The NBA offseason is slowly moving towards a close and with preseason games and training camps expected to get underway soon, teams in the league are starting to evaluate expectations for players and rosters overall and some stars that could be under the microscope this season include names like Nick Young, DeMarcus Cousins, Kendall Marshall, Evan Turner, Kendrick Perkins, JaVale McGee and Wesley Johnson.
All the players listed above have made significant strides since getting into the league, but there is something about each one that executives would like to see improved this season and if that doesn't go according to plan, things could be blown up before the year is over. Cousins will be one of the most interesting players to watch this season in the NBA, as he is entering a year when he can sign a big extension and while the Kings would like to do that, they are worried about mental issues with Cousins, as he has butted heads with coaches and also had spells of laziness on the court in past years.
Cousins is one of the most athletic players in the NBA and a new coach may help keep things in order this year with Mike Malone after he was coached by Paul Westphal and Keith Smart. The Kings made some additions in the offseason that should help Cousins along this season, including drafting Ben McLemore and signing Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Carl Landry back to a deal.
Cousins nearly had a double-double average last season with over 17 points scored and 9.9 rebounds to lead the Kings and the team feels that he has only scratched the surface of his potential, but this season he needs to cut down on any attitude issues and he will have to show more hustle on the defensive side of the ball. Last season the team finished 29th in defense and if Cousins can improve his overall play on that side of the court, the Kings should be much better in 2013-14.
Young is coming into a big season with the Lakers and he could have the chance to shine with Kobe Bryant, as will Wesley Johnson. If that doesn't work out though, there is a chance the Lakers could try and flip those players to a team in need for picks or more salary cap relief as they try to gun for a big free agent in 2014. Marshall is coming into a big season with the Suns, as he was not drafted by the current regime and he has already been mentioned repeatedly in trade talks and that could crop up again depending on how he plays and now that the team has Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler in a trade from the Clippers, he could be on his way out.
Turner and the Sixers are in a tough spot, as the team traded away Jrue Holiday and appears to be rebuilding and if the former number two pick doesn't show some more improvements, he could be moved as well. GM Sam Hinkie said the team is in a position to deal and while Turner improved his three point shooting he will have to be more efficient on the court for the 76ers to have confidence in him. Perkins has been mentioned in some trade talks last season and while the thunder may have made a mistake keeping him and getting rid of James Harden, the team feels that he is essential to a championship, but if things don't pan out, he could be sent away next season in a trade. McGee is a talented player as well and if he keeps developing the Nuggets will definitely hold onto him.