Month: July 2021

There was a lot to like about the 2020-21 Sacramento Kings, but there were also a lot of questions. On the positive side, the Kings finished the season with an above-average offense, riding the production of De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes to go along with a rookie breakout from Tyrese Haliburton. On the other end of the floor, though, the Kings struggled mightily, underachieving even when compared to relatively unimpressive defensive talent.

Fast-forward to the summer of 2021 and the Kings have some interesting decisions. The team’s core including Fox and Haliburton, if nothing else, but they also have high-priced veterans in Barnes and Buddy Hield. From there, Sacramento’s best center (Richaun Holmes) is entering unrestricted free agency and there is the never-ending question of Marvin Bagley’s future. The Kings do have a lottery pick to bolster their reserves, but a pivot point could be approaching for the organization.

Roster Needs: A starting center, wing help, a resolution for Marvin Bagley

Davion Mitchell (No. 9 Overall), Grade: D

I promise this isn’t an instance of bashing Davion Mitchell. He is a real prospect that was tremendous in leading Baylor to a national title, and Mitchell should have a long, fruitful career. With that said, I don’t understand this pick. Sacramento’s best player (De’Aaron Fox) and best prospect (Tyrese Haliburton) are both guards, and Mitchell would fall behind each of them. Haliburton does have some size, but it’s hard to see all three playing together with regularity, as Mitchell is point guard-sized and an unproven shooter outside of a breakout junior season. Mitchell can help them defensively, to be sure, but this is a lofty price to pay for the role Mitchell projects to have on this team.

2021-22 Roster
De’Aaron Fox
Buddy Hield
Harrison Barnes
Marvin Bagley III
Davion Mitchell
Delon Wright
Tyrese Haliburton
Damian Jones (non-guaranteed)
Justin James (non-guaranteed)
Chimezie Metu (non-guaranteed)
Jahmi’us Ramsey
Robert Woodard II

2021 Free Agents
Nemanja Bjelica (UFA)
Terence Davis (RFA)
Kyle Guy (RFA)
Maurice Harkless (UFA)
Richaun Holmes (UFA)
Hassan Whiteside (UFA)

Thursday was a big day for House of Gucci, the forthcoming fashionista drama and one of two Ridley Scott films due before year’s end. Earlier, social media lost it over the new posters, specifically the one where Jared Leto once again looks nothing like Jared Leto. Later in the day people got to see him in action, in the first official trailer, which milks one of the couture world’s wildest true tales.

The film finds Lady Gaga belatedly following up A Star is Born, which took someone who was already a Golden Globe-winning thespian next level as an actress. She plays Partrizia Reggiani, the woman infamous for (spoiler alert, sort of) ordering the murder of her husband, fashion magnate Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver.

That grim conclusion is buried in a trailer, which is still chock-full of high fashion melodrama, flaring egos, thrown-about wealth, and amazing ‘80s fashions. Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” gets a slightly slower, moodier cover, as is the style of the time, over top images of comfy sweaters, Lamborghinis, and lots of broad Italian accents.

You also get to see the actors, already made instantly amusing in the poster wing of the ad campaign, in action. Leto, who plays Gucci family member Paolo, looks pretty comfortable in his bald patch and giant mustache, though the trailer is pretty skimpy on howling Al Pacino action. (He plays the family patriarch, also named Maurizio, who was also a screen actor.)

House of Gucci hits theaters on November 24. Meanwhile, Scott’s other 2021 release — The Last Duel, reuniting Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, as well as Driver, again — will be released a mere month and change earlier, on October 21.

You can watch the trailer in the video above.

The 2020-21 season didn’t go fully according to plan for the Golden State Warriors, dating back to the fateful news that Klay Thompson suffered a long-term injury in November. All things considered, Steph Curry, Draymond Green and company put together a relatively strong season, finishing with a 39-33 record, but the team’s ceiling was capped by the absence of Thompson and the future is uncertain.

For starters, the Warriors will be looking to compete at the highest level next season, all while living above the luxury tax line. Golden State will be banking on health, particularly for Thompson, Curry and Green, but they also project as an interesting team to monitor in terms of the transaction wire. The Andrew Wiggins trade is now complete, with Golden State acquiring a lottery pick from Minnesota, and the Warriors have their own pick to go along with young players like James Wiseman and Jordan Poole. In short, though, the stakes are much higher for the Warriors than a typical 39-33 team.

Roster Needs: Health, another ball-handler, wing depth

Jonathan Kuminga (No. 7 Overall), Grade: B

This is a tough evaluation. On raw talent, Kuminga is a very solid pick at No. 7 overall. In fact, it would be easy to argue that he has top-five upside (or higher) if things come together. On the flip side, Kuminga has a lot of work to do to reach that ceiling and Golden State is in win-now mode like no other team in the lottery. It’s hard to imagine him helping them during the 2021-22 season, but this is clearly a long-term bet.

2021-22 Roster
Stephen Curry
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Draymond Green
James Wiseman
Jonathan Kuminga
Kevon Looney
Jordan Poole
Gary Payton II (non-guaranteed)
Damion Lee (non-guaranteed)
Mychal Mulder (non-guaranteed)
Eric Paschall
Alen Smailagic (non-guaranteed)
Juan Toscano-Anderson

2021 Free Agents
Kent Bazemore (UFA)
Jordan Bell (RFA)
Nico Mannion (RFA)
Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA)

At this point, the rebuilding approach of Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder has been well-chronicled. It may seem odd to say that a team overachieved with a 22-50 record, but that was the case for the Thunder in 2020-21. Oklahoma City had the NBA’s worst net rating (-10.6) by a comfortable margin and, at times, their active roster could’ve (easily) been confused for one deployed in the G League. Still, the Thunder do have a budding star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the cupboard isn’t bare of intriguing players.

Aleksej Pokusevski was certainly a negative on the floor as a rookie, but his talent is undeniable. Lu Dort has established himself as a top-flight perimeter defender. Darius Bazley and Theo Maledon are definitely interesting and, oh, the Thunder also have Kemba Walker on a lucrative, multi-year contract. Beyond that, though, Oklahoma City has an unprecedented chest of draft assets, including a trio of first-round picks in the 2021 class. There isn’t much that Thunder could not do with these selections, but there is also a challenge with having a chess board that is as wide open as what Presti is dealing with at this early juncture.

Roster Needs: Established talent, more wings, clarity at center, potential consolidation

Josh Giddey (No. 6 Overall), Grade: B-

This was certainly a surprising pick but, after the top tier, an argument could be made that things flatten considerably. Giddey has questions, particularly with shooting and defense, but he is an exceptionally gifted passer. On top of that, Oklahoma City is (still) virtually a blank slate, and it is easy to see the upside that Giddey could possess as a 6’8 initiator if he can find a reliable offering as a shooter.

2021-22 Roster
Kemba Walker
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Giddey
Gabriel Deck (non-guaranteed)
Aleksej Pokusevski
Darius Bazley
Ty Jerome
Theo Maledon
Kenrich Williams (non-guaranteed)
Lugentz Dort
Isaiah Roby (non-guaranteed)
Charlie Brown Jr. (non-guaranteed)

2021 Free Agents
Tony Bradley (RFA)
Josh Hall (RFA)
Jaylen Hoard (RFA)
Mike Muscala (UFA)
Svi Mykhailiuk (RFA)

The 2021 NBA Draft Lottery wasn’t a disaster for the Orlando Magic, but it also wasn’t an overwhelming success. The Magic (finally) kickstarted their rebuild in advance of the trade deadline, sending Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier to the Bulls, Nuggets and Celtics, respectively. That allowed Orlando to position itself favorably before the ping-pong balls began to bounce, and Orlando came away with the No. 5 pick (their own) and the No. 8 pick (from Chicago) as a result.

Those two selections should certainly help Orlando to develop their roster for the future, but the Magic didn’t jump into the top four to provide a path to a more sure-fire prospect. Beyond that, this is a roster that does have intriguing young talent, but Orlando is void of a lead option on the offensive end, and health issues, particularly with Jon Isaac, played a significant part in the team’s cratering performance in 2020-21. All told, this is a familiar position for a team that has seemingly been rebuilding for a long time, but Orlando does have options, and they begin with Thursday’s draft.

Roster Needs: A No. 1 (and maybe No. 2) offensive option, health for Isaac and Fultz, at least one more wing

Jalen Suggs (No. 5 Overall), Grade: A

Suggs would’ve been my pick at No. 4 overall and the Magic benefit from his (small) drop. Orlando does have a few interesting pieces in the backcourt with Markelle Fultz, RJ Hampton and Cole Anthony, but Suggs is a better prospect than any member of that trio. Moreover, this is a “best player available” pick that also fits a need, as Orlando still doesn’t have a primary creator that they can feel good about at this stage. Suggs may not have a sky-high ceiling, but he projects to be a very good player for a long time.

Franz Wagner (No. 8 Overall), Grade: A-

The Magic emerge with fantastic value at No. 5 and No. 8. Suggs brings a more dynamic element on the perimeter with two-way ability at the point of attack. Wagner is more of an on-brand choice for Orlando, as he makes his money defensively. There is a lot to like about Wagner’s offense, though, especially as a cutter, ball-mover and decision-maker. His offensive game will likely swing on his aggression and jump-shooting, but Wagner is one of the better team defenders in the draft and he is highly versatile.

2021-22 Roster
Gary Harris
Jonathan Isaac
Jalen Suggs
Franz Wagner
Markelle Fultz
Terrence Ross
Mohamed Bamba
Wendell Carter Jr.
Cole Anthony
Michael Carter-Williams
Chuma Okeke
RJ Hampton
Dwayne Bacon (non-guaranteed)

2021 Free Agents
Ignas Brazdeikis (RFA)
James Ennis (UFA)
Otto Porter Jr. (UFA)
Chasson Randle (UFA)
Sindarius Thornwell (RFA)
Mo Wagner (UFA)

A year ago, it was unthinkable that the Toronto Raptors could post a 27-45 record. Of course, a lot of things were unthinkable a year ago, but the Raptors struggled mightily during the 2020-21 season, battling injuries, dealing with a home away from home and effectively punting the stretch run. The end result wasn’t as catastrophic as it could be, though, as the Raptors netted the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, opening some potential avenues through that premium asset.

Overall, Toronto is one of the more intriguing teams in the NBA as the offseason approaches, simply because they can go in numerous directions. Will they attempt to retain Kyle Lowry? Do they want to use the “down” season in 2020-21 to kick off a full-scale rebuild? Those are just two of the questions surrounding the Raptors, but they do have intriguing talents with Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby under contract, which is certainly helpful in any endeavor.

Roster Needs: Overall clarity, another starting-caliber wing, one more quality big

Scottie Barnes (No. 4 Overall), Grade: C-

Barnes is an interesting pick. The consensus pointed to Jalen Suggs, who I also had ranked ahead of Barnes on my personal board. At the same time, it isn’t as if Suggs is considered an absolute superstar, and Barnes does have intrigue as a versatile defender. Offensively, he is already an established high-end passer, which is rare at his size. The big question mark is that Barnes is virtually a non-shooter at this point, and that could limit his ceiling, even with potentially fantastic defense. It’s a bit higher than I think he should go, but Barnes is a talented player.

2021-22 Roster
Pascal Siakam
Fred VanVleet
OG Anunoby
Scottie Barnes
Rodney Hood (non-guaranteed)
Aron Baynes (non-guaranteed)
Chris Boucher (non-guaranteed)
Malachi Flynn
DeAndre’ Bembry (non-guaranteed)
Yuta Watanabe (non-guaranteed)
Paul Watson (non-guaranteed)
Freddie Gillespie (non-guaranteed)

2021 Free Agents
Khem Birch (UFA)
Kyle Lowry (UFA)
Stanley Johnson (UFA)
Gary Trent Jr. (UFA)

The Los Angeles Lakers dominated headlines going into the NBA Draft on Thursday despite not holding a pick until 22 overall, but that was because they were the most aggressive team on the trade market. They were linked to Kings guard Buddy Hield for some time, but after a Hield deal looked to be on the way, suddenly the Wizards swooped in and engaged the Lakers in Russell Westbrook trade talks.

Talks continued into the start of the NBA Draft, as the two sides had a framework of players but had to figure out draft picks, but after the first two picks of the night were announced in Brooklyn, word broke from The Athletic’s Shams Charania that a deal was done and Westbrook was headed to L.A. along with two future second rounders, while Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the No. 22 pick in tonight’s draft were headed to Washington.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the deal on ESPN’s Draft night broadcast shortly after the Shams report, as it seems there will not be any additions to the deal as some Lakers fans had hoped.

It is the first blockbuster trade of what could be an offseason filled with them, as the Lakers get their coveted third start to go alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They will have plenty of work to do to fill out the roster alongside those three after trading three of the few players still on the roster to get Westbrook, and the focus from here on has to be on finding shooters as spacing will be the big point of conversation about the new Lakers Big 3.

For Washington, they get cap flexibility going forward with three smaller contracts that would be much more movable, if they want, or they could hold on to all three to build depth around Bradley Beal, who it has been reported is not in the mix to be traded currently. The Wizards could get involved in some sign-and-trade opportunities with some of players on the free agent market this summer or hold onto their newfound flexibility for the future.

The 2020-21 season brought signs of life for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team started a highly respectable 10-11 and, even with a defense that was not stellar by any means, an argument can be made that Cleveland’s roster finished ahead of schedule on that end. Offensively, though, it was a struggle for the Cavs, with the team finishing 28th in efficiency and scoring only 1.05 points per possession. Given that the Cavs entered (and exited) 2020-21 with rebuilding on the brain, though, the future is the focus.

Collin Sexton is up for an extension after something of a breakout in 2020-21, and Darius Garland took major strides in his second campaign as a lead guard. Isaac Okoro brings the kind of defense and athleticism that any team craves on the wing, and Larry Nance is a scalable veteran that can fit in many roles. However, the summer of 2021 could be a period of transition for Cleveland, with trade rumblings circling Sexton, Jarrett Allen hitting the free agent market and the Cavaliers potentially adding a franchise-caliber player at No. 3 overall.

Roster Needs: A true No. 1 star, Wing depth, clarity in the frontcourt

Evan Mobley (No. 3 Overall), Grade: A

Evan Mobley is a talent that is line with some recent No. 1 overall picks. Grabbing him at No. 3 overall is a coup when viewed through that lens. The Cavs still have a lot of work to do with their roster, including a big decision with Jarrett Allen, but Mobley is a potentially fantastic two-way player. He’ll need to prove he can play center regularly to maximize his defensive upside, but Mobley brings an intriguing and varied offensive skill set, and should help Cleveland fix some of the defensive issues that have recently plagued the franchise.

2021-22 Roster
Kevin Love
Ricky Rubio
Evan Mobley
Larry Nance Jr.
Cedi Osman
Darius Garland
Isaac Okoro
Collin Sexton
Dylan Windler
Damyean Dotson (non-guaranteed)
Dean Wade (non-guaranteed)
Mfiondu Kabengele (non-guaranteed)
Lamar Stevens (non-guaranteed)

2021 Free Agents
Jarrett Allen (RFA)
Isaiah Hartenstein (Player Option)
Jeremiah Martin (RFA)
Brodric Thomas (RFA)

2021 has been an odd year for the Houston Rockets. The year began with a reasonably encouraging 11-10 start on the floor but, off the court, James Harden was moved to Brooklyn after a wild period of trade rumors and buzz. Houston did hold it together for a few weeks after the deal but, in short order, the bottom fell out of the team’s performance, with injuries and roster weaknesses leading to a final record of 17-55.

On the encouraging side, however, the Rockets found gold in securing the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. That leads to a shining opportunity to add talent to the organization and, while much of the team’s current roster is aging, Houston also has strong, youthful pieces in Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate. The rebuild is on with the Rockets, but they aren’t starting in the worst possible position, particularly when accounting for the draft assets acquired within the last 12 months.

Roster Needs: Young talent across the board; Overall depth

Jalen Green (No. 2 Overall), Grade: B

Jalen Green is certainly a worthwhile pick at No. 2 overall. Evan Mobley was the other potential option, but Green brings dynamism as a scorer and shot creator. He is also a high-end athlete that can get where he wants on the floor, using his burst responsibly and effectively, and Green impressed with his efficiency and effectiveness against professionals in the G League as an 18-year-old. He immediately gives Houston a player to build around as they continue a rebuild.

2021-22 Roster
John Wall
Eric Gordon
Christian Wood
Jalen Green
DJ Augustin
Danuel House
Kevin Porter Jr.
Khyri Thomas (non-guaranteed)
Kenyon Martin Jr. (non-guaranteed)
Jae’Sean Tate (non-guaranteed)

2021 Free Agents
Avery Bradley (Team Option)
Armoni Brooks (RFA)
Sterling Brown (UFA)
Dante Exum (UFA)
Anthony Lamb (RFA)
David Nwaba (UFA)
Kelly Olynyk (UFA)
DJ Wilson (RFA)

Over the last two seasons, the Detroit Pistons struggled to only 40 combined victories. With that in mind, it isn’t controversial to suggest that the franchise is in the midst of a rebuilding process, prioritizing the future over the present with their roster construction and overall focus. Detroit’s on-court struggles in 2020-21 may have masked an overall success, though, as the Pistons seemingly nailed a pair of mid-first round picks in Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey, laying the groundwork to help their rebuilding effort.

Fast-forward to the 2021 NBA Draft, and the Pistons garnered possession of the keys to the entire board after winning the lottery. With that premium chip in play to go along with Stewart, Bey, Jerami Grant and 2020 lottery pick Killian Hayes, the world is Troy Weaver’s oyster as Detroit’s lead decision maker.

Roster Needs: No. 1 option, Starting-level guard play

Cade Cunningham (No. 1 Overall), Grade: A

The Pistons took the best player in the draft at No. 1 overall, and that is how it is supposed to work. Some wavered on whether Cunningham was clearly superior to Jalen Green, Evan Mobley and/or Jalen Suggs, but he is a tremendous prospect. Cunningham faced a relatively difficult situation at Oklahoma State, playing with very little spacing and suboptimal supporting talent, and he displayed high-end scoring chops and answered a significant pre-college question with his shooting. He has size, feel and an off-the-charts skill level, and Cunningham projects as a franchise-changing piece for the Pistons.

2021-22 Roster

Jerami Grant
Cory Joseph (non-guaranteed)
Cade Cunningham
Killian Hayes
Josh Jackson
Rodney McGruder (non-guaranteed)
Sekou Doumbouya
Isaiah Stewart
Saddiq Bey
Jahlil Okafor
Tyler Cook (non-guaranteed)
Deividas Sirvydis

2021 Free Agents
Dennis Smith Jr (RFA)
Hamidou Diallo (RFA)
Frank Jackson (RFA)
Saben Lee (RFA)
Hamidou Diallo (UFA)