Making The Cut Predictions – NBA GM Survey (Offseason Moves)

Making the Cut continues to take a look at the NBA GM Survey.

Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?

GM Survey: 43% Oklahoma City Thunder

Making The Cut: Oklahoma City Thunder

This one was closer than you think. I would’ve given it to the Houston Rockets had they been able to acquire Carmelo Anthony and gotten rid of Ryan Anderson’s contract in one transaction.

Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

GM Survey: 59% Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Making The Cut: Chris Paul (Houston Rockets)

Paul edges out George because of his impact on Harden. It’s been painfully apparent for anyone watching the Rockets in the playoffs that Harden has gotten increasingly inefficient as the playoffs progress. You can contribute part of that to fatigue. Paul handling the point guard duties will take stress off of Harden and should make him more efficient late in games.

What was the most underrated player acquisition?

GM Survey: 24% Paul Millsap (Denver Nuggets)

Making The Cut: D’Angelo Russell (Brooklyn Nets)

The former 2nd overall pick has been a forgotten acquisition by a team that should be better by leaps and bounds. Russell’s time in Los Angeles will be viewed as one that exposed his immaturity both on and off the court but he has the talent to back up where he was picked. Coming to a Brooklyn team with stability on the roster and in the front office will help him tremendously. The pressure of expectations that dogged him in Los Angeles doesn’t exist with the Nets and that could free him up begin the journey of reaching his potential.

Which team will be most improved in 2017-18?

GM Survey: 69% Minnesota Timberwolves

Making The Cut: Brooklyn Nets

This will be the year where the Brooklyn pick Boston coveted over the years (later trading it to Cleveland in the Kyrie Irving deal) might not be a lottery pick. The Nets roster is good enough to compete for the 7th/8th spot in the Eastern Conference.

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

GM Survey: 45% Boston-Cleveland trade 

Making The Cut: Los Angeles Clippers-Houston Rockets trade

This one caught me off guard because it’s hard for NBA teams to trade a guy of Chris Paul’s ilk. Either you can’t get enough back for him or you’re so afraid of the backlash that you just keep him until he’s eligible for free agency. Instead of waiting around, the Clippers moved Paul for Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer, a protected first-round pick next year and cash considerations. There was no way the Clippers were going to max Paul out and they didn’t want to lose him for nothing ala the Kevin Durant/Thunder.

Part 1 – Players | Part 2 – Offseason Moves | Part 3 – Rookies & International

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