The NBA officially made a return on October 4th, 2024, marking the end of the offseason. At the end of the league playoffs, each team enters a period known as the offseason, where they make changes to their rosters with the ultimate goal of winning the championship.
A roster is required of at least 14 total players with only 12 having to be active. Five players start off the game, with the remaining on the bench who can be rotated in whenever. Normally, there is at least one star on the starting lineup with role players to surround them. These role players boost the team’s ability to perform certain roles such as rebounding or defending. There’s a sixth man who is not a starter but comes off the bench much more often than other reserves. Lastly the reserves are players available to substitute for a player currently on the court.
The league is broken up into two conferences based on location: the eastern conference and the western conference. I’ll be grading the Eastern Conference based on factors such as trade value, draft picks, and free agency.
A great trade is a trade that improved the team and brought them closer to the championship. An example of this is Anthony Davis being traded to the Lakers from the Pelicans in 2019, where they later won the championship in 2020.
A great draft example was LeBron James in 2003. The season before, the Cavaliers went 17-65. By his third season they were in the playoffs again, and by his fourth season they were in the finals. For reference, the team had no all-stars besides James and their opponent had three future hall of famers.
Free agency can turn tides and the best example of this is Kevin Durant. Free agency refers to the period where players whose contracts have expired or who have been waived by their teams can sign with any other team in the league. When Durant joined the Warriors in 2016, they made it to the finals three straight years, won two of them, and plummeted to the bottom when he didn’t play.
In the chance that a player chooses to re-sign with the team after their contract expires, they too can make large impacts. When Kobe Bryant re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, if it weren’t for this, the team wouldn’t have won the league championship 2 consecutive years in 2009 and 2010.
These are only a few examples of teams being impacted by the arrival and departure of a player. We can only assume how the season will play out based on how each team improved their rosters, but we can effectively grade them.
Atlanta Hawks
The first team in the Eastern Conference is the Atlanta Hawks. In the draft they had the first and 43rd overall picks, where they acquired Zaccharie Risacher and Nikola Djurisic respectively. Atlanta only re-signed Vit Krejci but made some big moves in free agency, including blockbuster trades. Saddiq Bey departed in free agency, Bruno Fernando was waived, and AJ Griffin, EJ Liddell, and Dejounte Murray were traded away. Dominick Barlow, Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., David Roddy, and Cody Zeller all arrived this season.
Breaking the duo of Murray and Young was necessary for the team to thrive, as the two had conflicting play styles. Pairing the two seemed like a good idea because Young struggles defensively, which is where Murray thrives. The Hawks front office thought that this would negate the downside of Young, while amplifying his scoring prowess. Unfortunately, this didn’t pan out as Murray was more of a proper point guard, not looking for the scoring opportunities that Young provided him with. Murray was a former all-star so in order to replace him, the team would need someone of his caliber. Unfortunately, the Hawks did not get much to compensate. The draft picks they got from the trade are not worth much and the role players need to prove themselves; although their selections in this draft were great, as Risacher and Djurisic are going to be impactful shooters. Overall, the changes they made won’t amount to anything yet.
Grade: B
Boston Celtics
The Celtics had picks 30 and 54, where they acquired Baylor Scheierman (30) and Anton Watson (54). Their two draft selections offer a variety of skills, such as defensive variety from Anton and great ball movement and shooting from Scheierman. They signed highly sought after free agent Lonny Walker IV on a one year deal, and lost Svi Mykhailiuk in free agency. Lastly, they re-signed Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, Jayson Tatum, Xavier Tillman, and Derrick White.
Since they are coming off a championship, the Boston Celtics roster did not have much to change. This is seen with them re-signing six players all receiving playing time. Their success this season will be dependent on their players’ abilities to stay healthy. Keeping a majority of their team from last season enables this.
Grade: A
Brooklyn Nets
Prior to the start of this season, the Brooklyn Nets traded away their draft picks, but still made some big moves. They re-signed Nicolas Claxton, Keon Johnson, and Trendon Watford. Trades with the Knicks and Grizzlies brought in Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, and Ziaire Williams. They lost Mikal Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, and Mamadi Diakite through said means. In free agency, they picked up Killian Hayes and Jacky Cui, and lost Lonnie Walker and Dennis Smith Jr.
The Nets added a couple of young players to brighten their future while also adding a couple of veterans to provide leadership. These trades set the team up to last, while still building a potential championship contending roster. The trades they pulled off added several draft picks to their chest of assets for the future which boosts the grade they receive.
Score: B+.
Charlotte Hornets
With picks 6 and 42, they collected Tidjane Salaun (6) and KJ Simpson (42). They re-signed starting forward Miles Bridges and sharpshooter Seth Curry and acquired Moussa Diabate alongside Taj Gibson in Free Agency. Trades with the Knicks and Mavericks procured Josh Green, DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown Jr., and Duane Washington Jr. Marques Bolden, J.T. Thor, Leaky Black, and Amari Bailey left in free agency. Davis Bertans, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Bryce McGowens were waived.
The Hornets have their franchise pieces in Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller, but time and time again have failed to surround them with worthy talent. The Hornets waived the most players this offseason but did not get much value from their trades. Their rookies and draft picks need time to develop and prove themselves before the team can use them effectively.
Grade: D.
Chicago Bulls
With pick 11, they obtained Matas Buzelis, a promising young wing with the ability to do it all. In free agency, they got Jalen Smith, Kenneth Lofton Jr., and D.J. Steward. Trades with the Thunder and Kings brought in Josh Giddey and Chris Duarte and sent out Alex Caruso and Demar DeRozan. Patrick Williams was the only player to re-sign from the team. The Bulls waived Andrew Funk, and lost Javonte Green and Andre Drummond to free agency.
The problem with this team’s offseason lies with the fact that they ultimately didn’t receive enough for who they gave up in the big trades they performed. DeMar DeRozan provided great numbers for Chicago, Drummond provided high amounts of rebounds, and Caruso is one of the best defending guards in the league. They got Josh Giddey for Caruso, a decent scorer who’s still on the rise, and Chris Duarte from the DeRozan trade. Chris Duarte and two second-round picks are not worth Demar DeRozan. DeRozan and Lavine weren’t working out since they started together so the trade to send one of them out was long overdue.
Grade: D
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Jaylon Tyson with pick 20. According to his scouting report, “Jaylon Tyson has become one of the draft’s most advanced on-ball forwards with handles and footwork for self-creation into drives, jumpers, and floaters.” This is a great addition for the Cavaliers. They signed J.T. Thor and lost Danian Jones in free agency. The team re-signed Jarret Allen, Isaac Okoro, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Tristan Thompson, a majority of their core from last year. They did not have many additions to their roster, but they have been working on developing the team around all-star Donovan Mitchell.
Grade: B
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons were by far the worst team in the NBA this year, going 14-68. No other team in the league came close to this record except the Washington Wizards at 15-67. There were a multitude of reasons why the Pistons were so bad this year including their abysmal shooting, terrible coaching staff, and underwhelming rebounding. The team has not had above a 50% win-loss percentage since 2016 and 2009 before that.
To improve, the Pistons drafted Ron Holland at 5 and Bobi Klintman at 37. The Pistons need whatever help they can get offensively so drafting an elite scorer in Holland was an amazing decision. Re-signing Cade Cunningham was important, as he is the franchise’s key piece, leading their offense. Simone Fontecchio also re-signed, being able to provide valuable points when he’s on the court. In came Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, Paul Reed, and Daniss Jenkins on free agency, and Tim Hardaway Jr., and Wendell Moore Jr. from trades. Because of their awful performance last season, the Pistons gave up lots of players. James Wiseman, Evan Fournier, Taj Gibson, Malachi Flynn, Jared Rhoden, Stanley Umude, Buddy Boeheim, Jaylen Nowell, and Chimezie Metu were all let go in free agency. Quentin Grimes was traded to the Mavs and Troy Brown Jr. was waived.
The team made some major changes, reshaping both their offense and defense. After having the worst record in franchise history, they can only go up from here.
Grade: B+
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers had no draft picks in the first round but were able to pick up Johnny Furphy at 35, Tristen Newton at 49, and Enrique Freeman at 50. These picks brought lots of talent: finishing from Freeman, shooting and passing from Newton, and shooting and athleticism from Furphy. Indiana re-signed James Johnson, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin – essential pieces to surround their franchise player, Tyrese Haliburton. James Wiseman and Cole Swider came in from free agency and Jalen Smith, Doug McDermott, and Oscar Tshiebwe went out the same way. No major moves, but overall solid changes.
Grade: B
Miami Heat
In the last five seasons, the Miami Heat made the finals twice, tied for the most with the Celtics. The Heat have struggled to capitalize on their opportunities due to their front court. In the same five seasons, the team didn’t have a single all-star guard. Leading the Heat offense is Jimmy Butler at small/power forward and Bam Adebayo at center. Tyler Herro is an amazing scorer, providing at least 20 a night, but hasn’t been an all-star yet.
The Heat drafted Kel’el Ware at 15 and Pelle Larsson at 44. Ware is an amazing all around talent, with finishing, shotmaking, and defensive prowess. In due time, this will be an amazing addition to the Miami Heat frontcourt. The drafts, alongside the re-signs, improved the Miami roster significantly. Bam Adebayo, Thomas Bryant, Haywood Highsmith, and Kevin Love all re-signed with the Heat, strengthening the already formidable front court. Miami lost lots in free agency, including Caleb Martin and Patty Mills. Instead, they took in Alec Burks, Josh Christopher, and Keshad Johnson. The Heat back court did not improve much, which was a necessary improvement they had to make but didn’t.
Grade: C+
Milwaukee Bucks
In the seasons following their championship run in 2021, the Bucks have yet to make it past the second round. One of these issues is their coaching, as last season they had three different head coaches. Despite this, Milwaukee’s former league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t been surrounded by great offensive pieces until last year. Even after receiving all-star sharpshooter Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks’ phenomenal season was cut short in the first round by the 6th-seeded Pacers.
Their good regular season landed them A.J. Johnson at 23 and Tyler Smith at 33. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, Delon Wright, and Stanley Umude. The Bucks had no re-signs. Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jae Crowder, Danilo Gallinari, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and TyTy Washington were all sent out on free agency. The Bucks did not make any big moves but kept their star trio Giannis, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton together. Replacing Malik Beasley with Gary Trent Jr and Jae Crowder with Taurean Prince were enough to keep the Bucks in contention.
Grade: B+
New York Knicks
The team earned the nickname “Nova Knicks” because of the reunited Villanova squad, containing Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart. This lineup was a fan favorite, due to having lots of chemistry together. Unfortunately, it was broken up even before the preseason started. The Knicks have not had an all-star point guard since Mark Jackson in 1989, until Jalen Brunson last season.
The Knicks brought back Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and Jacob Toppin. The Knicks got rid of the most players this offseason, tied with the Pistons at 11. Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Keita Bates-Diop were sent to the Timberwolves. Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, and Mamadi Diakite were sent to the Nets. Finally, DaQuan Jeffries, Charlie Brown Jr., and Duane Washington Jr. were sent to Charlotte. Isaiah Hartenstein and Alec Burks were lost in free agency.
To make up for this, New York drafted 3-and-D player Pacome Dadiet at 25, Tyler Kolek at 34, Kevin McCullar Jr. at 56, and Ariel Hukporti at 58. They landed Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges from trades, alongside Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, and T.J. Warren in free agency. The Knicks made a lot of moves and ultimately made great decisions. After losing Hartenstein, the team quickly fixed their center issue with Towns. Adding consistent shooting small forward Mikal Bridges brings volume and team chemistry.
Grade: A+
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic were the fifth seed last season with 47 wins and 35 losses. This is their best season since 2011. Dwight Howard used to lead the team in the late 2000s, even bringing them to the finals in 2009. When Howard left the franchise, the team took a nosedive to 20-62, so these steady improvements are great for the team.
The Magic picked up shooter Tristan da Silva at 18 and re-signed 6 players, including rising star Franz Wagner, who received a max contract. Goga Bitadze, Wendell Carter Jr., Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner all returned, solidifying their core supporting cast around Paolo Banchero. To continue this, they signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cory JJoseph, Jalen Slawson, Jarrett Culver, and Trevon Scott during free agency. Caldwell-Pope is a great addition as he aids the team’s need for 3-point shooting while assisting on defense admirably. Joe Ingles, first overall pick Markelle Fultz, Chuma Okeke, Admiral Schofield, and Kevon Harris were lost in free agency. The additions that the Magic made far outweigh what they lost this offseason, and they have a bright future ahead of them behind Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.
Grade: A-
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers have not missed the playoffs since the 2016-17 NBA season, where they were the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference. For the next seven years, although the team did not miss the playoffs a single time, they never made it past the second round despite being a top-three seed four out of the seven years. They are notoriously known for choking in the playoffs despite their consistent regular season performances.
This offseason, they made lots of changes, including drafting star shooter Jared McCain at 16 and defensive anchor Adem Bona at 41. The 76ers are in the lower half of the league regarding 3-pointers and defensive rebounds, so these picks are crucial. They brought in shot-making Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, rebounding beast Andre Drummond, sharpshooter Caleb Martin, overseas forward Guerschon Yabusele, and all-star Paul George. They re-signed 2023 league MVP Joel Embiid, six-time all-star Kyle Lowry, forward KJ Martin, 2024 Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey, and sixth-man Kelly Oubre Jr. These additions assist in plugging in the defensive and shooting problems the 76ers had last season.
Grade: A+
Toronto Raptors
Since their championship in 2019, the Toronto Raptors have yet to make it anywhere close, getting as far as the second round in 2020. They have gotten worse each season, yet have not gotten any high draft picks since 2021. Drafting Gradey Dick last year, Scottie Barnes in 2021, and the trades they performed bringing in and sending out players has not done much for them.
The Toronto Raptors are tied with the New York Knicks for the most draft picks this year, with four. They got swingman Ja’Kobe Walter at 19, excellent passer Jonathan Mogbo at 31, Jamal Shead at 45, and elite shot blocker Ulrich Chomche at 57. They sent out seven role players, including Jalen McDaniels in a trade to the Kings, Gary Trent Jr. to the Bucks, and Jontay Porter who was banned for gambling. They brought in three new role players: Davion Mitchell, Bruno Fernando, and Jared Rhoden. The Raptors have solidified their stars in Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley and need a supporting cast to support the two. They have a firm cast at the moment with great defenders, but this offseason, the team didn’t make any major moves. They had an awful season last year, so one can only hope for better.
Grade: C+
Washington Wizards
The Wizards, too, had a terrible season last year.It was so bad, that it beat their previous record of losses in 2001 by four entire games, setting a new franchise record. With this, and trades from previous seasons, they received three first round picks in this year’s draft. The Wizards are in dire need of rebuilding, as neither their offense or defense are formidable. Their current head coach is important for the blossoming stages of the rebuild, as he has a good relationship with players. The problem is the only two experienced champions on the roster cannot lead the team.
In an attempt to rebuild, Washington drafted projected first overall pick Alex Sarr at 2, impressive ball-handler and shooter Bub Carrington at 14, and volume Shooter Kyshawn George at 24. These were overall great picks. The Wizards have one of the youngest teams in the league, so it might take a little while before they turn to stars. They signed veteran shooter Malcolm Brogdon, near double-double averaging Jonas Valanciunas, and a great role-player in Saddiq Bey. All three averaged at least 10 points and 5 of another stat last season. The Wizards traded former starter Deni Avdija, lost Tyus Jones in free agency, and waived Eugene Omoruyi and Landry Shamet. Deni Avdija is a notable loss, as he was starting to make the jump to stardom, but hopefully his replacement in Saddiq Bey will flourish. Re-signs included Anthony Gill and Richaun Holmes. The Wizards get a B because of their overall steady improvement.
That wraps up the Eastern Conference!
The NBA officially made a return on October 4th, 2024, marking the end of the offseason. At the end of the league playoffs, each team enters a period known as the offseason, where they make changes to their rosters with the ultimate goal of winning the championship.