The NBA offseason established a bunch of new story lines that require closer inspection. Throughout the next month-plus, we’re giving second thoughts to the most intriguing ones. From the Wizards’ rebuild to the Nets’ supposedly bright future, we explore the new NBA realities that will shape the 2019-20 season.
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2019 NBA Offseason: Are We Sure …
The NBA offseason established a bunch of new story lines that require closer inspection. We’re giving second thoughts to the most intriguing ones.
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August 30, 2019
Are We Sure … the Knicks Don’t Have a Plan?
New York struck out on big free agents this offseason, but the franchise made moves that leave its future wide open
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August 29, 2019
Are We Sure … the Mavs Didn’t Get the Offseason Right for a Change?
After a decade of whiffs in free agency, Dallas finally nailed a summer by focusing on the long view
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August 26, 2019
Are We Sure … Anthony Davis Shouldn’t Be the Favorite to Win MVP?
The strong-armed tactics he used to get out of New Orleans soured Davis’s reputation, but playing alongside LeBron James could put the Lakers back on a title track and vault AD to the front of the MVP conversation
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August 23, 2019
Are We Sure … the Hawks Won’t Make the Playoffs This Season?
In the second half of the 2018-19 season, Atlanta showed that it could be more than a League Pass darling. Now the question is whether Trae Young and Co. can make yet another leap—and cause some chaos in the East.
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August 21, 2019
Are We Sure … the Magic Won’t Make a Leap?
This offseason, Orlando doubled down on the core that won one first-round playoff game. But look closer and you’ll see a team that could be a contender in the East next season.
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August 20, 2019
Are We Sure … the Spurs Can Make the Playoffs Again?
With 22 straight postseason appearances under its belt, San Antonio is tied for the longest streak in history. This season, the Spurs could break the record, but they’ll have to walk a tightrope to do it in the souped-up West.
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August 16, 2019
Are We Sure … the New-Look Warriors Can’t Win the West?
This offseason, the Western Conference somehow became even more competitive than it’s been in recent years. But just because the Clippers, Lakers, and Rockets made flashy acquisitions doesn’t mean we can count Steph Curry and Draymond Green out just yet.
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August 14, 2019
Are We Sure … the Jazz Have a Shot to Win the Title?
Not really! But Utah has put together its most complete team in years.
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August 12, 2019
Are We Sure … Karl-Anthony Towns Isn’t the Best Big Man in the NBA?
The Wolves center dominated down the stretch last season. Could he hit an even higher level now that the team is building around him instead of Jimmy Butler?
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August 9, 2019
Are We Sure … the Grizzlies Didn’t Have the Best Offseason?
Memphis didn’t land Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard this summer, but it did manage to save the future of the franchise
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August 7, 2019
Are We Sure … the Thunder Didn’t Win the Paul George Trade?
For the first time in a decade, OKC isn’t in immediate postseason contention. But that may be exactly what this franchise needs in the long run.
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August 6, 2019
Are We Sure … the Sixers Shouldn’t Split Up Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid?
For now, yes, we’re sure. But things can change pretty quickly in the NBA.
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August 1, 2019
Are We Sure … the Wizards Aren’t Rebuilding the Right Way?
The big summer signing was Isaiah Thomas. Bradley Beal is ignoring an extension offer. But a few steps backward could be exactly what Washington needs in order to solve its decades-long problem.
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July 31, 2019
Are We Sure … the Nets Will Be Better Next Season?
Brooklyn’s two-superstar haul this summer should vault it into the title picture … eventually. With Kevin Durant still on the mend, is Kyrie Irving alone enough of an upgrade to take the franchise to new heights in 2019-20?
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July 29, 2019
Are We Sure … the Nuggets Have Another Level to Hit?
While several West teams loaded up on superstars, Denver, the 2-seed last season, stayed the course. Do the Nugs have enough young talent around Nikola Jokic to keep up?