Post by yourkers15 on Dec 25, 2023 18:05:59 GMT
29. Portland Trailblazers(6-25)
Break it down and that they did. Leaving really only scoot to be the prime franchise piece. They will be in for a long rebuild unless tc is super duper kind to scoot and makes him blow up but think Portland is OK waiting.
28. Los Angeles Clippers(7-24)
Clippers did a wonderful job tearing down the roster. 3 firsts for zubac and a first for Westbrook were big gets. They also had no problem moving George and Kawhi. Now they can start fresh with the ability to hit on some of those picks this coming year. I like their chances.
27. New York Knicks(8-23)
The knicks have been the most confusing team and one in the news. First was the failed trade where they had all right to be upset. Then moving everyone to trade for Paul George and then siakam. Like to break the team down then trade for talent is just a weird strategy. Let's see if it leads to anything or will adding talent hurt their draft chances.
26. Los Angeles Lakers(9-20)
Reaves looks really nice and building around him makes total sense. JJJ has a chance to be good if that inside scoring can improve. Think they took less on the davis/lbj deals but when you want to move on quick you do things like that. So I like where they are and they could make a quick turnaround.
25. San Antonio Spurs(11-22)
The Spurs are set up to be great. Wemb and Vassell are 2 amazing building blocks. They have some interesting pieces as well and are full of cap space to really make a big change come year two. Watch out for this team to be the surprise next year.
24. Boston Celtics(12-20)
The celtics didn't need to do what they did. They had a stacked roster and could have added Randle for an overpay but they would have been legit for sure. But here where are with no good young talent and only draft picks and cash. This will be a long rebuild the likes Boston isn't use to.
23. Utah Jazz(10-13)
Was so surprised when I seen the Jazz moved a first for Westbrook. It might be costly since they are playing Mediocre basketball. This team should be better though. I like the roster and Lauri and Lavine are solid as the main options. Maybe they pick it up and I don't want to see a Lotto go for Westbrook.
22. Toronto Raptors(13-18)
I'm so damn disappointed with how this roster has played out and it might backfire cuz I moved my picks to put this together. Injuries hurt me but damn we should be better. Hopefully grabbing Ingram and having Barnes as my super sub we can take the next step and maybe make the playoffs.
21. Atlanta Hawks(15-16)
Solid core that is all gone now. Van said screw this Medicare play and traded Capella, Young, Murray, and bogs. Now the rebuild is on and I hope Sharpe and Black work out.
20. Detroit Pistons(18-21)
Cade is the real deal. Duren gonna be special and they are filled with talent. But it will take time. Can they be patient and watch it play out? Or will they rush knowing cade and duren will be real good really quickly. We will wait and see.
19. Washington Wizards(17-17)
Kuzzila is for real I guess. Wizards actually are going for a bet to beat and they were doing well but now it's time to break it down. Why give up so quickly? Should see it out but if not I like Conley for sure.
18. Cleveland Cavs(13-13)
I expected this team to be better than .500 at this moment but they aren't playing up to expectations. Rj Barrett been a huge disappointment. He needs to pick it up if they expect to be contenders out East.
17. Milwaukee Bucks(16-16)
Giannis and Lillard and that's really all. This team needs so much help if they want to make a true run but they also lack any real assets to move so odds are they will have to make due with what they have.
16. Memphis Grizzlies(16-17)
The grizz did a pretty good job for being without key pieces for a huge portion of the years beginning. JV will be out all year as will Clarke but the grizz got their superstar in Ja Morant back and should be formative the rest of the year. They def would be in better shape if Ja was around all year but this year is only a measuring stick for what next year can be.
15. Charlotte Hornets(17-14)
Very surprised that the Hornets are playing some good basketball. Melo has been doing his thing but his back court running mate in rozier has been the story. Him adding over 22 a game has helped the offense plenty but with a negative point differential might have them higher than expected.
14. Orlando Magic(16-14)
The Magic made the big move to get SGA but it has left them around .500 but now they added even more firepower in Capella and Murray and these 2 should help balance out the roster and give them the help they need. I can see this team moving very quickly up the power rankings
13. Denver Nuggets(17-15)
Surprised with the record for a team that has jokic on it. 31/14/6 is unheard of. But players like KP and MPJ are underperformeing and seem to be holding the team back. If they can find a better replacement for either this team could reach the next level.
12. Sacramento Kings(16-11)
If it weren't for Haliburton Fox would probably be the guy in the front for early mvp. He is leading this team to a positive record even with their low 4.2 ppg differential. Sabonis has been as advertised with his stat Stuffing stats. But outside them two there isn't much to write home about. If the Kings want to take that next step they will need to find a 3rd star.
11. Philadelphia 76ers(18-15)
They had one really slow start which is surprising when you have stars like lebron/maxey/embiid but they added Paul George and that has really got this team playing the way they were expected to. With 4 players who could lead the way any game they will be tough to beat so the top 10 should watch out because the 76ers are coming.
10. Oklahoma city Thunder(18-13)
Really wonder what this team would look like if they held onto SGA. They really lack scoring as they are under 100 ppg. His scoring would probably have them in a better position and truly fighting for the division lead. But they just added Young who should add that fire power they are lacking amd take the scoring to the next level.
9.. Houston Rockets(19-15)
Only a 1 point differential is never promising if you're looking to win a ton of games. Means games are super close and it can go either way but so far they have won more of those games. With a nice 3 of FVV/Green/Sengun the Rockets will always be in games and also have a nice foundation to build on. Also have Smith Jr and Thompson to add to a core that should be dangerous in a couple years for sure.
8. Golden State Warriors(20-14)
Currymania is what has this team rolling. Scoring over 32 a game while klay is the only other player in double figures scoring is mind blowing. But what has been helpful is their great defense keeping teams under 100 points. Can this last? Only time will tell.
7. New Orleans Pelicans(19-13)
The Pelicans are a high flying team who has been putting up numbers on opposing defenses. So with all that success why make some changes? Could it be for the better or for worse? Well regardless they will still have Brunson who has been their best scorer and Williamson who is a force down low. We will see what happens in the next month to see if they made the right choice.
6. Phoenix Suns(18-11)
When your best player isn't even playing 30 mins but you are playing really well that says something. Durant is putting up 21 in 25 mins should lock him in as 6th Man of the year and booker is scoring 26 on amazing percentage. Outside that the rest of the roster is doing just enough to allow the team to be successful.
5. Minnesota TWolves(16-9)
This is one scary team. KAT is a beast and him and gobert make for one of the best front court duos in the league. Then you add Ant to the mix and this is one tough team to beat. But the xfactor is Russell because when he plays well this team plays really well.
4. Brooklyn Nets(20-10)
Complaining bout Ben Simmons yet you have one of the best records and point differentials in the league. But can't say Brown is like Durant coming off the bench. Only over 9 a game for someone you think could kill it offensively. If they want to continue to grow
3. Miami Heat(22-10)
The team started slow but now they found their footing. They have one really amazing starting 5. Harden/herro/butler/davis/bam might be the best starting 5 in the league. All of them are over 14 a game and no one over 21. Talk bout sharing and that's Heat culture.
2. Dallas Mavs(19-9)
Doncic/tatum/Irving is as scary a trio as you can come up with. Two 30 a game scorers while playing top flight defense. They just put so much pressure on the other team they crumble. I could easily see them as the number one team when we get further into the season.
1. Indiana Pacers(21-9)
This team is playing at such a high level. Halliburton is probably gonna end up the mvp since PGs rule this world and they are the best team. Getting Kawhi def shaped out this team and took them to the next level. They could have a better points differential and that could cause them to lose the top spot but as long as they continue to win that's all that matters.
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