1. Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic is the real deal and proved it in the short playoff appearance last year. He will be a MVP candidate his entire career.
2. Houston Rockets
Even if James Harden does force his way out, this team has enough talent to be a playoff team. With Harden they should be better obviously.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant is a star in the making and will be getting some looks as a possible MVP candidate this year.
4. New Orleans Pelicans
They were close to a playoff spot last year, but it was a good learning experience for the group they’re building around.
5. San Antonio Spurs
The rest of the conference and their division for that matter are passing them by very quickly.
Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
Key Position: Forward
Key Rookies: G Josh Green, G Tyrell Terry
Key Acquisitions: G Josh Richardson (Philadelphia), F James Johnson (Minnesota)
Starting Lineup: G Luka Doncic, G Josh Richardson, F Tim Hardaway Jr., F Kristaps Porzingis, C Dwight Powell
Head Coach: Stephen Silas (Dallas)
Key Position: Forward
Key Rookies: F Jae’Sean Tate
Key Acquisitions: F Christian Wood (Detroit), G David Nwaba (Brooklyn), G Sterling Brown (Milwaukee), G John Wall (Washington), C DeMarcus Cousins (LA Lakers)
Starting Lineup: G John Wall, G James Harden, F Danuel House, F P.J. Tucker, C Christian Wood
Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins
Key Position: Forward
Key Rookies: G Desmond Bane
Key Acquisitions: F Justise Winslow (Miami)
Starting Lineup: G Ja Morant, G Dillon Brooks, F Kyle Anderson, F Jaren Jackson Jr., C Jonas Valanciunas
Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy (Detroit – 2018)
Key Position: Guard
Key Rookies: G Kira Lewis Jr.
Key Acquisitions: G Eric Bledsoe (Milwaukee), C Steven Adams (Oklahoma City)
Starting Lineup: G Lonzo Ball, G Eric Bledsoe, F Brandon Ingram, F Zion Williamson, C Steven Adams
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Key Position: Guard
Key Rookies: G Devin Vassell
Key Acquisitions: None
Starting Lineup: G Dejounte Murray, G Lonnie Walker, F Keldon Johnson, F DeMar DeRozan, C LaMarcus Aldridge
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