'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The offseason before the 2020-21 NBA season tipped off saw multiple teams move pieces around to place them in a more advantageous position for this season and beyond. Every team takes a call with the best intentions in mind but in the end, there are always winners and losers. That is the nature of transactions in the world of sports.
5 Offseason acquisitions that have had the biggest impact in the 2020-21 season
The NBA offseason proved to be a busy time with almost every team getting involved in player transactions via trade or the NBA draft. While some of the moves appear to be picture-perfect on paper, they later turn out to be a disaster when realized on the basketball court. Then there are those moves that don't create a buzz when they get inked but turn out to be game-changers, leaving fans and league experts spellbound.
In this article, we will take a look at five offseason acquisitions that have had the biggest impact on the on-going season.
#5 LaMelo Ball drafted by Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball getting drafted as the third overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets is arguably the best offseason move so far. The Hornets knew he would be special but he has surpassed everyone's expectations with his stellar play this campaign. LaMelo appears to be the shining star his father Lavar Ball had boldly predicted about. The rookie has two older brothers who also play in the NBA.
LaMelo has been balling this season and continues to raise his ceiling with each passing game. He recently became the youngest player ever to sink seven long-range trys in a single game. It is scary to imagine what he will look like five years down the line. But for now, he looks primed to become a star in the league and change the fortunes of the Hornets in the coming time.
In twenty-five games this season, he is averaging 14.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.9 rebounds on 43.3% shooting from the field.
#4 Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul is one of the best point guards to have ever graced the NBA hardwood and is still making a huge impact in his 16th year in the association. His presence both on and off the court has done wonders for the Phoenix Suns this season. The ten-time All-Star is not averaging anywhere close to his former glory days in the league but do not let that fool you as he can still light up opposing teams within seconds.
The Phoenix Suns are looking primed to end their playoff drought under Paul's leadership this campaign. CP3 is a magician who can make everyone around him better with his playmaking abilities. The new-look Phoenix Suns have marked a significant improvement this year and are seeing all-around performances from the entire team, a big positive for their postseason aspirations. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have the perfect teacher a young NBA talent can hope for.
In twenty-two games this season, Paul is averaging 16.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds on 47% shooting from the floor.
#3 Christian Wood to the Houston Rockets
Christian Wood has been a delightful surprise for NBA fans this season. The 25-year-old undrafted player has taken the league by storm and has emerged as the new star player for the Houston Rockets. His production from the floor has been astronomical and his impact undeniable. He went from warming the bench during his stint with the Pistons to now posting All-Star numbers for the revitalized Houston Rockets.
Wood started the season with a bang, playing quality minutes alongside former Rocket James Harden, and has not looked back since. He has been a major factor in the Rockets' success this season and will continue to play a big role in the organization for years to come. He is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but will make his return to the court this season as his injury does not appear to be as bad as initially feared.
In seventeen games this season, Wood is averaging 22 points, 10.2 rebounds on an impressive 55.8% shooting from the floor, and 42.1% from beyond the arc.
#2 Nicolas Batum to the LA Clippers
Nicolas Batum's signing with the LA Clippers was one of those moves that went under the radar as league experts thought he would play limited minutes off the bench. Fast forward to the 2020-21 season and we are witnessing a resurgent French forward making strides as a veteran elite.
Batum has cemented his place as a starter in Ty Lue's team and the Clippers' top duo have eased into the game with him playing on the wing on a nightly basis. Batum has made an instant impact by hitting the timely three and making the backdoor cut at the right time to give his side an edge in the offensive play calling. He has added another layer to their game and the starting unit seems to be doing well with him on the floor. The LA Clippers have proven to be a powerhouse in the West this campaign and Batum will play a huge role in their title run in the postseason.
In twenty-four games this season, Batum is averaging 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on an efficient 50% shooting from the field and 46% from the deep.
#1 Dennis Schroder to the LA Lakers
The reigning NBA champions, the LA Lakers, made a big splash in the offseason by adding elite point guard Dennis Schroder, who was a top candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year last season. Schroder was a big part of the OKC Thunder's inspiring run in the 2020 NBA playoffs and will hope to play a bigger role with the LA Lakers' title defense this campaign. Schroder has bolstered the Lakers with his raw energy on both ends of the floor and has proven that he is ready to take a leap with his new team.
With Rajan Rondo out of the picture, Dennis will need to run the show from the point position when King James rests on the bench or when coach Vogel wants to run a set-piece in a time-out situation. Dennis Schroder has seen a fall in his numbers this season but that is testament to the sacrifice he is making for the larger goal of a team with title aspirations.
In twenty-five games this season, Schroder is averaging 14.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds on 44% shooting from the floor.
Guess the Lakers players!
