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A.J. Gonzalez

Winners And Losers Of The NBA Offseason

During the 2018 NBA off-season, teams changed dramatically for the better.........and some for the worst. So I will choose those teams on both sides of the ladder.

Winner- Denver Nuggets

Nuggets fans already love the backcourt tandem of Gary Harris and Jamal Murray, which will be mentioned as one of the top backcourt combos in the league next year. The re-signing of Nikola Jokic was HUGE! Jokic is a second point guard on the floor due to his passing ability. Michael Porter Jr. falling in the draft was a blessing in disguise for Denver. Hopefully, his back issues can be subdued so he can be an immediate contributor to this fluid offense. The Isaiah Thomas signing helps because he knows coach Mike Malone's system.

Loser- Cleveland Cavaliers

The drafting of Collin Sexton was brilliant and the re-signing of Kevin Love can help. LeBron leaving was something everyone saw. The reason why they are the loser is the financial ruin left in the wake of LeBron's departure. The flexibility for signing free agents for years to come are slim to none due to that awful thing known as the luxury tax.

Winner- DeMarcus Cousins

Say what you will about this one here, but Boogie signed with the champs for very little money to win a title. PLAIN and SIMPLE. The backlash will continue until the season starts and understand that the atmosphere at Golden State is bountiful where players WILL take pay cuts to stay there. Again, nothing wrong with that.

Loser- Julius Randle

I really feel bad for him. When the LeBron hype machine landed in L.A., Randle was the odd man out. He then signed with the Pelicans, which made Boogie expendable. That made Pelicans fans angry. Poor Julius.

Winner- DeAndre Ayton and the Suns

When the Suns drafted Ayton with the #1 overall pick, the franchise and fan base welcomed him with open arms. He was everywhere in town promoting the Phoenix Suns brand and igniting a buzz that the organization hasn't seen in years. Also locking up Devin Booker for five more years added to that buzz.

Loser- Knicks fans booing Kevin Knox on draft night

Oh, Knick Nation, when will you ever learn? Three years ago, the fan base booed Kristaps Porzingis out of the building and notable sports figures lambasted the selection. Now, Porzingis is your saving grace and Knox actually looked promising during the Summer League. Hopefully, Kyrie and Jimmy Butler can save the Knicks next offseason.

Winner- The LeBron/LA marriage

This is perfect for basketball nuts who longed for Showtime to return to the Lakers. The franchise legends were giving King James the royal treatment. I understand the signing as LeBron being the mentor to the young nucleus of Kuzma/Ingram/Ball, but LeBron's mere presence injected a buzz that Laker fans were hoping to get years ago.

Loser- The Zach LaVine/Bulls awkwardness

I couldn't believe it. Vlade Divac baited the Bulls into giving LaVine $80 million for 4 years. The Bulls clearly didn't want to pay him that much. LaVine clearly didn't want to be in Chicago. It's going to be a wacky four years between both parties.

Winner- Luka Doncic

The Mavericks went the extra mile and then some to secure his services in Dallas. The best international prospect ever according to Slam Magazine will be alongside another international legend in Dirk Nowitzki and steer him into becoming the next great player in Mavs history.

Loser- LeMelo Ball

This was doomed from the start. Leaving UCLA and going to Lithuania hurt his slim to none chances dramatically. LeMelo's game really doesn't translate into the NBA and LaVar Ball needs to realize that. And that left LeMelo undrafted.

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