NBA: What Each Team's Star Player Needs to Work on This Summer

Thanks to what promises to be a prolonged lockout, the players of the NBA should have plenty of time off during the summer.

However, all of that extra time in the offseason could result in a few different outcomes.

One possibility would be that players take it easy, falling out of shape and looking sluggish upon their return to play—a la Shawn Kemp after the 1999 NBA lockout.

Alternatively, some players might take that extra time to do what is necessary to up their game for the 2011-12 season.

But what exactly would this entail?

Well, this article will seek to answer that question, pointing out what each team's star player needs to work on this summer.

Atlanta Hawks

Despite undergoing a midseason elbow surgery in 2010-11, Joe Johnson still managed to play in all but 10 games.

However, he scored his lowest point total since his third year in the league (2002-03), and he shot less than 30 percent from three—the worst number since his rookie season.

And while some of his other numbers fell as well, Johnson clearly had trouble regaining his shooting form after his injury.

Consequently, he needs to continue working the kinks out of his shot should he look to turn things around whenever the next season starts. 

Boston Celtics

While the Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are still undoubtedly the team's stars, the trio has few more improvements to make as their careers wind down.

However, the team's young star, Rajon Rondo, still has plenty of room for improvement.

In his brief NBA career, Rondo has proven to be among the league's best point guards, using his length, athleticism and outstanding ball-distributing skills.

Yet there is still one obvious flaw to his game—his jumpshot.

Consequently, Rondo ought to make use of his time off the summer, working to shore up his jumper and allow him to take his game to the next level.

Charlotte Bobcats

In his first year as a full-time starter at point guard, D.J. Augustin put up the best numbers of his short career.

However, he still has plenty of room for improvement, namely with his shot selection.

Augustin is a great shooter—as evidenced by his 90.6 percent shooting from the line—however, he only managed to convert on a little above 40 percent of his shots from the field.

Therefore, he ought to practice a lot of five-on-five situations, allowing him to learn to pick and choose his shots more efficiently. 

Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose improved by leaps and bounds in 2010-11, carrying his team to the NBA's best record and winning the league MVP.

However, what's even more interesting is that he was able to accomplish this by drastically improving his jump shot during the summer of 2010.

And while Rose's shot is certainly respectable at this point, it could still use more work.

Therefore, if he can continue to hone that area of his game, then Rose and his Bulls could very well be even better in 2011-12.

Cleveland Cavaliers

After making two top-four selections in the 2011 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers look like they may have a solid core to build upon.

However, if they would like to win some games in the coming season, then they will need something out of their proven players—namely someone like Antawn Jamison.

At 35 years of age, Jamison still managed turn in a respectable campaign last season, averaging about 18 points and seven rebounds per game.

However, he missed over a quarter of the season, and as he continues to age, injuries will likely continue to pose a problem.

Therefore, Jamison ought to take it somewhat easy this offseason, ensuring that he is at 100 percent for the 2011-12 campaign.

Dallas Mavericks

After turning in yet another outstanding campaign, Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Maverick finally took home an NBA Championship.

However, with a lockout looking to extend their celebratory offseason, they could easily ride out their win, rather than focusing on the next season.

Therefore, Dirk needs to stay motivated this summer, so he can help his Mavs attempt a repeat in 2011-12.

Denver Nuggets

With lots of uncertainty surrounding the Denver Nuggets' roster, one thing is clear—Ty Lawson will be around for a while.

The second-year guard made vast improvements in 2010-11, however, he could still stand to work on some more of his game.

And while all-around improvements would be nice, Lawson should definitely take some time to make sure his conditioning is up to par, especially given that he only played in about 26 minutes per game in 2010-11 and stands to see a bump in playing time next season.

Detroit Pistons

In 2010-11, the Detroit Pistons put together a rather forgettable campaign, and Rodney Stuckey showed little improvement.

However, improvement is something he needs if he would like to turn the corner as a player and help his team get on the right track.

Therefore, Stuckey ought to focus on bettering his jumper, since he shot terribly from three and below-average from the field. 

Golden State Warriors

After an amazing rookie year in 2009-10, Stephen Curry still managed to show a little bit of improvement in his sophomore campaign.

However, with Monta Ellis' future with the Golden State Warriors in jeopardy, Curry might soon find himself playing an even larger role on the team.

Therefore, Curry ought to work to diversify his scoring arsenal even further this summer, just in case he has to carry a heavier load in the offense. 

Houston Rockets

After an injury-marred 2009-10 season, Kevin Martin returned to the Houston Rockets with a vengeance in 2010-11.

In fact, his shooting percentages were up across the board, and he even managed to up his scoring average.

However, none of Martin's 2010-11 numbers are career bests, and with the retirement of Yao Ming, he will need to continue to shoulder much of the load next season.

Therefore, he should work on his shooting, so he can be even more efficient in 2011-12.

Indiana Pacers

Despite his Indiana Pacers finally ending their four-year playoff drought in 2011, Danny Granger has seen his offensive stats drop off considerably over the past three years.

Consequently, it's fairly evident what aspect of his game needs work—his shooting.

So by taking some time working on his shot this summer, Granger should be able to come back next season as the deadly shooter which he has shown that he can be.

Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin emerged as one of the NBA's brightest young stars in 2010-11, regularly dunking his way onto the highlight reels.

However, despite his success, Griffin's game is far from complete.

For example, he only shot 64.2 percent from the free-throw line—a rather hindering number for someone who gets to the line as frequently as Griffin does.

Consequently, he ought to use his time off to shore up his free throw shooting, thereby making him even more of a force heading forward.

Los Angeles Lakers

It's no secret that Kobe Bryant—with 15 NBA season under his belt—is starting to show some age.

And while he is still one of the league's most effective players, Kobe is no longer putting up the numbers he once was.

However, one of the reasons for this have been the nagged injuries which have hampered Bryant over the past few seasons.

Consequently, he should take it easy his offseason (if he knows how), so his body will be ready for another run at a title when the season tips off.

Memphis Grizzlies

Helping to lead his Memphis Grizzlies on a surprise playoff run, Zach Randolph also managed to turn in an outstanding 2010-11 statistical campaign.

In fact, he posted his best field-goal percentage and lowest turnover average in nearly 10 years—all while posting a double-double average to the tune of 20 and 12.

However, Randolph has been known to lose focus during his career, so it is essential that he keeps working to keep his game at a high level this summer.

Miami Heat

After bringing in LeBron James and Chris Bosh and re-signing Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat had an up-and-down season in 2010-11.

Ultimately, however, they made a trip to the NBA Finals before being sent home by the Dallas Mavericks.

And while many were quick to dump on the Heat for their loss, a Finals appearance in their first season together is still an impressive feat for the team.

Consequently, the trio of James, Wade and Bosh need to continue to work on their cohesiveness this summer, better figuring out how they will fit together so that they can improve upon last season's effort.

Milwaukee Bucks

After an amazing rookie season, Brandon Jennings hit a bump in the road during his 2010-11 sophomore campaign.

Not only did Jennings fail to show much improvement, but he also broke his foot, forcing him to miss 19 games.

Nevertheless, he finished the season and seems to be healthy and ready to take that next step.

Therefore, he ought to spend the summer working on his jumper, seeing as though his three-point shooting could definitely use some work. 

Kevin Love

Kevin Love turned in a record-breaking season in 2010-11, notching nightly double-doubles for the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, if Love wants the help his team even more, than there is one area of his game which certainly needs some work.

This summer, Love would be best served working on improving his foot speed to make him a better defender and therefore, a more complete player.

New Jersey Nets

After being unexpectedly traded to the New Jersey Nets last season, Deron Williams has recently made headlines for his contract with a Turkish club.

And while the move overseas will help Williams out financially, it will also help his game.

Consequently, this summer he will continue to prepare for high-level basketball, keeping his ready for the NBA whenever the season begins.

New Orleans Hornets

In 2010-11, Chris Paul missed averaging a double-double for the first time in four years.

But that's not all, as Paul also notched his lowest-ever scoring average, along with decreases in his field goal and three-point percentages.

Consequently, Paul should take some time this summer to work on getting his shot back to where it once was. 

New York Knicks

After signing Amar'e Stoudemire and then trading for Carmelo Anthony, the New York Knicks suddenly had themselves one of the most star-studded teams in the league at the end of the 2010-11 season.

However, problems with team cohesion and a string of injuries resulted in the team being dealt a first-round sweep courtesy of the Boston Celtics.

Consequently, with good health and loads of time on their hands now, Stoudemire and Anthony ought to work together on how best to get their games to complement each other.

Oklahoma City Thunder

After leading the NBA in scoring again, Kevin Durant has firmly established himself among the NBA elite.

Consequently, while there's always room for some improvement, all Durant really needs to do this summer is to stay in shape and stay focused, so that he can bring it again come next season.

Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic has been a force in the NBA for some time now.

However, this version of Superman is not without his Kryptonite.

Consequently, Howard should continue to work on improving his miserable free-throw shooting this summer, while also switching up his routine so that he no longer gets called for 10-second free-throw violations.

Philadelphia 76ers

While Andre Iguodala's days as a Philadelphia 76er may be numbered, there is no reason why he can't go out this summer and try to improve.

And seeing as though his scoring has dropped off drastically over the past four seasons, there is plenty of room for improvement. 

Therefore, Iguodala ought to go out and work on his shooting mechanics, so he can get back to his former level of play.

Phoenix Suns

While last season was a down year for the Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash still managed to stand out as one of the league's best point guards.

However, at 37 years of age, it's questionable how much longer he can keep it up.

Therefore, Nash ought to take it easy this summer, resting his body, so he is ready for another long season whenever the lockout ends.

Portland Trail Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge turned in a career year for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2010-11.

And while that is great, the Blazers will need even more from him if they are to become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, especially since the team's frontcourt is rather thin.

Consequently, Aldridge will need to work on playing tough inside, which should allow him to perform better on the boards, as well as on defense. 

Sacramento Kings

If there was any player who personified the sophomore slump in 2010-11, it was former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans.

Evans saw his numbers drop pretty much across the board, and if that weren't enough, he also had to deal with plantar fasciitis and a few other injuries, limiting him to a mere 57 games.

Consequently, Evans must do a few things this summer.

First of all, he must get fully healthy and then prepare himself mentally for another long season.

Then, Evans ought to take some time to work on his jump shot, which has long been a weakness of his, allowing him to take his game to the next level.

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs were able to turn in a great regular season in 2010-11, but the playoffs were quite a different story.

In the end, they were sent home by the Memphis Grizzlies, leaving many wondering if this was the last hurrah of a highly accomplished but aging franchise.

Regardless of whether or not that will be the case, the Spurs' star trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have one thing to do this summer—rest.

The players are 35, 33 and 29 years old, respectively, and all have dealt with some injury problems at one point or another.

Consequently, the three should take it easy to make sure that they don't run out of gas down the stretch next season, as they did last year.

Toronto Raptors

While the Toronto Raptors had a down year in 2010-11, at least Andrei Bargnani managed to notch a career-high scoring average.

And while that's all and good, Bargnani did so while did so while seeing his rebounding average and shooting percentage drop off, and his turnover numbers spiked.

Consequently, this summer he could work on his post game, which could potentially help to solve many of his problems. 

Utah Jazz

In 2010-11, Al Jefferson turned in a terrific season for the Utah Jazz, although their season didn't go exactly as planned.

However, starting this summer, the 26-year-old Jefferson may have to take on a new role—teacher.

With youngsters Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors coming off the bench behind him, Jefferson should ready himself to help his teammates, readying them for the rigors of the NBA.

Washington Wizards

John Wall managed to put in a solid 2010-11 campaign, ultimately taking home Rookie of the Year honors.

However, Wall still has plenty of room for improvement.

One of his weakest areas would certainly be his jump shot, seeing as though he posted rather poor percentages from three and from the field.

Consequently, should he hone his mechanics, Wall should be able to come back ever better when the NBA returns.