Looking back at 2022 NBA Training Camp observations from 10-3-22.
I wonder who will become that legit 4th option for the Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks’ playoff shooting numbers vs. the Lakers (31.2% FG, 23.8% 3-PT) made it obvious that this still remains an unanswered question for Memphis. Maybe finding ways to get more shots for new sharpshooter Luke Kennard will be a focus next season.
Warriors 2nd unit is deep, Wiseman’s impressive return
I was a fan of Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo, JaMychal Green, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and more coming off Golden State’s bench early on, but Andrew Wiggins only appeared in 37 games and the three young players I named never got worked into the rotation enough to truly help the team. Wiseman got traded to Detroit at the deadline, Kuminga & Moody’s minutes barely went up in their second seasons, and the newly acquired Gary Payton II clearly wasn’t 100%.
Mavs were already a team with a lot of scorers, so losing Jalen Brunson shouldn’t be that bad
Before the 2023 trade deadline, it seemed like Dallas found a way to maintain their winning ways without Jalen Brunson (28-26 record, 6th in West). However, once Dallas traded for Kyrie Irving, most of that chemistry from the 2022 West Finals team was gone, as the Mavs ended up not even making the play-in tournament.
Clippers are extremely deep, but defense will determine how far they go
Kawhi Leonard lasted two playoff games before getting hurt while Paul George didn’t appear in any postseason contests. The availability of their two stars and defensive consistency have turned into yearly problems for the Clippers.
Sky’s the limit for New Orleans if Zion can stay healthy, in amazing shape right now
Zion Williamson played like an MVP candidate when he was healthy during 2022-23. Him staying on the court and being 100% physically/mentally will continue to determine how far the Pelicans go.
Jazz & Spurs have no identity
Utah & San Antonio combining for 2 preseason victories along with their projected low win totals by Vegas in the 20s made it hard to believe that they would make any noise during 2022-23. As the regular season started though, it looked like both teams were going to prove us wrong (5-2 records), demonstrating that all the Jazz & Spurs really need is to keep developing their young players and add a few more veterans.
