It feels just like the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder simply hoisted the Larry O’Brien, however one other NBA season is upon us. After 5 groups held their media days final week, the remaining groups had their media days yesterday.
With the season set to start out in just below a month, groups are gearing up for one more 82-game marathon, and the NBA’s eightieth season. Listed here are the three foremost takeaways from media day throughout the league.
3) Dylan Harper might begin for the Spurs
The large information out of San Antonio’s media day was that star level guard De’Aaaron Fox will probably miss the primary few video games of the season resulting from a hamstring situation. Fox basically dominated himself out of taking part in on opening evening, however mentioned that the damage is minor. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to see him say that with a couple of month to go till the opener.
With that being the case, this probably implies that second general choose Dylan Harper will begin at level guard for the Spurs within the early going. There had been quite a lot of dialog in regards to the group’s crowded backcourt, and who would begin, however Fox’s damage probably ends that debate.
Harper has all of the instruments to be a lead guard in right this moment’s recreation. He has nice court docket imaginative and prescient, is relentless at attacking the basket, and has a good deal with. He’s as professional prepared because it will get for a guard in right this moment’s league, so San Antonio mustn’t miss a beat whereas Fox is sidelined.
2) Jayson Tatum is progressing properly
About 4 months after his achilles surgical procedure, Tatum is already again on the court docket. Whereas it’s simply gentle exercises, and he’s nonetheless nowhere near being cleared for recreation motion, Tatum’s restoration has been fast.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has been with him each step of the way in which, and even Tatum’s teammates are impressed by his strategy to rehab. Tatum is probably going going to overlook an enormous chunk of subsequent season, but when the Celtics are within the playoff hunt after the All-Star break, we might see the famous person ahead return to motion.
Tatum has mentioned that the higher-ups in Boston haven’t indicated that he must rush again to the court docket, and that he needs to be as wholesome as attainable when he returns. In a weak East, Jaylen Brown and firm ought to be capable to maintain down the fort till Tatum returns.
1) Trae Younger’s murky future in Atlanta
Younger and the Hawks had been unable to succeed in an extension settlement this offseason. The truth is, it seems like the 2 sides barely engaged in talks. The All-Star level guard expressed that he’s not apprehensive about not having an extension, and is simply centered on the season. Nonetheless, if Atlanta noticed him as their franchise man, they might have gotten that carried out by now.
Younger has but to steer the Hawks again to any kind of rivalry after their one-off convention finals look in 2021. Atlanta has surrounded him with questionable items, however this can be a large prove-it yr for the purpose guard.
Jalen Johnson is again wholesome, the group added Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kristaps Porzingis within the offseason, Dyson Daniels seems like a budding star, and Quin Snyder is an efficient head coach. In a weakened East, Younger has the items to compete. Now it’s time for him to ship, so he can get the payday he wishes.
