Eastern Conference |
Atlanta Hawks
Run of 10 playoff berths in a row will end this year.
Boston Celtics
Two massive signings in Aron Baynes and Marcus Morris, plus, to a lesser extent, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. #1 in East for mine.
Charlotte Hornets
It’s hyphen mania this season. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Michael Carter-Williams and Dwight Mo-Teams-Howard join relative forces for what should be an underwhelming season.
Chicago Bulls
No Butler, Wade or hope. A few nasty jams from Zach LaVine to be the only source of joy this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Acquired Wade and Thomas, with the latter having a Danny Ainge-sized chip on his shoulder. Want to see Derrick Rose fire. Still the team to beat. #2 in East.
Detroit Pistons
Double-doubles every-damn-day for Dre… and Pistons back into the playoffs.
Indiana Pacers
1 x Oladipo + 1 x Sabonis - 1 Paul George = I’m not sure what to make of the Pacers. If you have some thoughts, hit me up.
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Miami Heat
Whiteside and Olynyk remind me of Russell Crowes band, 14 Odd Foot of Grunt.
Milwaukee Bucks
Delly for MVP and PM in the same year. Giannis Antetokounmpo still on the up. Bucks (Thon) gonna Maker impact this season and be #5 in the East.
Brooklyn Nets
Kind-natured Jeremy Lin is healthy and will stuff the stats columns like Lin-sanity 2012.
New York Knicks
They’ve got Michael Beasley who, in his own opinion, is as good as LeBron. Unfortunately, no one knows at what exactly? Life after Melo won’t be so bad, but no playoffs here.
Orlando Magic
Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon are two nice pieces, plus Jonathan Simmons is a nice inclusion. I’ve got them in the playoff conversation.
Philadelphia 76ers
Salivating over Embiid, Okafor and Simmons on the same court. #3 in the conference for me, and #1 on my personal hype radar.
Toronto Raptors
Back to the playoffs, but not sure if Ibaka and Miles will make a resounding difference. Is “We the North” still a thing? Because they’re going south this year.
Washington Wizards
I’m pulling for these guys. #6 in the conference for me. Respect to Beal and Wall. DC or Nothin #WizGang
Western Conference |
Dallas Mavericks
If Seth Curry turned into Steph Curry, and Dirk was 10 years younger, they would be in playoff contention. Although technology is improving, neither of those appears likely.
Denver Nuggets
Fairly uninspiring, but Jokic is one of the best young players in the league to watch. I take it back, I’m inspired. Go Denver! How can you not like a team called the Nuggets.
Golden State Warriors
Swaggy P is going to get a ring. #1
Houston Rockets
Hope they can put it all together. CP3 will take some of the lead guard duties from Harden, who’s best with ball in hand. Eric Gordon a star sixth man. Only GSW stand in their way. #2
Los Angeles Clippers
Blake Griffin should have huge numbers, but the Clips will go backwards. Interested to see how Teodosic and Beverley fill the void of Chris Paul.
Los Angeles Lakers Going nowhere. Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball provide upside. Countdown is on to Andrew Bogut sending Lavar Ball on twitter… then Liz Cambage getting involved.
Memphis Grizzlies
Hopefully Kanye’s late-night calls to Mike Conley don’t interrupt his routine. Deserve a healthy Chandler Parsons, especially at the $23mill they’re paying. Playoffs possible.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Good mix of star studded youth (Towns, Wiggins), mid rangers (Butler, Teague) and wise heads (Gibson, Crawford, etc.). Will go .500 and be playoffs bound.
New Orleans Pelicans
Could raise eyebrows this season, or in Anthony Davis’ case, eyebrow. I like this bunch of misfit all stars - Boogie, AD, Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday. Surprise packet #4 in West.
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Oklahoma City Thunder
Can they unlock Hoodie Melo? Paul George is a good sidekick to the MVP, but will Russ take a step back? #3 in the West.
Phoenix Suns
Still struggling for relevance post Steve Nash.
Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard to average 27ppg, 7apg, 6rpg this season… and none of it to matter. Will tread water at #8.
Sacramento Kings
By far from Kings, but have a starting five stacked with first rounders – think Buddy Hield, Justin Jackson, Skal Labissiere, Willie Cauley-Stein, plus De’Aron Fox.
San Antonio Spurs
The old dogs are approaching the end, but will still return 50+ wins. Kawhi needs to heal his thigh. Look for Rudy Gay to improve on recent productivity in this system.
Utah Jazz
Ricky Rubio teams up with former Barcelona roommate Joe Ingles (who now has the unfortunate job of trying to replicate Gordon Hayward’s wing productivity). Playoffs, just.