Jul 18, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; From left Paul Pierce , Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry during a press conference to introduce them as the newest members of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
This offseason, many teams have bettered themselves by adding new players from a fully stacked free agency class, one of the best in a while. While it’ll surely be out-shined by the 2014 offseason, this offseason has put many teams up there in terms of rankings. Most importantly, it’s strengthened the Eastern Conference, which was considerably week up until this offseason.
With that being said, which three teams have had the most successful offseasons, whether it’s short term acquisitions or long term acquisitions? This is obviously debatable, but these are my picks for the best offseasons. June was a very exciting month, with many trades happening, and again, a lot of teams are going to have different looks heading into the new season, which is still over 50 days away.
1. Brooklyn Nets:
When you add two superstars to your roster, and a great sixth man, you’re sure to be at the top of the list. Yes, the Nets have done surprisingly well in the offseason, for a trade that wasn’t even being discussed during the playoffs. The Nets have added superstars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, giving them the best lineup in the NBA.
They may be old, and not have many years left, but the Nets are going to figure it out. Not many have them finishing higher than the 4th seed, but I expect them to come through and do well in the postseason. All of their starters have been, or are All-Stars right now. They have clutch players, great passer, great rebounders, and a solid anchor at the center spot. The only person stopping them is LeBron James.
Acquisitions: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry
2. Detroit Pistons:
The Pistons have had a great offseason, considering that they have a solid lineup now. They have a solid point guard, who will be a huge scoring threat, a great power forward who’s not afraid of the big moment, and a budding young player named Andre Drummond, who is looking to become a force to be reckoned with. As far as I’m concerned, the Pistons are ready to go.
Acquisitions: Josh Smith, Brandon Jennings
Jun 28, 2013; Independence, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers first round pick Anthony Bennett during a press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
3. Cleveland Cavaliers:
When you have the first pick twice in the past couple of years, then you have to be on this list. Anthony Bennett, Anderson Varejo, Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Andrew Bynum. That is a bullet proof and deep lineup. If there’s anything we know, it’s the Cavaliers are ready to compete, and Irving is ready to see Lebron James in the playoffs, and hopefully, for him, he’s ready to bring on an upset.
Acquisitions: Andrew Bynum, Anthony Bennett
4. Los Angeles Clippers:
The Clippers have had a damn good offseason. It’s not that they’ve made huge moves, other than re-signing Chris Paul, but they’ve made a lot of small moves that betters them as a team. They’ve brought on great shooters like Reggie Bullock, JJ Redick, and Jared Dudley.
They’ve also had other acquisitions like Darren Collison and Byron Mullens, who will both be great to backup guys like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan. Also, injuries were a problem for the Clippers last year, and these guys will be reinforcements for the Clippers off the bench. Now, the Clippers have depth, and experience. I think that they’re ready for a championship run.
Acquisitions: Reggie Bullock, Jared Dudley, JJ Redick, Darren Collison, Byron Mullens
5. Houston Rockets:
If you brought in one of the best centers in the NBA today, you’re surely going to be on the list. Dwight Howard was a great acquisition for the Houston Rockets, because he’s really going to do well with James Harden, who had one of the best seasons of his career last season, after being traded to Houston from the Oklahoma City Thunder.