Cleveland’s new star Donovan Mitchell is expected to make a significant impact in 2022-23.
As is the case with every offseason, there has been a movement of players around the NBA as teams seek to reshape their rosters for a potential championship run or, in some cases, offload big names to pitch. a rebuild.
Below we describe how six some of the biggest names donning new uniforms this fall could be on their new teams.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell was the biggest name in the Jazz’s fire sale this summer, and the three-time All-Star now has a chance to be part of a resurgence for a Cavs franchise that already showed promise last season with a record. from 44-38.
Still just 25 but with five seasons already under his belt, Mitchell should be a strong contender after another stellar campaign in 2021-22, where he finished with 25.9 points, 5.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 67 games.
There may be a period of acclimatization with another dynamic young guard in Darius Garland (27.2% utilization rate last season) now serving as a backcourt mate. Still, Mitchell’s past work suggests he’ll carve out a big spot on a first unit with more than enough talent to help keep defensive attention away from him.
Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics
Brogdon is expected to operate as the Celtics’ sixth man, but it will be a robust assignment that should earn him top-20 minutes. The 29-year-old’s body will benefit from the slight drop in floor time after battling multiple injuries during his three Pacers seasons, although he still averaged 18.9 points, 6.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds over 33 minutes per game.
Derrick White, Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard led a bench unit that propelled the Celtics to the Finals, but the addition of Brogdon – who has shown skill as both a role player and a first option – should provide a noticeable boost. His trademark stingy defense should keep his minutes steady.
Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
Sexton, the “other” name-keeper who traded units in the Donovan Mitchell trade, is hardly an afterthought. However, the eighth overall pick in 2018 was off NBA fans’ radar for a while as his 2021-22 campaign ended after just 11 games due to a meniscus injury. Now seemingly back to full health heading into training camp, Sexton finds himself in the right conditions for a career year.
Sexton had 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 35.3 minutes in 2020-21, shooting an impressive 47.5% (37.1% over three points) in the process. The 23-year-old projects as Utah’s No. 1 option, especially with the assumption that Mike Conley will be traded sooner rather than later.
Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
Murray’s late-June trade with the Hawks seems a long time ago after a summer of other notable deals. But that may impact the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, given the 26-year-old now partners with Trae Young to form one of the most explosive backcourts in the league. Murray is coming off a stellar 2021-22 season that saw him average 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, 8.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 34.8 minutes (68 games) while tying a career best shot of 46.2%.
Assist numbers will naturally take a hit as he operates from the two-guard spot. However, its effectiveness should improve with the attention teams will be forced to devote elsewhere. Additionally, Murray’s defense should continue to be an important part of his contributions, particularly if he’s less weighed down by the pressure of carrying a heavy load across the court.
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Gobert’s July 1 trade to the T-Wolves was a headache for some. However, Minnesota saw benefits in adding the three-time All-Star. That bolsters Minnesota’s defense around the rim and frees up Karl-Anthony Towns — whose rim protection was lacking — to become even more of an offensive force at the forefront.
Gobert is a strong offensive contributor, averaging 13.5-15.9 points per game over the past six seasons. The seven-footer also hit a career-high 71.3% last season while recording a career-high 14.7 rebounds. The game and the role of Gobert are firmly established and should not change much in his new setting. But there could be an intriguing two-way match between Towns and Gobert, and Towns’ presence could draw enough attention to draw Gobert’s eyes around the hoop even more easily.
Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets
Simmons has technically been in his “new place” since Feb. 10, but if he’s healthy for opening night as expected, this Oct. 19 game against the Pistons will mark Simmons’ long-awaited debut in Brooklyn. Offseason surgery to correct the herniated disc that caused him to miss all of last season went well, and Simmons is cleared to attend training camp. The full year away from the pitch could have an impact, especially at the start of the season.
However, the 26-year-old has the knack to serve as a complementary attacking option around the basket and mid-range while providing a lockdown defense. Simmons’ passing is his main offensive strength, as evidenced by his career tally of 7.7 assists per game. Irving and Durant will naturally do a lot of the heavy lifting, but we’ve seen players like Draymond Green thrive by doling out to the stars while reaping the benefits of the attention his teammates attract.
Other notable faces in new locations:
Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons
Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
Monte Morris, Wizards of Washington
Will BartonWashington Wizards
PJ Tucker, Philadelphia 76ers
Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Dennis Schröder, Los Angeles Lakers
Thomas Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks
Ja Vale McGee, Dallas Mavericks
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz
John Wall, Mowers
