Post by cop5414 on Aug 14, 2024 18:42:37 GMT
NBN 2029 Early Season Power Rankings: #16-#1
16. Charlotte Hornets
Projected Lineup:
C: Mark Williams
PF: Kel'el Ware
SF: Terrance Shannon Jr.??
SG: Caleb Foster?
PG: Lamelo Ball
Bench: Earl Boykins, Dejounte Murray
The Hornets are in an interesting spot in my opinion. All their of scoring talent resides in the point guard postions. Lamelo Ball, Dejounte Murray, Caleb Foster, and I guess we should count the halfling Boykins. Here's the problem, they've no actual shooting guard, which is whatever with the names above, the SF talent pool is hot garbage and any scoring produced from any big is unlikely to hit +15ppg. Add the fact that their only actual capable rebounder is Mark Williams, who unfortunatley can't produce a lot of stocks for that contract. Myles Turner would've likely been huge for defensively. But here's the main issue for them. Last season they finished with a record of 44-38 just good enough for the 9th seed. Yeah, screw the East. Now the landscape has changed and unfortunately the East has only added suitors to the playoff race. Pistons and Raptors made some big moves, the Nets and Celtics I've already ranked lower but it wouldn't shock me if they became some sort of threat. It's a bloodbath and compared to these other teams the Hornets roster seems unbalanced. The easy thought would probably be to tear it all down and start a proper rebuild, however the Hornets don't have their '31 pick. So my thoughts, go for a soft rebuild, keep Lamelo move whoever else you can and try to fall into that top 10 lotto range, then either use the pick or leverage it. Or they could have more fun with it, get real crazy and try Lamelo out at SF. I think the Slough used to throw some kimd of crazy lineup back in 2.0 consisting of three PGs. I know players are seemingly built different in 3.0, but half the current SF can't rebound or score for crap. You've got a preseason 2 sim left. Try. It. out.
15. Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Lineup:
C:Alexandre SarrPF: DaRon Holmes III
SF: Ron Holland
SG: hopefully someone else
PG: Donavon Mitchell
Bench: Fultz, Dieng
The Clippers truly are in no man's land, I initially thought that they'd be taking huge leaps last season after their cinderella run back in 2027, that took them all the way to the conference before being eventually swept by the soon to be champions Vancouver Grizzlies. The development of Ron Holland, Alexandre Sarr, and DaRon Holmes has all come to a hault. I believe the Clipper's GM big man has officially tossed Sarr's name out on the trade block on multiple occasions. Once during the 2029 NBN Draft for in what was hopes for a top 3 pick, and once again post draft. I'll admit I'd initially had interest, but one scouting report changed my mind. It's a solid squad for the Western conference, but as a championship contender they'll be on the bottom tier of the teams that make the postseason this year. They've no scoring threat aside from the 33-year old Donavon Mitchell, and while Holland and Sarr might have the ability to throw up +20 a night, I wouldn't bet a single dollar on them to take over a playoff series at this point. Look they've got some cap space and contracta like Ousmane Dieng, OJ Anunoby, and Fultz they could trade. Don't stand pat with contract you probably can't move for the "right" price, go get the reigning scoring champion Cam Thomas from the Pacers, he's an expiring contract and the Pacers want to tank the best.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Lineup:
C: Wlaker Kessler
PF: Paolo Banchero
SF: Derek Harper
SG: Malik Monk
PG: Luka Doncic
Bench: Jakob Poeltl, Jalen Haralson
I've got the unfortunate feeling that the Cavaliers might be one of the unfortunate souls to be looking in from the outside. Luka is the only plus offensively, although Derek Harper is slowly coming along. I do like their group of big men. Let Kessler handle the boards and rim protection and try to get Banchero back to scoring near 20ppg if you can. Another thing would be to toy around with the DC, maybe try a slower pace, not the expert though. The point is that it will be a brutal path to clinching a playoff spot and the concern is that there isn't enough firepower. Maybe they should also make a bid for Cam Thomas, however I don't believe they'd have the assets if Paradise is asking for a good haul. Another possibility could be Jaylen Brown who is now currently on the Spurs. I'm not entirely sure what interim is planning for this season, but I'd guess they wouldn't be opposed to trading an expiring contract for something. I just think they need to find a third scoring piece to work into rotation with Harper and Monk.
13. Golden State Warriors
Projected Lineup:
C: Derek Lively
PF: Cameron Boozer
SF: Franz Wagner
SG: Jalen Green
PG: Scoot Henderson
Bench: James Wiseman
See all those current minimum wage contracts? I don't know when they joined, and likely neither does cheddar. They of course don't matter but those original 6 do. Before the sign to 12, Derek Lively, Cameron Boozer, Franz Wagner, Jalen Green, Scoot Henderson, and James Wiseman were the only names on the roster. That's a nice starting line up plus the sixth man. Unfortunately, it doesn't differ too much from the sqaud they threw out last season for a 40-42 record. Luckily or sadly (not sure I'm in between) the West is somehow weaker than it already was with the Lakers and the Suns dropping out. If they can keep healthy, I'd imagine they'd sit in that 42-48 win range. Would not put them anywhere near contender status in the West. They need to acquire some kind of true depth pieces, they need more than those no names throwing up sub-5 points a game.
12. Toronto Raptors
Projected Lineup:
C: Chet Holmgren
PF: Clint Capela
SF: Brandon Miller (really?)
SG: Hugo Gonzalez
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Bench: Cole Anthony, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Taylor Hendricks
Honestly, ripkobebryant deserves some type of reward for getting rid of that Brandon Miller contract, I mean sure it $2000 and it was to a GM he introduce (I think), but now its yourkers suffering this leech. There is a dude out in Cali that one GM is willing to give out, but 4 more years of that contract, it'd probably take a huge chunk of cash, prospects, or maybe picks. Aside from that slug, you have to appreciate the OKC combo of Holmgren and Shai, they alone can carry the Raptors to a 7th/8th seed, which is where I think they'll land come post season. If they manage another 20-pt scorer at any point in the season, I'll look at them more favorably.
11. Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Lineup:
C: Lachlan Olbric
PF: Evan Mobley
SF: Scottie Barnes
SG: Kobe Bufkin
PG: Tyrese Maxey
Bench: Isaiah Stewart, Avery Johnson
This is probably the starting point of where I begin to actually cause petty discussion. Granted I kind of placed them here before they acquired Kobe Bufkin, but I don't favor there selection of bigs in comparison to many of the other teams I've placed aheead of them. Stewart at his best has been a 10rpg type of player with a decent +/-3.0 stock producer, Olbric is still untested as far as I'm concerned, 8 games in preseason sim 1 is still a small sample size, if either of these two would maintain these number throughout the season, I'd place the reasoning more or less on the neccessity of players having to rebound. I wouldn't favor them over the higher talents, like Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren, Felix Okpara, Cooper Flagg, Aday Mara, possibly over a name like Khaman Malauch. Of course we can't forget the other core piece in Evan Mobley, his rebounding numbers is something I'd be more sure of hitting that +11 range and given his letter grade, I could see him in that 3.5-4.0 stock range. I think he is a great player that is worth the contract that I'd consider fairly cheap. The question might be however, what is wrong with him? This is at least his 5th home in 7 years. But hell if any GM can get him to dance to his potential, it'd be carlos. Scottie Barnes is hanging in that 23ppg range, and Tyrese Maxey whom I thought might already be on that slow decline is dropping 30ppg in preseason. I like this team and it wouldn't shock me in the least if they managed home court in the first round, I just have trouble believing that az they currently stand, would be able to take on a team like the Magic closely.
10. New York Knicks
Projected Lineup:
C: Aday Mara
PF: Rocco Zikarsky
SF: Jayson Tatum
SG: Ja'Kobe Walter
PG: Carlton Carrington
Bench: Darryn Peterson, DeAndre Ayton, Alex Toohey
I'll be the first to tell you, that defensively strong teams get me going and that's just what the Knicks are striving to be. Anchored by Aday Mara, along with core group of bigs that are a strong combo of defense and rebounding in Ayton, Zikarsky, and Staton. Solid defensively with Peterson and Carrington. Jayson Tatum will likely handle the scoring responsibilities, but he's no D.J Wagner. Good line up, great depth, but I have a hard time favoring because the offense in general and who is running the point. Carrington during his tenure on the Hawks has proven himself to be solid at the point but certainly nothing close to special. There is Peterson, whom was an excellent grab in return for Nikola Topic, but the man can't hit three's and has a huge turnover problem early in his career. Not a good combo for point in my opinion. And sure we could state that Tatum's scoring will be enough, but he had already spent time with Carrington and Walter in Atlanta and that didn't pan out. I like them as a +50 win team, and the fact that our league trade champion can hardly sit still and will likely have two other different roster looks throughout this season. Currently as it stands however, I find their guard situation to be underwhelming and don't see them as challengers to the majority of the other teams ranked here down below. I see them achieving a third straight 1st round exit come playoffs.
9. Vancouver Grizzlies
Projected Lineup:
C: Joel Embiid
PF: Zion Williamson
SF: Monte Leyva quite possibly?
SG: Josiah-Jordan James cause why not?
PG: Immanuel Quickly maybe?
Bench: Meleek Thomas, Knight Cantin, Bruno Fernandez
I'd assume that UC will eventually do something about it, but that PG situation is gross. The Embiid-Zion combo is carrying my opinion of this squad quite heavily. I could probably even rank them under the previous three teams, but you've got to give that Western Conference boost. Weak conference leaves chances of more wins. Zion plus Joel is a front court combo I don't believe anyone else can match in the league. Then there is Monte Leyva whom I'd consider testing out at SF, as Mackenzie MgBako gave a weak showing in preseason. The point guard spot is horrid, I feel the best option is to role out Immanuel Quickly but he was given starting minutes last year and only manage 11ppg and the handles don't speak +8apg to me. There is also always the option to roll out the rookie Knight Cantin, however, I doubt that'd even come close to fulfilling there needs. Their current contract situation also limits a lot of what they can do, assuming they don't move Zion. If I'm them, which of course would be a downgrade, I'd look to the Nets to acquire a PG. Maybe sell Embiid as a mentor for Stokes, and throw those extra picks and cash for Pettiford, Diagne, maybe Filipowski for contract/depth purposes. Or get really spicy and throw in for Marcus Johnson after all he has yet to recieve one camp. The Grizzlies are honestly in a bad spot, but if they can land their point guard, I see them as a true contender in the West.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder
Projected Lineup:
C: Victor Wembanyama
PF: Ivica Zubac
SF: Zaccharie Risarcher
SG: Shaedon Sharpe
PG: Jalen Brunson
Bench: Mime James, Isaac Okoro, Jayson Williams, Rui Hachimura
They'll probably end up with another +60 wins again. Wemby is a freak, who in my opinion has been snubbed for two MVP awards. He'll carry this squad consisting of great but not elite talent. Maybe Jalen could still fall under that category of elite, but he's 33 and aging the days of +28 a night are passed. As the roster stands, I can't think of much of what to add or change for that matter. There is little capspace to play with unless carmelo really wants to go wild post day 60. Risacher is servicable at SF, but if we were to consider potential playoff match ups the big honcho in the Kings consist of two of the league's best scorers in PG De'Aaron Fox and SF Keegan Murray, the Thunder lose in both these matchups, and Wemby you'd have to assume is a wash with a Claxton/Sherrell combo. I just don't see them getting past a team like the Kings without the routinely hurt playoff Fox. An upgrade will be need at either of those two postions, but now the question if who's available and affordable. I wonder if Matas Buzelis could be an good offset?
7. Detroit Pistons
Projected Lineup:
C: Felix Okpara
PF: Bam Adebayo
SF: Josh Leonard
SG: Desmond Bane
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
Bench: Jaden Toombs, Labaron Philon, Darius Acuff Jr., Damon Stoudamire
Tootin' my own horn, well most certainly. Have to in fact, as this roster is simply built to last the year. Somebody is getting moved next offseason and the odds are likely in the order of Bane, Haliburton, Adebayo. Yeah, it's a bit crazy to state that a high tier PG such as Haliburton is on the block after dropping $2.5k and two picks on him. But hopefully either Acuff Jr. or Stoudamire come to in the next season or two. As for the other two huge additions to this roster in Desmond Bane and Bam Adebayo, the hope is that these two can bring me near 45ppg combined. Three 20-pts scorers is the hope anyhow. This is probably the greatest lineup the Pistons have had in 3.0. The Duren - Cunningham - Giannis - Ausar- Herro is likely the next best. Here we've got a high end ball handler in Tyrese Haliburton, his scoring dropped a bit last season on a 51-win Pacers team, but I contribute most of that to being moved around as a 2nd/3rd option. Then there is Desmond Bane who has proven himself as a great 3rd option scorer and a solid contributor to the stocks count on defense. Josh Leonard is the weak point of the offense, his letter grades each got a +1 boost in scoring and defense, and if can manage to make back like $12k in money by sim 24, he might just get camped lmao. Defensively he'll add neither steals nor stocks but his post d and perimeter d are rather high. Now the two posts, Bam has an outrageous contract for what he is, and his offensive numbers have certianly taken a dive in the past two seasons. However, the thought here was that in these past two years the Heat moved on from Anthony Davis and rather than getting to spend his time playing at PF like he did in the 2025 and 2026 seasons when his numbers were top notch. I'd like to think he can hit that 3stpg threshold, as I like to run an aggressive defense. Then there is Felix Okpara, not overpaid quite yet in my eyes, give it three years. Nothing offensively but I'd wager, given his numbers, he's likely a top 3 post defender in this league and come coupled with near elite rebounding, biggest worry is those pesky turnovers however. It wouldn't shock me in the least if this squad ends up worse that the previous 4 mentioned, after all this is my team. However, I currently find it to be a more complete team with good enough depth to mitigate any serious injury loss and the biggest weakness is at the SF which is probably the weakest position league-wide. Excited to run this team out their, just hope I didn't hype myself up too much.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Projected Lineup:
C: Alperen Sengun
PF: Lauri Markkanen
SF: Judah Mintz?
SG: Cam Scott?
PG: Jared McCain
Bench: Ousmane N'Diaye, Ausar Thompson, Devin Vassell
Did not ha e an ounce of respect for them last post season, and I'm having trouble here, but I've forced myself to gi e some respect based on last season when they went 61-21 and clinched the #1 seed in the East. The roster makeup seems about the same, but Sengun got absolutley nuetered in TC. Their frontcourt will probably raise eyebrows, but where the scoring should count they've got it covered in McCain and Mintz. I honestly don't get how the Slough will make this a high seeded team but I reckon this season will end with 55ish wins. I guess the man is a wizard with the DC. This year's central division should be tougher however, with one extra team making a postseason push. Hopefully we can get a little division race going, that'd be fun.
5. Washington Wizards
Projected Lineup:
C: Daniel Gafford
PF: Cooper Flagg
SF: Bilal Coulibaly
SG: Grady Dick
PG: Isaiah Collier
Bench: Jaden Ivey, Jabari Smith, the dash special's
Well at least dash can't screw up resigning a generational talent. Cooper Flagg likely made the worst career decision by sticking around in D.C. The prize piece of FA returns to join the same crowd of players as last season, with the added bonus of everyone aside Coulibaly being a step behind. They've also lost Steven Adams and Rui Hachimura, along Mr. President III and Tru Washington, all solid role players. It isn't as bad as I'm portraying it however, Jabari Smith, although alone, is providing solid stats in +25 minutes. There is also players like Kyle Kuzma, who is a non-defensive plus with his shooting ability he provides. The guy is a career 45% 3pt shooter on near 1000 attempts. Jaden Ivey is no starter but like Smith he provides solid minutes. This team should be fine in the regular season, I seem them competing for the division crown just like every other season, and they'll likely land the 3rd seed yet again. Biggest issue is that they've taken a slight step down and it'd be laughable if this happened to be the year they put it all together for a deep post season run .
4. Utah Jazz
Projected Lineup:
C: Nikola Jokic
PF: Baba Oladotun
SF: Nyugen Tran
SG: Austin Reaves
PG: Egor Demin
Bench: Reed Shepard, Miles Bridges, Pascal Siakim
I've got them too high, I just know I do. But when you see the name Jokic you kind of just add a lot. I guess I've also been buying in to the Oladotun and Tran "hype", and then Egor taking a hit in TC doesn't help. I think I thought highly of several moves they made earlier in the offseason and in comparison to a weak West I thought they'd be a top 3 seed. Not sure how I'm favoring them over the Thunder, I mean Jokic is still good, but Wemby is three steps better. I am discrediting the effect an Austin Reaves has on this roster, but I've certainly overestimated how close they are to the reigning champs. I could move them down a couple of spots in favor of the Wizards, Pelicans, or Thunder. But why waste 30 seconds of my life. I despise the success of the Pelicans and the Wizards do nothing but dissappoint. I'll leave it as is, and hope some TC shenanigans makes me look less retarded.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Projected Lineups:
C: Khaman Maluach
PF: Koa Peat
SF: Joson Samon
SG: D.J Wagner
PG: Ja Morant
Bench: Brandon Ingram, Harry Giles, Dash Daniels
A tale of two cities between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks. One squad went for more of an defensive identity and the other decided the best defense is offense. I wouldn't say it's all come together for the Hawks quite yet, have the numbers for a top 5 offense, but the top dog is usually closer to 120ppg then they are 110ppg. They key thing here is that they snagged two eilte best of the best guards in Ja Morant of the Lakers, and Ja Morant of the Lakers. These two could combine for a whopping 60ppg. Sanon, Ingram, and Daniels are a nice trio in the backcourt. Maluach might not fall into that elite defender category just yet, but provided enough of what you'd like. Harry Giles is enough of an ideal backup for the bigs, I believe the main question gor this roster is what is Koa Peat exactly? His letter grades give the impression of a mid to high teen ppg and 11-12ish rebounds, probably in the 3.0 stock range. Peat was only given 23.5mpg last year and his first two season were during development. I just think if he gives Evan Mobley numbers the Hawks could be in line to take this division.
2. Sacramento Kings
Projected Lineup:
C: Nic Claxton
PF: Aiden Sherell
SF: Keegan Murray
SG: Kanaan Carlyle
PG: De'Aaron Fox
Bench: Trae Young, Garway Dual, John Collins, Kevon Looney
They finally broke the curse, or sort of, maybe more along the lines of surviving it. At least for every post season I've been here in 3.0 it seems like the Kings were given some devastating injury either right before or in the 1st round of the playoffs. Last year they still suffered with a lenghty round 1 injury to league MVP De'Aaron Fox which lasted until late in the Western Conference Finals. Nonetheless the benefit of clinching the 1st seed which allowed for an easier path against a weak 8th seed and up and coming Jazz team, the Kings were able to advance on through and hold out long enough for Fox to return in Games 6 & 7 versus the Thunder. Honestly it's feeling wrong that I don't have them ranked #1, the roster is eesentially the same and added on a key piece from their NBN finals foe in Trae Young. I just think several things need to go right for them again, the one thing mainly being Keegan Murray dropping 29 a night again. If he's back to his usual form, I wouldn't call it trouble since they can make it up with Trae Young, but I just wouldn't see them as dominant as 2028.
1. Orlando Magic
Projected Lineup:
C: Jalen Duren
PF: D.J Burns Jr.
SF: Cody Williams
SG: Anthony Edwards
PG: Xiavian Lee
Bench: Lonzo Ball, Zach Kizinger, Kylan Boswell, Myles Turner, Orlando Robinson
Screw this guy am I right? Sitting on a freak like D.J Burns Jr., already has high scoring Xiavan Lee and Anthony Edwards, and Cody Williams has seemingly come to, and now there's power forward, who yes had the offense tailored towards him in preaseason, but 26.8 & 13.1? Yeah up yours buddy! Duren's is the elite defender who is no longer alone post Chet-Edwards trade. To top this all off, there's Lonzo Ball whom I consider to be an upgrade over the defensive liability named Trae Young. Then the cherry on top is Myles Turner, whom I missed out on when I only offered 2 for $26m, is a great shot blocker. And if you really want to get angry, then look at their payroll. Just $653,350 over the hard cap. 🖕
I would take consellation in the fact that Lee, Burns Jr., and Williams rookie deals all expire this season. But go ahead and toss out the Lonzo contract and exhange Edwards with Kinziger. This home grown core could be here to stay. I'll state that the East is an bloodbath as most will agree, but I can't find one reason not to think they walk out of the East easily this season. Nice team rog.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Projected Lineup:
C: Alperen Sengun
PF: Lauri Markkanen
SF: Judah Mintz?
SG: Cam Scott?
PG: Jared McCain
Bench: Ousmane N'Diaye, Ausar Thompson, Devin Vassell
Did not ha e an ounce of respect for them last post season, and I'm having trouble here, but I've forced myself to gi e some respect based on last season when they went 61-21 and clinched the #1 seed in the East. The roster makeup seems about the same, but Sengun got absolutley nuetered in TC. Their frontcourt will probably raise eyebrows, but where the scoring should count they've got it covered in McCain and Mintz. I honestly don't get how the Slough will make this a high seeded team but I reckon this season will end with 55ish wins. I guess the man is a wizard with the DC. This year's central division should be tougher however, with one extra team making a postseason push. Hopefully we can get a little division race going, that'd be fun.
5. Washington Wizards
Projected Lineup:
C: Daniel Gafford
PF: Cooper Flagg
SF: Bilal Coulibaly
SG: Grady Dick
PG: Isaiah Collier
Bench: Jaden Ivey, Jabari Smith, the dash special's
Well at least dash can't screw up resigning a generational talent. Cooper Flagg likely made the worst career decision by sticking around in D.C. The prize piece of FA returns to join the same crowd of players as last season, with the added bonus of everyone aside Coulibaly being a step behind. They've also lost Steven Adams and Rui Hachimura, along Mr. President III and Tru Washington, all solid role players. It isn't as bad as I'm portraying it however, Jabari Smith, although alone, is providing solid stats in +25 minutes. There is also players like Kyle Kuzma, who is a non-defensive plus with his shooting ability he provides. The guy is a career 45% 3pt shooter on near 1000 attempts. Jaden Ivey is no starter but like Smith he provides solid minutes. This team should be fine in the regular season, I seem them competing for the division crown just like every other season, and they'll likely land the 3rd seed yet again. Biggest issue is that they've taken a slight step down and it'd be laughable if this happened to be the year they put it all together for a deep post season run .
4. Utah Jazz
Projected Lineup:
C: Nikola Jokic
PF: Baba Oladotun
SF: Nyugen Tran
SG: Austin Reaves
PG: Egor Demin
Bench: Reed Shepard, Miles Bridges, Pascal Siakim
I've got them too high, I just know I do. But when you see the name Jokic you kind of just add a lot. I guess I've also been buying in to the Oladotun and Tran "hype", and then Egor taking a hit in TC doesn't help. I think I thought highly of several moves they made earlier in the offseason and in comparison to a weak West I thought they'd be a top 3 seed. Not sure how I'm favoring them over the Thunder, I mean Jokic is still good, but Wemby is three steps better. I am discrediting the effect an Austin Reaves has on this roster, but I've certainly overestimated how close they are to the reigning champs. I could move them down a couple of spots in favor of the Wizards, Pelicans, or Thunder. But why waste 30 seconds of my life. I despise the success of the Pelicans and the Wizards do nothing but dissappoint. I'll leave it as is, and hope some TC shenanigans makes me look less retarded.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Projected Lineups:
C: Khaman Maluach
PF: Koa Peat
SF: Joson Samon
SG: D.J Wagner
PG: Ja Morant
Bench: Brandon Ingram, Harry Giles, Dash Daniels
A tale of two cities between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks. One squad went for more of an defensive identity and the other decided the best defense is offense. I wouldn't say it's all come together for the Hawks quite yet, have the numbers for a top 5 offense, but the top dog is usually closer to 120ppg then they are 110ppg. They key thing here is that they snagged two eilte best of the best guards in Ja Morant of the Lakers, and Ja Morant of the Lakers. These two could combine for a whopping 60ppg. Sanon, Ingram, and Daniels are a nice trio in the backcourt. Maluach might not fall into that elite defender category just yet, but provided enough of what you'd like. Harry Giles is enough of an ideal backup for the bigs, I believe the main question gor this roster is what is Koa Peat exactly? His letter grades give the impression of a mid to high teen ppg and 11-12ish rebounds, probably in the 3.0 stock range. Peat was only given 23.5mpg last year and his first two season were during development. I just think if he gives Evan Mobley numbers the Hawks could be in line to take this division.
2. Sacramento Kings
Projected Lineup:
C: Nic Claxton
PF: Aiden Sherell
SF: Keegan Murray
SG: Kanaan Carlyle
PG: De'Aaron Fox
Bench: Trae Young, Garway Dual, John Collins, Kevon Looney
They finally broke the curse, or sort of, maybe more along the lines of surviving it. At least for every post season I've been here in 3.0 it seems like the Kings were given some devastating injury either right before or in the 1st round of the playoffs. Last year they still suffered with a lenghty round 1 injury to league MVP De'Aaron Fox which lasted until late in the Western Conference Finals. Nonetheless the benefit of clinching the 1st seed which allowed for an easier path against a weak 8th seed and up and coming Jazz team, the Kings were able to advance on through and hold out long enough for Fox to return in Games 6 & 7 versus the Thunder. Honestly it's feeling wrong that I don't have them ranked #1, the roster is eesentially the same and added on a key piece from their NBN finals foe in Trae Young. I just think several things need to go right for them again, the one thing mainly being Keegan Murray dropping 29 a night again. If he's back to his usual form, I wouldn't call it trouble since they can make it up with Trae Young, but I just wouldn't see them as dominant as 2028.
1. Orlando Magic
Projected Lineup:
C: Jalen Duren
PF: D.J Burns Jr.
SF: Cody Williams
SG: Anthony Edwards
PG: Xiavian Lee
Bench: Lonzo Ball, Zach Kizinger, Kylan Boswell, Myles Turner, Orlando Robinson
Screw this guy am I right? Sitting on a freak like D.J Burns Jr., already has high scoring Xiavan Lee and Anthony Edwards, and Cody Williams has seemingly come to, and now there's power forward, who yes had the offense tailored towards him in preaseason, but 26.8 & 13.1? Yeah up yours buddy! Duren's is the elite defender who is no longer alone post Chet-Edwards trade. To top this all off, there's Lonzo Ball whom I consider to be an upgrade over the defensive liability named Trae Young. Then the cherry on top is Myles Turner, whom I missed out on when I only offered 2 for $26m, is a great shot blocker. And if you really want to get angry, then look at their payroll. Just $653,350 over the hard cap. 🖕
I would take consellation in the fact that Lee, Burns Jr., and Williams rookie deals all expire this season. But go ahead and toss out the Lonzo contract and exhange Edwards with Kinziger. This home grown core could be here to stay. I'll state that the East is an bloodbath as most will agree, but I can't find one reason not to think they walk out of the East easily this season. Nice team rog.
*
