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 slightly below a month, groups are gearing up for an additional 82-game marathon, and the NBA’s eightieth season. Listed here are the three important takeaways from media day throughout the league.
3) Dylan Harper might begin for the Spurs
The massive information out of San Antonio’s media day was that star level guard De’Aaaron Fox will doubtless miss the primary few video games of the season attributable to a hamstring difficulty. Fox basically dominated himself out of enjoying on opening night time, however mentioned that the harm is minor. Nonetheless, it’s attention-grabbing to see him say that with a few month to go till the opener.
With that being the case, this doubtless signifies that second general decide Dylan Harper will begin at level guard for the Spurs within the early going. There had been a number of dialog in regards to the staff’s crowded backcourt, and who would begin, however Fox’s harm doubtless ends that debate.
Harper has all of the instruments to be a lead guard in at this time’s recreation. He has nice courtroom imaginative and prescient, is relentless at attacking the basket, and has a decent deal with. He’s as professional prepared because it will get for a guard in at this time’s league, so San Antonio shouldn’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 courtroom. Whereas it’s simply gentle exercises, and he’s nonetheless nowhere near being cleared for recreation motion, Tatum’s restoration has been speedy.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has been with him each step of the best way, and even Tatum’s teammates are impressed by his strategy to rehab. Tatum is probably going going to overlook a giant 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 courtroom, and that he desires 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 have been unable to succeed in an extension settlement this offseason. In reality, it seems to be like the 2 sides barely engaged in talks. The All-Star level guard expressed that he’s not fearful about not having an extension, and is simply centered on the season. Nevertheless, if Atlanta noticed him as their franchise man, they’d have gotten that performed by now.
Younger has but to guide the Hawks again to any kind of competition after their one-off convention finals look in 2021. Atlanta has surrounded him with questionable items, however this can be a massive prove-it yr for the purpose guard.
Jalen Johnson is again wholesome, the staff added Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kristaps Porzingis within the offseason, Dyson Daniels seems to be 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.
