As 2020 rolls in it’s time some teams make some New Years Resolutions. Specifically those at the bottom of the standings. Each of these teams needs to make drastic moves in order to even be playoff ready. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t start working on it now.
First are the Atlanta Hawks, with the worst record in the league. The only bright spot on this team is Trae Young. There are two resolutions the Hawks should focus on. One is building up Young’s defense, the other is helping Cam Reddish develop a better offense.
Young is a fantastic offensive player. Averaging 28.5 points and 8.3 assists per game he is one of the best offensive players in the league right now. The real problem comes on the defensive end. The Hawks need to start focusing on that side of the ball with Young. He has the potential to be one of the best point guards in the league, but he won’t be able to get there as a one-dimensional player.
Now, on the other side, Reddish needs to, first off, develop as a complete player. But, more importantly, his offense needs to be worked on. Ever since his college days scouts knew he could defend, but Reddish was seen as a streaky offensive player. If he is able to develop his offense he, in time, could become one of the better two-way players in the league.
Next, the Golden State Warriors. How the mighty have fallen, right? Well, not as much as a casual observer might think. The Warriors New Years Resolution is simple. Keep developing these young players and wait for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to come back.
Rookie Eric Paschall takes the ball up the court.
This season for the Warriors is a wash. They are all but guaranteed a lottery pick. Plus, next season they will have their big three of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green together again. Those three plus a lottery pick and some more experienced players is a dangerous thought for the Western Conference.
Enjoy this season while you can because it’s only a matter of time before the Warriors are back in the playoffs.
What more could possibly be said about the Knicks? They have one simple resolution, not that anyone can do anything about it, but the Knicks need a new owner. James Dolan is soft, directionless and seemingly has no idea how to help one of the most well known and storied franchises in the world. Better be careful criticizing him though, might get banned from Madison Square Garden. If Dolan were smart he would sell this team to someone who cares and has a high basketball knowledge.
The Knicks should not be as bad they are for as long as it has been.
The Wizards are in it deep right now. With John Wall injured and maybe not playing at all this season this team has turned into the Bradley Beal show. It is not going well. The Wizards need to find a true star, and preferably, one that won’t have any injury concerns. Their New Years Resolutions will be to grab a real star for the team and to trade away their assets.
Right now this team is a lot of mid to low tier players. The Wizards need to package some deals before the deadline to try and help Beal out and maybe entice some free agents to consider joining the team.
Without LeBron James, this team is about where they were expected to be, toward the bottom of the league. The Cavaliers New Year’s Resolutions will be to shop out Kevin Love and help develop Darius Garland.
Kevin Love goes up for the tough basket. (Photo by Tony Dejak/Associated Press)
As Love heads into the tail end of his career now would be the best time to find a new team for him. This would give the Cavs some good pieces to work with while the receiving team gets a solid and experienced player.
In terms of Darius Garland, he is of course only a rookie. But focusing on his development needs to be a priority. Garland and Collin Sexton are both serviceable scorers, but Garland needs to bump his assist count up. He is currently dishing out 2.9 assists a game. If the Cavs get Garland an experienced mentor, someone like Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo, Garland could develop into an offensive force for the Cavs.
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