Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) on the court during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
As the NBA season draws near, we took a look at each team’s biggest weakness heading into the 2015-16 campaign
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It doesn’t matter if they won 65 or 15 games last year, every team in the NBA has a weakness.
Some opponents are just great at exploiting them, while others are great at hiding them. But make no mistake, every team — elite or poor — has at east one.
Not every weakness is on the court, either. An organization weakness can be in the fan base, front office personnel or the coaching. You also have your teams that have shooting problems, free throw issues, rebounding, defense and so on.
Here at Sir Charles In Charge, we decided to list each NBA team’s biggest weakness heading into the 2015-16 season.
Next: Boston Celtics
Apr 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics
Biggest Weakness: Lack of Perimeter Game
The Celtics are easing their way back into basketball fundamentals 101, with a great inside presence in Jared Sullinger and now Amir Johnson, but they still lack the perimeter game to help alleviate pressure off the bigs.
They have the slashers to get to the rim but once the defenses collapses in the paint, who can they trust to kick it out to for that open shot? Not sure if they have that one guy.
As a team they shot 33 percent from beyond the arc and, in today’s NBA game, that will not cut it.
Next: Brooklyn Nets
Apr 27, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shoots for three over Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets
Biggest Weakness: Rebounding
Rebounding has plagued the Nets since the arrival of Brook Lopez.
Lopez is considered one of the best centers in the NBA, but that is basically off of his offensive outputs. He is not a strong defender or rebounder, averaging only seven boards per game last season. The Nets as a unit ranked No. 22 in the NBA with a per game averaged of 42 rebounds.
Thaddeus Young is power forward that rebounds like a shooting guard and, if the Nets are to make a series run next season, one or both of these guys must decide to play like the big men the teams program has them listed as.
Next: New York Knicks
Dec 27, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks
Biggest Weakness: Carmelo Anthony
Phil Jackson can only do but so much with the talent and money that is given.
The pressure still falls on the shoulders and mindset of star player Carmelo Anthony. If the Knicks are serious about rebuilding and starting from scratch, then Anthony has to be let go.
For as good as he is, he will never be what the Knicks need him to be – great. He can easily shoot you in the game or shoot you out of it. He plays below average defense and has a small amount of hustle in his body.
He must lead the youth movement the Knicks have their eyes on, but he just isn’t the guy to do it.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
Biggest Weakness: Their Rebuilding Plan
The 76ers play in the weak Eastern Conference. For the last few years they have been on a rebuilding mission by trading away their good players for salary dumps and draft picks.
Their roster is starting to come together, but building their plan through the draft will continue to hurt them. They have the funds and picks to either make a trade or sign a major star (or two), but have refused to even try.
If they want to win, they must abandon their current philosophy and join the rest of the NBA in trying to put a winner on the floor.
Next: Toronto Raptors
May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors ambassador and rap artist Drake celebrates as head coach Dwane Casey looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Nets beat the Raptors 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors
Biggest Weakness: Overconfidence
The Raptors have clearly been the best team in the Atlantic Division during the regular season for two-straight years, but that changes once the calender hits April.
Talent is not the problem, as they have three players that can score the ball at will in DeMar Derozn, Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas, but their confidence in the playoffs has been their problem.
Instead of getting stronger this offseason, they let one of their best players in Amir Johnson leave via free agency. I don’t know if the big stage causes stage fright or what, but they are clearly one of the NBA’s top underachievers.
Next: Chicago Bulls
May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls
Biggest Weakness: Health
The Bulls in my opinion are the best team in the Eastern Conference. Although, they will have some trouble in the beginning as they integrate a new head coach.
Learning a new offensive and defensive scheme will take them some time, but they have the talent to make an NBA Finals run. If Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler can stay on the court as a unit (and healthy), there is no one in the Eastern Conference that can beat them in a seven-game series.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers
Feb 22, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) comes off the bench reacting to guard J.R. Smith (5) reverse dunk during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Cleveland Cavaliers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers
Biggest Weakness: Too Much Going On
The Cavs are obviously loaded with talent. The went to the NBA Finals last season with Kevin Love out and with Kyrie Irving fighting leg problems throughout the playoffs.
So what did they do this offseason? They got better in a sense. They didn’t let their top free agents walk, they supposedly have a deal in place with playoff breakout star Matthew Deleadova and Tristian Thompson. They are still waiting on J.R. Smith.
If everyone does return and with the addition of Richard Jefferson and Mo Williams, they will be better than last year. But is it too much? Where is all the playing time coming from? They were hungry when they went grocery shopping only to realize when they got home that they spent money on food they didn’t need in the end.
Next: Detroit Pistons
Jan 4, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) moves the ball on Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Detroit won 114-95. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons
Biggest Weakness: Ultra Small Backcourt
I don’t know the plan the Pistons have for their backcourt, but I do know that there will be a problem either way you slice it.
If they decide to start Brandon Jennings and Reggie Jackson, there will be a problem for defenses as both guards are capable of putting up huge numbers, but defensively they will be really bad.
Both players need the ball in their hands to operate and last time I checked there is one ball for 10 players.
If they decide that pairing can’t work, then who comes off the bench? Is it Jennings – the player that was leading the Pistons resurgence last season before getting injured, or is it Jackson, the man you just gave a boat load of money to this offseason?
Problems.
Next: Indiana Pacers
Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel diagrams a play during a game against the Miami Heat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Miami 112-89. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers
Biggest Weakness: Where Is The Defense
Roy Hibbert forgot how to play basketball and was shipped out of town. Offensively, the Pacers will survive but defensively they are Community College eligible.
If Paul George is able to return to all star form on both ends of the floor and George Hill can contnue to lock down a defender, they’ll have a shot. The rest of the roster reads like a Rucker Park roster of scorers.
Monta Ellis has never heard of the word defense and Rodney Stuckey has one goal in mind when he enters the game – score. Maybe Jordan Hill will fill the Hibbert void?
This is still the East we are talking about, so anything is possible.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd directs his team against the Chicago Bulls in game five of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. The Bucks won 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks
Biggest Weakness: Only One Basketball
The Bucks are a team that is on the rise. With the addition of Greg Monroe and the return of Jabari Parker (from injury), they will turn plenty heads this season. But the question is: can Jason Kidd keep everyone happy?
Who does Kidd start? Michael Carter-Williams at point guard, Kris Middleton at shooting guard, Parker at small forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo at power forward and Monroe at center?
This might be one of the best lineups in the league, but they must believe in team ball. If one persons does not fit the concept, then the whole Bucks scheme can easily fall apart. Sharing is caring this season in Milwaukee.
Next: Atlanta Hawks
Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) makes a pass around Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward center Al Horford (15) during the first quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks
Biggest Weakness: Rebounding
Their biggest weakness last season was hitting the boards and with the departure of DeMarre Carroll, things just got worse in the ATL.
Al Horford is back, as well as Paul Millsap, but neither player has ever been a glass eater. They play small ball and it may get them thru a weak Eastern Conference during the regular season, but the playoffs is where the game slows down and gets a little physical.
We saw last season that they are not built to be pushed around, but not signing a big rebounder and defensive specialist might have cost them another second round visit.
Next: Miami Heat
Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; (Editor
Miami Heat
Biggest Weakness: Health
Honestly we can say this about every team in the NBA, but for the Heat this is important.
Miami will go only as far as Dwyane Wade takes them and last season his body took them nowhere. Chris Bosh is battling an illness that he has not fully recovered from, Luol Deng gets banged up every year and Hassan Whiteside plays with reckless abandon, so he must be monitored and told to temper down some.
All bodies are needed as the Heat cannot afford to have too many DNP’s this season.
Next: Charlotte Hornets
Apr 12, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) gestures from the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 116-77. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets
Biggest Weakness: Perimeter Game
Al Jefferson is a great inside presence, but he needs help from the perimeter guys too. Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams and now Nicolas Batum must take – and make – shots from beyond the arc.
The Hornets finished last in three-point accuracy a year ago. For all the tweaking Michael Jordan has done with this roster, you would think a person that has won a few championships with great outside shooting teammates would have pulled off a few trades and reached for some of the best in the business by now.
Next: Orlando Magic
Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Magic
Biggest Weakness: Chemistry
The Magic are a team on the rise, much like the Bucks. Elfrid Payton is a walking triple-double, can snag one on any night. Victor Oladipo has emerged as the teams leader, while Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic are the older statesman on the team that provides the blue collar aspect for the Magic.
Their issues have been youth and chemistry, as they have yet to find a true bond on the court as a unit, as someone has always been out with injuries. If they can start and remain healthy for the majority of the season, they can easily make a run for 40 wins.
Next: Washington Wizards
Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Miles (0) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards
Biggest Weakness: Attack The Basket
The Wizards have one of the best backcourts in the NBA, but yet they average only 21 free throw attempts per game. John Wall, with his driving ability, only gets to the line three times per game. He must attack the basket more.
Same goes for Bradley Beal, who has a decent perimeter game but now must focus on putting the ball on the floor and drawing fouls. Marcin Gortat is another player that tends to shy away from the physical play.
In order for the Wizards to take that next step, they must learn to make their opponents pay by getting to the charity stripe.
Next: Dallas Mavericks
Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban during the game against the Houston Rockets in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks
Biggest Weakness: Not A Good Team
The Mavericks are in trouble and they were in trouble even if DeAndre Jordan had stayed with them. He is no superstar. Dirk’s time has come and gone. Chandler Parsons has flashes every once in a while, but he is not someone to bet the house on.
Wesley Matthews was never that guy to begin with, so I don’t get all the hoopla concerning his singing. And Deron Williams – oh boy, where do I begin with him? He is a starting point guard, that’s all I can say about him.
The Mavs have let their window close on the career of Dirk with only one ring. Way to go, Mark Cuban.
Next: Houston Rockets
Dec 13, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) celebrates after a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets
Biggest Weakness: Can They Keep James Harden Happy?
I know it sounds pretty stupid, right? We are talking about a guy that should have won the NBA MVP last season. But, here is what’s going to happen next year: his game will change – a lot.
Harden throughout his career has always had the ball in his hands, even when playing with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant with the Thunder.
He is a great one-on-one player, but now he has a point guard for the first time in Houston. Ty Lawson is a penetrator, so is Harden. Someone’s game is going to suffer and if I’m the Rockets, it has to be Harden’s.
If not, then why bring over Lawson in the first place?
Next: Memphis Grizzlies
May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies
Biggest Weakness: Perimeter Game
While everyone around the Grizzlies keep improving season after season, Memphis is still stuck in a time capsule.
They managed 55 wins last year, but the offseason brought many changes for a few teams and the Grizz just stayed the course. Last season, they ranked near the bottom on three-pointers took and made. With a frontcourt that boasts Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, a perimeter specialist or two will take plenty of pressure of their bigs, allowing them more room to operate.
They can no longer rely on Jeff Green, Courtney Lee and Mike Conley Jr. to make those shots – it hasn’t happened and it’s not gong to happen.
Next: New Orleans Pelicans
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates a win against the Golden State Warriors in a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans
Biggest Weakness: Health
The Pelicans have a team of what “if’s.”
What if Jrue Holiday was healthy? What if Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson all were healthy? You see where this is going?
The talent is there, but so are concerns. Anthony Davis may be the best playing big in the NBA right now, but he needs help. If these “what if” guys can each play in the 70-75 game range, then 50-plus wins is not out of the question. They reached the playoffs last season, but fizzled out due to injuries.
Next: San Antonio Spurs
Feb 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) and guard Tony Parker (9) and forward Tim Duncan (21) look on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at US Airways Center. The Spurs won 101-74. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs
Biggest Weakness: Father Time
You can’t avoid him, you just can’t. But the Spurs, for the last two seasons, have managed to do a nice job of holding him back as much as they could.
Pop knows this, as he has rested his star players beginning in the second half of the season. He knows the season starts in April, and he needs his core guys fresh and ready to go in the playoffs. Tim Duncan is 38, Matt Bonner is 34 and Manu Ginobili is 37. Tony Parker is the youngest out of the Big 3 at 34, but years of long playoff runs has him looking more in the age range of 38 as well.
If they can mange one last run in them, then this could easily be the one that takes them out on top.
Next: Denver Nuggets
Mar 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) reacts during double overtime of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Nuggets defeated the Pelicans 118-111 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets
Biggest Weakness: No Identity
The Nuggets, for all of their recent failures, are solid across the board in all categories. They are middle of the pack defensively, they can score the ball, rebound and get to the charity stripe with ease.
The problem is they don’t do one particular thing great. Players like Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried and JJ Hickson are all-around players, but specialize in nothing specific.
If they can figure out an identity this season, they could reach the 40-win mark.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves
Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts to a foul call during an NBA Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves
Biggest Weakness: Youth
Timberwolves fans just have to be patient. The team is a lottery pick collection of who’s who, but they have the talent – they are just young and inexperienced at the moment.
Kevin Garnett is there to help guide and mold them, but true experience will come from being on the floor together and learning each others game. Will they be the next San Antonio Spurs? It’s a possibility.
They have a great core of players in Zack LaVine, Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins. But that’s not all they have. They still have one of the best low post scores and rebounders in Nikola Pekovic, sharpshooter Kevin Martin is still there along with Ricky Rubio. Just give them time.
Next: Oklahoma City Thunder
Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Kevin Durant (35) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder
Biggest Weakness: Ball Movement
The Thunder found success last season when no one thought they could survive once Kevin Durant went down. They continued winning, even after Serge Ibaka went down with his injury, thanks in large part to Russell Westbrook and newly re-signed center Enes Katner.
What happens when the group is healthy and back together? Westbrook must slow down and become a point guard for the first time in his career. The Thunder are loaded but if the ball does not move, then all that talent means noting. This season is about sacrifice.
Next: Portland Trail Blazers
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the final seconds against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers
Biggest Weakness: Strangers On The Court
The Trail Blazers are basically starting over, as their entire starting unit from a year ago has moved on except for face of the franchise – Damion Lillard.
Now Lillard will have to lead a group of strangers with newcomers like Al-Farouq Aminu, Gerald Henderson, Ed Davis and Mason Plumlee. There are still stay-overs like CJ McCollum, Meyers Leonard and Dorell Wright, but a few of them were reserves and didn’t get the playing time with Lillard.
The Blazers will be an interesting team to watch this season as they try to fit all the new pieces together.
Next: Utah Jazz
Sep 29, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guards Dante Exum (left) and Trey Burke during Media Day at Zions Bank Basketball Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Utah Jazz
Biggest Weakness: Finding a Point Guard
This is where I get baffled when it comes to the Jazz. They have the inside presence with Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert. There is a nice perimeter game with Gordon Hayward out on the wing, but they rank near the bottom of the league in assists.
Why is Dante Exum starting? Just give the ball to Trey Burke and let him go. The Jazz averaged 20 assists per game last season. They must pick up the pace and find someone to distribute the ball.
Next: Golden State Warriors
June 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and center Andrew Bogut (12) react against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors
Biggest Weakness: Low Post Scoring
I don’t mean if Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson can get into the lane off dribble penetration, I’m talking about players like Andrew Bogut, Marreese Speights, Festus Ezeli and Harrison Barnes.
There were games where the Splash Brothers were off from the perimeter, and that cost them a shot at 72 wins. Bogut needs to be more aggressive on the offensive end. They have a great first option in Curry, but they need a back-up plan in case the jump shot goes flat.
Next: Los Angeles Lakers
Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers
Biggest Weakness: Kobe Bryant
This is the same issue the Knicks have with Carmelo Anthony. As great as Kobe is, he does not fit with this current bunch.
Kobe needs to be around veterans and this year’s squad will be too focused on trying to please Bryant than playing basketball. D’Angelo Russell will have to make sure Kobe is happy and has the ball at all times, which could alienate him from teammates.
Jordan Clarkson has to go from being one of the team’s focal points last season to an onlooker. And we all know how hard Bryant can be on his big men, which doesn’t bode well for Julius Randle should he not hustle or rebound enough.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers
May 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) watches from the bench against the Houston Rockets in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers
Biggest Weakness: Killer Instinct
The Clippers were well on their way last season to finally making it out of the second round of the NBA playoffs. They had it in their grasp, but then it happened – the curse.
How can a team that is led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan lose a 3-1 series lead to to an under-matched group out of Houston? For all the Clips glory and talent, they still lack that trait that makes champions – champions.
This offseason they loaded up, though. They stole Jordan back from Dallas, traded for Lance Stephenson, signed Josh Smith and Paul Pierce, but will that be enough? There are no more excuses, as this is the most talent assembled for the Lakers roommates. It’s do or die for this bunch this season.
Next: Phoenix Suns
Mar 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) drives to the basket as Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) defends the play during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns
Biggest Weakness: Passing
The Suns are must-see TV. They play an uptempo game, but you could never tell by their assist average.
Phoenix ranked No. 27 in the NBA is assists per last season, and a large part of that might be due to a lack of a true point guard. Brandon Knight was acquired from Milwaukee at the NBA trade deadline and played in only 11 games, but when he did play he averaged only five assists.
Eric Bledsoe is listed as their “point guard” but plays more like a shooting guard, and only averaged six assists per game. If the Suns are looking to make a run at the playoffs next season, they must find a play-maker that thinks pass first in order for their offense to shine.
Next: Sacramento Kings
April 5, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl (center) instructs in a huddle against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Jazz defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento Kings
Biggest Weakness: Team Chemistry
The Kings are at a crossroad. They have the talent with players like DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, Omri Casspi and Rajon Rondo. Excuses were made that they didn’t have a viable coach on the sidelines, but that changed with the hiring of George Karl.
The issue with the Kings now is how do they make these egos work? Cousins alone is a handful and with reports that he and Karl do not see eye-to-eye, it can cause plenty of friction in the locker room – and on the court.
To makes things worse, Rondo has been known to be a distraction. So now you have a three-headed monster in Cousins, Karl and Rondo. If they can get on the same page, then the Kings can have a resurgence of sorts but if one or all show their colors, this will not end well.