The NBA has undergone numerous changes this offseason with NBA top tier players shifting teams. Next season we will also see changes in the NBA schedule in the hopes of minimizing the resting of players. Along with the schedule, the NBA board has also approved new rules in relation to timeouts for next season to improve game flow. WIth the Easter conference significantly weaker next season it seems like the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are two teams that could make a huge run for the playoffs next season.
Here are more offseason updates on the Sixers and Heat:
Okafor might be traded soon
Last season we saw the Sixers improving especially when Joel Embiid was on the floor.
Embiid, Holmes, Covington, Rodriguez, and McConnel won same guys down the stretch last season. This year with Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz ready to play in the NBA, it seems like they are destined to have a wonderful season this October. The odd man out in this equation is Jahlil Okafor, both Embiid and Okafor shared minutes last season and seems like the Sixers are favoring more on Embiid. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Daily News has reported that the Sixers are starting to explore trade options for Jahlil Okafor this offseason.
Jahlil Okafor entered the NBA in the offseason of 2015 where he was drafted with the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. Okafor had a decent rookie season despite the street fight scenario in Boston and a small tear in his meniscus in his right knee that made him miss a third of the season.
He averaged 17.5 points, 1.2 blocks, 0.4 steals, 1.2 assists, and seven rebounds while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 68.6 percent from the field in 53 games while playing 30 minutes per game. Exiting the Sixers would be a good thing for Okafor as he will likely see reduced minutes next year once Embiid and Simmons are up and healthy.
Miami exercises option on Winslow
The Miami Heat made an incredible run in the second half of last season as they almost made a playoff spot behind Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, and Hassan Whiteside. This year they look to improve even more as their young players are continuing to improve and get better. Bobby Jackson of Miami Herald reported that the Miami Heat picked up the fourth-year option on Justice Winslow's contract this offseason.
Winslow shows great potential and could likely have his best career next season with the Heat. With the Eastern Conference being very weak next season the Miami Heat will have a great chance to make the NBA playoffs since LeBron's departure once again.
