While the NBA 2nd Round matchups are intensifying as days go by, let’s look at the possible off-season moves of these teams, which were eliminated in the first round.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Ja Morant-led Grizzlies had an up-and-down season. It was fortunate for them to survive the Play-In tournament against the Dallas Mavericks.
They ended up as the 8th seed and had to face the #1 Oklahoma City Thunder. What happened in that series? It was a quick and painful sweep by the Thunder.
That being said, I believe the Grizzlies can opt to trade some of their rotational players in order to get a legitimate off-the-bench star.
GG Jackson? Jaylen Wells?
Los Angeles Lakers
After the groundbreaking trade last February, the LA Lakers had high hopes of possibly winning it all this season.
Besides, can you imagine a trio led by Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James bouncing out of the 1st round, losing 4 games to 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves?
It sounds fictional, right?
Unfortunately for the Lakeshow, that’s what happened in their playoffs. The 6th-seeded Wolves made a gentleman sweep against the 3rd-seeded Showtime Lakers.
What should they do this off-season? Get a legitimate center. Keep Jaxson Hayes, he’s a monster offensively. But defensively? He’s as useful as a white crayon.
They have plenty of assets in their team to bolster their frontcourt. They got Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Gabe Vincent, Jordan Goodwin, Maxi Kleber, Christian Koloko, Trey Jemison III, Alex Len, and Markieff Morris.
Houston Rockets
The young and talented Houston Rockets were a very promising team at the end of the eliminations. Being the 2nd seed, winning 52 games, and only losing 30 games.
Who did they face in the 1st round? The old and experienced Golden State Warriors, led by none other than the Bay’s newest trio, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III.
It was a cinematic Game 7 for these two squads, but the lack of playoff experience and a legitimate real star player for Houston proved to be their Achilles heel. This resulted in the Dubs getting the win against them.
This off-season, there are a lot of franchise players frustrated with the accomplishments of their current team. We got Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Rockets may try to explore any of these players in exchange for any of their young stars.
Los Angeles Clippers
For the first time in a long while, the star players of the LA Clippers were all healthy come the playoffs. Kawhi Leonard was 100% available, as was James Harden.
No excuses for this team as they faced off against the 4th seeded Denver Nuggets. However, the Jokic-led squad proved to be a better championship-contending team as they dominated the Clippers from start to finish in Game 7.
This off-season, I wouldn’t hesitate if they try to blow it up if they can’t get a 3rd star on their team. Yes, both Norman Powell and Bogdan Bogdanovic are lethal offensively, while Ivica Zubac has reached a whole other level this season.
But with that said, they still couldn’t get past the 1st round. What’s stopping them from rebuilding already?
Miami Heat
The “Jimmy Butler Era” officially ended in South Beach when they traded their star player to the Warriors for Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson during the trade deadline.
The 10th-seeded Miami Heat was able to surpass the Play-In tournament. And against the #1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers, the “Heat Culture” wasn’t able to do much as they got swept in the 1st round.
This off-season may look like the dark years again of the “Coach Spo Era,” considering that their lineup has always been composed of 2nd-round picks or undrafted players.
With that in mind, just have a full-on rebuild if they fail to get Trae Young or borderline superstars like Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets or Keegan Murray of the Kings.
Orlando Magic
The Magic had a strong start at the beginning of this season. But early injuries to Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner proved to be costly for this squad.
Suggs came back for a few games before getting injured again and ruled out of the season, while Banchero and Wagner still put up impressive stat lines against the 7th-seeded Boston Celtics as they got swept by the defending champs.
This off-season, they may try to find a star guard to pair up with their 2 superstar forwards. If that’s not possible, make sure that Anthony Black will be their main man in the backcourt.
Milwaukee Bucks
Another underwhelming season for the Milwaukee Bucks despite having a record of 48 – 34 and becoming the 5th seed.
The truth of the matter is, they really can’t beat the Indiana Pacers, and Damian Lillard isn’t fit to play with Giannis. Now that Lillard’s injury may have him sidelined for the majority of next season, what’s stopping the Bucks from having a full-on rebuild mode?
Kyle Kuzma is such an unreliable player for them, not good enough to be the 2nd scoring option, Brook Lopez isn’t as agile a defender as he once was, and Bobby Portis is only Bobby Portis.
The Bucks organization has failed to give Giannis proper help after the 2021 title. While the Greek Freak is still in his prime, why not get multiple 1st round picks for him?
Detroit Pistons
After a horrendous record last year, the Pistons made the right move in replacing their Head Coach and signing veteran players. This helped them to be the 6th seed and lose in Game 6 against the New York Knicks.
I believe they should just run it back and keep their vets in the lineup. Plus, we have yet to see the true potential of Cade Cunningham’s running mate, Jaden Ivey, as his injuries have kept him sidelined this season.
