(Photo by Wikipedia, Wording by Me)
With the NBA and NHL restarting their seasons in a playoff, instead of just starting the 2020-2021 season, teams were invited to join in this restart to crown champions in their respective leagues. Unfortunately, eight teams from the NBA and seven from the NHL were left behind and getting ready for the start of the 20-21 season. Here's a review of these 15 teams.
NBA
ATLANTA HAWKS
The Hawks have a foundation set. Trae Young became a mega superstar before our very eyes. John Collins and Clint Capela make a formidable frontcourt. If DeAndre Hunter, Cam Reddish and Bruno Fernando can develop, the Hawks have a potential playoff contender in a year or two.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
They did it. They blew it up, somewhat. Gone are the underwhelming contracts of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams. Devonte Graham came out of nowhere to become a huge contributor. Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington are building blocks for the future and if Malik Monk can keep his head on straight, the Hornets could get over the hump.
CHICAGO BULLS
On paper, the Bulls have the look of a playoff contender with young and capable roster. However, something on this team sticks out like a sore thumb. (Whispers: it's the head coach). GarPax is no more! Well, the Gar version is. Now it's up to Arturas Karnisovas to work his magic here like in Denver. It's going to be a lot of work to do.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers had a season they would love to forgot. Not only were they terrible as expected, but were considered immature and had their now former coach John Behlein call them "thugs" instead of "slugs". The Cavaliers will continue to add to their youthful roster.
DETROIT PISTONS
The Pistons finally decided to blow it up, trading key pieces (expect Blake Griffin) for expiring contracts and picks. New GM Troy Weaver is considered one of the brightest young minds in the NBA executive world. He has a rebuild on his hands.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors didn't exactly had a great inaugural season at Chase Center. Injuries and ineffectiveness had the Dubs go 96-97 Spurs on everyone. They will likely secure a top pick and reload when Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Green can get into another juggernaut dynasty.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Oh, boy. The Timberwolves are still reeling from the failed Tom Thibodeau era. The team acquired D'Angelo Russell to team up with his best bud, Karl-Anthony Towns and maybe a full season is when we can get a grasp on if the Wolves are headed in the right direction.
NEW YORK KNICKS
The Knicks were comical again. President Steve Mills threw coach David Fizdale under the bus before both men lost their jobs. Spike Lee had enough and stop going to games at MSG. I would say something about James Dolan, but he already had a bad couple months (tested positive for COVID-19).
NHL
ANAHEIM DUCKS
The Ducks used a long playoff run for several years and decided to lock a lot of their core. Unfortunately, injuries, inconsistency and the prospects not developing have the Ducks in the bottom of the Pacific Division. But at least they have company.
BUFFALO SABRES
It's going to happen. This organization is going to waste Jack Eichel and Ramses Dahlin and nothing is going improve, right? I mean, they showed promise at the beginning of the season, then (BOOM!) They could add talent, but will it be enough? Time will tell.
DETROIT RED WINGS
So kids, back in the mid-90's, the Detroit Red Wings became a dynasty with their captain, Steve Yzerman, in the forefront. Today, the Red Wings are the basement dweller of the NHL and Yzerman is the GM set to rebuild this storied franchise. Good luck.
LOS ANGELES KINGS
Just like their Southern California brethren, the Kings had success in the playoffs (2 Stanley Cups), and signed their core long-term to solidify the team. The success hasn't continued and the prospects haven't developed yet. Could be tough times in L.A.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
The Devils are a cross between a team needs to rebuild and a team that signs veterans just for the hell of it. They traded Taylor Hall to the Coyotes (yay) for prospects and picks. They have secured another high draft pick to add with Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, so they can build something?
OTTAWA SENATORS
The rebuild has officially begun in Kanata. The Senators have a bunch of players that will prove themselves. Ottawa have draft picks stacked up to ease the pain of a long rebuild. Because it will be a long one.
And last, but not least......
SAN JOSE SHARKS
YOU! Why I outta! The team that has probably the most balanced roster in the NHL and a favorite to win the Cup decided not to wait till the playoffs to go full-Sharks. Wow, and to think some people predicted this club to win it all this season. Oh, wait......
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