This article will go over who made the best moves in this year’s offseason. Who did good and who made some possible mistakes? Here is the NBA 2022 Team offseason grades article.
New York Knicks: A
The Knicks had a very underrated offseason thus far. They signed Jalen Brunson to a four-year $104 million contract, so they definitely believe in his potential. They also signed an extremely good backup in Isaiah Hartenstein who does pretty much anything from the center spot. Brunson averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.6 turnovers, and 1.2 threes on 50% from the field, 37% from three and 84% from the line last season. Hartenstein, on the other hand, averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 boards, 2.4 dimes, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 1.2 turnovers, and 0.2 threes a game on 63% from the field, 47% from three and 69% from the line. Not only did they sign these two, but they re-signed their defensive stalwart, Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is coming off a season in which he averaged 8.5 points, 8.6 boards, 0.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks on 76% from the field and 49% from the line.
Minnesota Timberwolves: A-
This club broke the internet when they traded for three-time DPOY and three-time all-star Rudy Gobert. They traded much of their depth in order to obtain him, but it might’ve been worth it. Along with this huge move, they signed Kyle Anderson, Bryn Forbes and Austin Rivers. All three are decent depth pieces, especially Anderson who averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 dimes, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks on 45% from the field, 33% from three and 64% from the line last season. They also signed second-round rookie Josh Minott to a four-year $6.8 million contract after having a fantastic Summer League. He averaged a nice 12.2 points, 8.6 boards, 1,6 dimes, 1.6 swipes, 1.6 swats, and 2.6 turnovers on 38% from the field, 42% from three and 67% from the line.
Toronto Raptors: B-
The Raptors haven’t done a whole lot to bolster their depth. They signed Otto Porter to a two-year $12.4 million contract, re-signed Chris Boucher to a three-year $35.25 million contract and others such as Jeff Dowtin, Ron Harper Jr., Justin Champagnie, and DJ Wilson. They didn’t make any splash in free agency thus far, and it doesn’t seem like they want to. Re-signing Boucher was a good move by the club, but was it enough? One of the more interesting moves they made was drafting 33rd overall pick, Christian Koloko. Koloko is a 7’1 behemoth of a man who doesn’t lack on defense. In the Summer League, he averaged a very healthy 7.8 points, 4.2 boards, one dime, 1.8 steals and 2.2 blocks a game on 37% from the field, 40% from three and 54% from the line. The shooting needs a touchup, but his potential is there if given the minutes.
Los Angeles Lakers: C
This offseason has been a funky one for the boys in yellow and purple. The situation revolving around Russell Westbrook doesn’t seem to end, and their signings probably won’t help Lebron win another championship. A very good addition by this club was the signing of 24-year-old Thomas Bryant due to a lack of depth at center for this team. Other than that, they signed Juan Toscano-Anderson, Lonnie Walker and second-round rookie Max Christie. The Lakers are looking at a long season if this was the last if their moves. If they can somehow land Kyrie Irving from the Nets or anyone else, that’ll make things more interesting.