Grading Each Western Conference Team Off-season

Dallas Mavericks: D

The Mavs didn’t make a lot of noise this offseason, they did lock down new acquisition Kristaps Porzingas to a 5 year deal. While that might sound good, The Mavericks might have jumped the gun here. Porzingas hasn’t played in 2 seasons and while he was good when he did play, the sample size is so small it’s highly risky to give him such a long and big contract. Outside of Porzingas the Mvs didn’t do a lot to make the team better, and seeing as though the contract for Porzingas, I think, is baffling, it was a rough offseason for the Mavericks.

Denver Nuggets: C+

The Nuggets decided to pick up Paul Millsap’s team option, and while 32 million might seem too much, I think the Nuggets would feel the pain more if they lost Millsap altogether by not picking up the option. They also gave Jamal Murray a max contract to lock him down beside Nikola Jokic for the next five years. Given Jamal still had two years on his contract, the decision is questionable. But, Murray performed in the playoffs above expectation, fans will be hoping this isn’t another Wiggins story. Jerami Grant is also an underrated pickup this offseason, and can definitely help elevate the Nuggets to the next level.

Golden State Warriors: B+

This is a tough one to grade, on one hand, you lost Kevin Durant, which of course is just about irreplaceable. But on the other hand, out of no where, amongst all the trade talks and rumours, they emerge from the background and manage to snag up D’Angelo Russell. The Warriors management has been absolutely ridiculous over the past 5 or so years and they keep on making moves. They also picked up Willie Caukey-Stein from the Kings. I’m unsure how they will make the three guards work when Klay Thompson comes back, but I definitely don’t think this dynasty is over.

Houston Rockets: C+

Firstly, I do not like the Westbrook trade, I think the Thunder won by a long shot. The Rockets traded the worst contract in the league for the second worst contract in the league and lost a first-round pick while they were at it. All this for a player who is yet to prove he can consistently play alongside another star with any serious success, not only that, said player, who needs the ball the second most amount in the league, now has to share the ball with James Harden, the guy who uses the ball the most in the league. It will be fun to watch at times, it will also be painful, but I definitely do not see it being successful come the post season. No, the saving grace for the Houston Rockets off-season is their other acquisitions. Ben McLemore is someone who I can still see being a very productive player in the right system. They also add Tyson Chandler to lock down the paint. It will be an interesting season in Houston.

Los Angeles Clippers: A+/S/Z/any other grading that exemplifies the best.

Well, what needs to be said here. The Clippers went all in on Kawhi, and managed to land him. That in itself would warrant and A+, BUT they also land Paul George, come on now, that’s irresponsible. Not only that, they did it without losing Patrick Beverly, (who they resigned) Lou Williams or Montrezl Harrell. Thye lost a few shooters in Gallinari and Chandler, but really what else can be said. They also acquired another defensive player in Maurice Harkless. That’s a lot of defence, with a lot of players who can put the ball in the basket. Irresponsible from the Clippers, plain rude.

Memphis Grizzlies: C+

The Grizzlies lost Mike Conley, but they have managed to surround new draft pick Ja Morant with a pretty good roster. Tyus Jones from the Wolves is a great pickup, while Iguodala and Jae Crowder fill out the wings nicely. I would love to see Dwight Howard revitalise his career in Memphis.

Minnesota Timberwolves: D

Minnesota went out with one goal this off-season, to land D’Angelo Russell, and they failed. There really isn’t that much else to it. Hopefully, rookie Jarrett Culver works out for the Wolves and can add the missing piece. But they still aren’t going to compete in the west this year without the addition of a star. Heartbreaking offseason for Wolves fans, who are still only left with the uncomfortable reality that they’re still stuck with Wiggins.

New Orleans Pelicans: A

Despite losing their mid-season leverage over the Lakers, the Pelicans still managed to rip the young core right from LA. Not only that they also ended up with Zion Williamson. If Lonzo and the rest of the Lakers stay healthy, the Pels are going to be set for a while with such a young talented core. But they also added veteran leadership and production in JJ Reddick, a huge pickup. Jrue Holiday will still be around to run the team and Jahill Okafor really showed the promise that got him drafted. Hopefully he continues to develop with the rest of the young core.

Los Angeles Lakers: A

It was a good offseason for the Lakers too, FINALLY, they pair Anthony Davis with LeBron, but it cost them everything. (Insert Thanos Meme) They did miss out on Kawhi, and as a consequence missed out on some good free agents. But they still managed to round out the roster nicely. Avery Bradley and Danny green both add three-point shooting and defence on the other end while Quinn Cook has proven he can also be dangerous from deep. If Demarcus Cousins can get healthy and even remotely resemble his former self, the Lakers will be looking hot and the battle for LA will be well and truly alive.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B+

Another tough one to grade, the Thunder blew up their roster completely, but did so with spectacular fashion and with real grace. In the process of blowing it up, they landed 15 first-round picks between now and 2026. That is, a lot. The Thunder will be looking to rebuild through the draft, and they might have a chance to really put things together as the huge teams that are built now begin to die down. Unfortunately, until then, it is going to be a struggle for the Thunder.

Phoenix Suns: D-

Another season of just about nothing for the suns, they did add Ricky Rubio and Dario Saric while picking up Cam Johnson in the draft, but still not nearly enough to put together any sort of competitive team. Another wasted season for Booker.

Portland Trail Blazers: C-

Neither here nor there for the Blaers, they managed to pick up some solid players in Bazemore and Pau Gasol, and providing he gets his head right, Hassan Whiteside will be fantastic for them. But what made Potland so dangerous was their depth, which really took a hit this offseason. They lost Seth Curry, Evan Turner, Aminu, Harkless and their two bigs Leonard and Kanter. That’s a lot of really good role players to lose, only to be replaced by a couple that aren’t really as good as the ones they lost. I also think 100 million for McCollum is too much, and something the Blazers will regret. They’ll still be a good team, but not nearly as dangerous as they were.

Sacramento Kings: C+

The Kings lost Cauley-Stein, but outside of that it was pretty standard. Ariza will be a good pickup for the Kings, bringing in defence and veteran leadership to a young team. Also, picking up Kyle Guy to hopefully light it up form three should prove valuable.

San Antonio Spurs: C

No noise from the Spurs this off-season, they will essentially be running it back with the same group they had las season. Not really disappointing or exciting, they have a good list and with Dejounte Murray back in the line-up, hopefully they will be able to compete.

Utah Jazz: A

I think the Jazz really had one of the best off-seasons I remember seeing in quite some time. They added Mike Conley which is huge. Adding a defensive playmaker and floor general to help Donovan Mitchell and provide a bit of help for Gobert is a valuable acquisition. Not only that, they added, to what was already a deep team, a list of good role players. Bojan Bogdanovic on the outside to knock down threes, Jeff Green adds more 3 and D, Emmanuel Mudiay showed promise on the Knicks and should be a handy pickup. The loss of Derrick Favors is really the only downside to this off-season for the Jazz.