[NCarmean18Participant]

 How goes it, forum?  I feel as though I say this a lot whenever I make a new post, but between college and work, I don’t have as much time as I would like to share my opinions and post forum threads to get us excited as fans for the upcoming season.  Anyway, I composed this list of teams who I personally feel have the best shot of winning the NBA Championship next season, and I figured that I would list them for you and try to spark some friendly debates.  Criticism is definitely welcome, however I would appreciate it if you didn’t completely kill my post.  Anyway, here we go! 

#10. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are a feel good story to me.  They looked like a team ready to implode at the beginning of last season.  Most people thought that they would tank to enter the sweepstakes for Canada native Andrew Wiggins.  However, they dealt Rudy Gay to the Kings early in the season, and there was nothing but pure harmony for the rest of the season.  

The Raptors last season finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference.  While this is very impressive for a team that looked like it was heading to the early stages of the lottery, we do have to remember just how weak the Eastern Conference was last season.  In any case, they played extremely well.  

I love the 1-2 scoring punch of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan at the guard spots.  Lowry showed last season that he could be the true leader of that squad, while DeRozan made his first All-Star appearance.  This squad also features a lot of good defensive presence, and they could really cause some issues for teams that aren’t too efficient offensively.  I would love to see this team utilize Jonas Valanciunas more.  I think he has all of the making to be an All-Star in this league, and if Kyle Lowry can get him some open looks, I can almost guarantee that this team will improve on their impressive start from last season.  

#9. Washington Wizards

Does anybody else really like this young Wizards squad.  That was probably a silly question, as John Wall and Bradley Beal have solidified their roles as two of the biggest blossoming stars that the game has to offer.  The addition of Paul Pierce will benefit this young squad tremendously, as he will have a chance to mentor this young squad whenever the reach the postseason.  

The loss of Trevor Ariza hurts this teams versatility, however with the breakout performances by both Glen Rice Jr. and Otto Porter Jr. in the Summer League, that should ease the some of the pain for now.  

My biggest drawback for this team is the coach – Randy Wittman.  To me, I am just not too fond of this guy.  I know that he led them to the playoffs last year, I get that.  But with a team that consists of John Wall, Brad Beal, Trevor Ariza, Nene, and Marcin Gortat all in the starting lineup, wouldn’t you consider them to be a favorite to make it?  I am not saying that he is a horrible coach by any means.  However, I feel as though if he got caught in a coaching battle with one of the premiere coaches in this league, the Wizards will probably fall flat on their heels.  Just my personal opinion.  

#8. Memphis Grizzlies

I aboslutely love the grit-and-grind playstyle that Memphis plays with.  It is truly fascinating to watch such a talented defensive squad.  Zach Randolph is one of my favorite offensive players in the league, as I have learned to appreciate his greatness as a player who can back you down in the post, as well as step back and put a mid-range jumper in your eye.  

Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are also favorites of mine.  Marc is the most quiet leader that you will ever hear about.  Although he doesn’t have the flashiest numbers, but he does all of the little things right, and he is a true defensive warrior down low.  Conley has improved season by season, and has become one of the best two-way point guards in the league.  In my opinion, he is vastly underrated because of the players he has around him.  

This team struggled from the arc a season ago, but with Courtney Lee returning and the addition of Vince Carter, I would look for an improved season from this team from beyond the arc.  If they can learn to hit shots from the perimeter, oh baby, this will be a dangerous squad.  

#7. Golden State Warriors

The fate of the Golden State Warriors next seasons will result upon whether or not the Warriors buy into Steve Kerr’s new system.  You can probably guess my opinion on the matter, as I have them at #7 on my list.  

When healthy, this team has one of the best starting fives in all of the league.  Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, David Lee, and Andrew Bogut… Yeah.  Don’t act like you wouldn’t be afraid to play this team, because I sure would be.  They have lethal offensive talent, and enough potential defensively to contend.  

Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes should only improve this season, and the addition of Shaun Livingston will help this team spread the ball around.  I personally cannot wait to see Livingston run the point with Splash Bros. running around aimlessly looking for an open shot.  

If this team can stay healthy and learn Kerr’s system, they should be very lethal in the playoffs next season.  

#6. Los Angeles Clippers

It almost disgusts me to rank the Clippers this low, but I have to.  There are just too many quality teams heading into next season.  However, the Clips still have a pretty decent shot at a title.  With the steady impovement of their two-headed athletic frontcourt monster in Jordan and Griffin, the sky is the limit for this team.  With Chris Paul running the point and Doc Rivers running the team, there is no reason to believe that this team won’t be amazing in the regular season.  

The issue is the postseason.  This team is underwhelming defensively, and next season won’t be any different.  Chris Paul is a superstar in the league, but has played a level or two under what he is capable of in the postseason.  Blake Griffin is the sole reason in which is have such high hopes for this team, as he never stops fighting.  He is a true competitor, and he can single-handedly win the Clippers some ball games, as he proved to do last season whenever CP3 went down with an injury.  

We will see about the Clippers.  I just hope that for their sake, they put in some work.  

#5. Chicago Bulls

I know that this seems a little low for the Bulls, but the question still remains out there whether or not Derrick Rose can still healthy.  Even if he can, I’m not quite convinced that he will return as the same old Derrick from before the two lower body injuries.  

Pau Gasol’s addition will take a lot of the pressure off of Derrick Rose, as he will finally have a complementary scoring option that can create a little offense of their own.  I also like how they have upgraded their depth.  Bringing back Captain Kirk, drafting Dougie McBuckets, and signing Mirotic and Aaron Brooks will only help soften the load a little bit for the Chicago Bulls superstar.  

We have seen Thibs system truly benefit backup point guards who needed some resurgence.  Both Nate Robinson and D.J. Augustine played extremely well offensively for the Bulls off of the bench while Derrick Rose was out, and I think a similar affect could happen to Aaron Brooks.  

Only time will tell what this team is all about, but if Derrick Rose stays healthy and plays well, expect to see the Bulls do even better than where I have them ranked.  

#4. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks improved their depth so much this offseason.  They solidified their starting lineup by adding guys like Felton, Chandler Parsons, and Tyson Chandler, and they also added a lot of key reserves that will help relieve even more pressure off of the Dallas franchise player Dirk Nowitzki.  Between Devin Harris, Jameer Nelson, Richard Jefferson, Al Farouq-Aminu, Jae Crowder, and Brandon Wright, there really is a lot to love in the depth department of this team.  

Add in the fact that Dallas has one of the most well-respected coaches in the league (who has also won them a championship), as well as a very good secondary scorer in Monta Ellis, and of course Dirk, and you have a team that is hungry for a championship.  Don’t sleep on Dallas.  They could shock the world.  

#3. Oklahoma City Thunder

They have Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka.  Durant and Westbrook are both top ten players in the league, Durant being #2 only behind LeBron.  Then Ibaka is probably top 25 for sure.  Add in some solid role players, some nice young prospects, and this team will give other teams everything that they have in the regular season.  The problem is, the playoffs.  

Scott Brooks is not an elite coach by any means, and he has really hurt this team during their deep playoff runs.  He is outcoached on a consistent basis, and I believe that he is holding them off from contending from a championship.  If they have to play Dallas or San Antonio in the playoffs at anytime, forget it.  It’s done.  Coach Pop and Rick Carlisle are far too superior to lose to Brook’s squad, even if Durant and Westbrook are playing at an elite level.  

I like the potential behind this team, but man, I just am not sold on Scotty Brooks. 

#2. Cleveland Cavaliers

This team has all of the talent in the world – literally.  With then new "Big 3" of LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be a great team for many years to come.  

This team’s potential on offense is truly limitless.  How opposing teams plan to play defense on THREE of the leagues most gifted offensive players is beyond me, and they will see a lot of success because of that.  

The only real drawback from this team is defense and rim protection.  Outside of LeBron James and Anderson Varejao (who is very injury prone), the Cavaliers don’t have too many solid defenders.  Shawn Marion helps, and Mike Miller can contribute a little bit if his back holds up.  However, Love and Irving are below average defenders, and with them more than likely playing a large bulk of every game, it’ll be interesting to see just how well this team could hold their own.  

I personally really wanted to see them go out and grab either Jermaine O’Neal or Emeka Okafor, but you know, that’s just me.  

#1. San Antonio Spurs

Could you even deny the Spurs the #1 spot if you had to?  I probably couldn’t.  The Spurs are lethal.  They proved that last year by dominating LeBron James and the Miami Heat.  They will have just about every key contributer back from last year’s squad, and that helps no other teams in the league.  

Pop, Ginobili, and Duncan all elected to return for another ride together, and they could very well cruise their way to another championship.  You can’t help but respect the dynasty in which Greg Popovich has assembled.  The only drawback from this team is that everyone is a year older.  Even with that said, Duncan and Ginobili seem like they are ageless, and I expect another amazing year from this San Antonio Spurs team.  

So, if you are still with me, I’d like to thank all of you for taking the time to read and listen to my opinions.  So thanks a lot, and enjoy the rest of your day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

 You forgot mike Scott and the Atlanta hawks.  I assume they’re 11

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

 You forgot mike Scott and the Atlanta hawks.  I assume they’re 11

[redsoxfreak724Participant]

Great analysis.  I really like this Dallas team. Point guard is the only real question mark, but I feel like the odds are with them that one of the three vets  Nelson, Felton, or Harris will emerge and have a steady season.  The starting lineup is absolutely loaded. Tons of offense, and if Chandler stays heatlhy as a rim protector I think this team really has a shot to make if not win the Western Conference Finals. 

 

[redsoxfreak724Participant]

Great analysis.  I really like this Dallas team. Point guard is the only real question mark, but I feel like the odds are with them that one of the three vets  Nelson, Felton, or Harris will emerge and have a steady season.  The starting lineup is absolutely loaded. Tons of offense, and if Chandler stays heatlhy as a rim protector I think this team really has a shot to make if not win the Western Conference Finals. 

 

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I completely agree with you. I absolutely loved the summer that Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks had. They built one of the deepest teams in the entire association while retaining two star players in Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis who had ultimately led them to taking the eventual NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs to a 7-game playoff series as the #8 seed in the West. If Dirk can put up around 19-21 PPG, I think that Monta and the boys will do the rest to take this team deep into the postseason. It’s just my gut feeling. 

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I completely agree with you. I absolutely loved the summer that Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks had. They built one of the deepest teams in the entire association while retaining two star players in Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis who had ultimately led them to taking the eventual NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs to a 7-game playoff series as the #8 seed in the West. If Dirk can put up around 19-21 PPG, I think that Monta and the boys will do the rest to take this team deep into the postseason. It’s just my gut feeling. 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Miami probably think they are at least in Toronto’s spot.  A long read is a good read.

Dallas are way up there, although mentioning Felton as the first player to help them improve doesn’t sound right.  Nelson might start with Felton suspended, and maybe Nelson keeps starting after that.

For Washington, maybe it isn’t the "young squad".  Gortat and Nene are very important, Miller off the bench was the solid veteran, Paul Pierce is going to be out there in clutch time now, Gooden might be around still as well and he can score off the bench.

Thank you for posting the long read, it was good, although difficult to say whether Spurs or Cavs should be at 1 right now.  Nothing wrong with putting the defending champions at the top spot.

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Miami probably think they are at least in Toronto’s spot.  A long read is a good read.

Dallas are way up there, although mentioning Felton as the first player to help them improve doesn’t sound right.  Nelson might start with Felton suspended, and maybe Nelson keeps starting after that.

For Washington, maybe it isn’t the "young squad".  Gortat and Nene are very important, Miller off the bench was the solid veteran, Paul Pierce is going to be out there in clutch time now, Gooden might be around still as well and he can score off the bench.

Thank you for posting the long read, it was good, although difficult to say whether Spurs or Cavs should be at 1 right now.  Nothing wrong with putting the defending champions at the top spot.

 

 

 

[NCarmean18Participant]

Just to clear a few things up for you, I actually didn’t mention Raymond Felton first because I think that he was the biggest pickup, not by any means. Normally whenever I get into listing a group of players, I start from point guard and move my way down the list to center, and here was no different. I personally loved the return of Tyson Chandler and the addition of Chandler Parson’s offensive arsenal I think will mesh well with Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis. 

As far as the Heat are concerned, they have potential (sort of) but that’s all that I can really say. They have a bunch of unique talent, but I’m not quite sure how well they will gel together. If Dwayne Wade plays anything like he did before LeBron joined the Heat back in 2010, then yeah, they are automatically in contention in my book! However, Wade’s knees scare me. And as much as I respect Chris Bosh, his days as a #1 option seemed like they were over whenever he left Toronto. 

Only time will tell what really happens, I just love to make predictions. Thanks for reading! 

[NCarmean18Participant]

Just to clear a few things up for you, I actually didn’t mention Raymond Felton first because I think that he was the biggest pickup, not by any means. Normally whenever I get into listing a group of players, I start from point guard and move my way down the list to center, and here was no different. I personally loved the return of Tyson Chandler and the addition of Chandler Parson’s offensive arsenal I think will mesh well with Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis. 

As far as the Heat are concerned, they have potential (sort of) but that’s all that I can really say. They have a bunch of unique talent, but I’m not quite sure how well they will gel together. If Dwayne Wade plays anything like he did before LeBron joined the Heat back in 2010, then yeah, they are automatically in contention in my book! However, Wade’s knees scare me. And as much as I respect Chris Bosh, his days as a #1 option seemed like they were over whenever he left Toronto. 

Only time will tell what really happens, I just love to make predictions. Thanks for reading! 

[LA12Participant]

 Little bit of bias here, but if Toronto and Washington are in the top ten then where’s Portland?

[LA12Participant]

 Little bit of bias here, but if Toronto and Washington are in the top ten then where’s Portland?

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I like Portland. I do. They are a tremendous team led by a very outstanding coach in Terry Stotts. They shocked the world last season by starting off as sizzling as they did. They surely shocked me. Last season gave me the opportunity to truly learn to appreciate both LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard more than I ever thought I would. 

To me, they are right there in the discussion with Washington and Toronto. However, there are two quality categories in which the Trail Blazers lack in – defense and depth. As fun and exciting as this young team was, you almost couldn’t expect the everlasting success to be everlasting. Whenever their offense wasn’t affective, this team could be difficult to watch at times. You need defense to win a championship, and I believe that both Toronto and Washington are better defensive squads than Portland, thus resulting in me giving them the nod and not Portland. 

As far as the depth issues are concerned, they did some good this offseason by adding former Lakers Steve Blake and Chris Kaman, but I am still not quite sold on the entirety of their bench. 

In any case, I hope Portland plays well (except against my Nuggets of course), and maybe they can prove me wrong! Love the debate, thanks for sharing he opinions. Much appreciated! 

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I like Portland. I do. They are a tremendous team led by a very outstanding coach in Terry Stotts. They shocked the world last season by starting off as sizzling as they did. They surely shocked me. Last season gave me the opportunity to truly learn to appreciate both LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard more than I ever thought I would. 

To me, they are right there in the discussion with Washington and Toronto. However, there are two quality categories in which the Trail Blazers lack in – defense and depth. As fun and exciting as this young team was, you almost couldn’t expect the everlasting success to be everlasting. Whenever their offense wasn’t affective, this team could be difficult to watch at times. You need defense to win a championship, and I believe that both Toronto and Washington are better defensive squads than Portland, thus resulting in me giving them the nod and not Portland. 

As far as the depth issues are concerned, they did some good this offseason by adding former Lakers Steve Blake and Chris Kaman, but I am still not quite sold on the entirety of their bench. 

In any case, I hope Portland plays well (except against my Nuggets of course), and maybe they can prove me wrong! Love the debate, thanks for sharing he opinions. Much appreciated! 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Enjoyed reading the post..

But i disagree with Dallas being ahead of the Bulls and Clippers

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Enjoyed reading the post..

But i disagree with Dallas being ahead of the Bulls and Clippers

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I can definitely see the argument for both, I really can.  I guess I am just afraid of Chicago because of the unknown.  Derrick Rose to me was the best point guard in the NBA before he went down with that torn ALC.  It’s just the fact that he has not played organized basketball for basically two years.  There can be a rust factor involved (FIBA) and the knee issues are still heavily talked about, as he tweaked one of his knees early in the FIBA tournament.  

As far as the Clippers go, I had them and Dallas hand-in-hand.  It’s close.  I guess that I just appreciate the depth that Dallas built for themselves over the summer.  Like I said, just personal preference.  

But thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond!

 

 

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I can definitely see the argument for both, I really can.  I guess I am just afraid of Chicago because of the unknown.  Derrick Rose to me was the best point guard in the NBA before he went down with that torn ALC.  It’s just the fact that he has not played organized basketball for basically two years.  There can be a rust factor involved (FIBA) and the knee issues are still heavily talked about, as he tweaked one of his knees early in the FIBA tournament.  

As far as the Clippers go, I had them and Dallas hand-in-hand.  It’s close.  I guess that I just appreciate the depth that Dallas built for themselves over the summer.  Like I said, just personal preference.  

But thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond!

 

 

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