NBA Power Rankings: How LeBron and Kawhi change the league

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Post by bobheckler Mon Jul 23, 2018 9:16 am

http://kwese.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24165876/nba-power-rankings-how-lebron-james-kawhi-leonard-change-everything



NBA Power Rankings: How LeBron and Kawhi change the league



LeBron James is in L.A., Kawhi Leonard is in Toronto and another wild NBA offseason is nearly complete.

Who are the best and worst teams heading into the 2018-19 season?

Our panel -- a group of more than 40 reporters, insiders and editors -- is looking ahead to next season with a new edition of NBA Power Rankings.

Note: These rankings take into account additional potential player movement. Voters were asked to pick the better team heading into next season in a series of head-to-head matchups featuring thousands of votes. Conference rankings are noted next to each team.


1. Golden State Warriors (1)
2017-18 record: 58-24
Result: W, NBA Finals
Previous rank: No. 1

After letting the Lakers have a day to soak in their LeBron James win, the champs set the NBA world on fire with their Thanos-like move by adding DeMarcus Cousins to their gauntlet of All-Stars, making their Death Lineup even more terrifying if the big man can return healthy from an Achilles injury. Golden State -- which also added Jonas Jerebko and drafted tough two-way forward Jacob Evans -- can afford to wait for Cousins, who should inject the Warriors with a jolt of motivation and excitement down the stretch of a fifth run to the Finals. -- Ohm Youngmisuk

Key additions: Jacob Evans, DeMarcus Cousins and Jonas Jerebko

Key subtractions: Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee


2. Boston Celtics (1)
2017-18 record: 55-27
Result: L, East finals
Previous rank: No. 3

The Celtics had one of the more snooze-worthy summers in the NBA, electing to simply bring back the same core from last season by re-signing defensive tone-setters Aron Baynes and Marcus Smart. And yet the Celtics will still emerge as one of the offseason winners because, with LeBron James heading west, and with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward set to return from injury, Boston is the early favorite in the East. As Hayward told ESPN last week: "I'm confident that we've got everything we need to make the run at the whole thing." -- Chris Forsberg

Key additions: Robert Williams and Brad Wanamaker

Key subtractions: None


3. Houston Rockets (2)
2017-18 record: 65-17
Result: L, West finals
Previous rank: No. 2

It has been a weird summer for the team that was maybe a hamstring away from an NBA title. Daryl Morey & Co. have earned the right for us all to assume they know what they're doing, but letting Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute go feel like significant losses -- especially if the recovery is based around signing Carmelo Anthony, who was very direct in telling the Thunder he wasn't interested in coming off the bench. They still need to resolve Clint Capela's situation, but assuming that gets settled, the Rockets will begin the season looking for production in unexpected places. That's something they do better than just about anyone. -- Royce Young

Key additions: De'Anthony Melton, Vincent Edwards, Michael Carter-Williams and James Ennis

Key subtractions: Luc Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza


4. Philadelphia 76ers (2)
2017-18 record: 52-30
Result: L, East semis
Previous rank: No. 3

Philadelphia didn't make the big splash its fan base might have hoped for -- either on the court (no LeBron, Paul George or Kawhi) or in the front office. And, yet, much like Boston, the 76ers are still well positioned to be a conference front-runner with only minor tweaks. The Sixers brought back JJ Redick, traded for Wilson Chandler and added a pair of first-rounders in Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet. Joel Embiid will certainly believe his team is the East favorite -- Forsberg

EDITOR'S PICKS

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Key additions: Zhaire Smith, Landry Shamet, Shake Milton, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala and Jonah Bolden

Key subtractions: Ersan Ilyasova, Marco Belinelli, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Justin Anderson and Richaun Holmes


5. Toronto Raptors (3)
2017-18 record: 59-23
Result: L, East semis
Previous rank: No. 7

Even with LeBron James out of the East, the Raptors probably needed to shake things up beyond a coaching change. They imported Kawhi Leonard and will endure the risks associated in hopes of overcoming their playoff bugaboo. Danny Green will help as well, but the Raptors' priority has to be showing Leonard that The Six can be just as good of a home as La La Land. -- Forsberg

Key additions: Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green

Key subtractions: DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl


6. Oklahoma City Thunder (3)
2017-18 record: 48-34
Result: L, West Round 1
Previous rank: No. 14

It's not technically an addition, but re-signing Paul George really should count as one. The Thunder keeping George is their biggest moment ever in free agency, and it provides the franchise some much-needed stability. Sam Presti and the front office can finally evaluate the team on a long-term path, instead of rolling year into year with an eye on an unknown future. There might be an element of addition by subtraction with Melo, but Dennis Schroder fills a lot of needs. The Thunder have had an extremely successful summer, though we've said that about them before. Now, they've got to win some games. -- Young

Key additions: Devon Hall, Hamidou Diallo, Kevin Hervey, Nerlens Noel, Dennis Schroder and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

Key subtraction: Carmelo Anthony


7. Utah Jazz (4)
2017-18 record: 48-34
Result: L, West semis
Previous rank: No. 5

What has made the Jazz summer a success has been the simplicity. They added Grayson Allen; they lost Jonas Jerebko. That's it. There was no homegrown star departure, no roster overhaul in an attempted recovery. The Jazz can rely on one of the most coveted words in the NBA: continuity. Get everyone healthy, let the youngsters spend the summer getting better and roll into the season as a true Western Conference threat. -- Young

Key addition: Grayson Allen

Key subtraction: Jonas Jerebko


8. Denver Nuggets (5)
2017-18 record: 46-36
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 9

Taking the chance on Isaiah Thomas is worth it with the low-risk elements involved -- the money is low, the commitment is short. And Thomas has a lot to prove as he searches for that Brink's truck somewhere over the horizon. The losses of Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler could sting more than some think, but the Nuggets have a young core that's growing and should be able to absorb, and maybe even grow, from their losses. -- Young

Key additions: Michael Porter Jr., Jarred Vanderbilt, Thomas Welsh, Isaiah Thomas and Monte Morris

Key subtractions: Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur and Wilson Chandler


9. Los Angeles Lakers (6)
2017-18 record: 35-47
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 13

Magic Johnson got his man LeBron James and then the Lakers proceeded to construct a curious supporting cast. It features tough veterans with playoff experience that they believe will give James multiple versatile options who can make plays and defend. Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley all bring a variety of talents but also an interesting mixture of strong and even quirky personalities. The Lakers added three players to their young, growing core in the draft. Lonzo Ball (torn left meniscus) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and the Lakers' hope is to have him ready for the season. -- Youngmisuk

Key additions: LeBron James, Moritz Wagner, Isaac Bonga, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley

Key subtractions: Channing Frye, Isaiah Thomas, Brook Lopez, Julius Randle and Thomas Bryant


10. Portland Trail Blazers (7)
2017-18 record: 49-33
Result: L, West Round 1
Previous rank: No. 15

The Blazers don't have a lot of ways to improve their roster because of a landlocked cap sheet, but the additions of Nik Stauskas and Seth Curry bolster the shooting depth of an already solid perimeter team. Shabazz Napier had a breakout season filling in for Damian Lillard and Ed Davis is a consistent energy player, but their losses can be quickly filled by other in-house options. The Blazers appeared to take a big step forward last season before a first-round face plant, and with the conservative offseason approach it looks as if the front office is betting on the finish being a fluke. -- Young

Key additions: Anfernee Simons, Gary Trent Jr., Nik Stauskas and Seth Curry

Key subtractions: Shabazz Napier and Ed Davis


11. Indiana Pacers (4)
2017-18 record: 48-34
Result: L, East Round 1
Previous rank: No. 11

Victor Oladipo elevated his game to a new level last season, almost knocking LeBron and the Cavs out in the first round. Now the All-Star guard has to raise his level even higher while hoping he can take the rest of the young core along with him for the ride. Tyreke Evans should be able to help immediately, and rookie Aaron Holiday showed some nice flashes of promise in his summer league debut. With Oladipo and Myles Turner leading the way, the young Pacers group is poised to show that it belongs near the top of a revamped East. -- Nick Friedell

Key additions: Aaron Holiday, Alize Johnson, Tyreke Evans, Kyle O'Quinn and Doug McDermott

Key subtractions: Glenn Robinson III and Lance Stephenson


12. New Orleans Pelicans (Cool
2017-18 record: 48-34
Result: L, West semis
Previous rank: No. 8

The Pelicans essentially swapped out DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo for Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle. New Orleans recovered well after Cousins took a low-money deal to join the very (super) team that bounced the Pelicans from the conference semifinals last season. Still, the lingering question is whether New Orleans has enough to make strides in a beefed-up West. Anthony Davis gives them every opportunity to keep things interesting. -- Forsberg

Key additions: Elfrid Payton, Tony Carr and Julius Randle

Key subtractions: DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo


13. San Antonio Spurs (9)
2017-18 record: 47-35
Result: L, West Round 1
Previous rank: No. 6

The Summer of Kawhi finally came to an end, delivering DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl to San Antonio in return (plus a protected first-round draft pick). The Spurs have had a major offseason of change. San Antonio managed to lose two former Finals MVPs in Leonard and Tony Parker. The Spurs also lost Swiss Army knife Kyle Anderson to Memphis. DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are now running the show for this team that refused to rebuild, and look for rookie Lonnie Walker IV to potentially make an impact for Gregg Popovich. -- Youngmisuk

Key additions: Lonnie Walker IV, Chimezie Metu, Marco Belinelli, Dante Cunningham, DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl

Key subtractions: Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Kyle Anderson


14. Washington Wizards (5)
2017-18 record: 43-39
Result: L, East Round 1
Previous rank: No. 16

With no cap space to speak of this summer, the Wizards brought John Wall, Bradley Beal and the rest of the band back together for at least one more run. Swapping out Dwight Howard for Marcin Gortat might push Washington a few steps ahead of where it finished last season in the East. But it's difficult to see how the All-Star backcourt and the rest of the Wizards take a major leap forward this season, even with LeBron in Los Angeles. Trading Gortat for Austin Rivers gives Scott Brooks a strong third guard and allows him to play some smaller lineups. But the big question is how Howard -- an eight-time NBA All-Star who has changed teams four times in nearly three years -- can mesh with the Washington backcourt. -- Ian Begley

Key additions: Troy Brown, Issuf Sanon, Jeff Green, Austin Rivers, Dwight Howard and Thomas Bryant

Key subtractions: Mike Scott and Marcin Gortat


15. Minnesota Timberwolves (10)
2017-18 record: 47-35
Result: L, West Round 1
Previous rank: No. 10

The Wolves are still very young, but it strangely feels as if there's some arbitrary clock ticking on them. There are rumblings of some roster strife, but they are coming off a landmark playoff appearance and a successful regular season that would've been even better without Jimmy Butler's injury. There wasn't much room to add outside of the draft, and assuming they lose Jamal Crawford, an already thin bench will be thinner. But this season is about the young core taking another step. -- Young

Key additions: Josh Okogie, Keita Bates-Diop and Anthony Tolliver

Key subtraction: Nemanja Bjelica


16. Milwaukee Bucks (6)
2017-18 record: 44-38
Result: L, East Round 1
Previous rank: No. 12

Can Mike Budenholzer's offensive system help the Bucks get to where they want to go? The veteran coach inherits a young group that was not able to live up to expectations last season. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best young stars in the game, but aside from Khris Middleton, the rest of the roster remains largely a question mark. Point guard Eric Bledsoe had some nice moments but didn't show enough consistency. Will Ersan Ilyasova and Brook Lopez provide enough of a stabilizing presence to bring out the best for a group that is high on potential but short on results? -- Friedell

Key additions: Donte DiVincenzo, Ersan Ilyasova and Brook Lopez

Key subtraction: Jabari Parker


17. LA Clippers (11)
2017-18 record: 42-40
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 20

RIP Lob City, as DeAndre Jordan became the last Clipper of Doc Rivers' former Big Three to depart. Jordan joined Dallas -- for real this time -- in free agency and now with Blake Griffin (Detroit) and Chris Paul (Houston) gone, the Clippers begin retooling with Marcin Gortat, Mike Scott and defensive forward Luc Mbah a Moute adding depth. Plus, they have the two big lottery additions: Kentucky's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Boston College's Jerome Robinson. The Clippers are high on SGA. -- Youngmisuk

Key additions: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jerome Robinson, Mike Scott, Luc Mbah a Moute and Marcin Gortat

Key subtractions: DeAndre Jordan and Austin Rivers


18. Memphis Grizzlies (12)
2017-18 record: 22-60
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 23

Memphis is optimistic that with a healthy Marc Gasol and Mike Conley back in the fold, it can return to playoff prominence after a long season full of tanking. Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. should be able to help space the floor and pay immediate dividends, and Kyle Anderson and Garrett Temple should give this proud franchise an immediate boost as well. The key for the Grizzlies will be avoiding the injuries that crushed them last season. After having the interim tag removed from his title, coach J.B. Bickerstaff has the intriguing task of trying to mix a young core with an old one. -- Friedell

Key additions: Jaren Jackson Jr., Jevon Carter, Omri Casspi, Kyle Anderson, Garrett Temple and Shelvin Mack

Key subtractions: James Ennis, Tyreke Evans, Ben McLemore and Deyonta Davis


19. Dallas Mavericks (13)
2017-18 record: 24-58
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 27

The Mavericks spent the past four weeks setting things up for next July, when they'll have Luka Doncic, Dennis Smith Jr. and -- potentially -- $50 million in cap space to sell free agents. Yes, Marc Cuban & Co. figure to be active next summer. In between now and then, Cuban says he expects Dallas to compete for the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference. Signing veteran center DeAndre Jordan to a one-year, $23 million deal should help the Mavs toward that goal. But that anti-tanking approach could cost Dallas its draft pick next June. If the Mavs' pick falls outside of the top five, it will go to Atlanta as part of the Doncic-Trae Young deal. -- Begley

Key additions: Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, Ray Spalding, Kostas Antetokounmpo, DeAndre Jordan and Ryan Broekhoff

Key subtractions: Nerlens Noel, Seth Curry, Doug McDermott and Yogi Ferrell


20. Miami Heat (7)
2017-18 record: 44-38
Result: L, East Round 1
Previous rank: No. 18

Miami didn't have any easy avenues to upgrade its roster this offseason. The Heat had no cap space and were never going to find a strong trade market for center Hassan Whiteside So it made sense for Miami to bring back most of the roster from a team that won 44 games last season. The Heat should get back a healthy Dion Waiters this season and, maybe, Dwyane Wade if he decides to play one more season at age 36. It seems unlikely, but you'd think that the Heat would jump in these power rankings if Carmelo Anthony decided to play in South Beach instead of Houston. -- Begley

Key additions: None

Key subtractions: None


21. Charlotte Hornets (Cool
2017-18 record: 36-46
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 21

The Hornets made several transactions since our last power rankings, but do any of them push the club forward in the East? That seems unlikely. Sure, Tony Parker gives new head coach James Borrego a solid backup behind Kemba Walker. And Bismack Biyombo should be a suitable backup center behind Cody Zeller. The addition of Miles Bridges might eventually push either Marvin Williams or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out of the starting lineup. But none of these new faces seem likely to increase Charlotte's chances of moving into the top tier of the up-for-grabs East. That means Walker, a 2019 free agent, should have plenty to think about next summer. -- Begley

Key additions: Miles Bridges, Arnoldas Kulboka, Devonte' Graham, Tony Parker and Bismack Biyombo

Key subtractions: Michael Carter-Williams and Dwight Howard


22. Detroit Pistons (9)
2017-18 record: 39-43
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 19

Detroit swung for the playoffs and missed last season after dealing for Blake Griffin. The Pistons' hope is that new coach Dwane Casey will set a positive tone for a group that comes into a new season after a healthy summer. The biggest question remaining: Can Casey find a way for All-Star center Andre Drummond and Griffin to thrive in a league that has made long-range shooting more important than ever? The group never found enough of a rhythm without injured point guard Reggie Jackson last season -- if he stays healthy this time around the Pistons should be headed back to the postseason. -- Friedell

Key additions: Khyri Thomas, Bruce Brown, Jose Calderon, Glenn Robinson III and Zaza Pachulia

Key subtraction: Anthony Tolliver


23. Cleveland Cavaliers (10)
2017-18 record: 50-32
Result: L, NBA Finals
Previous rank: No. 17

The Cavs enter a new era without LeBron James -- one which is not expected to generate a lot of wins. Kevin Love gets another chance to be the face of a franchise and should relish more opportunities on the floor, but this group lost its identity when James left for Los Angeles and will struggle as it enters another rebuild. The positive is that rookie Collin Sexton impressed on the defensive end in summer league and Cleveland still has plenty of time to deal some of its veterans for future assets. -- Friedell

Key additions: Collin Sexton and Channing Frye

Key subtractions: LeBron James, Jose Calderon and Jeff Green


24. Phoenix Suns (14)
2017-18 record: 21-61
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 26

The reward for having the worst record in basketball came this summer in the drafting of top overall pick Deandre Ayton, who averaged 14.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in four games at summer league. The Suns traded for rookie Mikal Bridges in the draft and surprised many by landing Trevor Ariza in free agency in hopes of upgrading their defense. They also traded for another young big with potential in Richaun Holmes. But their biggest move of the summer was signing franchise guard Devin Booker to a five-year, $158-million extension. The West is crowded, but it looks as if the Suns are trying to win now. -- Youngmisuk

Key additions: Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo, Trevor Ariza and Richaun Holmes

Key subtractions: Elfrid Payton, Jared Dudley and Alex Len


25. Chicago Bulls (11)
2017-18 record: 27-55
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 22

The Bulls hope they'll be able to score lots of points -- but will they be able to defend? After signing Jabari Parker for $20 million next season and locking in Zach LaVine for $78 million over the next four, the Bulls have an interesting young core in place alongside Lauri Markkanen and rookie Wendell Carter Jr., but it remains unclear if they have a core that can win lots of games this season. There will be a great deal of pressure on fourth-year coach Fred Hoiberg and his staff to find ways to make this group jell and succeed on the defensive end. -- Friedell

Key additions: Wendell Carter Jr., Chandler Hutchison and Jabari Parker

Key subtraction: Jerian Grant


26. Orlando Magic (12)
2017-18 record: 25-57
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 28

The Magic took a few positive steps in what figures to be a long and arduous rebuild this summer by signing Aaron Gordon to a reasonable contract and drafting Mohamed Bamba. If things go as planned for Orlando and new head coach Steve Clifford, then Bamba (a potentially elite defender), Gordon and Jonathan Isaac will form one of the top young frontcourts in the NBA. Orlando is at least one year away from competing for the playoffs, so it can afford to give Jerian Grant an opportunity to earn minutes in the backcourt. The next long-term project for Orlando? Finding a point guard who can make life easier for the aforementioned front line. -- Begley

Key additions: Mohamed Bamba, Melvin Frazier, Justin Jackson, Isaiah Briscoe, Timofey Mozgov and Jerian Grant

Key subtractions: Bismack Biyombo, Mario Hezonja and Shelvin Mack


27. New York Knicks (13)
2017-18 record: 29-53
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 24

First-year coach David Fizdale will bring fresh energy to New York. First-round pick Kevin Knox showed at summer league that he should make an immediate impact. But the goal of the 2018-19 Knicks is simple: get Kristaps Porzingis back to full health and hope to show enough positives that big-name free agents are willing to take New York's money next summer. -- Forsberg

Key additions: Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Mario Hezonja

Key subtractions: Kyle O'Quinn, Doug McDermott and Michael Beasley


28. Brooklyn Nets (14)
2017-18 record: 28-54
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 25

The Nets did a bunch of wheeling and dealing this summer, but their most celebratory moment of the offseason came when Cleveland utilized the final first-round draft pick relinquished to Boston in the Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce deal in 2013. Brooklyn's summer moves might not translate to immediate wins -- though the additions of Jared Dudley and Kenneth Faried could help a young roster -- but the Nets have positioned themselves to have ample cap space in 2019, and general manager Sean Marks has fully replenished the team's supply of future draft picks. -- Forsberg

Key additions: Dzanan Musa, Rodions Kurucs, Ed Davis, Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur, Shabazz Napier and Jared Dudley

Key subtractions: Jeremy Lin, Timofey Mozgov, Nik Stauskas, Dante Cunningham


29. Sacramento Kings (15)
2017-18 record: 27-55
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 29

The Kings passed on Luka Doncic and drafted Marvin Bagley III with the hope of the Duke big man providing an offensive impact inside immediately. Bagley joins a crowded roster full of 25-and-under talent with potential that the Kings hope to develop. Sacramento added to that group by trading for Ben McLemore and Deyonta Davis. And Sacramento was able to sign two free agents despite both coming to verbal agreements with other teams earlier in free agency in Yogi Ferrell and Nemanja Bjelica. Something else for the Kings to be excited about: Harry Giles averaged 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in summer league after sitting out last season. -- Youngmisuk

Key additions: Marvin Bagley III, Ben McLemore, Deyonta Davis, Nemanja Bjelica and Yogi Ferrell

Key subtraction: Garrett Temple



30. Atlanta Hawks (15)
2017-18 record: 24-58
Result: Missed playoffs
Previous rank: No. 30

The Hawks might not win many games this season, but they are well-positioned to rebuild. By trading Dennis Schroder to the Thunder, the Hawks freed more minutes for Trae Young and nearly $50 million in 2019 cap space next summer. The club also might have three first-round picks in the 2019 draft -- their own, Cleveland's (top-10-protected) and Dallas's (top-five-protected). That's a good place for the Hawks and first-year head coach Lloyd Pierce to begin climbing back up in the East. -- Begley

Key additions: Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Omari Spellman, Jeremy Lin, Justin Anderson and Alex Len

Key subtractions: Dennis Schroder and Mike Muscala



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Post by kdp59 Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:53 am

is it just me or did OKC have the most under rated off-season so far?

first they dumped Melo

and got Schroder for their efforts.

then added Noel and TLC for their bench!

oh yeah and got George to resign too

pretty nice off-season to me.





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Post by gyso Mon Jul 23, 2018 1:08 pm

If the Celtics lose in the East Finals, who actually goes to the NBA Finals and loses to GSW? Maybe I am missing something, like the list instruction manual.

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Post by NYCelt Mon Jul 23, 2018 10:33 pm

Top 5 look about right. As usual in the NBA, there are probably only 3 or 4 teams with a realistic chance going into the new season. I'd make Golden State, Houston and Boston those teams.

Funny to see Brad Wanamaker listed as a key addition.
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Post by Matty Mon Jul 23, 2018 11:32 pm

I'm going to disagree with this article's theme.

The idea its suggests is that the entire playing field is entirely different, well it is, but it aint.

First Kawhi to Toronto.

Before this trade the kids north of the border would have been viewed as the 2nd or third best team in the East preseason. Well guess what, they are still the 2nd or third best team in the East.

The difference in the East comes from the leaving of Lebron, had he stayed in Ohio Toronto would have been the second or third - or fourth best team in the East, well its a 3 team race now with Philly being team number Tres. The Cav's in the last year have lost one of the best point guards in the entire league and the best forward in the league since Larry Joe Bird and have a number 8 pick to show for it all so far.

Luckily it wasn't t too long ago that Lebron was in Miami, and of course there are the Browns, so fans there are still accustomed to their teams sucking. lol!

Lebron heads to Lakerville.. Without Lebron the Lakers would have been headed for the lottery, they probably are not now. Last season they were 35-47good for 11th in their conference.

Now they added Lebron who believes he is a basketball savant, and Rondo (who really likely is) to a band with its own version of Yoko Ono (Lavar Ball) and toss in some first rate new role players and mix it all about- stand back and watch out for a powder keg...

a year ago this team was 37-45, and in the west it could do that, or best case scenario, 45-37. hardly a land shaping change for the entire league.
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Post by kdp59 Wed Jul 25, 2018 8:12 am

I agree about the collection of players Magic has brought in this year to La-LA land. I even started a thread about the possible dysfunctional group.

But I also think that LeBron James and a team of D-League players can win 45 games. I DO think he is that good. So I think the Lakers high point for this year is more in the 50 win mark and the playoffs in the West.

Houston will take a step back next year with Melo replacing Ariza in my mind.
In fact my GUESS as to the final standings in the west today would be:

1. GS
2. OKC- I think they ahd the best off-season
3. Hou
4. SA- Don't count Pop out yet
5. LAL- The King
6. Utah
7. Den- IT back in the playoffs
8. Mem- Watch for it.

East would be

1. Bos
2. Phil
3. Mil- Lopez and Ervan added to last years team
4. Tor- I think Leonards injury may resurface
5. Wash- Howard does make them better
6. Ind
7. Mia
8. Det- My surprise playoff team this year
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Post by KyleCleric Wed Jul 25, 2018 8:32 am

If a team only wins 45 games in the west, they're probably in the lottery.

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Post by steve3344 Thu Jul 26, 2018 2:28 am

Praying Sacramento finishes where this article predicts - with us getting their #2 pick in the lottery.

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Post by k_j_88 Thu Jul 26, 2018 6:55 pm

KDP,

I think you might be overrating MIL and selling IND short just a bit.


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Post by NESportsfan12 Fri Jul 27, 2018 8:15 am

kdp59 wrote:is it just me or did OKC have the most under rated off-season so far?

first they dumped Melo

and got Schroder for their efforts.

then added Noel and TLC for their bench!

oh yeah and got George to resign too

pretty nice off-season to me.





Was thinking the same thing!
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