So through these first 7 games i think a few thing stand out
-The ceiling of this team is unquestionably higher than the past 2 years.
-There's still a lot of learning how to play with each other going on and how to fill roles on the offensive end. When we got it rolling, oh boy is it good. But integrating a DDR takes time and while it's better than it was at the beginning of preseason, we still got a ways to go before really being that top 5 offense we need to be.
-4-3 so far with 5 road games and the dumbest ATL to TOR B-B and then back to Miami is extremely good as we do learn how to play with DDR integrated into the offense. I was sort of expecting a very slow start and the team has started to gel much quicker than I anticipated.
-Kevin Huerter matters A LOT to the spacing of this team. Especially while Keegan has forgotten how to shoot for some reason. Keon Ellis is a defensive star, but teams are still daring him to shoot and don't respect his offensive game yet. Results aside with Huerter (who's been our best shooter so far), teams have to stay tight on Huerter which opens a lot of room for DDR/Fox/Domas to do work inside the paint. So if you trade him, you better be sure we're 1. getting a spacer back or 2. You're confident enough Keegan's shot is back to take on that role again.
-Keegan has taken a leap in pretty much all facets of his game... except his shooting. He's a defensive star (don't throw that around lightly, he's a legitimate game changer defensively), he's significantly better on the glass, he's looked great attacking the rim. Not sure what's going on with the shot, but I have confidence he'll find it as one of the most successful shooters in NBA history in his first 2 seasons.
-Kings should look for an upgrade to Trey Lyles with a big wing defender. DFS/Cam Johnson/Royce O'Neale. Someone of that vein. Trey's been a great King, but man he's just been so lackluster for the last season or so and he's yet to have a good game this season. Just doesn't really fit this current roster. A better Alex Len replacement is probably needed too, but that's of less importance. I think Orlando Robinson can be someone to fill that role.