We’re preparing for another day filled with leftovers and we can finally fully digest the NBA Free Agency signings. Everything about this seems wild from the timing of this, happening in November as opposed to saving our media headlines in July, to some of the team decisions. As opposed to doing the generic winners and losers, grading transactions or doing team grades, I thought I’d hand out some awards. Not your regular media awards, ones that you’ve felt as a basketball fan or wanted to tweet.
Award #1 | I Can’t Wait to Play with Them on 2K
Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers were a runaway for this award. In 2021, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton alone with an updated overall were enough to nominate the Phoenix Suns. However, the addition of Chris Paul makes them shoe in for the playoffs and a 2k darling.
Award #2 | Do They Realize They’re a Lottery Team, Still?
Ummm … what the hell are the Detroit Pistons doing? The Pistons spent $25 million on Mason Plumlee, a backup center. $60 million on Jerami Grant who has been the fourth option at best on any team he’s been on. All while managing to take on the contracts of Dwayne Dedmon and Delon Wright. They’ll be a 10th seed at best without any cap space over the next two seasons.
Award #3 | Damn, They’re Going to be Fun on League Pass
There’s always a surprise team that you fall in love with on League Pass. The 2019 Brooklyn Nets will forever be in my heart because of that. The moves made by Atlanta Hawks this offseason with a roster that would’ve been considered regardless being led by Trae Young. Adding Bogdan Bogdanović as a running mate in the backcourt along with Danilo Gallinari to stretch the floor and the mid-season trade of Clint Capella last season should provide a fun ride as they chase a playoff berth.
Award #4 | How Do They Have Cap Space?
The Los Angeles Lakers roster was carried by LeBron James and Anthony Davis last year. It was pure survival while they rested and they’ve fixed that with two key moves this offseason, trading for Dennis Schroder and signing Montrezl Harrel. They were able to bring back KCP after his playoff run, signing Marc Gason and Wes Matthews, all while keeping Kyle Kuzma. There’s also space to sign Anthony Davis on a max deal. Danny Green was essentially swapped Schroder which makes sense, but it still begs the question of how do they have this much cap space with only league minimum guys leaving?
Award #5 | This Isn’t 2k My GM Mode
There’s a yard sale going on in Oklahoma City and the only currency Sam Presti is interested in is draft picks. If this were the My GM franchise mode on 2k, this would be a great strategy. You package up a few of these 17 first round picks that hit in the same year to get a superstar. Problem here is all of the picks belong to contenders. They’ll need to cross their fingers and hope one of these teams goes into the tank.
Award #6 | They Gave Him HOW MUCH?!
This is a toss-up between Christian Wood and Gordon Hayward. I feel like most people just found out who Wood was during the offseason. It’s ironic that he plays center and the Pistons elected to sign two others and not him but seemed to impress the rockets enough for a 3-year $41 million commitment. Michael Jordan and Mitch Kupchak continue to find creative ways to say “hold my beer” each off season with negotiations. Giving Gordon Hayward $120 million over four year after he’s snake bitten by injuries his entire tenure in Boston might be the most confusing.
Award #7 | I Know He’s Rich, but I Feel Bad for Him
I get that Donavon Mitchell is a 24-year old millionaire, but when you look at his basketball situation, you really wonder how much he’ll enjoy coming to work over the next few years. He signed a 5-year $163 million max deal which is DOPE, but have you seen the Utah Jazz roster? Washed up Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert whose best asset is defense, which is only applicable in certain series, Bojan Bogdanovic who’s nice as a 3rd or 4thoption, and overpaid Jordan Clarkson. Over the next two seasons they’ll probably pick in the mid 20’s, and good luck getting any free agents to come to Salt Lake City. He seems like the candidate for the “I’m not happy trade me” move that a superstar pull each offseason in two years.
