Over the past few weeks three big-name players were expected to be bought out and then subsequently join contenders.
The first domino to drop was Blake Griffin, who promptly linked up with the Brooklyn Nets. This past week, the San Antonio Spurs parted ways with LaMarcus Aldridge, and the Cleveland Cavaliers cut ties with Andre Drummond.
Aldridge was viewed as a legitimately viable option for three squads: the Nets, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, he settled on the Nets.
On Saturday night, fans got a bit of an explanation regarding the rationale behind that choice, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson:
That makes sense.
Similarly, Aldridge was less inclined to join the Lakers because he believed they coveted another big man over him. Ultimately, he was right.
The Nets have an objectively stacked unit. It looks so good on paper that even LeBron James’ son, Bronny, felt the need to comment on it.
Will this stacked-on-paper group ultimately be able to put it all together and win a title? Time will tell.
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