Golden State has some big decisions to make pretty quickly. Phoenix too. And Dallas. And Milwaukee. And Portland. And so on.
Early Sunday evening, we will know who will join Denver, the Lakers and the Heat in the penultimate round.
The lucky winners will be the Celtics or the 76ers.
At the end of the series will come the period of autonomy, with its share of big names changing scenery.
There will be new champions replacing the Warriors, a reminder that any club may be called upon to renew themselves.
“I still think we have the ingredients for a championship team,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. It’s not the end of the road for us, but it is true that we have choices to make. »
The season-leading Bucks won just one game in the first round, then fired coach Mike Budenholzer. On the agenda: balancing expenses and the need to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo well.
“We’re going to be a sought-after destination (for a free agent), said general manager Jon Horst. We have the best player in the world. We have a winning culture that has led to a championship (in 2021). »
“We have top-notch facilities and are highly respected in the league. »
In a home game where they could be knocked out of the playoffs, the Suns trailed 30 points at the half for the second straight year.
They need to work out what to do with Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and trainer Monty Williams, among others. New owner Mat Ishbia pulled off the feat of acquiring Kevin Durant; he sure didn’t do it with a second-round exit in mind.
Devin Booker is a major force (like Durant, even as he approaches 35), and the Suns will no doubt want to make sure they stay among the elite.
“There is something to be proud of this year, but the level of success we want is to earn a championship,” Ishbia wrote in a message to supporters. This will always be our goal. »
The Mavericks must decide on the case of Kyrie Irving, who can reach autonomy, and the best way to support Luka Doncic.
Portland needs to figure out what would make Damian Lillard happy: bring one or more impact players to the area, or trade him to a title-seeking club.
Plus, it would be surprising if the Clippers were happy with such a short playoff run.
Sacramento and the Knicks have made good strides forward, and there’s clearly hope for OKC and Orlando.
On Tuesday (during the lottery), a lucky squad will get the privilege of drafting Victor Wembanyama on June 22.
Of the other teams that were on the playoff board, Cleveland, Atlanta and Memphis need to make fixes.
“Next season starts now,” summed up Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, once his team were eliminated by the Lakers.
2023-05-14 03:01:00
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