Grading Each Eastern Conference Teams Off-Season Moves

Atlanta Hawks: B

The Hawks didn’t really lose anything over the break outside of Kent Bazemore and Dewayne Dedmon, both of which were replaced in the draft.

The Hawks managed to pick up De’Andre Hunter with the 4th pick in the draft, along with Cam Reddish with the 10th pick, both highly talented players. If those two both develop and free agent signing Jabari Parker finds himself living up to something even close to his initial potential, the Hawks building of a young developing team was a true success.

Boston Celtics: C

The only thing keeping the Celtics from falling below a C standard is the signing of Kemba Walker to replace Kyrie Irving. IF the Celtics had managed to keep what they had and just make this replacement, it would probably be an A rating. Kemba is a better fit, and quite frankly a better team player than Kyrie Irving is. Unfortunately, the Celtics lost Al Horford, and his back-up Aron Baynes along with another big in Marcus Morris. Horford and Morris in particular were huge to the limited success the Celtics had, and without those two, or anyone to really replace them, the Celtics off-season has been a bit of a let-down. They will be relying on Taco Fall to really make a difference at centre.

Brooklyn Nets: A+

Not much needs to be said. This first season might be a bit of a struggle, and I don’t see them making a deep playoff run with just Kyrie, but if Kevin Durant comes back fully healthy and able, the Brooklyn Nets have locked up Kyrie Irving, and someone who can be the father type figure that LeBron was to him in Cleveland. They also managed to land DeAndre Jordan, along with Wilson Chandler, another player that can put the ball in the basket. Maybe more important than that, they managed to retain a lot of the bench that made last year’s Brooklyn team so competitive.

Charlotte Hornets: D-

Charlotte have gone into rebuild mode, they lost Kemba, replaced him with Terry Rozier, who, judging on his playoff form from a couple of years ago can play. He might carry them to a few wins, but they also lost Jeremy Lamb and Frank Kaminsky. Not much else to say here, it will be a long few coming years for Hornets fans.

Chicago Bulls: C

Hard to grade the Bulls this off-season. Outside of drafting Coby White with the 7th pick, there wasn’t much movement. Signing Thaddeus Young highlights the Bulls free agency period, and while Young is a decent enough pick up, him being the only thing they did sums up the grading. The Bulls will be hoping that Zach LaVine can stay healthy, Otto Porter continues to improve and with Denzel Valentine coming back, if everything clicks with this young core, they might do alright.

Cleveland Cavaliers: D

Cleveland picked up three first rounders in this years draft, Darius Garland at number 5, Kevin Porter Jr at 30 and Dylan Windler at 26. Outside of Garland though, the other two are long shots to expect anything too exceptional from. The Cavs also made no signings in free agency. Another long year ahead for Cavs fans.

Miami Heat: B+

It’s hard to argue with the addition of Jimmy Butler, it is unfortunate the Heat couldn’t work it out with Hassan Whiteside, him and Butler would have been a fiery and competitive pair. The loss of marksman Josh Richardson also hurts a bit. But the lockdown defence between Butler and Justice Winslow should prove good to watch. The Heat picked up a superstar pretty cheap while maintaining a decent enough supporting cast, can’t argue with that.

Detroit Pistons: C+

Detroit failed to add anyone who will really give them a push to contend with the likes of Philadelphia, but they did make some solid signings. Derrick Rose will be looking to continue the rejuvenation of his career alongside Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, while adding Markus Morris adds physicality. They also managed to sign Tony Snell, who can hopefully develop into a solid enough 3 and D player for the Pistons.

Indiana Pacers: B

The Pacers lost Wes Matthews and Bojan Bogdanovic which is likely to take a toll on their shooting. They also lost Tyreke Evans to drugs, which wasn’t really their fault, but a loss is a loss. Fortunately, they managed to pick up a few good role players. Malcom Brogdan has proven he can play on the Bucks, a similar story with Jeremy Lamb who will also be joining the Pacers. They also managed to acquire T.J Warren, who if can channel some of what he produced early last season in Phoenix will be a fantastic pick-up.

Milwaukee Bucks: A-

The Bucks, as mentioned, lost Malcom Brogdon and Tony Snell, but they also lost Nikola Mirotic which hurts a bit. Fortunately, that shooting gap was covered up pretty quick. The Bucks managed to land Kyle Korever, one of the most consistent shooters in history along with Wesley Matthews. They also picked up Giannis’ younger brother Thanasis, while pairing Robin Lopez with his brother Brook. Will be an interesting season for the Bucks, but their off-season was definitely a successful one.

New York Knicks: F

The only thing stopping the Knicks falling below an F, as drastic as that sounds, is that they have nearly monopolised the Power Forward position, which is a bold strategy, but will be an interesting one to watch develop. If another team loses their power forward this season, the Knicks might gain some sort of bargaining power. The New York Knicks, in spectacular Knicks fashion, missed on every goal they had this off-season, BUT, despite missing out on Zion, they did manage to correctly write the name of RJ Barret with pick number three. . . credit where credit is due I suppose. They did manage to pick-up Julius Randle, who is a very good player, but maybe a bit wasted when you sign four other players at the same position. The Knicks spent S100+ million on the Power Forward position. I’m waiting for the phone call to be made to bring back Amar’e Stoudemire.

Orlando Magic: C+

The Magic managed to acquire Al-Farouq Aminu who proves useful on any team he goes to, outside of that the offseason was pretty quiet. Of course, the loss of Timofey Moz-God will be a painful one.

Philadelphia 76ers: A

The Sixers had a tough choice to make, deciding who to keep between Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. The decision got harder after JJ Reddick decided he wouldn’t resign with the team either. Luckily, the Sixers did a very good job in replacing the holes that were left after the departure of Reddick and Butler. The Sixers re-signed Tobias, who I think will fit in better now with one less option before him, but they also added Josh Richardson in the Jimmy Butler departure, who will be able to fill the role as a slightly less accurate, but much more athletic JJ Reddick, probably fitting the role better anyway.

Not only that, they also managed to recruit the only person who as actually consistently been able to guard Embiid - Al Horford. With that recruitment, Embiid is free to just go to town on just about every team this year.

Toronto Raptors: D+

The Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard and lost Danny Green, and replaced them with essentially nobody. It’s a tough loss for the Raptors, but fortunately they have some young pieces in place already that should at least keep them competitive in the East.

Washington Wizards: D-

The Wizards lost a lot of good role players this offseason. Trevor Ariza, Jeff Green, Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis. That is a lot, especially for a team that has managed to ruin its next 3-4 years with ridiculous contracts, and just to make things that little bit worse, there are reports coming out that Bradley Beal, their only real star doesn’t want to sign an extension with the team. If fans thought that photo of John Wall last season looked dark, they need to prepare themselves and bunker down for the coming season.

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