Even though the season isn't quite over yet doesn't mean that we can't discuss what teams need to improve from this year to another. We have a good idea of what teams need, even the four that are still playing.
San Antonio Spurs
Team Needs: C/PF, SG
The Spurs do not have a first round pick and most likely won't find a diamond in the rough a low second rounder. Tim Duncan is not getting any younger and is a free agent, however there is no way they don't resign him. Dejuan Blaire is not long enough to be the long term starter. They picked up Boris Diaw before the playoffs and he has played well starting next to Tim Duncan. At center the Spurs can look a Roy Hibbert and Chris Kamen. Hibbert is restricted which means he could be hard to obtain and the Spurs have limited cap space. Manu Ginobli plays better when he is coming off the bench. The Spurs could use someone to push James Anderson and plenty of players on the FA market can do just that. Ray Allen, Nick Young and Rudy Fernandez could all push Anderson for the starting spot. The Spurs don't have a first round pick or much cap space to improve this year. Duncan may be signed for less, but how much would that really help?
Oklahoma City Thunder
Team Needs: Solid role player off bench
The Thunder could use a solid big man besides Collison to come off the bench. They drafted Reggie Jackson last year. The upside for the Thunder is that whomever they draft they can sit them on the bench and develop them behind their powerhouse of a team. They can look at Royce White PF from Iowa State, Festus Eziel C from Vanderbilt or John Jenkins SG also from Vanderbilt. Whomever they draft that player will most likely ride the bench for the next couple of years.
Los Angeles Lakers
Team Needs: PF(if Gasol is traded) PG(if sessions is traded) SF
The Lakers are most likely going to trade Gasol in the offseason because the really need to clear cap space and there are always teams that are looking for a player that can put up 20 and 10 any night. They could also look to move Sessions if they can plans a player like Nash in the offseason. The Lakers can look at Arron Brooks and Steve Nash as free agents this offseason. If I were the Lakers I would go after Nash because he can move the ball around and help win. Winning is the best cure for everything and the Lakers could use some winning. At PF they can look at Brandon Bass or Elton Brand. The Lakers can't do much in the draft because they don't have any picks in the draft. Unless they trade into the draft they cannot improve their team here.
Memphis Grizzlies
Team Needs: PG SG
The Memphis Grizzlies are a team on the rise and they are rising fast. OJ Mayo will most likely leave this offseason for more playing time elsewhere. Mike Conley is a decent PG, but they have a better chance of getting a better player in the draft. The Grizzlies would be wise to look at Raymond Felton, he would come cheap since he played terrible last year, but he would help the Grizzlies with scoring and his passing ability. In the draft they could look at John Jenkins, he might be a bit of a reach, but he would help out if Mayo leaves. He is a nice Sharpshooter and Memphis could use one. They could also take looks at Doron Lamb and Tyshawn Taylor.
Los Angeles Clippers
Team Needs: SG,C
As I am writing this I am assuming Blake Griffin and Chris Paul with both return to LA. Nick Young was acquired at the deadline last season he averaged just under 10 points per game, but he shot less and played a lot less minutes than when he was in Washington. He is an unrestricted FA and there is a possibility he won't be back next year. At SG they can look at bringing back Eric Gordon through FA also OJ Mayo and JR Smith are in play. Smith could be useful when they need a burst off the bench and he won't cost them much money. In the draft At center the Clippers have DeAndre Jordan who is not a bad player, but he is their only true center and he doesn't have much of an offensive game. The Clippers could look at Spencer Hawes who would definitely help them on the offensive end. They don't have a pick until number 53 maybe they can pick up Kyle O'Quinn from Norfolk State.
Denver Nuggets
See My first Blog.
Dallas Mavericks
Team Needs: PG,C,SF,SG(if Terry leaves)
Dirk Nowitzki is just about the only safe player on the Mavericks. Jason Terry's contract is up and it would be wise for Dallas to bring him back at a cheaper price. Given his age 6-7 mil would be reasonable. Jason Kidd might retire and even if he doesn't he is old and his contract is up. Kidd slowed down considerably this year. Deron Williams will most likely fill the hole left by Kidd. The Mavs are empty at center with not one player who makes an impact. At center they could go after Hibbert, but after they sign Williams they will not have much cap space left. If they can't get Hibbert they should go after Kamen who gives them another scoring option in the post besides Dirk. In the draft they can go after Meyers Leonard or Fab Melo. The Mavs could also go after the raw and unpolished Austin Rivers. He could develop into a scorer in the backcourt which the Mavs desperately need to take a step forward this year. It would also be interesting to see Williams and Rivers work together in the backcourt.
Utah Jazz
Team Needs: PG, SF
The Jazz have a log jam in the at PF and C with 4 players that could be starter quality. The Jazz's problem is with the backcourt. Devin Harris is not the player they thought he would be when they traded for him at the deadline last year. He was downright terrible last year and I would be surprised if the Jazz don't try to replace him. They could try Arron Brooks in FA. They need to find someone in FA because they don't have the draft to fall back on. The Jazz also need a SF, but there isn't much on the FA market for them. It seems like the Jazz will not improve much and in the western conference you need to be improving. Maybe they can trade a big man for a scorer at SF or a strong PG.
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