#5 - Detroit Pistons

I think the Detroit Pistons went from eclipsed irrelevancy to dangerously competitive in two major signings this summer. The first was free agent forward Josh Smith signing to a four-year deal, and the second was Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings inking a three-year deal in a sign-and-trade that sent Brandon Knight and Slava Kravtsov to Milwaukee. We know Jennings is a double-nickel scorer (see vs. Golden State in 2009) and a constant scoring threat with the basketball. His question marks have more to do with his true point-guard and leadership qualities than his capabilities as a talent. Even though I'm focusing on the Jennings and Smith signings, Detroit bringing back veteran Chauncey Billups is equally significant. The former NBA Finals MVP has championship history with the franchise, and will likely be called upon to mentor and complement Jennings on and off the court.

I'm looking at this front court for the Detroit Pistons as a potentially legitimate resistance, specifically on the defensive end. Adding Josh Smith with the likes of Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe makes the Pistons longer, more athletic, and more formidable. Smith, Drummond, and Monroe find common ground in their capabilities to rebound, run the floor, and block shots, each at 6-foot-9 and above. Detroit seems to want to use Smith at that small forward slot to utilize their biggest front line possible. This makes observers reasonably cautious about the offensive limits of this group, particularly from the very fundamental standpoint of shooting, which ideally would come from Jennings and Billups. I still say we're just scratching the surface of the polished repertoire of Greg Monroe, who was top ten last season in double-doubles (37). Monroe's skill set can and will be played through on offense, which is why Joe Dumars should be set on retaining him long-term. I'm still iffy on a sufficient option in the shooting guard slot, depth, and a fluent system, but I think head coach Maurice Cheeks now has a core group that can be feisty, paint-effective, and if healthy, dare I say, my sleeper to claw into an eight-seed come playoff time.

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NBA 2013-2014: Best offseason moves - #11 Dallas Mavericks

Mark Cuban potentially lost out on Deron WIlliams, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul in separate instances as candidates to help Dirk Nowitzi and his Dallas Mavericks return to glory. The 2011 NBA champions have since lost assets such as Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, Jason Terry, and Jason Kidd, resulting in a full re-grouping that now has left 36-year-old veteran Vince Carter as the only player remaining from last season's roster. 

I think Cuban was able to salvage some competitive company to surround Dirk. He signed guard Monta Ellis to a three-year deal, $25 million deal for his dynamic speed and scoring ability. Despite Grantland statistician Kirk Goldsberry's "ShotScore" shooting chart, which grades Ellis as the least efficient shooter with the Bucks last season (see link and chart below), his streaky offense is sorely needed in Dallas. Alongside four-year, $29 million signee Jose Calderon, who ranked exceptionally high on that same stat chart, that's an unpredictable back court for teams to defend.

Bringing back guard Devin Harris under the veteran minimum will serve beneficial for depth purposes once he's healthy from toe surgery. Harris will likely explore free agency next summer. There's also the addition of big man Samuel Dalembert, (two years, $7.6 million) a willing defender who they will want to mimic Tyson Chandler from 2011, and DeJuan Blair from the San Antonio Spurs, another veteran-minimum that can add muscle and your occasional double-double from the bench. The Mavericks didn't crack my top ten because I believe they're still middle-of-the-pack in the west. Although, Rick Carlisle was voted the second-best in-game adjustment head coach by NBA GM's, second to Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. Those attributes will need maximizing for Carlisle to slip this new-look Mavericks team into the playoff scope this season.

- Martin S. @marley_mcfly 

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NBA 2013-2014: Best offseason moves - #12 Miami Heat

Seems appropriate having the two teams who reached last June's NBA Finals at the bottom of this list. For the two-time defending champion Miami Heat, the same principle applies from last year's offseason: if it ain't broke...

Miami was closer to the top of my list prior to last season because they added to their outside shooting with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. As I wrote after the Heat acquired former no. 1 overall pick Greg Oden in August, signing the big man to a two-year veteran minimum contract is low-risk and a potentially high reward. Miami has been successful offensively and defensively sticking to their smaller line ups, in large part due to the versatility of LeBron James, which has often made them vulnerable against bigger teams, but not fully destructible. The Heat might need an Oden-like presence to grind out a third straight title, but they might not. Still, if Oden continues his reported progress and can give Miami productive minutes, their defense becomes more anchored in the paint and they get much needed assistance on the glass. 

I also can't dismiss the Heat bringing back Michael Beasley, who if determined, could give Erik Spoelstra an individual scoring option coming off the bench. If these additions evolve into thorough contributors, in addition to a healthy Dwayne Wade, chalk it up to a Miami Heat dynasty.

- Martin S. @marley_mcfly

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