The 2019/20 NBA season is less than a month away and several teams have already started hosting their first media days.
The Lakers, Rockets, and the Nets have showcased their new acquisitions over the summer while the others are probably going into training camp just like another day in the office.
The jury’s still out on who will be the hot favourites to win it all next campaign, especially with almost all teams reloading for the long season ahead.
And it will all start in training camp soon where players will fight for their minutes or their spot at the roster. Plus, there will be some exciting pre-season matches as well.
For now, SBOBET gives you a quick roundup on the other teams just before the season starts.
Sixers’ fearsome lineup
The Philadelphia Sixers have done a lot this summer to make up for their key losses in Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick. What they did is they acquired an up-and-coming guard in Josh Richardson and a strong center in Al Horford to add on to what they got in Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons.
Joel Embiid reportedly appears to be in better shape when he revealed that he lost 20 pounds over the course of the summer. The Cameroonian slotman has put emphasis on losing weight to significantly lessen the wear and tear of his joints given his injury history.
On the other hand, Ben Simmons looks much more confident in his outside jumper. With numerous clips circulating around the internet on his altered shooting form, the Aussie point guard bared that he will take the shot when the defence presents itself this season.
“I’m confident with the work I’ve been putting in. I’m more confident with the reps I’ve [had]. If it’s open, I’ll take it,” said Simmons during the Sixers media day.
After playing for the Celtics in his last three seasons, Al Horford will be part of the Sixers’ quintet after signing a long-term deal. The five-time NBA All-Star is expected to provide size, leadership, and an additional pick-and-pop threat for Coach Brett Brown.
To round up their likely starting five, Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson will be tasked to be the team’s reliable two-way players especially with their length and versatility while their outside shot will help space the floor as well on offence.
All of this gives more pundits reasons as to why they are the perennial contenders for the Eastern Conference championship next season.
Terry Rozier ready to take on leadership role
Unlike the Sixers, the Charlotte Hornets didn’t receive a lot of fanfare given their questionable moves during the offseason – which includes not giving Kemba Walker a super-max deal that he deserves.
Now with nowhere to go, the Michael Jordan-owned club decided to rebuild and they started by signing Terry Rozier into a lucrative contract.
Terry Rozier, aptly named as “Scary Terry”, broke out in the playoffs back in the 2018 season when Kyrie Irving was sidelined at that time. He led Boston all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals and they were one game away from the NBA Finals.
Last season appeared to be a lost season for him after he was relegated back to the bench. However, his potential was not to be overlooked.
During the Hornets’ media press conference last night, Rozier expressed his eagerness to lead the team to new heights as he will take on the role of being their starting point guard. He vowed to give it his all in their upcoming games even if their NBA 2019 odds of making it at least to the playoffs are very slim.
“My whole life I’ve been an underdog. I’ve played with a chip on my shoulder. I don’t let anything stop me from what I want to do. I’m still hungry and far from satisfied,” said Rozier.
“I’m going to give 1000% every night. Control what I can control and play hard,” he added.
Lofty expectations over at Louisiana
There’s a lot of buzz going on in The Big Easy ever since Zion Williamson was drafted first overall in the last NBA draft. It also helped that they grabbed a huge haul when they traded away Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers.
These moves done by newly-minted general manager David Griffin have earned for himself some cheers and their fans can’t wait to get the season started.
“We love the energy and excitement around the city. Everyone can feel the positive energy around the players, coaches, and our staff. It’s an energy that’s wholly unique in my basketball career,” shared David Griffin.
With Alvin Gentry in the helm as their coach, the Pelicans are expected to use their youth and athleticism to produce some of the best NBA 2019 highlights by playing at an up-tempo pace with the likes of Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson leading the charge. They will also have guys like Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, and Derrick Favors to provide veteran leadership for one of the youngest teams in the league.
After compiling only 33 wins last season, they would hope that their overhauled roster could translate to more wins – and possibly a playoff spot especially in the wild Western Conference.
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