Shiny blue, green, and silver confetti fall to the hardwood floor that has a prominent green deer logo on the center of the court. A tall man with a lean, 6’11 frame holds two trophies in tears. The Milwaukee Bucks were the 2020-21 NBA Champions and both regular season MVP and Finals MVP winner, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way winning the franchises’ first championship since 1971. Now it’s time for the off-season.
This was one of the great “feel good” stories to end the NBA season and enter into the off-season. The period where teams trade players, sign free agents and get some young blood onto the rosters through the draft. Some teams had a better off-season than others and there were a lot of moves that made this one of the most interesting off-seasons in the NBA.
To start off, former MVP, Russell Westbrook, was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Lakers. Westbrook joined two other superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making this a scary talented roster withall stars that have veteran experience. This was one of the most surprising moves in the off-season to say the least. Not only that, but the Lakers also acquired veteran forward, Carmelo Anthony, adding even more depth to the team.
With an off-season like the Lakers, it’s hard to say that they won’t be a frontrunner for the Championship this upcoming season.
“The Lakers will sweep the Nets in the finals.” teacher and avid Lakers fan Andy King said.
Another team that improved stupendously was the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls came off an underwhelming season with a record of 31-41 in the regular season making them the 11th seed and missing the playoffs. The problem the Bulls have been facing was that their team was too young and inexperienced. Their only true veteran on the team is all-star, Zach LaVine.
With this in mind, the Bulls did not hesitate to make some big moves this off-season. Acquiring a great floor general in Lonzo Ball, a superstar veteran in DeMar DeRozan, and a player with loads of potential in Alex Caruso. This added so much more depth to their team this season.
“I did not expect for him (DeMar DeRozan) to go to the Bulls, it really surprised me.” junior Alec Franksmann said.
While there were many more big moves in the off-season, these were the two biggest and most important ones by far.
The 2021 Draft Class was filled with talent: Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green coming from the G-League, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, and the list goes on.
One of the most interesting stories from the draft was Jalen Green. Jalen Green did not go to college; instead he went straight from his school, Prolific Prep, to the G-League. While in the G-League, Jalen Green impressed everyone averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a game. At 18 years old, going against grown men who are professionals, these are jaw-dropping statistics to say the least.
Jalen Green was the second pick of the NBA Draft and took his talents to the next level down south with the Houston Rockets. The Rockets losing James Harden to the Nets hurt them a lot. They went from the 4th seed in the Western Conference in 2019 to dead last in the Western Conference in 2020. Jalen Green has a lot to prove, and Houston is the perfect destination for him.
“The Rockets are not good and Jalen Green could have a break-out season.” junior Kyler Evans said.
With this in mind, Jalen Green could win the Rookie of the Year Award. Many people debate whether it will be Green, Cade Cunningham, or someone else from the talented rookie class.
Coach King believes it will be “Jalen Green, because I coached against him and he’s very, very good,” King said.
With the 2021-22 NBA season on the way, there have been many changes making this season one to be excited for.
