Looking back at 2022 NBA Training Camp observations from 9-26-22.
Hawks seem committed to defense, winning a championship
Atlanta’s roster came into the season with a very competitive mindset, but lack of execution and consistency hurt the team as Nate McMillan was fired on February 21st (29-30 record). And once Quin Snyder took over as head coach, it looked clear that the change would take a while for the roster to adjust. Now with John Collins already traded, this could be a completely different team real soon.
Hornets didn’t make any upgrades, young guys need to play
I personally thought head coach Steve Clifford could have given more minutes to young guys like Mark Williams, James Bouknight, Kai Jones, JT Thor, and Bryce McGowens in a season where it was obvious that Charlotte had a small chance at making the playoffs without Miles Bridges (27-55 record, 14th place in East).
Jalen Brunson & Derrick Rose poise at guard was what the Knicks were missing
Brunson balled out and helped lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. As for Rose, he averaged just 12.5 MPG and only appeared in 27 games. Immanuel Quickley had a Sixth Man of the Year type season off the bench, but I thought Rose should have been in the rotation a little bit for key late game moments when things slow down.
Wizards replace older point guards (Raul Neto, Ish Smith, and Tomas Satoransky) with younger & better ones (Will Barton, Monte Morris, and Delon Wright)
Morris (62 games) & Wright (50 games) helped on both ends when they were healthy, but Barton had a year I’m sure he’d like to forget (decrease in stats across the board), reaching a buyout on February 21st and then later signing with the Raptors.
Pistons roster ready to roll and be competitive
The Pistons went through a lot of injuries this past season, which resulted in a decline to their restoration process. I still think this Detroit roster can give opponents a tough night, many true pros whether young or old. However, 2022-23 taught me that the group will only go as far as potential stars Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Ausar Thompson, and James Wiseman will take them.
Jaden McDaniels’ wing defense will be much needed for Minnesota
I thought McDaniels had a solid season defensively and was an All-Defensive Team snub to many including myself. However, the Timberwolves’ rim protection could now be more of a concern, as Rudy Gobert averaged his lowest blocks per game numbers since his rookie year (1.4).
Trail Blazers have a nice balance of scoring and defense now
I really wish that Josh Hart didn’t get traded/defenders like Gary Payton II (also traded), Justise Winslow, and Nassir Little were fully healthy during 2022-23 to see what type of team this could have been. The offense was there as usual, but poor late game execution and defense made it a rough season.
Lakers made improvements, but shooting still a concern
Austin Reaves stepped up for a career-high 39.8% three-point percentage, but the Lakers pretty much went the whole year with very little shooting. New Laker D’Angelo Russell shot 41.4% from deep in his 17 regular season games until going ice cold in the playoffs (31.0% 3-PT).
