By Brianna Tong
Sports Editor
With the arrival of the 2022-23 NBA season, fans are buzzing with excitement to see their team embark on an 82-game-long journey. Each season initiates a new and evolving team identity, shaped by the course of blockbuster trades or returns from injuries. Here are three players I am personally thrilled to see on this court this season.
James Wiseman
The 2020 second overall pick out of Memphis, Warriors’ center James Wiseman tore his meniscus on April 10, 2021, sidelining him for all of last season. As Wiseman plays alongside Finals MVP Stephen Curry, the duo will be exciting to watch off the pick-and-roll. Hopefully, Wiseman will be active defensively by contesting shots and grabbing rebounds to get the Warriors second chance points. Wiseman can be the key offensive force in the paint that the Warriors lack by using his physique to bully ball his smaller defenders and get easy looks off the glass.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell’s departure from the Jazz was shocking, but the Cleveland Cavaliers is the right destination for the All-Star guard. As a ball-dominant player who brings in 25.9 points per game, Mitchell’s addition to the team brings them up to contenders in the Eastern Conference and offers what the Cavs were lacking last season: offensive flow and shot creation. The Cavs also benefit Mitchell as he has more help playing alongside rising point guard Darius Garland who averaged 21.7 ppg last season. The Cavs also have depth in the paint with centers Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who Mitchell can dish the ball off to.
Kawhi Leonard
The Klaw is back! After missing 15 months due to an ACL injury, Kawhi Leonard is making his return to the Los Angeles Clippers this season. The Clippers failed to reach the postseason last year primarily due to Leonard’s absence. As an offensive threat on the perimeter, a lockdown defender and one of the best in the league at attacking the rim, there is no doubt Leonard will bring the team to title contenders in the West. If Leonard and All-Star partner Paul George manage to stay healthy all season, while working alongside veterans like Norman Powell and John Wall, the Clippers are expected to make a run in the playoffs this postseason.