It was something that was covered largely by John Hollinger of The Athletic.
“I think Quickley is an above-average player: he’s a good shooter, an underrated defender and a Kyle Lowry“A crude con man,” Hollinger wrote. “Advanced stats love him, and at 25, he’s still young enough to improve.”
“That said, his transition from playing primarily off the ball in New York to playing primarily on the ball in Toronto was a bit tough to watch at the end of last season, more so than the top-line numbers would suggest. The $32.5 million he’ll make this season is barely below the $35.1 million cap for a player with four years of experience; he could actually get within inches of that cap if his motivations pan out.
“For a player of Quickley’s caliber, it’s… wow. He’s making almost the same salary this year as James Harden!”
It’s hard to know what the Raptors’ plan is. Overpaying for players like Quickley is probably not a good idea if they want to become anything more than a play-in team.
The Celts
Unsurprisingly, the Celtics were picked to emerge from the Eastern Conference in a predictions article by ESPN Insiders.
The 76ers, Knicks and Bucks were cited as the main challengers, which was also no surprise. The Cavaliers and Pacers were nowhere to be found.
“Jayson Tatum signed one of the biggest contracts in NBA history this offseason and Boston will return eight rotation players from last season’s championship team, including Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Al Horford And Jrue’s Holidays” ESPN wrote:. “However, an expensive list and a potential sale “The idea of a majority stake in the team could be the catalyst that ends a potential dynasty. The Celtics are clearly favored in our predictions to return to the Finals, but who can stop them from winning their 19th title?”
ESPN also predicts the Celtics will become champions again.
“Boston has everything it needs to become the NBA’s next dynasty: two All-NBA wings in Tatum and Brown, two All-Defense guards in Holiday and White, a matchup nightmare at center Kristaps Porzingis and a big, all-around big man in Horford,” the outlet wrote.
Riders
For the record, ESPN has chosen The Cavs finished 50-32 and for the third consecutive year, with the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
“After much speculation about the potential dissolution of the Cavaliers’ backcourt, Garland of Darius And Donovan MitchellThey return with a solid starting five that includes two tall twins Jarrett Allen And Evan Mobley”, the media outlet wrote.
ESPN estimates Cleveland will finish behind the Celtics, Knicks and Sixers, respectively, but ahead of the Central Division rival Bucks.
- In case you missed it, the Cavs are starting training camp at IMG Academy in Florida. We’ve got that full story here.
- Also, to the surprise of some, they will be returning to Bally Sports for regional broadcasts, we know that. written here.
