[2quick4uParticipant]

 1. GSW: their collective numbers are absurd; no team in the history of the league has had 3 consecutive seasons with their numbers.

1st in "Off Rtg"/2nd in Def Rtg"/1st in Pts-G/1st in "SRS"/4th in pace + 67+ wins/year

add that their core of stars are in their prime , they have amazing depth led by iguodala and promising young players like mccaw or jordan bell that only adds more versatility to the team.

this team is almost unbeatable and if they have no injuries they have 99% of chances of repeating title.

record: 69-13

2. SA SPURS: it’s a pity the spurs didn’t make a big move to get chris paul or millsap, because i think they could have shaken things up as i believe they are the team with most chances of beating the warriors..

still, they are the best defense in the league, nº9 in "Off Rtg" and nº2 in "SRS" while playing one of the slowest pace in the league, which is great for their style.

add that leonard is entering his prime (i believe he will be 2018 MVP) and the addition of rudy gay to provide some offense from the 2nd unite, and there should be no reasons to think they will finish lower than this.

record: 58-24

3. HOUSTON: i don’t think paul was the player that houston needed and i’m not sure how he’ll co-exist with harden; i also believe paul will slow their pace down (if he plays as their primary ball-handler) which is not good for them, although they’ll improve on defense and efficiency.

last year they finished 2nd in "Off Rtg"/2nd in Pts-G/3rd in "SRS"/3rd in pace and 18th on "Def Rtg"; even if they improve a little their defense, i don’t think they have the numbers to beat the spurs.

record: 55-27

4. OKC: they got the player everyone wanted plus they got rid of a horrible contract (oladipo) so they must be happy, although that happiness might last only one year..

last year they finished 16th in "Off Rtg" but with PG they will probably crack the top 10, and they already finished as top 10 in "SRS", pace and defense so they should improve a little those numbers, although they’ve lost gibson, lauvergne and sabonis…will OKC play with 4 small players? 

being top 10 in "Off Rtg", Def Rtg, "SRS" and pace should be enough to finish as the 4th best team in the conference and maybe even challenge the rockets for the 3rd place.

record: 53-29

5. MINNESOTA: the wolves look really good on paper; teague,wiggins, butler and towns plus the addition of depth in gibson and crowford gives them many tools in defense and offense.

but the wolves were one of the worst defensive teams last year (27th) and even if they improve a lot with butler and gibson, i’m not sure if the leap they make will be big enough to finish better than this position.

record: 48-34

6. UTAH: most people have the jazz out of the playoffs with the lost of hayward; but this team is a top3 defensive team in the league and not having hayward won’t affect that. If you are a top3 defensive team you are in the playoffs, period.

they also finished 5th in "SRS" and 12th in "Off Rtg" while having the slowest pace in the league, which is great for their style.

their offense sure will be affected with the lost of hayward but i think they will make that up with the improvement of some of their players like hood, exum and specially gobert; gobert averaged the last 2 months 18pts/15rb playing along with george hill…look for an amazing season from gobert playing the pick&roll with ricky rubio, who comes hungry to utah…

the jazz have also drafted a great 2 way player in mitchell who seems like a new version of joe dumars..so i think they’ll be fine in the offensive side.

record: 45-37

7. DENVER: the nuggets are ready to make the playoffs with the explosion of jokic and the additions of millsap.

last season they already finished 4th in "Off Rtg", 3rd Pts/g and 7th in pace; their biggest hole was the defense which was horrible (29th) but with the addition of millsap they should improve enough to make the playoffs.

if they added a decent point guard things could improve even more for them..

record: 44-38

8. CLIPPERS: the last spot will be very close between the clippers, the pelicans, the blazers and even the grizzlies and it will be a lottery, but i thik that the clippers have a more balanced team out of the 4.

last year the clippers finished 5th in "Off Rtg", 6th in Pts/g, 4th in "SRS" and 12th in "Def Rtg".

sure they lost paul which will hurt them specially on defense, and also redick and crawford but with the additions of teodosic and gallinari they will compensate the offense they lose with those. depending how much their defense deteriorates will determine if they make it or not.

look for griffin to have a monster season if he stays healthy…

record: 42-40

 

the rest:

the pelicans were 9th on defense, 26th on offense and 22nd in "SRS"; with those numbers they can’t compete and they haven’t done much in off season to improve that; they also make a big mistake playing that fast (9th in pace), they should really slow the pace down and get some shooters in order to have a more balanced team and a chance to make the playoffs.

the blazers were 11th on offense and 24th on defense..i don’t even know how they made the playoffs last year with those numbers, but this year won’t happen with such competition in the west. i think they made a huge mistake in the draft, taking collins instead of justin jackson who seems to be a klay thompson type of player and would fit way better with the blazers..

the grizzlies have a very narrow roster and is very dificult to compete like that..add that gasol turns 33 next year and they’ve lost randolph..only a miracle could put them in playoffs.

the lakers will be fun to watch and they will improve, but i don’t think it will be enough to make the playoffs as their collective numbers still look very bad..

dallas got lucky getting dennis smith jr. and are building well with the few opportunities they have, but they still are not a playoff team.

phoenix and sacramento…under construction (but they look great for the future).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SubZeroParticipant]

I really think we (OKC) has a real shot at the 3 seed. Looking at our roster, besides the downgrade from KD to PG, the rest of our roster is as good, if not better than in 2015-16. A starting lineup of Russ-Roberson-PG-PPatt-Adams with Felton-Abrines-McDermott-Grant-Kanter coming off the bench is not bad at all. Obviously it all depends on how well Russ and PG coexist, but it will be pretty identical to how it used to be with KD (although I think they’re actually a better fit than Russ and KD were). I think they’ll be able to figure it out easier than CP3 and Harden will, and if they get Melo it’ll get even more interesting.

My standings would probably look like this:

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Thunder
4. Rockets
5. Timberwolves
6. Blazers
7. Clippers
8. Jazz
9. Grizzlies
10. Nuggets
11. Pelicans
12. Mavericks
13. Lakers
14. Suns
15. Kings

It’s so tough deciding which teams to leave out. 9-12 teams (and maybe LA) imo could all have a good shot to make the playoffs in the East next season

[SubZeroParticipant]

Wow completely forgot Denver has Millsap now. That makes me even more confused about where to put them. They could be anywhere from 5-9

[cohenbc1Participant]

I largely agree … I think you are both spot-on about the top 4, and I also think Utah is still a playoff team and a dangerous one. They have the most dominant defensive big man since prime Dwight Howard, which means they have an identity — and that’s half the battle. Yes, they will struggle to score but so did the Grizzlies over the last seven years. Utah is the new home of grit & grind.

My one disagreement is Minnesota. They have talent, and they’ll be decent, but Thibodeaux teams have a history of collapsing due to overwork, injury and lack of cohesion on offense. I think he’s better suited to be a college coach, honestly. I think they’ll miss out on the playoffs by a few games.

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Rockets
4. Thunder
5. Nuggets
6, Jazz
7. Blazers
8. Pelicans
 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I don’t see the Jazz making the playoffs. 

[Captain LParticipant]

 I can see people thinking the Jazz will struggle & they might but I think everyone will see offensive improvement from Gobert, Exum, Favors, ( return to 2 yrs ago form + better mid range shot), and Mitchell will add a scorer. Also Burks could be healthy and if so he will add offense that was missing last yr. Gobert is so competitive, he is working hard and I can see him adding an in the lane floater and or a sky hook so that he can contribute more offensively. We shall see but last yr he contributed way more than I thought he could, I not going to dought  he could really help offensively , especially when he knows it is needed.  Without having added a  star like Hayward, the Jazz have quietly added 3 solid , good defensive players. I look forward to seeing how Exum and Mitchell improve and make a difference. 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 People have been expected improved offense from Favors for years. He’s a bust for being drafted so high. 

[llperez]

1-warriors
2-rockets
3-Spurs
4-thunder
5-wolves
6-blazers
7-Pelicans
8-grizz
9-nuggets
10-clippers
11-jazz
12-kings
13-mavs
14-lakers
15-suns

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

1) Warriors – Self-explanatory.

2) Rockets – Partial bias here, not gonna lie. But I think people are neglecting how great of an off the ball backdoor cutter Harden is. Having someone else who can create with the ball in his hands is only going to open him up more offensively. Plus I’m sure they’re going to stagger their minutes so both get ample time being the primary ball handler. Harden also has the worst late clock and end of game shot selection, CP can only help in that regard.

3) Spurs – Parker is going to miss time to start the year. Manu might retire. Simmons is out, Dedmond is out, Lee is out, everyone is a year older. Pop is the greatest, but this years team has to take some semblance of a step back. I almost want to put OKC above them too, but I’ll hold off on that for now.

4) Thunder – Adding PG should be rather seamless. They should be a top 5 defense and show a good amount of improvement offensively. Felton should help create for the bench. They’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs if they hold onto George the whole way.

5) T’Wolves – Butler is as competitive as they come. Hopefully having him around rubs off on Wiggins. Gibson will be the glue like always. High ceiling with this group, Towns is on his way to being a perrinial MVP contender.

6) Clippers – The only reason this team will end up any lower than this is health. Blake is still a top 15 player in this league and will get featured even more now. I like Gallo here more than most. The depth will be a strength with Lou, Dekker, Harrel, and Bev bringing that energy and change of pace off the bench. Milos was a great pickup, especially for DJ’s sake.

7) Nuggets – Milsap fits so perfectly with how they like to play. Harris and Murray are going to look great playing off these 2 great passing big men. Chandler finally gets to be the unquestioned man at the 3. Barton and Faried are going to do what they do off the bench. They could stand to add another point guard, but I think they’ve improved enough to be a playoff team even without one.

8) Blazers – They’ve done absolutely nothing to add to a team that barely snuck into the playoffs last year.  Lucky for them a few teams above them lost key pieces. They’ll likely have to fight til the end again this year, but when it comes down to it I have to give the edge to the team with great guard play to get it done in today’s NBA.

9) New Orleans – Davis & Cousins are as good as it gets for big men in the league. Everything else about this team/organization is questionable. They’re terrible on the wings, have no depth, and don’t have much financial wiggle room to improve those problems thanks to the Holiday deal. Now they want to change his position too? That doesn’t sound like a playoff team to me. The wheels could come off early if either big gets hurt.

10) Jazz – So much to like about this team and coaching staff. I just don’t see how they can score enough to get back to the playoffs. They’ll probably be the top overall defense. The record in close games however, won’t be pretty.

11) Grizzlies – Looking at this number next to them feels way too low. It wouldn’t shock me if they made the playoffs. Gasol, Conley, & Fizz are all great. Their front office always finds cheap contributors. With the identity shift it’s just  hard to see them figuring it out early enough in such a competitive West this year.

12) Mavs – DSJ probably wins ROY. Nerlens and Barnes should keep showing improvement. They’re just too old with Dirk, JJ, Harris, Wes. This franchise will be back soon.

13) Lakers – They’ll be fun and exciting, but growing pains are inevitable. I would’ve had them much lower before the KCP signing.

14) Kings – Another young, fun, up and coming squad. I like the vet mentors they brought in too. The future is bright in SAC. Wouldn’t have said that 2 months ago.

15) Suns – Extremely athletic, but extremely raw. Book will keep putting up crazy scoring #’s. Jackson will be a fun addition. Criss and Bender are just too young to be consistent contributors yet. I also expect them to sell off vets by the trade deadline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jerb2011Participant]

 How do people view this match up and assume Houston is automatically better? Not bashing Houston, I’m just curious as to what gives them the edge against a Russ-Roberson-PG-PatP-Adams line up?

 

 Roberson may not be the best shooter but the bench is packed with viable 3 point shooters in G/F Abrines, F McDermott, F Grant shot 38%, and potentially G/F  Terrence Ferguson. Add Kanter as the back up C and Raymond Felton and I think that is enough help to get Russ and OKC to the WCF.

[2quick4uParticipant]

 it’s not that houston is better, it’s about who gets more wins in RS; one thing is RS and another the playoffs.

houston is a more "matured" team and last year they already won 55 games, plus they play a style of basketball that gives a lot of wins during RS, as they play at a very high pace (3rd) and they score a lot of points (2nd), so even if their defense is not the greatest one, with those offensive numbers they compensate that as their "SRS" shows (3nd).

houston’s system/style added to the poor intensity in RS gives them a lot of wins; it’s just simple math; if you play at a highest pace (more possessions) and score more points than your opponents that equals to many victories, and if you add that RS is not very intense, that gives them even more victories.

it’s not that houston is better, we could say that playing with a high pace gives you "inflated" wins and inflated stats (individual and collective); that’s why houston and phoenix won many RS games with d’antoni and that’s why steve nash got his stats inflated and won 2 MVP’s, just as harden’s stats are absolutely inflated and is always contending for the MVP.

the problem with that system/style of play is that it doesn’t work in the playoffs…in fact during the playoffs if you don’t have a good defense you can’t win, that’s why d’antoni’s teams never win anything..

in the other hand, OKC plays a different style, in fact we don’t even know what type of basketball/style they will play or how westbrook and PG will coexist, and that’s one of the main reason they won’t win more than houston in RS.

but that doesn’t mean they are a worse team, in fact i believe that if the experiment westbrook-PG works they will be a more dangerous team than the rockets in playoffs; OKC collective numbers could look very good with the addition of PG, maybe something like: 10th in "Off Rtg"/7th in "Def Rtg"/5th in "SRS"and top 10 in pace, so if they finish with numbers close to this, they would definetly be a much more dangerous team than houston.

in conclusion, i’d say that houston is a better team in RS and OKC (if westbrook and PG coexist well) have the potential to be a better team in the playoffs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SwatLakeCityParticipant]

 Warriors, Rockets, Spurs, Thunder, Wolves, Jazz, Nuggets, Clippers

Lottery (worst to best) Mavs, Kings, Lakers, Suns, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Blazers

I am back and forth with the Jazz making the playoffs. They have one of the top defenses in the league but their offense worries without Hayward. I know Gobert will step and Exum will improve big time(He’s my vote for most improved player next year) I believe Mitchell will be a very good back up, and I’m excited about Rubio making the team better because he is a pass first point guard. But I’m still not convinced that Favors works with Gobert and Burks is too injury prone. I think somehow Utah needs to trade those 2.

 

 

 

[Captain LParticipant]

 I agree with you regarding Favors and Burks, I would love to see the Jazz trade Favors and Burks for a starting 4 that can shoot and spread the floor better than Favors can. I love Mitchell but I was disapointed that they traded Lyles, i thought he could be the 4 of the future we need. Mitchell may and hopefully will prove to be worth what it cost. I am hoping that we will see Gobert develop an in the paint shot, either a 8 to 10 foot floater or a sky hoop type shot, if he can then maybe he can be a go to scorer. He surprised me last year with how much of an offensive contributor he became , so I’m hoping we see Rudy step up.  

I hope your right about Exum,  I love his potential but I need to see him develop the midrange jumpver that can be a threat as well as the 3 becoming more consistent .  Defensively this team will be tough and the 3 or4 new players will be positive contributors in that area. I am looking forward to Udoh and what he will contribute. I think it will be a welcoming addition. 

 

 

 

 

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

You guys are forgetting that the Blazers were a really good team after they traded for Nurkic. 14-6. I think Turner will be better this year than the horrible year he had last year. Nurkic looks in really good shape too. Noah Vonleh started playing well with Nurkic at the end of season. Plus Caleb looks like he’ll fit right into the bigs rotation. I don’t see Denver being better than them

[HitsterParticipant]

 I think it will be interesting to see where the Spurs finish, if they can remain a top 3 team ahead of one or both of Houston and Thunder then it will be a fine achivement.

Denver seems to considered a very good collective team given they will not have the scorers that Pelicans or Portland have.

The T-Wolves are the total wildcard, they have two potential superstars in Wiggins and especially KAT and a top 10-15 NBA player in Butler, throw in Teague and the team could make a huge leap. They have the potential to make a 15 odd win leap IMO.

Here’s my long term list:-

1. GSW

2. Rockets

3. Spurs

4. Thunder

5. Clippers

6. T-Wolves

7. Portland

8. NOP

9. Denver

 10.Utah

11. Memphis

12. Mavericks

13. Lakers

14. Suns

15. Kings

Positions 7 to 11 could well be fairly tight then a decent drop off to  a tight 12 to 15.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Author]

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