As one high-ranking Rockets source told ESPN in November, the franchise was "willing to get uncomfortable" by going into the season with disgruntled superstars on the roster. The Rockets ended up trading Westbrook just before camp opened, sending him to the Washington Wizards for John Wall (fresh off a two-year injury layoff) and a protected future first-round pick, an admission that the previous offseason's deal to acquire Westbrook was a disastrous decision.

Wood’s general impact on defense is a bit harder to predict, in part because we don’t know how Houston will play. Will they continue to switch more than any other team, or adopt a more conservative approach? Wood’s size should allow their defensive identity to be more fluid than it’s been. According to Second Spectrum, 60 screen defenders guarded at least 350 picks in a drop coverage last season; only five allowed fewer than the 0.904 points per direct possession Wood did. He’s tall, long and has fast closing speed whenever the ball gets behind him.Charlotte Hornets Face Masks

As the Miami Heat prepare to defend the Eastern Conference title they won in the NBA's bubble, All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler wants his team to enter into the new season knowing that it belongs among the league's best.New York Knicks Face Masks

Months ago, LeBron James bit his tongue when Kyrie Irving's comments on Kevin Durant's podcast seemed to disparage the Los Angeles Lakers star's late-game abilities. Now, James has opened up about his former teammate's take on a podcast appearance of his own.Orlando Magic Face Masks Face Masks

"Obviously, every game matters, but we're competing for something that's high. We don't ever want to shortchange our stuff. For me personally, that's a fine line with me, but understanding that it's a shortened season. I think it's 71 days that the offseason is going to be, the shortest [offseason] for any professional sport ever.

Butler, who forever changed the narrative of his own career by leading the Heat to within two games of an NBA championship before losing to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 in the 2020 NBA Finals, is determined to lead Miami all the way back to the top.Philadelphia 76ers Face Masks

Grading all four Charlotte Hornets picks in the 2020 NBA draft
"The Charlotte Hornets took a leap forward with the picks in the 2020 NBA draft. Let’s grade their four picks.
Since the Charlotte Hornets traded Kemba Walker to the Boston Celtics they have been lacking star power. They have not had a player who can take over the game and drag the team to a win the way Walker could since he left.