

 

Man I wish the season started today.  These articles are getting me hyped.

[carolina-chuck]

Wasup

[TheMaulClaw]

What's cool is David Aldridge generally knows what he's talking about.  

[cbarrier90]

What's cool is David Aldridge generally knows what he's talking about.  

 

Then how in the world are the Celtics 4th?

[Hammerin'Cameron34]

Then how in the world are the Celtics 4th?

Smart, Young. C's had a great draft. Resigned Avery Bradley.

[cbarrier90]

Smart, Young. C's had a great draft. Resigned Avery Bradley.

 

I just don't see where that team is headed. First it was "Sign Melo then use all the assets from the Brooklyn deal to lure in Kevin Love who's hanging out with Rondo at Fenway." Then it was "Ship Rondo out to Houston/Sacramento." Neither of those things transpired, and their only free agent addition of note is Evan Turner. They drafted a point guard they don't need if indeed they're going to keep Rondo around.

 

Maybe I'm overreacting to the C's striking out on big moves that may or may not have been in play at all but I just don't see it.

[TheMaulClaw]

Then how in the world are the Celtics 4th?

James Young, Marcus Smart, and Evan Turner is a nice backcourt to build around man.  Smart's my dark horse for ROY.

[cbarrier90]

James Young, Marcus Smart, and Evan Turner is a nice backcourt to build around man.  Smart's my dark horse for ROY.

 

I'm not discounting their draft, but they still have Rondo. If they traded him and let the young guys completely run the show their moves would make alot more sense. They're going to wind up in the same spot they were last season in a more competitive East. That's not the 4th "most improved" team in the league.

 

If you're talking about building around Evan Turner, you're in trouble.

[thatlookseasy]

I'm not discounting their draft, but they still have Rondo. If they traded him and let the young guys completely run the show their moves would make alot more sense. They're going to wind up in the same spot they were last season in a more competitive East. That's not the 4th "most improved" team in the league.

 

If you're talking about building around Evan Turner, you're in trouble.

 

Its not a most improved list though.  Its a best offseason list.  And they added some good assets without giving away anything important.  4th might be a little high, but they had a good offseason.

 

Imo not dealing Rondo while his value is low was a good decision, now he can come out and play well this year and they'll trade him by the deadline

[TheMaulClaw]

I'm not discounting their draft, but they still have Rondo. If they traded him and let the young guys completely run the show their moves would make alot more sense. They're going to wind up in the same spot they were last season in a more competitive East. That's not the 4th "most improved" team in the league.

 

If you're talking about building around Evan Turner, you're in trouble.

No not building around Evan Turner.....building around Marcus Smart.  I do think that Turner is a valuable commodity coming off the bench though, and creates a lot of backcourt depth for them. Their 2's could mean the difference in the outcome quite a few games.   

 

Admittedly I haven't done the math on the ratio...but I would think you would see a correlation between points from the bench and W's.

 

That's what sort of makes us dangerous.

[cbarrier90]

Its not a most improved list though.  Its a best offseason list.  And they added some good assets without giving away anything important.  4th might be a little high, but they had a good offseason.

 

Imo not dealing Rondo while his value is low was a good decision, now he can come out and play well this year and they'll trade him by the deadline

 

Darn you. My complaints have been vanquished. My argument has been defeated. Delicious pie for you.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

James Young, Marcus Smart, and Evan Turner is a nice backcourt to build around man. Smart's my dark horse for ROY.

After seeing him in the Summer league Smart seems like he is maxed out other than getting a better jump shot.

[TheMaulClaw]

After seeing him in the Summer league Smart seems like he is maxed out other than getting a better jump shot.I

I thought he played well in Summer league.

[MichaelNewtonII]

I'm not going to read this but I'm 100% sure Cleveland is #1 offseason

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