Small sample size to form my opinion but I feel these are the changes and observations that warrant my optimistic prediction:
Team talent and roster structure feels like:
8 teams we shouldn’t lose to in the league this year
16 teams equally talented as us
That leaves only 5 teams in league clearly above us
Only 2 teams in our conference clearly above us
Addition of starter caliber talent in Obi Toppin and Bruce Brown. I believe both are still maturing in their careers also.
Recent years signings, trades, and draft picks have our talent and depth at the best quality and quantity in many years.
Team now has more playmakers and scoring options which negates impact of short term injuries better.
I feel 15 of 18 of our players are still in a maturation phase so players are getting better and not stagnant or declining. Excludes Hield and McConnell who fall into the very good still category but not young
Excludes Theis older and still very unknown to us
Individual players assessment in my opinion
Haliburton - all star
Turner - maturing a complete skill set
Hield - steady 3 point threat
B Brown - still developing and champion experience
Toppin - still young and looking to fit and breakout
McConnell - veteran, knowledgeable and a pest
Smith - still learning, adjusting, adapting to his fit
Nesmith - getting better yearly still has potential
Mathurin - talented, driven, and much learning left
Nembhard - surprising talent and bright future
Nwora - depth of talent unknown but potential
Walker - talented rookie, NBA raw, potential
Shepherd -shooter, may surprise like Nembhard did
Jackson - fun, talented but skill set needs expanded
Theis - the great unknown of his value to this team
2 way contracts
K Brown - 20 yrs old and raw, developmental piece
Wong -G league and long range developmental guard
Tshiebwe - very raw long range developmental center
Coaching staff has stayed pretty consistent only losing Ronald Nored.
A competitive atmosphere has now been achieved here more than ever which is driving players to:
Constructive competition among our players
Accelerated learning to stay relative here
Urgency to earn nightly game minutes
Team unity seems corrected in last couple of years
Let’s hope my assessment from afar coincides with the results we have been looking for in progression to at least the a play in game if not locked into a playoff position. Any lesser achievement (barring crucial injuries) will be disappointing based upon talent, coaching, timing, and front office roster construction.
