Four NBA Teams That Had an Underrated Yet Brilliant Offseason
The NBA offseason is always an exciting time as teams get the opportunity to make moves that could alter the trajectory of their franchise for the upcoming season and beyond. While some teams dominate the headlines with flashy signings or blockbuster trades, others fly under the radar despite making strategic moves that position them for success. In this article, we will dive into four teams that had sneakily great offseasons, focusing on how their actions, although not highly publicized, could significantly impact their success in the 2023-2024 season.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder: Building Upon a Promising Foundation
The Oklahoma City Thunder have quietly become one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. Coming off a season in which they finished first in the Western Conference, the Thunder didn’t need to make drastic changes but instead focused on refining their already impressive roster. The first major move of the offseason was trading away Josh Giddey. While Giddey has shown promise, his inability to shoot consistently from the perimeter made him expendable, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as the primary ball handler and playmaker.
In return, the Thunder acquired Alex Caruso, a defensive stalwart who adds much-needed two-way versatility. Caruso’s elite perimeter defense, combined with that of Lu Dort, will make the Thunder a nightmare for opposing ball handlers. With a defense that already ranked in the top five last season, this move strengthens their ability to shut down teams on the perimeter.
Oklahoma City also signed Isaiah Hartenstein, a big man who broke out with the New York Knicks last season. Hartenstein’s defensive prowess in the paint, ability to contest shots, and strength in rebounding will relieve pressure on Chet Holmgren, who is still adding muscle to his lanky frame. Furthermore, by re-signing Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to team-friendly contracts, the Thunder locked in key rotational players that will keep them competitive for years to come. The drafting of Nikola Topic, despite his current injury, also shows OKC’s forward-thinking approach, adding another potential star to their young core.
2. Dallas Mavericks: Reloading for Another Championship Run
After a strong playoff run last season that saw them reach the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks knew they needed to make key adjustments to stay in contention. While Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving led the way offensively, the Mavericks’ supporting cast had its flaws, particularly when it came to consistency and defense. Dallas made a bold decision to trade Tim Hardaway Jr., a talented but streaky shooter, for Quentin Grimes, a younger player with a defensive edge. While Grimes may not be the shooter that Hardaway is, his ability to defend opposing wings gives the Mavericks a much-needed boost on that end of the floor.
The Mavericks’ most eye-catching move was acquiring Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade. Thompson, even in a “down” year, remains one of the most dangerous shooters in the league, hitting 39% of his threes last season. His experience, shooting prowess, and ability to thrive alongside playmakers like Dončić could rejuvenate his game, making him a perfect fit for Dallas’ high-powered offense. Additionally, the signing of Naji Marshall, a versatile defender who shot 39% from three last season, bolsters the Mavericks’ three-and-D depth. Although they parted ways with Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green, Dallas managed to replace their minutes with players who not only maintain defensive upside but also offer more reliability as floor spacers.
3. Sacramento Kings: Quietly Making Key Offensive Upgrades
The Sacramento Kings entered the offseason needing to bolster their offense after a slight dip in performance last year. Two seasons ago, the Kings had set an NBA record for the best offensive rating, only to miss the playoffs the following year when that offense dipped. Realizing that defense might not be their calling card, the Kings doubled down on offense by acquiring DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal from the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan, a proven scorer, will no longer need to carry the offensive burden as he did in Chicago. Instead, he’ll be the third option behind De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, which will allow him to thrive as a mid-range specialist and playmaker. His ability to get hot quickly will make life easier for the Kings’ primary scorers, especially in high-stakes situations.
The Kings also managed to retain Malik Monk, one of the league’s best scoring options off the bench, avoiding a potential setback in free agency. With the 13th pick in the draft, Sacramento selected Devin Carter, a defensive-minded prospect who fills a vital need for a team that struggles to defend on the perimeter. Carter’s skill set, particularly his on-ball defense, will allow him to contribute immediately as the Kings look to make another playoff push in the highly competitive Western Conference.
4. San Antonio Spurs: A Focus on Developing Victor Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs are not yet gunning for a championship, but their offseason moves signal a clear focus on surrounding their young star, Victor Wembanyama, with the right pieces for his development. Last season, the Spurs lacked a competent point guard, and it was evident in how often Wembanyama was left open under the basket without getting the ball. To address this, the Spurs signed veteran Chris Paul to a one-year deal.
Paul, known for his exceptional court vision, remains one of the best floor generals in the league despite being near the end of his career. His ability to orchestrate an offense and set up his teammates for easy buckets will be invaluable for Wembanyama’s growth. Although Paul may not be a long-term solution, his mentorship will help the young Frenchman adjust to the NBA game.
In addition to Paul, the Spurs signed Harrison Barnes, another experienced veteran who will provide leadership both on and off the court. Barnes’ presence in the frontcourt will complement Wembanyama’s game, and his experience in winning environments will be crucial for the Spurs’ young core. The drafting of Stefan Castle, a big-bodied guard who shined in Connecticut’s championship run, further bolsters the Spurs’ backcourt. Though raw on offense, Castle’s defensive tenacity and willingness to learn make him an ideal player for Gregg Popovich to develop.
Conclusion
While these four teams may not have made the loudest headlines during the offseason, their strategic moves position them well for success in the 2023-2024 season. Whether it’s Oklahoma City’s careful roster building, Dallas’ upgrades for another Finals push, Sacramento’s offensive reinforcement, or San Antonio’s development-focused moves, these teams quietly made key acquisitions that could propel them to new heights. As the season unfolds, don’t be surprised if these squads make significant noise in their respective conferences, all thanks to the savvy work done during the offseason.
