The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania gave us a brief report on NBA teams planning to hold small mini-camps as a team-building exercise before the start of training camp.
Check it out:
Our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on LeBron James starting to organize a Lakers team minicamp, and the premium on team chemistry around the league. pic.twitter.com/jmGsoCptWB
— Stadium (@Stadium) August 7, 2019
Interesting. Charania mentions LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are both planning to have their respective LA team (both of which saw significant roster changes/turnover this offseason) go through a mini-camp for teammates to get better acclimated with one another.
I happen to know another team that saw a substantial change to its roster this offseason… it’s the Bulls, guys.
With a new-look team and, most likely, a new-look system in the work, I would love to see the Bulls hold a similar training session.
Team chemistry goes a long way, and Charania discusses how this move by the Lakers and Clippers demonstrates a growing focus on a team’s structure and relationship. The league is currently wide open for the taking, and while a squad like the Bulls aren’t going to be making a title run this season, a strong team-bond could lead this team to exceed expectations.
Hey, teams that have fun together, win together. Just look at what the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic did this past season. You could tell those guys were playing for each other, and both squeaked into the playoffs by putting up seasons that were somewhat surprising.
Also, a stronger focus on chemistry can help keep guys around. For example, the Magic managed to hold on to Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross after breakout seasons by both players… not bad.
The Bulls had a number of injuries last season that kept players from fully meshing on the court. Wendell Carter Jr. didn’t even get to play alongside Otto Porter once last season. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen both missed a fair share of their own games over the course of the season. Throw in major additions like Tomas Satoransky, Thaddeus Young and Coby White, and this team will probably take some time to click. Wouldn’t hurt to speed up the process by putting in a little extra effort this offseason, eh?
I love the extra effort being put in by Coby White and Zach LaVine this offseason, but getting them to work out together alongside the rest of their teammates would have me loving it even more.