NBA Front Offices See Second Tax Apron as Summer’s Dominant Issue
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Staying clear of the NBA’s newly enacted second luxury-tax apron has become the talk of the offseason, according to ESPN’s annual survey of coaches, scouts and team executives compiled by reporter Tim Bontemps.
The vote tally
Avoiding the aprons / preserving financial flexibility: 7 votes
Adding size: 6 votes
Pursuing youth and depth: 4 votes
Free agency viewed as a non-factor: 1 vote
Restricted free agents feeling the squeeze: 1 vote
Using the waive-and-stretch provision: 1 vote
The apron issue topped the list for the third consecutive year. Clubs not considered clear title favorites — including the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns — trimmed payroll to remain below the threshold. Others, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, found ways to keep their cores intact while working around the spending barrier.
Size finished a close second in the polling. “Size matters now,” an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN, citing a renewed focus on offensive rebounding after several seasons dominated by small-ball lineups.
Respondents also pointed to the value of youth and bench depth. Last season’s Finals participants, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, relied heavily on young rotations, prompting several executives to reconsider the balance between veterans and developing players.
With money tight, size in demand and rosters skewing younger, big free-agency swings and pure small-ball strategies received far less attention in this year’s survey.
Source: Hoops Wire
