PBSL Thanksgiving: What Are These 5 Teams Most Thankful For?
Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 1:43 pm
With so much going on around the league, it's often easy to lose sight of the little things that make life so special. As we gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, let's take a look at five random teams who have a lot to be thankful for on this very blessed Turkey Day. Now pass the gravy, please.
01. Detroit Pistons: Anthony Davis
After spending the previous two seasons rebuilding the franchise, the Detroit Pistons came out blazing this season, posting a 64-18 record and advancing to the playoffs for just the 2nd time since 2007. Their GM has done a tremendous job getting the ballclub back on its feet, building around players such as Anthony Davis, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Lance Stephenson — all of whom are currently in their prime. Had it not been for Anthony Davis, however, it's highly unlikely that any of their successes would have been possible. Davis, who's still only 25, arguably carried the entire team for much of the season, and is expected to do so for the remainder of the playoffs. But what else would you expect from the league's Most Valuable Player? If the Pistons have anything to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, you bet your ass it's Anthony Davis.
02. Charlotte Bobcats: A New Era
The past few seasons have been nothing short of forgettable for Bobcats fans, who have been eager to see some signs of life out of their struggling franchise. Last season, the Charlotte Bobcats made a series of moves to help improve their team in the long-run — and boy did it work. After posting a 24-140 record the previous 2 seasons under Darth Vegito, the Bobcats managed to go 45-37 this season and even managed to knock off the #2 seed in the east (Knicks) in the first rounds of the playoffs. Things have been flowing smoother than gravy for the 'Cats this year, with fans thankful for the breath of fresh air that Vegito has breathed into their otherwise tragic franchise. But the question on everybody's mind continues to be: how far can they go?
03. Utah Jazz: Future Talent
You wouldn't think that the Utah Jazz would have a lot to be thankful for this season, but they do. Rather than spending lucrative amounts of money to continue building around Paul George, Jazz GM Digiskunk chose to spend this season rebuilding the franchise around top prospects such as DeSean Hawkins, Robert Neeley, and Joseph Kight (who won the Rookie Of The Year award). Even though the Jazz only won 16 games this past season, the Jazz were really excited to see what their top 3 prospects were capable of — but they were even more excited at their odds of landing yet another top draft pick next year. With potentially 4 top-11 picks in the past 2 seasons and a surplus of money sitting around, the Jazz seem pretty thankful to be in their current "predicament."
04. Orlando Magic: New Faces & Financial Freedom
I think it's safe to say that nobody expected the Orlando Magic to have such a huge offseason. After spending a few seasons in the theoretical "dog-house", the Magic were ready to pounce after acquiring big-name stars such as Paul George and James Harden (both of whom lead the team in numerous offensive categories), as well as Thomas Robinson, who has been nothing short of a revelation at the PF position. To add even more fuel to their fire, Dario Saric continued his development with another solid season, putting up career-highs in assists, FG%, FT%, and 3P%. That sounds nice and all, but what the Magic are really thankful for this Thanksgiving is the surplus of money that awaits them next season, when only one player (Robinson) will be under contract. Now that's what I call Magic!
05. Atlanta Hawks: Wins, wins, wins
Another year, another season full of wins for the Atlanta Hawks, who continue to dominate this league as one of the most successful clubs around. They didn't have their best season to date — even by their own GM's admission — but it was good enough to make it to the playoffs for what seems like the 80th season in a row. The Hawks should be really thankful to have an intelligent GM capable of making difficult decisions, as well as a core of young, talented athletes. We really shouldn't be surprised anymore that Wigs is so good at this game — but every season he somehow manages to outdo himself.
Happy Thanksgiving!
