Bamba spent the first three years of his career playing behind ex-teammate Nikola Vucevic. Now that he’s playing alongside Demar Derozan and Zach Lavine, Bamba got the chance to showcase his potential. He started in a career-high 69 games out of 71 total games played. However, despite showing how good of a building block and shot-blocker he is, the Magic don’t seem too inclined to keep him on the roster. The number one overall pick belongs to them and it will more than likely be used to select college phenom, Chet Holmgren. Where Mamba will go is anyone’s guess. Some speculate the Lakers, but it’s going to be a tight race for the hybrid big man.
Harden had a playoff series to forget, but it wasn’t just a game or two. He was consistently playing the passive-role in terms of giving up the ball when he should’ve been taking shots. It gave Philly flashbacks to the whole Ben Simmons era of Philly ball. Just to clarify: Harden took just two shots in the second half of an elimination game and turned the rock over several times. He finished the game with just 11 points, four boards, nine assists, one steal, and four turnovers on 4/9 from the field, 3/7 from the three-point line and, surprisingly, no free throw attempts. This playoff run was a disappointment, and it makes fans wonder: is Harden staying put or on the move again? He looked out of sorts and just refused to be his usual aggressive self. Now, after seeing this performance, will the 76ers trade Harden once more? It’s a very good question because of his mediocre play, age and contract. This topic will be sure to heat up come offseason time.
Lavine has reportedly been open to moving onto a different team this offseason. It’s not really certain where he might move to, but it’s looking more likely that he will move. His impending free agency will garner much attention so all eyes are on him. The Lakers have been linked to Lavine, but their cap space is basically non-existent with Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis on the books. Lavine is coming off a very solid season where he averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 2.6 turnovers on 48% from the field, 39% from three, and 85% from the line.
Brown had himself a very good season in which he averaged nine points, 4.8 boards, 2.1 dimes, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks a game on 50% from the field, 40% from three and 76% from the line. After the all-star break, Brown averaged 14.7 points, 5.9 boards, 3.7 dimes, 1.2 steals, 1.1 swats, and just 1.1 turnovers a game. He shot 53% from the field, 47% from three and 78% from the line. The guy has definitely earned himself a nice payday this upcoming offseason and if the Nets can’t retain him, then expect him to sign elsewhere. Teams are going to be after the two-way guard’s services and one can only wonder who wins the sweepstakes.
To be honest I still think conqueror Lucian performs better unless enemy team has lots of tanks