And similar to that, one other NBA season is upon us.
The offseason wasn’t as busy as anticipated, which signifies that the stability of energy remains to be closely tilted in the direction of the West.
So, with all however one staff attempting to win within the loaded convention, how will all the things shake out?
Championship contenders: internal circle contenders that stand above the remainder
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Denver Nuggets
As the one groups which have each a top-5 participant and a championship-level supporting forged, one among OKC or Denver would be the subsequent NBA champs. The Thunder’s youth and starvation might see them replicate the 2016 Warriors and attain 70 wins, whereas the Nuggets’ revamped roster and entrance workplace have lastly put the Joker in place to make one other championship run.
OKC is certainly the betting favorites, however the hole between the 2 groups isn’t large enough to warrant placing them in separate tiers. Let’s all pray for good well being as a result of a possible OKC vs Denver conflict might develop into an on the spot traditional, and must be handled as the actual NBA finals.
The darkish horses: groups that would make the convention finals if all the things breaks proper
Houston Rockets , Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Los Anegels Clippers
These groups ought to all have hopes of constructing a deep run, although a finals look gained’t be within the playing cards. Houston including KD had them flirting with being within the OKC/Denver tier earlier than Fred VanVleet’s damage, however his absence might open the door for Amen Thompson to make an All-NBA stage leap and nonetheless maintain the Rockets within the hunt. Minnesota hit their stride in the course of the second half of final season and has found a components that’s led them to back-to-back WCF appearances. Having an older supporting forged might power Ant to hold a heavier burden, however the 24-year-old has improved yearly and is used to having individuals ask him for assist.
Talking of previous, the 2 Unctions down in California ought to nonetheless be heard from — assuming everybody’s knees maintain up. The Clippers had been essentially the most shocking staff final season and obtained deeper within the offseason, and Kawhi is lastly beginning the yr wholesome now that he’s been relieved from tree-planting duties. Lastly, Golden State is out to show that their 23-8 report with Jimmy isn’t a fluke because the Warriors try to make one other run throughout Steph’s twilight.
Playoff hopefuls: groups in competition for a prime 6 seed
Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies
Having a thin and vengeful Luka ought to have the Lakers firmly within the hunt for a prime 6 seed, however the remainder of the roster leaves lots to be desired. LeBron is already injured and shall be turning 41 quickly, Dominayton is their one dependable large, and Austin Reaves is the one different participant nonetheless ascending who might contribute at a star stage. Nonetheless, Luka’s greatness ought to enable the Lakers to make the playoffs with ease, though their true competition window hasn’t arrived but.
Taking a visit down I-10 leads us to the Spurs, the staff with a Wemby-sized floor-ceiling gulf within the league this yr. The Frenchman may already be a top-5 participant, and San Antonio might make a 2024 Houston-type leap and develop into a 50-win staff — assuming he performs 70+ video games. Nevertheless, if Wemby misses time once more and Fox fails to regain his All-Star type, the Spurs might be again within the lottery. Given his Eat Pray Love summer season and his type in preseason, although, I’m betting on the Alien to complete top-5 within the MVP race and for San Antonio to make their first postseason look within the Wembanyama period.
However, the NBA world has seemingly forgotten about Ja and the Grizzlies, and with good motive. Nonetheless, Memphis was the #2 within the West for a big stretch of final yr, even with Ja having his worst season since his rookie marketing campaign. The inevitable “Memphis Grizzlies Harm Report” is regarding, however this staff is a regular-season wins machine and can proceed pumping out Ws persistently.
Play-in fodder: groups who will end within the 7-10 vary
Dallas Mavericks, Portland Path Blazers
Ah, right here come the complicated groups. Dallas might probably be a darkish horse contender if Kyrie returns, AD stays wholesome, and Cooper Flagg makes a right away affect. Butttt that is the Mavs we’re speaking about, and it’s equally (if no more) seemingly that the veterans proceed to overlook important time, and Flagg is the one vibrant spot on the staff. There’s an excessive amount of expertise right here to drop them down a tier, however the uncertainty additionally prevents them from being a top-6 seed.
Portland is one other Jekyll and Hyde staff that has increase/bust potential. They went 23-18 within the second half of final season on the again of an elite protection and added Jrue Vacation this offseason. I’m a believer that Deni Avdija’s leap is legit, however Scoot’s damage and the getting older vets nonetheless forestall the Blazers from being a lock to complete within the top-10.
The sphere of unhappiness: the directionless organizations
Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans
My condolences to these rooting for these groups, as darkish days are forward. The Suns’ superteam experiment ended with one playoff collection win in 3 years and an costly roster that lacks its personal picks. Sacramento has assembled their model of the 2014 Nets/2012 Lakers however with even worse gamers, and the Pelicans are making trades so dangerous that the man who completed final in my fantasy league would snort at them. The one similarity that these franchises all share is poor possession, and till that modifications, it’s onerous to see any of them develop into constant contenders
Tankapalooza: fairly self-explanatory
The one tanking staff within the West, Utah’s largest contribution to a title race is a possible Markannen commerce. There’s no motive why he (or the Jazz) ought to proceed their partnership, though lots of Utah’s latest selections haven’t made a lot sense. Apart from that, take pleasure in watching Ace Bailey go 15-45 each night time whereas Isaiah Collier places up 5 assists and 10 turnovers.
