NBA Restart of 2020-21 Season Awaits December 22nd
As we take an in-depth look at all the moving parts that set up the NBA’s return in December. With only 71 days between the end of the 2020 NBA Finals and the start of the NBA 2020-2021 season, players are reporting back to their teams. The NBA Draft will commence this week, this time with a new virtual experience due to the global pandemic. NBA hopefuls will have a once in a lifetime opportunity, a moment that they’ve been chasing since they were old enough to pick up a basketball.
With about a month separation between the NBA Draft and the start of the season on December 22nd gives teams and players an open window for new acquisitions. The anticipation of NBA Free Agency will be real this year, with various trade rumours circulating the media. One blockbuster trade that went down earlier this week included sending NBA All-Star Guard Chris Paul to the Pheonix Suns in exchange for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jelene Lecque and a draft pick for the OKC Thunder. It will be interesting to see how the NBA will implement the new COVID-19 protocols, training camp options, and ultimately bringing back fans into arenas.
2020-2021 Season Start
The Los Angeles Lakers were apart of history last season after defeating the Miami Heat in 6 games. LeBron James won his 4th NBA Title in one of the most unique and unprecedented seasons in NBA history. Now, as the Lakers prep for their upcoming season, the essence of time will not work in their favour. From the day they won the title until the start of the 2020-2021 season, the Lakers will only have 71 days to gear up for their first game. There have been some changes added to the 2020-2021 season, including the 72-game format that will extend into July, finishing before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. From a media standpoint, TV broadcast partners ESPN and Turner Sports is scheduled to televise all 72 games. Since the restart of the NBA season back in July, viewership has increased over 50% and sport media channels such as Bleacher Report, Overtime, and House Of Highlights have utilize the ultimate virtual experience.
NBA Draft
The highly anticipated 2020 NBA draft took place virtually, live from the ESPN studios in Connecticut Commissioner Adam Silver will introduce the draft class of 2020. The number one pick was Anthony Edwards from the University of Georgia. Edwards will team up with Karl Anthony-Towns in Minnesota, the 6-5 explosive guard will fit right in the backcourt will D’Angelo Russel and their young core. At number two, The Golden State Warriors selected James Wiseman from Memphis. The projected number one pick will be an intricate piece to the Warriors puzzle as they look to get back to title contention.
“Man straight blessing for real, I’m just real happy to be here. I don’t really have enough words to say, I’m just blessed. ”
Wiseman is an athletic big that has the potential to be a transcendental player of his draft class. The Charlotte Hornets received the most talented offensive player of the draft with LaMelo Ball. Ball was selected at number three overall and will join a solid backcourt with Terry Rozier and Dante Graham. The case has been made that LaMelo has the highest ceiling amongst other prospects, the 6-foot-7 guard possess unique playmaking ability and poise that one just can’t teach. All rookies have little turnaround time between draft night and the start of training camp on December 1st due to the unprecedented circumstances of the season.
Free Agency
NBA Free Agency kicks off this Friday, 2020 free agents won’t have the allotted time like last year when more the 30% of players were available. With free agency and training camps just 11 days apart, players and teams will have to adapt quickly and use every minute to their advantage. There are still some players out in the market that will be testing free agency. The headlines include Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Raptors Fred VanVleet, and LA Lakers Anthony Davis. Rumours have circulated in the media that Houston’s Russell Westbrook and James Harden want out. Both players have expressed their deep concerns about the direction of the franchise.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets offered Harden a two-year, $103 million extension. However, Harden turned it down and made it clear to the organization that he’s not trying to rebuild and is focusing on competing for a title. Harden is considering his future with Brooklyn, the idea of uniting with former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni and former teammate Kevin Durant.
“I’m trying to get paid man. I’m not shy about that. I don’t have to tell people that I value winning.”
Fred VanVleet is betting on himself as he enters free agency with high hopes. The 2019 NBA Champion is coming off a 2-year $18M deal as a Raptor. According to sources, VanVleet is projected to sign a deal in the $85M range over four years. Teams that are the frontrunners include Pistons, Hornets, Hawks, Knicks, Suns, and Heat. It will be interesting to see if Toronto will match any outside offers. In yesterday’s NBA Draft, Raptors selected Guard Malachi Flynn from San Diego State. Will Raptors Flynn be a back-up to their lead guard Lowry or will they re-sign VanVleet in hopes of trading Lowry? With deadlines fast approaching and the 2020-2021 season around the corner, the NBA has become adaptable in a way that has changed the dynamics of professional sports.