The NBA offseason has been a crazy one at least with the likes of Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Paul George, Brook Lopez, D'Angelo Russell, Paul Milsap, and Danilo Gallinari changing teams. Next season the NBA games will also feature new rules in relation to time outs to improve game flow along with a revamped player friendly schedule to minimize resting of players. Here are a couple of updates on the NBA free agency:
Al Horford to start at center next season
The Boston Celtics have made numerous moves this offseason from acquiring Gordon Hayward, Marcu Morris, Kyrie Irving and letting go of Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Avery Bradley.
This move will likely lead to a shuffling of roles next season with Jae Crowder out. Zach Lowe of NBA ESPN has reported that the Boston Celtics are looking to start Al Horford in the center position, This will likely make Morris play the power forward, Jaylen Brown to the small forward, Gordon Hayward to the shooting guard position, and Kyrie Irving to play the point. Boston will now be a very deadly team when they play small if they happen to develop chemistry in the long run since both Horford and Morris can spread the floor because they can shoot the threes.
Al Horford entered in the NBA in 2007 where he was drafted with the third overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks just behind Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.
Horford played nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks where he was named multiple time NBA All-Star, but in 2016 Horford was acquired by the Boston Celtics with a four-year 113 million dollar contract. Last season Horford averaged 14 points, 1.3 blocks, 0.8 steals, five assists, and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 47.3 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from the three point line, and 80 percent from the charity stripe.
The Boston Celtics have improved in talent this offseason, and they are looking not only to top the eastern conference but also eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.
Conley and Gasol considered as untouchables
Matt Moore of CBS has reported that the Memphis Grizzlies despite all the changes they made this offseason are still going to build around Conley and Gasol.
With Randolph and Carter now departing for Sacramento, it seems like the grit and grind play of the Grizzlies will be lessened. The Grizzlies are still trying to be relevant in the NBA western conference, and they also hope that Chandler Parson can play well next season and be healthy.
