As I dive into the complete rosters for NBA teams in 2022, it’s hard not to start with the Golden State Warriors. They have a robust lineup featuring Stephen Curry, who’s remarkable for sinking over 285 three-pointers in the season. His ability to consistently hit shots from beyond the arc puts him in a league of his own. But it wasn’t just Curry; Klay Thompson made a comeback after a two-year hiatus, proving he still had the chops by averaging 20.4 points per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite their struggles, still possessed a star-studded roster. LeBron James, at 37, had a phenomenal season, averaging around 30.3 points per game. That’s impressive given his age, showing that he’s far from slowing down. However, the Lakers faced issues with injuries and consistency. Anthony Davis played only 40 games due to injuries, affecting the team’s performance significantly.
Over in Brooklyn, the Nets had Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, two of the top scorers in the NBA. Durant averaged 29.9 points per game while Irving, even with part-time availability due to vaccination mandates, managed to drop 27.4 points per game. Their offensive firepower was unmatched, but the team’s chemistry issues and the trade of James Harden for Ben Simmons created uncertainties. Yet, many believed that the trade could bring a new dynamic to the team, though Simmons never suited up due to back problems.
The Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 NBA champions, retained their core, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He was a force, averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, showing his all-around brilliance. The Bucks had a balanced roster, including Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, both crucial in their championship run. Middleton’s clutch shooting and Holiday’s defensive prowess were invaluable assets to their success. They looked poised for another deep playoff run.
Switching coasts, the Miami Heat were formidable in the East with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Butler’s leadership and clutch performances were evident in their games. He averaged 21.4 points per game, while Adebayo contributed significantly with 19.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. The Heat’s depth, including key contributions from players like Tyler Herro, the Sixth Man of the Year, added to their competitive edge.
The Phoenix Suns, fresh off their finals appearance the previous year, boasted the best regular season record with 64 wins. Devin Booker and Chris Paul were instrumental, with Booker averaging 26.8 points and Paul leading the league in assists with 10.8 per game. Their combination of young talent and veteran leadership made them a powerhouse. A noteworthy fact is that CP3, at 36, became the oldest player to lead the league in assists.
Boston Celtics fans had reasons to celebrate with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerging as one of the best young duos in the league. Tatum averaged 26.9 points while Brown added 23.6 points per game. Their defensive improvement was spearheaded by Marcus Smart, who won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. This showed how balanced the Celtics were both offensively and defensively, setting the stage for a promising future.
The Memphis Grizzlies were the surprise team of the year, thanks to Ja Morant’s MVP-caliber performances. Morant made headlines with his explosive plays, averaging 27.4 points and 6.7 assists per game. His meteoric rise put the Grizzlies on the map, showcasing one of the most exciting young teams in the league. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. provided solid support, making the Grizzlies a formidable opponent.
Looking at the Chicago Bulls, the addition of DeMar DeRozan was pivotal. DeRozan, averaging 27.9 points per game, brought a new offensive dimension to the team. Paired with Zach LaVine’s 24.4 points and Nikola Vucevic’s 17.6 points and 11 rebounds, the Bulls were a strong unit, making their first substantial playoff push in years. Their dynamic play and chemistry were crucial factors.
For the Denver Nuggets, the entire season revolved around Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP. Jokic continued his dominance, nearly averaging a triple-double with 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. His versatility and skill as a center playmaker were unmatched. Despite missing Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. for most of the season due to injuries, Jokic’s brilliance kept the Nuggets competitive.
On the flip side, the Atlanta Hawks, led by Trae Young, had an electrifying offense. Young averaged 28.4 points and 9.7 assists per game, constantly tormenting defenses with his shooting range and playmaking. However, their defense was a sore point, preventing them from fully capitalizing on their offensive capabilities.
In Dallas, Luka Dončić was the focal point of the Mavericks. Luka averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. His ability to control the game tempo and deliver in clutch moments made him one of the standout players in the league. The Mavericks also benefited from solid contributions by Jalen Brunson and their new addition, Spencer Dinwiddie, post-trade deadline.
For my fellow basketball enthusiasts who followed the drama around the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid’s performance was a significant talking point. Embiid, who led the league in scoring with 30.6 points per game, was a dominant force throughout the season. The mid-season addition of James Harden added a new dynamic to the team, bolstering their playoff hopes.
All these dynamics and changes illustrate the depth and excitement that the NBA brought to its fans in 2022. If you’re keen on knowing more details or checking specific player stats, you can visit the full nba roster 2022. The league’s constant evolution keeps us all on our toes, awaiting the next big thing in basketball.