Basketball

Northwest Division

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1. Denver Nuggets

They boast the same team with a couple additions that should contribute immediately.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

They aren’t playing around and are going for it this season with the moves they made in the offseason.

3. Utah Jazz

Expectations fell short for them last year, but adding Mike Conley should raise those expectations again.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Realizing they were in a lose-lose situation, they maximized their assets in dealing Russell Westbrook and Paul George in separate deals.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

They could be a sneaky good team, but there are too many questions surrounding the supporting cast around Karl-Anthony Towns. Continue reading →

Southwest Division

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1. Houston Rockets

What they will accomplish in the regular season will be impressive, but can they duplicate that in the playoffs?

2. San Antonio Spurs

This is going to be a transition year for them, but we’ve said that before and they’ve surprised us.

3. Dallas Mavericks

It’s an exciting time in Dallas. Their future looks really good with Doncic and now Porzingis in the fold.

4. New Orleans Pelicans

They lucked out with getting Zion and have a tremendous foundation to build from with the Anthony Davis trade.

5. Memphis Grizzlies

The rebuild is in full swing and the pieces they’ve accumulated could pan out quicker than previous thought. Continue reading →

Southeast Division

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1. Miami Heat

This is the perfect time for them to retake the division and make some noise come playoff time.

2. Orlando Magic

They certainly stack up as a playoff team, but can they get out of the first round?

3. Washington Wizards

John Wall isn’t expected to play this season. Should they be expected to make a playoff push?

4. Atlanta Hawks

The rebuild continues and they came away with two excellent lottery picks to go along with Trae Young.

5. Charlotte Hornets

It’s going to be a painful, but necessary rebuild to get away from the bad contracts they’ve dolled out over the years. Continue reading →

Central Division

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1. Milwaukee Bucks

Being beaten by the eventual NBA champions shouldn’t deter them from making another run this year.

2. Indiana Pacers

They have an interesting core to build from and if Victor Oladipo is healthy they could surprise some in the playoffs.

3. Detroit Pistons

Their strength is in the front-court, but is Derrick Rose the answer for the backcourt?

4. Chicago Bulls

They’ve built a nice roster, but they need to find an identity if they want to be serious contenders.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

John Beilein left the comforts of Michigan to see how he can use his talents to rebuild the Cavaliers. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

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1. Philadelphia 76ers

A lot of money has been invested in their starting lineup to deliver a trip to the Conference Finals or better.

2. Toronto Raptors

They are the defending champs and they will defend that title without Kawhi, but the world will realize how good Pascal Siakam is.

3. Boston Celtics

Last year was a disappointment and they hope Kemba Walker is better than Kyrie was.

4. Brooklyn Nets

Even without Kevin Durant for his first season aboard this Nets team has a lot of intriguing pieces to build on.

5. New York Knicks

Sure signing four power forwards was a strange move, but they weren’t massive long-term deals. Continue reading →