Nets’ scary Ben reality; mistake LA must learn from – Every NBA team’s New Year resolution

ATLANTA HAWKS

Improve their relationship with Trae

In what’s already been an indifferent season for the Hawks, there’s now talk superstar guard Trae Young is at odds with the organisation and could demand a trade. Losing Young, who’s contracted Atlanta until the end of the 2026-27 season, but has an early termination option after the 2025/26 campaign, would be a disaster scenario for a team that doesn’t have much else to be excited about. The addition of Dejounte Murray hasn’t taken the 17-20 Hawks to that next level they would’ve hoped when they off-loaded three first rounders and a pick swap to acquire him from San Antonio. In fact, they’re statistically worse than last season – marginally better defensively, but dropping off a cliff offensively (going from ranked second in the league to 21st). The Hawks shouldn’t – and can’t – afford for Young for depart and should be doing everything in their power to keep him happy … even if it means making further roster changes or personnel elsewhere.

BOSTON CELTICS

Hope Tatum is a man of his word

Six months after the Celtics fell to Golden State in the NBA Finals, Jayson Tatum told ESPN: “I know what it takes now (to win).” Call it a brash statement – and they have to get back to the grand stage yet – but you have to give Boston and Tatum credit – both are currently walking the walk and he looks a much more complete player than ever before. Boston owns the best record in the NBA at 26-11 and Tatum is in career-best, MVP-calibre form. If you had to make a snap prediction on who’d win the Finals, it’d be the C’s, and for the MVP, Tatum is top three. Suffice to say, it’s only January and we’re not even halfway through this season yet. However Boston has one thing on its mind this season and won’t be satisfied with anything less than the top prize.

BROOKLYN NETS

Get a 100% (or even 90%) Simmons

The Nets overcame a disrupted start to the season to get on an absolute roll – going 16-1 over their 17 games (only loss was to Boston) including winning an NBA-best 12 in a row to surge into the East’s second seed and hold the second-best record in the entire league and emerge as a genuine title contender. Brooklyn’s improvement on the defensive end has been critical to turning around its fortunes and nearly everything is clicking now … nearly. Ben Simmons is impacting games in a variety of ways as a valuable contributor, but is still a ways off the All-Star player he once was in Philadelphia, also hampered by numerous injuries. Yes, the 26-year old is still elite defensively and and a high-quality playmaker – and the Nets would have no qualms about his play while they’re on a surge – but they’d also love for him to be more aggressive himself and getting into the paint – averaging a career-low 7.9 points per game – nearly half his career average of 15.2. Perhaps this is being too critical this is just the player Simmons is now and the role he’s best suited to in a Draymond Green-like part. And although it could be argued the Nets don’t need improved offence from Simmons with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in scintillating form, the Aussie unlocking his full potential – or even something close to – would make this firing Nets team an even more well-rounded, near unstoppable unit – maybe even the premier team in the NBA that no opposition would want to run into in the playoffs. Oh, and no more Irving drama would be lovely in 2023, too.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

See what they’ve actually got when healthy

While there’s now a fair argument that the Hornets should write off this season and join the tank-a-thon for Victor Wembanyama, we also just haven’t really gotten to see this team fully healthy enough. LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward have most notably missed big chunks of the season, and with a bit of luck, Charlotte could push into play-in qualification. It’d be remiss for Hornets owner Michael Jordan to not at least see what he’s got before making a call on the franchise’s direction. And this is notwithstanding the possibility that Miles Bridges could return this season following reports he and the Hornets are working towards a new deal – although he’d almost certainly cop a hefty suspension from the NBA thereafter.

CHICAGO BULLS

Get maximum trade value for their stars

It’s safe to say this thing in Chicago hasn’t worked out. Sitting five games below .500 and outside play-in qualification – plus rumblings of locker room problems – even if the Bulls were to turn their season around, the Zach LaVine (27 years old), DeMar DeRozan (33) and Nikola Vucevic (32) trio has reached its ceiling despite Lonzo Ball’s lengthy stint on the sidelines with a knee injury. And so Chicago is one of the big teams to watch ahead of the trade deadline, and frankly, no one on the roster should be safe. LaVine is in the first year of a five-season, $215 million deal and makes most sense to keep and build around moving forward, but he’d also likely net them the biggest return. Trading DeRozan, who’s eligible for a max four-year extension this off-season, and/or Vucevic, who can become a free agent, makes the most sense to bring in young players or draft assets to help the franchise long-term.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Mitchell to score 80 points

Donovan Mitchell turned in one of the top 10 scoring performances in NBA history against the Chicago Bulls this week – pouring in 71 points along with 11 assists and shattering several records in the process. More of that please! The superstar guard has proven to be a home run acquisition despite the massive haul of picks he cost Cleveland in the trade from Utah. Looking back, the Cavs – and near every other team in the league – would have absolutely no queries about coughing up such a big package for a superstar of his ilk though. Mitchell is not only an MVP dark horse, but more importantly, he’s also taken Cleveland to the next level as a championship contender. Next up, 80 points!?

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Acquire a co-star for Luka

Luka Doncic piling up 60 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in a game for the first time in NBA history only just getting the Mavericks past New York in overtime tells you everything you need to need to know – please Dallas, get this man some help! Jason Kidd’s team has played better of late, winning seven in a row to climb into the West’s fourth seed. But it’s become abundantly clear Doncic needs either another star to play off, or just a generally improved supporting cast – or both. It’s also true that Doncic probably needs to change the way he plays to get his teammates more involved, but with the way the roster is currently constructed maybe the current all-out Doncic-centric style is their best chance to win. Especially if he has more 60-20-10 games in him!

DENVER NUGGETS

Rediscover last season’s defence

Sitting first in the West – and owning the third-best record in the NBA – the Nuggets are in many ways flying under the radar during their current surge despite being one of the form teams in the league. Nikola Jokic is in beast mode and remarkably making a strong case for a third-straight MVP, and when the roster if fully healthy, Denver is loaded with weapons everywhere. There is however one part of their game they need to tidy up – defensively. The Nugs ranked 15th in the league in defensive rating last year, and despite adding defensive pieces Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, Bruce Brown plus having a full season with Aaron Gordon, they’ve gone backwards to being ranked bottom five in defensive rating – worse than the likes of Orlando, the Lakers, Chicago and Indiana. Heck, we’ve seen how much better Brooklyn has become by sharpening up at that end of the floor, and for Denver to be taken more seriously as a genuine title contender, they need to address this. After all, they say defence wins championships.

DETROIT PISTONS

Sell the fans hope

It’s been tough goings in Detroit in recent times. A season with an already bleak outlook got worse after Cade Cunningham got sent in for season-ending surgery. It’s clear the Pistons aren’t going to achieve much this campaign – but they should at least sell fans the future vision. Owning the worst record in the entire NBA and in the midst of a horror stretch – going 2-10 over their last 10 games – getting Pick 1 and thus Victor Wembanyama would clearly be in their sights. But it’s also equally important for the likes of Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes to show promising signs for the future and that they’re genuine building blocks moving forward.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Fix road woes

A lot has gone wrong for the defending champions this season, and how they mitigate this current stretch without Steph Curry will be crucial – currently in the midst of a promising five-game winning streak (all at home). But equally important is the Warriors improving their play on the road – where they own an NBA-worst 3-16 record – a massive contrast to their league-best 17-2 home record. This team has all the tools to compete for the title if it can even just sneak into the playoffs, and anything is possible with a fully firing Curry even if they have issues elsewhere. Even if they just become an average team on the road – or a slightly below average team – they’d be close enough to a top four seed right now.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Find Sengun more minutes

This is a pretty simple one, and the rebuilding Rockets would be happy enough with the development from the likes of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith. Young centre Alperen Sengun has also shown flashes, but he simply hasn’t spent enough time on the court to truly shine despite some big performances mixed in. It’s not as though a player they invested the 16th overall draft pick in 2021 has major competition for centre minutes too with Bruno Fernando and Usman Garuba backing him up. Plus Houston should be content with having growing pains defensively while he’s on the court he can learn the ropes. Isn’t that what rebuilding and developing players is all about when winning isn’t a priority? Especially when a certain Victor Wembanyama – among several other highly-rated 2023 draft prospects – are waiting in the wings.

INDIANA PACERS

Either trade Turner, or end the rumours

Turner for the last several years has been linked to trade talks with what feels like nearly every team in the league. His versatile skill set as a stretch five who can block shots better than nearly every player in the league is highly valuable, and he’d be a great addition to a number of teams looking to bolster their frontcourt. If there was ever a good time to trade the 26-year old, it’d be now. Turner in a career-best form and in the last season of his contract before he can become a free agent – where he’s due for a hefty pay rise. Plus, despite the Pacers exceeding expectations to be in playoff contention, they’re in a rebuilding phase, and landing a package of draft picks and/or young players might be more beneficial. It’s time for Indiana to either pull the trigger and move Turner, or sign him to a long-term extension and stop shopping him around the league.

LA CLIPPERS

Have Kawhi and PG healthy for playoffs

It was supposed to be the season the Clippers mounted their biggest challenge yet for an NBA championship – and it still is. But injuries – most notably to Kawhi Leonard (played 16 of a possible 39 games) – remain an issue despite the Clips getting by with him sidelined to sit sixth in the West. LA has only had Leonard and Paul George healthy together for a full playoffs campaign once, and they clearly need both at their best for this team to reach its full potential and to contend. It’s why the team has been so careful in managing both its stars, with everything predicated around being healthy for the playoffs. If they can’t, this franchise won’t even get a proper opportunity to claim its first NBA title in an era where it had the potential to win many.

LA LAKERS

Make smarter front office decisions

When was the last time the Lakers’ front office made a genuinely good move? Since winning the 2020 championship, there’s been more blunders than wins in that department. Not to pick on Russell Westbrook, but his mega contract – alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ max deals – has arguably been a greater handicap on the franchise than the former MVP’s lacklustre on-court play in limiting other moves it can make. Westbrook comes off the Lakers’ books next off-season to give them the ideal opportunity to reset and make one last tile push with James and Davis, and everything they do now should be planning towards that. The Westbrook trade hasn’t been the only fault, with the Lakers surrounding their big three – where shooting already isn’t a strength – with a bunch of other non-shooters. It’s made for a clunky offence despite the team also having issues on the defensive end. LA general manager Rob Pelinka received a four-year contract extension on the eve of the season, now it’s time for him to repay them.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Go to the conference finals

The Ja Morant era in Memphis has been a promising one, with the former Pick 2 near instantly leading it back to the playoffs including finishing second in the West last season. While the Grizzlies would be striving for even greater things, a conference finals appearance should be more realistically in their sights in 2023. Taylor Jenkins’ side got past the hump of winning a playoff series last season before losing to the Warriors in the second round. Progressing one step further is more than achievable, particularly in an open Western Conference where there’s several strong teams – like Denver, New Orleans, the Clippers and Dallas – but no obvious standouts ahead of the pack.

MIAMI HEAT

Make a big splash

The Heat are just going at the moment – siting seventh in the East with a 20-18 record – with injuries hurting their season. Although it very much appears a trip to the Finals in 2020 with the crux of the current team is where they peaked. Miami is far from in blow it up territory, but does need a makeover. Whether it’s making a bold trade play for a superstar – such as Bradley Beal or Trae Young – or otherwise freeing up funds for free agency – where the likes of Khris Middleton, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Kristaps Porzingis and Fred VanVleet could all become available – it’s time to give Erik Spoelstra different talent to try and get the Heat back into the upper echelon of the East. It may even be time to part ways with Jimmy Butler, who can’t seem to stay healthy anymore in a likely by-product of the star forward’s hard-edge approach every time he steps on the court.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

All-Star level production from Middleton

It’s been a frustrating campaign for Khris Middleton, who’s eligible for free agency next off-season, appearing in just seven of a possible 37 games after missing the first several weeks of the season after wrist injury before getting sidelined by a knee issue. It’s luckily mattered not for the 23-13 Bucks for the most part – despite dropping five of their last six games – but it’ll want the three-time All-star back on the court and firing for the playoffs if they’re to really challenge for the title. Of course, Middleton’s absence has also put more workload on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who Milwaukee would ideally be able to manage more carefully in the second half of the regular season.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Don’t add any more bigs

The Rudy Gobert trade has backfired horribly for the Timberwolves – where they surrendered four first-round picks, a pick swap and exciting young gun Walker Kessler. Adding the three-time Defensive Player of the Year had only made them only marginally better defensively than last season, but significantly worse offensively. In fact, Minnesota has arguably looked better when one of Gobert or Karl Anthony-Towns has been injured, while Anthony Edwards even admitted he functions better in smaller line-ups. The Gobert trade is all the more puzzling given the Wolves also have Naz Reid, who’s shown his worth while Towns has been injured. There’s still time for the 17-21 Wolves to figure things out despite looking like nothing more than a play-in contender. But one thing’s for sure, Minnesota won’t be looking to add anymore bigs anytime soon.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Give Zion the keys to the city

And anything else he wants. Finally healthy, Zion Williamson is living up to his potential as the much-hyped generation superstar he was touted as when he was taken with Pick 1 in the 2019 draft. While he’s set to miss the next several weeks with a hamstring injury, just no more serious setbacks, please. The 22-year old’s dominant play has driven the Pelicans’ rise from a playoff team to genuine title threat, with the team sitting first in the West at stages this season despite Brandon Ingram missing around half of their games. Williamson has given fans in New Orleans reason to cheer and be excited about basketball in the city again since Anthony Davis’ departure, repaying the faith after the team handed Williamson a five-year rookie max extension worth at least $193 million and has the potential to go up to as much as $231 million if he earns all-NBA honours or is named MVP or defensive player of the year next season – all of which are in play.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Don’t be afraid to take a risk

It’s been a promising season in New York despite a recent five-game losing streak directly following eight-straight wins. But how much did we really trust the Knicks’ good form? Either way, New York can sit still and hope it continues to naturally improve, or take a risk (for a lack of a better word) like it probably should’ve done over the off-season after missing out on Donovan Mitchell. The Knicks have a variety of appealing assets they could use in a trade including nine-first round picks over the next five drafts (they own the Mavericks’ 2023 first rounder also). And so offering a big package for the likes of Trae Young, Bradley Beal and Karl-Anthony Towns – where essentially every Knicks player should be available for the right price outside of maybe Jalen Brunson – could really propel this team to the top of the Eastern Conference.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Do everything (and just about anything) to keep SGA happy

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the quantum leap from star to superstar this season as the clear frontrunner for Most Improved Player of the Year – and probably the newly-introduced Most Clutch Player of the Year. If the 15-21 Thunder had won more games, he’d be right up there in the MVP conversation too. It’s been truly incredible watching him dominate night in, night out and at times single handily carry OKC. It came after murmurs last year he could be available for trade despite being signed until 2027, and separate reports more recently he’d grown frustrated with losing for the rebuilding Thunder. Team general manager Sam Presti is never afraid to make bold moves for the betterment of the franchise, but Gilgeous-Alexander is clearly the franchise cornerstone to build around moving forward and should be untouchable if that wasn’t already crystal clear. In fact, while the rebuilding Thunder are prioritising their future, they should even be prepared to make other moves to keep Gilgeous-Alexander happy and ensure he’s committed to the team long-term – without compromising what they’re building.

ORLANDO MAGIC

Stay the course

It’s all about the bigger picture for the Magic, who are quietly building something promising long-term despite growing pains in the interim. There’s blue skies ahead if the team continues to prioritise developing its bright core and bringing more young talent in instead of making a brash move to try and push up the standings with what it’s already got. Pick 1 Paolo Banchero is going to be star – if he isn’t already – and the likes of Cole Anthony, Bol Bol, Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs round out a seriously talented young unit. Although not yet the final product, and still question marks over who they should build around, keep an eye on the Magic.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Keep trusting the process

Stealing Philadelphia’s sensational slogan during its rebuild in the mid 2010s, this time it’s in a different context. The Sixers have overcome key injuries early in the season to sit top five in the East at 22-14 and look as good as any team when they’re up and firing. It’s now a matter of staying healthy and letting the star core led by James Harden and Joel Embiid continue to gel. We’ve only seen flashes of both Harden and Embiid at their best together in arguably the league’s most lethal one-two punch. It comes amid some talk Harden could entertain a free agency move away from the franchise next off-season, while there’s also been questions around if Doc Rivers is the right figure to coach this team. But with some continuity on court, all the outside noise would surely dissipate.

PHOENIX SUNS

Move on from Crowder

Remember Jae Crowder? Yes, he’s still on Phoenix’s roster, with both parties mutually agreeing for him to sit out this season after a falling out. Several teams have been linked to the veteran wing, and he has trade value as one of the most valuable role players in the league. With the Suns’ season reeling – dropping six of their last seven games – it’s time to get Crowder off their books and something in return, even if it’s just a draft pick. Of course, a knee injury to Cameron Johnson – Crowder’s replacement – has compounded his absence, but Phoenix simply can’t afford to let this season slip away.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Sharpen up defensively

Portland can’t afford to miss the playoffs and for this to be a wasted season. They had an opportunity to cash out on Damian Lillard last year and opt for a full reset, but instead chose to move CJ McCollum and surround Lillard with different talent in hopes of getting them back to the upper echelon of the West. Jerami Grant, Josh Hart and Justice Winslow have been fine additions, but haven’t really moved the needle with regards to taking the Blazers to the next level, with their bottom 10 defence at large weighing them down. But rated ninth in the NBA offensively, the numbers would suggest if Portland can sharpen up defensively, Chauncey Billups’ team has the potential to make a deep playoff run. The clock is ticking on Dame time.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

Keep proving the doubters wrong

The scrutiny was intense on the Kings when they traded Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis, and in many ways, rightfully so. Haliburton is a superstar in the making and has seriously excelled in Indiana in what’d make for tough watching for Sacramento brass – and the frightening thing is that he’s just 22 years old. But the Kings are currently holding up their end of the bargain – sitting fifth in the West at 19-16 as one of the stories of the season. They’ve been one of the most fun teams to watch behind a high-octane offence, and Sabonis, just 26 himself, has given them elite production – averaging 21.2 points, 15.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists over the last month. It’s possible it was a rare win-win trade, and frankly, Haliburton wouldn’t have reached his current heights playing alongside De’Aron Fox. If the Kings do have any doubts about the trade, they wouldn’t be putting too much thought into it right now in the most exciting period for the team in the best part of 20 years. Keep lighting that beam!

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Get Wembanyama

Or at least everything in their power to, which they’re currently doing a reasonable job of. The Spurs are the most blatant tanking team this season in terms of doing everything they can to suggest winning isn’t a priority – from giving players plenty of rest with any type of niggle to exposing young talent to a variety of roles. While there’s several teams that’d clearly have this as a New Years Resolution, San Antonio is just about the most desperate – lacking any sort of top-end draft talent right now. While getting Pick 1 and thus Victor Wembanyama, there’s several more promising prospects too such as Scoot Henderson, Nick Smith and Amen Thompson.

TORONTORO RAPTORS

Either upgrade the roster, or stand still

Rumours have swirled that the Raptors could blow up their roster, or a the very least, make a major move by the trade deadline amid a lacklustre season – sitting 12th in the East at 16-21 despite having stars like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes. It’s a roster that should be winning more games despite a clear need for this team to add more ball handlers, better shooters and a more seasoned big man, but that doesn’t mean Toronto should just make a move for the sake of it. As dire as things are, we saw how drastically Boston turned around its fortunes last season, and the Raps have the talent to do something similar. In saying that, if the opportunity arises for Masai Ujiri to make a genuine upgrade and/or land a bona fide superstar, he should pull the trigger. After all, Toronto won a championship taking a punt on Kawhi Leonard for thee quarters of a season in 2018/2019. VanVleet can become a free agent next off-season, while Siakam and Anunoby will become free agents in 2024 – and they’re all set for a big pay increases.

UTAH JAZZ

See out the reset

Utah has stunned the NBA world this season by emerging as a genuine playoff contender despite a full reset in the off-season where it offloaded Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell for a massive haul of draft picks. As good a story as the Jazz have been, they can’t divert from the grand plan despite winning a few more games than expected. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean they should commit to an all-out tank job, but they should cash in on trade assets for the likes of Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Colin Sexton, Malik Beasley and Kelly Olynyk where they can. The blueprint for next season – and maybe even later this season – should be Lauri Markkanen still leading the way, but with Walker Kessler and other younger pieces alongside him developing.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Nail a first-round pick

There’s probably more pressing issues for the Wizards like working out the dynamics around Bradley Beal – or whether it’s time to off-load him – and getting assets back for Kyle Kuzma, who’s set to opt out of his contract and enter free agency. But in terms of the bigger picture and long-term, the Wizards need to do a better job at the draft table, having not nailed a first-round pick since Beal at No. 3 in 2012. Their first rounders that have followed have been Otto Porter (Pick 3, 2012), Jerian Grant (Pick 19, 2015), Troy Brown Jr. (Pick 15, 2018), Rui Hachimura (Pick 9, 2019), Deni Avdija (Pick 9, 2020), Corey Kispert (Pick 15, 2021) and Jony Davis (Pick 10, 2022). We’ve seen enough examples in recent years that you don’t necessarily need an absolute premium draft selection to find stars like Shai Gilgeous Alexander (Pick 11, 2018), Tyler Herro (Pick 13, 2019), Tyrese Haliburton (Pick 12, 2020), Tyrese Maxey (Pick 21, 2020), Desmond Bane (Pick 30, 2020) and Franz Wagner (Pick 8, 2021). Finding such nuggets would have Washington much better positioned right now, and maybe even its owners don’t know what they currently have or where this franchise is going.