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  • Writer's pictureAmirah King/Ty Slatter

NBA: Expectations & Limitations

With almost 20 days left til the 2019-2020 NBA Season Tip-off, The recent NBA Media Week gave NBA Fans a great reason to get hyped and also reasons to be careful with their Fantasy Team Projections. If you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, you are most likely still riding the euphoria of Acquiring Anthony Davis From The New Orleans Pelicans. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka & Team Owner Jeanie Buss went all out this summer to surround Davis & Lebron James with 2x NBA Champion Danny Green, 2x NBA Champion JaVale McGee, NBA Champion Rajon Rondo & Defensive Role Players Avery Bradley & Kyle Kuzma. Unfortunately, the Lakers acquired and lost DeMarcus Cousins due to a torn ACL. Before the dust could settle on the impact of his injury, the team re-signed Former All Star Center Dwight Howard to replace Cousins as the 13th man on the revised active roster.


Moving across the halls of the Staples Center Arena, the Los Angeles Clippers also upgraded their roster to contend for the franchise‘s 1st Title this season. Acquiring Reigning 2019 Finals MVP 2x NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard & Top 5 League Defender & MVP Frontrunner Paul George this summer. Unfortunately, Kawhi will not be able to load manage nearly as much as he did in Toronto due to George having surgery to repair tears on both of his shoulders. PG is scheduled to miss at least the first two months of the season to rehabilitate.


While The Battle For LA is something worth salivating over, the new MVP duo in Houston is just as appealing. James Harden Upgraded his partner from a 34 year old Chris Paul To his childhood friend and former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook aka “Mr. Triple Double”. This is a must win move for Houston. If these two don’t come out of the Wild Wild West, it’s safe to say these two may not win a Championship. Both players are 30, which means they’re at the peak of their athletic primes. In my opinion, Coach D’Antoni better maximize this duo or his job is definitely on the line this season. Too much talent to not make it out of the conference.


As as we take a sneak peek at the Eastern Conference, I want to point out the ”sleeper teams” in the East. The Miami Heat have quietly been making moves to return to the postseason after the “Wade County” Era. Acquiring Jimmy Bulter from the Philadelphia 76ers was the 1st move. Sending Josh Richardson to Philly & Hassan Whiteside to Portland was a Cap Saver. If the team doesn’t start this season off well, dont be surprised if Chris Paul finds his way to Miami around the Trade Deadline. Lastly, as we head north towards the land of Disney, The Orlando Magic’s questionable 12 Million guaranteed investment in 2017’s former #1 Draft Pick Markelle Fultz is starting to look like a smart move. Recent workout footage was released from the Magic’s Training Facility showing Fultz with a smoother shooting form. In my opinion, the Magic made it to the 8th seed in The 2019 NBA Playoffs. This team is returning with all its players and a possible return of Markelle Fultz leading the way. Anything is possible in the City of Disney. This summer gave the league a much needed reset, so as we countdown the last couple weeks of training camps & Preseason Matchups, Tune In to GTA’s Heat Check Hosted By Yours Truly On Apple Podcasts & EXCLUSIVELY @ GTASportsNet.com






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