Pacific Division

1. Los Angeles Clippers

They are the talk of the league after getting both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to come aboard.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis is now on board. Let’s see if that brings out the best in LeBron since LA hasn’t seen it yet.

3. Golden State Warriors

Not having Klay Thompson hurts them this year, but they should still make the playoffs regardless.

4. Sacramento Kings

Once again with a new coach on the bench what will their identity be with a young talented roster?

5. Phoenix Suns

The most dysfunctional team in the NBA not named the New York Knicks has another year of growing pains to deal with. Continue reading →

Pacific Division

1. Vegas Golden Knights

A full season with the group they put together during last season should put them at the top.

2. Calgary Flames

They took a big step forward last year, but there are still questions in net.

3. San Jose Sharks

Their captain left via free agency, but they have one of the deepest defensive units in the league.

4. Arizona Coyotes

This is the year they need to put it all together and make a playoff push.

5. Anaheim Ducks

There should be improvements in many areas, but they’re another year away from contention.

6. Los Angeles Kings

The reset button has been hit, but they aren’t going all out for a rebuild just yet.

7. Vancouver Canucks

If their defense and goalie can match what their offense can dish out, they can make a leap in the division.

8. Edmonton Oilers

Not a lot is expected from them and that is a good thing for this franchise. Time to fly under the radar. Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo – Bucks

Rookie – Luka Doncic – Mavericks

Coach – Mike Budenholzer – Bucks

Defensive Player – Kawhi Leonard – Raptors

Most Improved – Kawhi Leonard – Raptors

Sixth Man – Kyle Kuzma – Lakers

Executive – Magic Johnson – Lakers Continue reading →

Pacific Division

1. Golden State Warriors

Until they are dethroned, they are still the favorites to win again.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The best player in the league has decided to take his talents out west.

3. Los Angeles Clippers

They’ve rebuilt this roster into a very cohesive and complimentary team.

4. Sacramento Kings

There’s plenty of talent, but what is the direction of this franchise?

5. Phoenix Suns

This will be a crucial year for this team that has a good core to build around. Continue reading →

Pacific Division

1. San Jose Sharks

They became legit contenders with the addition of Erik Karlsson.

2. Vegas Golden Knights

Their cinderella season wasn’t a fluke. They should be contenders once again.

3. Anaheim Ducks

Health and the play of goaltender of John Gibson will determine their success.

4. Los Angeles Kings

It was an early exit in the playoffs last year, but too many questions remain about their scoring prowess.

5. Calgary Flames

They’re solid in a lot of areas, but they play in a stacked conference to get to the playoffs.

6. Edmonton Oilers

There is so much talent here, yet it almost goes to waste in Edmonton.

7. Arizona Coyotes

Some clever moves have the Coyotes positioned to be a surprise team this season.

8. Vancouver Canucks

The Sedin twins have retired and the Canucks will look for a new franchise player. Continue reading →