By the Numbers: Early Winners and Losers of the NBA Offseason
The Biggest Losers
Sacramento Kings| Departures | nERD |
|---|---|
| Derrick Williams | -1.7 |
| Nik Stauskas | -3.7 |
| Total | -5.4 |
| Additions | |
| Kosta Koufos | 1.2 |
| Marco Belinelli | 0.2 |
| Rajon Rondo | -5.1 |
| Total | -3.7 |
| Net Gain/Loss | +1.7 |
The numbers say the Kings slightly improved, and they probably did. But they're still big losers because of their missed opportunities in free agency, much like the Lakers. The Kings missed on Chandler and Ellis, but most telling was the fact that Wes Matthews passed up max money with Sacramento to sign with Dallas.
Portland Trail Blazers| Departures | nERD |
|---|---|
| LaMarcus Aldridge | 6.5 |
| Wesley Matthews | 4.6 |
| Robin Lopez | 3.8 |
| Nicolas Batum | 0.8 |
| Arron Afflalo | -5.2 |
| Total | 10.5 |
| Additions | |
| Ed Davis | 5 |
| Mason Plumlee | 2.5 |
| Noah Vonleh | -0.2 |
| Gerald Henderson | -2.3 |
| Total | 5 |
| Net Gain/Loss | -5.5 |
The Trail Blazers are a different story altogether from the other three aforementioned losers. Except for youth, they just don't have much going for them. The Blazers sent Nicolas Batum to Charlotte and watched three of their other starters head elsewhere in free agency. That left them with one starter from last year: Damian Lillard. They signed their star point guard to a massive extension, but Lillard's jersey number says it all when it comes to how much help he'll be getting against a tough Western Conference schedule this year. Sorry, Dame.
