NBA Teams Who Have Improved This Off-season: Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, & Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA off-season is in full effect. All teams have made moves with hopes of improving next season. However, not all moves are created equal; in fact, some moves are much better than others. Here are five teams who have improved significantly with their summer transactions:

Houston Rockets

In: Aaron Brooks, Jackie Butler, Steve Francis, Mike James and Luis Scola.

Out: Juwan Howard and Vassilis Spanoulis.

Why they’re better: The Rockets welcomed back The Franchise and added the best European club player. Francis provides Houston with a third scorer, while Scola is a seasoned power forward who will fill the hole at the four-spot.

Brooks had a great Vegas summer league and James is a solid player. I also like the addition of Coach Rick Adelman. The veteran sideline boss will get the most out of Bonzi Wells and he’ll encourage the Rockets to pick up the tempo.

Phoenix Suns

In: Grant Hill and Alando Tucker.

Out: James Jones.

Why they’re better: Hill’s an experienced pro. The former All-Star will help in the locker room, where the Suns had chemistry issues last year. Hill’s cheap, too, costing the Suns just under 2 million dollars per season.

Yesterday, I watched Tucker at the Steve Nash Charity Classic. He’s incredibly athletic and reminds me of another Wisconsin grad-Michael Finley. Tucker’s a nice bench piece.

Boston Celtics

In: Ray Allen.

Out: Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West.

Why they’re better: Allen will mesh with Paul Pierce. His outside range, ball handling, and veteran presence will provide the Celts with a boost. Inside-outside basketball works and the Al Jefferson, Pierce, and Allen trio should have success.

New York Knicks

In: Wilson Chandler, Dan Dickau, Fred Jones, and Zach Randolph.

Out: Steve Francis and Channing Frye.

Why they’re better: Randolph comes with baggage, but he averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game last year. He can flat-out ball. Z-Bo and Eddie Curry on the block is a scary thought. I’m not sure how Dickau and Jones will fit. But they’re both character guys, who won’t complain.

Frye had an up-and-down second season in New York, while Francis, for whatever reason, never clicked in The Garden. The Knicks and The Franchise were smart to finally part ways. 

Memphis Grizzlies

In: Mike Conley and Darko Milicic.

Out: Chucky Atkins.

Why they’re better: Conley is a nice, young point guard. I like his leadership, quickness, and decision-making. Milicic, after years of inconsistent minutes, will get his shot with the Grizzlies. Look for the Serbian post to make the most of his opportunity.

Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.