Yes, we know that Paul George got traded for pennies on the dollar, we are aware that Danny Ainge's patience paid off with the signing of Gordon Hayward, and we know that the Rockets got an All-NBA point guard in Chris Paul. But here are some smaller moves that I liked during the NBA offseason. Now, this can include the free agency period, the draft, and any other trades that happen during this offseason.
J.J Redick, One year/23 million dollars, Philadelphia 76ers
Now when you see 23 million dollars tied with J.J Redick, you may be thinking "seriously?' But here is the explanation: J.J Redick is a floor spacer, it will help the 76ers tremendously with Ben Simmons on the floor, a player we have no idea if he can shoot. IF Joel Embiid and Simmons can stay healthy, along with Saric, Covington, and Fultz, Redick will help them make the playoffs with his veteran leadership and shooting. This also helps the 76ers get over the salary cap floor, and by having it be a one year contract, they have space to use for the 2018 offseason.
Patrick Patterson, Three years/ 16.3 million dollars, Oklahoma City Thunder
Although last season wasn't one of Patterson's best, he still was a positive performer and an analytical darling. At 5 million per year, it's a steal for the Thunder. They used their Mid level player exception (MLE) for Patterson, who is above a mid level player, to bolster their frontcourt depth. So instead of having to play Kanter the whole time during the bench roll out, you can have Patterson play some of the bench frontcourt minutes. He can also play with Westbrook and George in the starting lineup helping the spacing for Westbrook to drive (career 37% three point shooter.)
Kyle Kuzma 27th pick, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers got the 27th pick from the Brooklyn Nets from the D'Angelo Russell trade on June 20th of this year, and they made it big with that opportunity by drafting Kyle Kuzma out of Utah. The 6'9 power forward has shown some serious skill, he was very aggressive and shot the ball at will. Kuzma showed to be a good three point shooter (48% during his summer league campaign), and he showed he could rebound (6.7 per summer league game) and pass the ball well with 2.7 assists per summer league game.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, One year/2.1 million dollars, Houston Rockets
At the veteran's minimum, Mbah a Moute is a superb signing for the Rockets and one player I would've loved to see my team (the Jazz) go after. He gave great wing players like Gordon Hayward, and Paul George fits with his defensive prowess, while also shooting a career high 39% from the three point line. The biggest asset to the Rockets though is Mbah a Moute's ability to defend four positions and play the three and four. If he plays the four, it gives the Rockets an even better floor spacing option.
Utah Jazz trade 2018 lottery protected pick (via OKC) for Ricky Rubio
Ricky Rubio has some serious flaws in his game, one being his inability to finish at the rim and his three point shooting. Rubio shot an abysmal 33% from shots less than 5 feet and shot a paltry 30% from three last season. But there are positive things about this trade for the Jazz and Rubio. Rubio is one of only three players who has averaged more than 9 assists and 2 steals per game: John Stockton and Chris Paul. Rubio's passing is one of the best in the league, and most people need to recognize this ability like they realize it with LeBron and Lonzo Ball. He doesn't need to pound the ball to get his assists either, which is hugely beneficial. Rubio is also a terrific defender standing at 6'4 and having a 3.5 steal percentage.
C.J Miles, Three years/23 million dollars, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors could've easily started from scratch and not brought any of its returning players back, but they did. They signed C.J Miles, a sharpshooter from the Pacers on a team friendly deal to replace the often injured Demarre Carroll. The best thing Miles brings to his new team is the three point shooting. After shooting 41 percent last season, he can help space the floor with a non-shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. He'll be available for more games than Carroll, he'll provide more points than Carroll, and he'll just be flat out better than Carroll. Look to the Raptors to be improved this next season because of the help of Miles.
P.J Tucker, Four years/32 million, Houston Rockets
After losing their attitude man in Patrick Beverly, they added one in P.J Tucker. Tucker is another well-suited addition for the Rockets. Tucker can shoot the three ball well and defend at a high rate, Tucker, like Mbah a Moute also has position versatility easily able to slide into the three and four position and defend nearly every position on the court. Tucker helps the Rockets defense who ranked 15th in defensive efficiency. The most valuable item that Tucker brings to his game is his corner three point shooting. He shot 73% of his threes in the corner and shot it at a 45% clip! But it does mean he isn't a very good above the break three point shooter.
Aron Baynes, One year/ 4.1 million dollars, Boston Celtics
After the addition of Hayward and Morris, the Celtics were looking for a beefy backup center who could grab tough rebounds and be a bully down low. They found it in Aron Baynes. Baynes is a tough Australian who likes to push people around. Boston was in 29th place in total rebound percentage now Baynes may not be getting 10 rebounds per game, but if they get in those cold rebound streaks with Horford, they could throw Baynes in there and stop the bleeding.
