What did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do after a 9-7 second season with Jameis Winston as their franchise quarterback? They got more aggressive and got him more weapons.
Promoting offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to head coach did pay off in allowing Winston to settle in and see mild growth in Year 2. But it was clear the Bucs had to improve his supporting cast to expect a big leap from him in 2017.
Here’s a breakdown of all the notable changes on the Bucs’ roster and depth chart, which will allow them to be a legitimate NFC South title contender this season.
Kyle Lowry ended Toronto’s losing streak by scoring 32 points with six assists in a 102-86 win against the Bucks. The Raptors had lost their last five games entering Friday’s contest. They desperately need Demar DeRozan back from his ankle injury to take some pressure off Lowry.
Paul George led the Pacers to a 115-111 overtime win against the Kings by scoring 33 points with four rebounds. This was George’s third straight 30-plus point effort, which is his longest such streak this season.
Jimmy Butler started Friday’s 100-88 loss against the Heat on the bench, and he played like a reserve in 33 minutes of action. The All-Star recorded just three points on 1 of 13 shooting with three turnovers. Something is just not right in Chicago.
Clippers (30-17) at Warriors (39-7) 8:30 p.m. ET — Los Angeles may be distracted by recent Carmelo Anthony trade rumblings, but this is a good opportunity to see how they shake up against the overwhelming favorites in the West. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have really been clicking lately.