4 Offseason acquisitions that could push their new NBA team over the top

While much of the open market stayed put this summer, there have been plenty of new likable destinations for some notable faces across the association. Prominent names, stars, and good locker room veterans provide depth. Even young pieces that fill certain voids provide a boost to improving teams or contenders.

A couple of teams made surprising, significant swings considering the championship tiers that they already hold real estate in. All in an attempt to transition themselves even closer to Larry O’Brien in a league that is suddenly difficult to witness back-to-back champions.

Here are some new additions that could put their new squads over the top and get them to that next anticipated step. Many that add more talent to help upgrade the landscape.

NBA Player #4: Grant Williams, Dallas Mavericks

When last season began, Grant Williams showed improvement offensively in some flashes, putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. Though the Celtics had him out of the rotation sometimes last year, Williams has purely proven he could be a big piece for a contender when the lights are at their brightest. He is quietly one of the NBA’s premiere defenders.

Mainly during Boston’s Finals run, Stan Van Gundy had always voiced on TNT something many had not realized about Williams’ value. It was never consistently displayed, mainly with how the 2022 team’s historic defense was in their front guys, but Williams could be one of the league’s best defenders. Not just with his grit and competitiveness, those slight Draymond Green comparisons come from his undersized ability to cover the one-through-five.

Williams also resembles Green with his playmaking and finding the right targets while shooting. His main contributions to that historically defensive Boston run were presented in their sweep of the Nets on Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo in their deep series win over Milwaukee. Williams brings all-defensive potential to the Mavericks, adding much-needed all-around capabilities to Dallas and another shooter off the catch for Luka Doncic.

More high-scoring outings, like his game 7 in Boston against the Bucks in ’22. There could be more defenses that will guard him more, but that will bring out his attack-the-basket growth. Williams had also voiced on the Mavs’ social media how this summer he has been working on his shot creation. Dallas may have been the 24-year-old’s best choice with their elite defense needs and for a home as he further develops.

Williams could start for Dallas, and with his three-point shooting and defensive prowess, he could pan out to be a better fit than what Christian Wood provided, given the difference on the other end. The Mavericks’ acquisition of Williams could go down as one of the summer’s most underrated moves. Dallas should absolutely be a playoff team again in a full season with this roster.

NBA Player #3: Eric Gordon, Phoenix Suns

As July approached, after the Bradley Beal trade, more questions came to life about the complementary supporting cast and what Phoenix’s depth and defensive format could look like. They maximized the minimum room they had to work with with the talent level they signed, offering minimum contracts here in Mat Ishbia’s spending frenzy around the second apron. It was like they ignored the CBA rules that are setting in.

What the Suns loudly needed was stability of their own, with that portion of the roster vanishing since Kevin Durant arrived in February. Eric Gordon brings spacing and versatility, providing balance throughout the depth chart to combine stability with the stars. The 34-year-old has shot 37.5% from deep in his last three seasons, with a relatively higher percentage from 40 feet out than others.

Mixing in Gordon with Beal, or whatever star mostly plays with the second unit, can do justice to the Suns. They now have another veteran initiator and floor-spacer guiding control. Not to mention the injury issues quietly remaining between the main weapons that could continue.

Gordon can fill in some missing production if someone is unavailable. The ceiling was much higher than it already was to end the season by swapping Chris Paul for Beal at point guard. The Suns have a chance to do something special with this new formula, which has three players who were once basketball’s central scorers.

As many experts labeled it, Phoenix really panned out beautifully, giving them room to work towards the second apron of the luxury tax. They completely maximized a field of minimum suitors, thanks to the attraction of playing with a Hall of Fame duo and now Beal. Gordon highlights that.

It goes without saying how much Beal completely takes Phoenix to another universe deserving of all the eye-candy projections, praise, and attention. Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal are all in the upper echelon of the NBA’s catch-and-shoot percentages. KD now has another opportunity to cash in on a potential all-time offense with a great reliever to the core in Gordon.

Gordon, specifically with the Clippers last season, has still shown his strength defensively, checking the opposing team’s most productive guard or wing. EG taking less money than what his marketplace offered is not the only likable thing about the Suns’ taken flyer. But to fulfill their cravings for another veteran and rotation balance to help their title pursuit, he has been a weapon of depth for contenders in the past.

NBA Player #2: Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets

One of this summer’s largest dominoes was Fred VanVleet’s decision. Winning with Toronto in 2019 made his departure a tough decision, but the Rockets’ new era and dynamic were too eye-opening. VanVleet received its first max deal in July 2023. His three-year, $130 million contract is NBA history’s largest ever offered to an undrafted player.

Although VanVleet had mediocre shooting splits of 39.3 FG/34.2 3P/48.6 EFG% in 2022–23, he still averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds coming off his All-Star campaign. He has that 2019 championship pedigree and his feistiness drives him to compete with the best point guards in the league. VanVleet was honest about seeking a fresh start following his self-historic contract.

The Houston Rockets had been widely expected to sign a premiere name this July throughout the season. There was significant buzz leading to pathways for a James Harden reunion tied together with over $60 million in cap space. To the point where many actually thought the situation was imminent, Ime Udoka became the head coach, instantly expressing how enticing the attractive salary was.

Summer came, and the top-dog rumors of the beard and potential whispers of Kyrie Irving exited the picture. Udoka was looking for a veteran quarterback with a winning mentality and an abundance of experience. What better piece to their new puzzle than an NBA champ with battle scars from intense series’ in VanVleet?

The 29-year-old brings a winning notion to Houston with Udoka and Dillon Brooks, along with an empowering presence. The three of them, having been through a lot, seek an opportunity to paint a winning culture.

VanVleet could completely change the complexion of the Rockets’ organization, erasing their few-year absence from competing. Showing flashes of contention, sort of like the way Jalen Brunson did in New York at less efficiency.

VanVleet will be able to bring the best out of their young core, led by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., giving them all the opportunity to thrive more off the ball. The excitement their Summer League team just generated foreshadowed a thrilling training camp for the Rockets. VanVleet setting the tone and driving the ship will make for a fun team with the discipline he and Udoka will provide. Houston will now have a bit of a microscope pointed in their direction.

NBA Player #1: Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics

Rarely do we see a giant swing and transition like this to begin the offseason, let alone from a team as close as the Boston Celtics. Deciding to part with their core piece the last near-decade in Marcus Smart adding Kristaps Porzingis prior to extending his player-option and signing with Boston wins a top nominee given the shock.

The Celtics add another All-Star level talent in efforts to make life easier for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, helping end that desperate, championship drought.

Porzingis, coming off a career year with the Wizards at 27, averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks. He shot 49.8% from the field and 38.5% from three to go with a true shooting percentage over 60%. He showed a willing intensity on the defensive end with his elite shot-blocking abilities. That can transfer over to Boston, knowing their gritty priorities to guard and switching schemes.

Something else Porzingis dominantly opens up for the Celtics that Boston has not seen in a long time is a prominent post-presence. He adds a whole new dimension on all three levels. KP was fourth among big men in post-up points in Washington last season.

The huge transition allows Boston to make Derrick White the primary guard while embedding the needed roster balance that Porzingis brings. The Celtics can run KP with any combination of lineups as the lone five, or with either Robert Williams or Al Horford. Brad Stevens has even hinted at both.

The needed stability within the depth chart also gives Boston the opportunity to rest their core more in the two bigs, the Jays, or the other ball-handlers in White or Malcolm Brogdon. Porzingis serves as the missing piece to the Celtics’ 18th banner with the best help their dynamic duo has had at the forefront. The sky is the limit for the damage Boston could do and how potent their new look could be on both ends.