The NBA Free Agency period always has a way of keeping us on our toes as we try to keep up with player signings, trades and extensions. This year has been no different, we have players on new teams, new rules and a good look at what’s to come. Here are the 3 most important things I learned from this year’s free agency.
The NBA CBA 2nd apron is a game changer
In only its first offseason the new second apron has sent shockwaves through the league. A rule set in place to deter and penalize high-spending teams has proven to be highly effective. It destroyed the remains of the Warriors Dynasty, forcing Klay Thompson out of Golden State. The Warriors tried everything they could to keep Klay except giving the team hero and splash brother what he wanted. If it wasn’t for this rule, they could’ve compromised with one of the guys responsible for winning 4 titles. Yet the penalties were too much to ignore and ended up hurting their relationship with the future Hall of Famer.
Then it stopped the spending frenzy the Clippers had going on in LA. With all the penalties the Clippers had coming their way they refused to make themselves vulnerable by signing Paul George. Just a couple of years ago they traded a load of draft picks, Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to acquire George. This new rule immediately forced them to take their losses and move on.
And finally, the Denver Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key piece from their championship core. Even with his departure, Denver is still a top-contending team in the West. Nevertheless, this is a big hit to a team that needs strong defense and shoot-making in the playoffs. With four players earning over $20M per season, the Nuggets couldn’t afford to keep KCP.
NBA CBA 2nd Apron Teams
There are 4 teams currently in the second apron: The Suns, Bucks, Timberwolves, and the current NBA champions the Boston Celtics. The last two will double down on their rosters in hopes of repeating or winning their first title. However, the Suns and the Bucks are on the clock. If things start to get rough at any time next season, both might just hit the panic button. Keep an eye out for these two teams as the future of their key players might be in play next season.
The Clippers didn’t want Paul George back
On a recent episode of the Podcast P with Paul George, George disclosed the reasons for leaving LA and the Clipper’s initial “disrespectful” offer. He states the Clippers offered him a 2-year 60-million-dollar contract. If that is the number, I can completely understand why he felt disrespected by it. While he’s had a history of injuries, George is still one of the best players in the NBA. When they made that offer, they pretty much packed his bags, told him his time in LA had run out and they didn’t want him there. Something about the whole situation screams panic more than a business decision.
While I believe the new 2nd apron had a lot to do with it, the Clippers could’ve handled this a lot better. They ended up coming off as unprofessional and incompetent after losing George for nothing. Now Philadelphia has a big 3 and LA might’ve lost more than they expected, at a crucial time for a team about to open their brand-new arena. We could be looking at the begining of the end in Clipper land.
The Bronny Effect
It’s been months since Bronny James declared for the NBA draft and the media coverage hasn’t stopped since. The way they constantly keep talking about him makes it seem as if he was the best player in the draft. Let’s not be naive here, he wasn’t but I’m not about to discredit him for that. He is however the most popular prospect in that draft class, which is exactly why the Lakers picked him.
We all understand his numbers, who his dad is, and his unfortunate medical emergency but there’s more to it. People keep going back and forth on whether he should’ve even been drafted or not. That is the very reason he was the focus of the draft, and why we are now seeing “highlights” of everything he does. He is a click-and-engagement magnet.
The media is doing everything in its power to continue making Bronny content and fans keep eating it up. This is the kind of player the media needs in a Lakers uniform. Things won’t slow down any time soon, fans need to buckle up for the nonstop Bronny content that is headed our way. The media, fans, and haters alike don’t care how this impacts Bronny James so hopefully his family has prepared him for what’s ahead, whichever way it goes.
