Celtics make it official: Kevin Garnett, Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox all re-sign

But if things are going well in Miami, it’s hard to see any of them — and especially the oldest one, Wade — turning down $20 million to enter free agency. The three stars have player options for about $22 million apiece for 2015-16, meaning it will again be up to them whether they want to stay.

But just because they’re disappointing, it doesn’t mean they’ll be the worst team in the league. Orlando seems like a more likely candidate for that, and since they’ve now officially entered rebuilding mode, they’d probably welcome a few losses.

“I think the term we’ve been using is restructuring,” Williams said during the team’s media day. “I don’t think we’re really rebuilding right now. Obviously we still have guys who can play at a high level. Al [Horford] coming back off of his injury and he’s an All-Star guy. In my opinion, I felt like Josh [Smith] should have been an All-Star last year. You still have guys here who are more than capable.”

Watkinson represents just one small part of new general manager Danny Ferry's makeover of the organization. The others include new assistant coaches and almost an entirely new corps of players. At times, he has lent a hand in explaining Drew's concepts to his new teammates. That has made Horford, in his sixth season, something of an elder statesman.

When Howard was traded to the Lakers in August, O’Neal analyzed the situation this way: “You have to care to have a reaction. I’ve got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes, you have big shoes to fill. For him, he’s going to have to at least win three to get people’s respect.”nd554

That’s important because with Antawn Jamison (Lakers) and Anthony Parker (retirement) gone, the Cavs needed to find perimeter threats -- particularly once Waiters and Irving get in the lane, draw double-teams and kick it to spotted-up teammates.bsfg232323

Again, it’s early, but that is the way it’s looking. Samuels and Leuer are both expected to back up second-year man Tristan Thompson at power forward. Samuels is more of an inside threat, Leuer is a big man who’s effective from the perimeter. So it’s a safe bet Scott will play each according to matchups.hgvfsgfds

Scott has offered nothing but praise for the backup point guard, acquired in an offseason trade (with a second-round pick, for D.J. Kennedy).jdfhg456t34

Scott has offered nothing but praise for the backup point guard, acquired in an offseason trade (with a second-round pick, for D.J. Kennedy).fdsa2323

Pargo is a bit of a good-natured prankster and just generally fun to be around. But his coach is a fan because of the way Pargo pushes the ball in practice.gfsdfds

There is no doubt the ceiling for Drummond is high and he has landed on a rebuilding team with other young players he can develop along side of. His opportunities will only be limited by his own efforts and how fast he learns the NBA game.

“The doctors gave me the okay, and I knew it was going to be a struggle at first, and it still is,” Green said. “I’m not at one hundred percent yet. That’s what I’m using the preseason for: to get in shape, to better my game and do things I need to improve on. I still got work to do.”