2020-2021 Eastern Conference Preview

[The Athletic]

15. Detroit Pistons 

GM: Irwin Mok

Projected Record: 5-24

Notable Off-Season Move: No real note worthy moves have been made 


Roster:
PG- Zach Lavine 
SG- Tim Hardaway 
SF- Kawhi Leonard 
PF- Kyle Anderson 
C- 
Util- Mikal Bridges 
Util- Justin Jackson

Bench
B Langston Galloway 
B TJ McConnell 
B Ky Bowman 
B Malachi Flynn 
B Jalen McDaniels 

The Good:
Zach Lavine and Kawhi Leonard.  That's literally it.  It's clear what GM Irwin is doing, this is a tank year.  

The Bad:
The roster is barren outside of Lavine and Leonard, and the Pistons don't even have a center.  After a pretty good run of form of the past couple years, it's clear this will be a rebuilding year for the Detroit Pistons.  

The Future:
The Pistons have 3 first rounders next year including their own.  Kawhi and Lavine is a great one two punch but it's been clear that depth in this league wins championships.  With cap space and 3 firsts next year the Pistons should have the ammunition to be a playoff team again next year.  

[The Athletic]

14. Indiana Pacers 

GM: Jonathon Ho  

Projected Record: 6-23

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading Brandon Clarke, Chris Boucher, and Danuel House for future superstar Jonathon Isaac 


Roster:
PG- Michael Carter-Williams 
SG- Jerome Robinson 
SF-  Jaden McDaniels 
PF- Zion Williamson 
C- Andre Drummond 
Util- Demarcus Cousins 
Util- Kevon Looney 

Bench
B Grant Williams 
B Daquan Jeffries 
B Wenyen Gabriel
B Nico Claxton
B Bryn Forbes 

The Good:
Jon has one of the best rebuilding pieces in the league in Zion Williamson.  Zion is porbably a top 5 dynasty piece and has legitimate potential to average 40+ in his second year. His development will be huge for Indy moving forward.  Bol Bol also flashed some promise in the bubble and will look to continue to build on his positive rookie year.  Boogie is also back and Jon will hope he can provide enough production this year to for a couple suitors to come calling during the year.  Drummond's value went down in Cleveland, but Tristan is out so I wouldn't be surprised to see him get back to Pistons level minutes this year.  

The Bad:
Not a great roster outside of Drummond and Zion.  A lot of young players like Gabriel, Daquan, Bryn, MCW I don't really value so I think i'd focus on finding better younger talent to take fliers on as the season wears on.  

The Future:
Jon will look to take a Brandon like jump in the next 2 years or so.  Again Zion is one of the best, if not the best rebuilding piece in the league. The Pacers have their first and it should be pretty solid so if they can hit on that pick, and pair that with Zion and Isaac the Pacers could have one of the btter young cores in the league.  The process will only speed up if the Pacers can find solid suitors for Drummond and Boogie. 

[The Athletic]

13. Philadelphia 76ers  

GM: Kyle Peltz 

Projected Record: 8-21

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading star big man Karl Anthony-Towns for Marvin Bagley and Domas Sabonis 


Roster:
PG- Rajon Rondo 
SG- Anthony Edwards 
SF- Rodney Hood 
PF- Marvin Bagley  
C- Domantas Sabonis  
Util- Jabari Parker  
Util- Mason Plumlee  

Bench
B Tony Snell
B Deandre Bembry  
B Al Farouq Aminu
B  Furkan Korkmaz 
B Tyrell Terry 

The Good:
Domas and Bagley form a super fun twin tower duo down low.  The key is just going to be the health of both.  If both are healthy I like the long term outlook of the two.  Edwards at 7 was a steal even if I don't think his game is the greatest for this league.  Ultimately this year is about finding good value for Plumlee, Lamb, Rondo, and having Bagley, Edwards, and Sabonis stay healthy while continuing to progress. 

The Bad:
Again not gonna waste a ton of time talking about the bad about teams that aren't looking to contend.  Jabari's contract isn't great but there isn't much bad going on in this rebuild.  I liked the package they got for KAT 

The Future:
Kyle will have every opportunity to turn this team into a contender if managed properly.  One would think Lamb and Plumlee could potentially both fetch first rounders as we get closer to the playoffs.  I really can't remember the last time we had this many legit contenders so Kyle is stepping into the best market possible.  Bagley+Saboner+Edwards with cap space and picks is a fun place to start a rebuild.  Let's see what Kyle can do.  

[The Athletic]

12. New York Knicks 

GM: Jsood 

Projected Record: 9-20

Notable Off-Season Move: Drafting Jalen Smith in the first round 

Roster:
PG- Ricky Rubio 
SG- Jrue Holiday 
SF- Kris Middleton  
PF- Tj Warren
C- Derrick Favors 
Util- Cody Zeller  
Util- Frank Nitlikina 

Bench
Patty Mills 
Stanley Johnson 
Meyers Leonard 
Jalen Smith 
Killian Tillie 

The Good:
Jrue Holiday should be in for a huge year in Milwaukee.  Yes Giannis and Middleton are there, but the Bucks play at a fast pace and there should be more than enough usage to go around.  TJ Warren blew up in the bubble, and Kris Middleton is still an all-star caliber player.   

The Bad:
The Knicks just don't have enough depth to compete.  At the same time they still have some really good pieces.  If I'm the Knicks I move towards a full rebuild.  Jure, Middleton, Warren can all garner really nice packages.  But again if the Knicks want to compete this year they have to revamp the whole bench.   

The Future:
Not gonna lie the Knicks need more involvement from new GM Jsood.  The owner has made sure to not make any bad deals, but at the same time if there isn't some movement this team will just end up as a mediocre team this year which is the worst spot to be in.  The pieces are there to jump into a full rebuild but it's up to Jsood to decide what direction he wants to head in.  

[The Athletic]

11. Washington Wizards 

GM: Octstuff 

Projected Record: 12-17

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading multiple firsts for Norm Powell 


Roster:
PG- Dennis Schroeder 
SG- Norm Powell
SF- RJ Barrett 
PF- Dario Saric  
C- Jonas Valanciunas 
Util- Jae Crowder 
Util- Thomas Bryant 

Bench
Reggie Jackson 
Thad Young 
Daniel Gafford 
Jahlil Okafor 

The Good:
In a league where a lot of owners continue to seek out gathering as many stars as possible the Wizards have taken a different approach. The Wizards lack the starpower but have a lot of really solid depth from top to bottom.  The key for the Wizards to have playoff success this year is going to be the jump RJ takes in his second year as well as Thomas Bryant' progression.  Bryant has shown he can be a fantasy beast when he plays minutes, and another year of development should help him.   

The Bad:
Again the lack of star power could hurt this Wizards team.  Wizards highest scorer in all likelihood will be JV or Thomas Bryant, neither of which can be counted on for much more than 30+.  On top of that the Wizards are over cap and will be forced to make a move before the season starts, which presumably will cut even more into their depth.  It's not a bad team at all, but in a loaded and deep East they probably will need more fire power.   

The Future:
After the GM dealt 2 firsts for Norman Powell it's clear the Wizards are looking to go all in.  Again, despite that approach it's unlikely, at least in my eyes that this team makes any major noise this year.  There are definitely some really nice pieces here but it's just going to come down to overall management and the development of Barrett and Bryant 

[The Athletic]

10. Charlotte Hornets 

GM: Kennan Kennan

Projected Record: 13-16

Notable Off-Season Move: Drafting James Wiseman first overall 

Roster:
PG- John Wall 
SG- Jordan Clarkson
SF- Brandon Ingram
PF- John Collins  
C- James Wiseman 
Util- Marc Gasol
Util- Donte Divencenzo 

Bench
Terrence Fergueson
Alonzo Trier 
Tyrese Maxey 
Luka Samanic 
Dwight Powell

The Good:
There is a lot good here in Charlotte.  I loved the pick of James Wiseman, he's as talented as they come, and should walk right into a decently sized role from the get go.  John Wall has looked really good in Houston, Ingram is coming off a great year, and Collins should continue to grow as well.  Dwight Powell was a really solid pick up as well.  The top half of this team is just as good as any team in the East.   
The Bad:
I mentioned that the top half of this team is as good as any in the East, well the depth is about as bad as any team in the East as well.  I like Samanic's long term outlook but Terrence, and Trier are just not worth roster spots, and for a team like the Hornets who are without a playoff birth in league history i would have really made it a priority to fill those spots.  End of the day I think the team's that have the most success this year will have depth because of the uncertainty of COVID, if the Hornets can address this they have a shot.

The Future:
Kennan takes more of a wait and see approach and I will say that is a better strategy than forcing trades, but I think eventually to ever really be in contention he'll have to take a look and see what he can get for Collins or Ingram.  I would assume both could land a haul, and if Kennan is able to ever get this squad some depth, watch out.  

[The Athletic]

9. Orlando Magic 

GM: Perry Petruccelli Orlando Magic (Perry)

Projected Record: 15-14

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading Huerter and multiple firsts for Demar Derozan 

Roster:
PG- Markelle Fultz 
SG- Demar Derozan 
SF- Jayson Tatum
PF- Christian Wood  
C- Myles Turner 
Util- Enes Kanter 
Util- Bobby Portis  

Bench
Troy Brown 
Svi Mykailluk 
Robert Williams 
Chandler Hutchinson 
Saddiq Bey 

The Good:
There is a lot of good going on in Orlando! Tatum is one of the best young pieces in the world and undoubtedly is capable of being a number 1 in this league.  I expect Markelle to continue to take steps forward in his development and be a capable starter all year long.  I love Christian Wood and he should have a pretty big role in Houston this year.  Additionally, I think Bobby Portis will be in for a pretty sneaky solid year in Milwaukee.  The issue isn't the top end part of this team, but the depth.  

The Bad:
Again it's the depth.  Perry again takes a safer approach and isn't much of a trader and likes to let his guys develop.  I'll be honest i didn't like the Huerter Derozan trade.  Derozan is certainly better this year, but is he worth an extra 2 firsts in a league where firsts are extremely valuable?  Probably not.  I woulda much rather seen Perry shop the firsts individually to land a player or two rather than just an upgrade to a young player.  Again the issue here is just depth.  If Perry can find a nice two for one for either Turner or Derozan I like this team's chances a lot more.   

The Future:
Perry is a legend, and maybe the engagement hype will push him into the playoffs for the first time and I am rooting.  Tatum, Wood, Fultz, and Turner is a fun young core, but the goal should be to add quality young depth.  If Perry plays the right cards this is a playoff team both now and in the near future.  

[The Athletic]

8. Atlanta Hawks 

GM: Trey Remson Atlanta Hawks (Trey)

Projected Record: 17-12

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading Montrez Harrell and Buddy Hield for Kelly Oubre and Kris Dunn 

Roster:
PG- Damian Lillard 
SG- James Harden 
SF- Kelly Oubre 
PF- Royce O'neale  
C- Javale Mcgee 
Util- Robert Covington  
Util- Kris Dunn 

Bench
Corey Joseph 
Austin Rivers 
Damian Lee  
John Henson  
Shabazz Napier 

The Good:
The good here is obvious, James mothafuckin Harden and Damian Lillard.  Outside of Jok and Bron this is hands down the best duo in the league.  Some might be a little worried about Harden but I'm not.  Even if they don't run the same pyscho offense that Dantoni ran Harden will get his numbers.  He's just too talented offensively not to.  On the other side Damian Lillard should continue to be a stud and at very worst be a top 3 point guard.  I like Oubre this year in an uptempo Warriors offense and Covington should play heavy minutes in Portland.  Rivers should also see an uptick in New York as well.  

The Bad:
It's depth man.  Trey's Hawks have been really good the past two regular season's but when the playoffs come Trey just hasn't had the depth.  I didn't love the Harrell/Buddy trade, but i get it.  End of the day Trey has a squad and will be in any game because of his big two, but in a year where depth should rule supreme I just don't see many scenarios in which Trey is deep enough to make a real title run.  I'm not saying he should ship Harden or Lillard but if a nice depth package comes in, I think it's something he should consider. 

The Future:
Trey has been and looks like he will be in win now mode for the foreseeable future.  The key in the next couple years will be getting max value for either Harden or Dame or finding a way to accumulate depth in some other way.  Either way Trey has a fan in me, he's come a long way since his shit show Raptor days in 25.  

[The Athletic]

7. Chicago Bulls 

GM: Charlie Zettek Chicago Bulls (Charlie)

Projected Record: 17-12

Notable Off-Season Move: Honestly too many to count, the biggest and most impactful for this season probably ends up being Harrell and Buddy for Oubre and Dunn 

Roster:
PG- Goran Dragic 
SG- Buddy Hield  
SF- Khris Middleton 
PF- Larry Nance 
C- Nerlens Noel
Util- Montrezl Harrell  
Util- Lou Williams 

Bench
Lou Williams 
Juancho Hernangomez 
Terrence Ross 
Robin Lopez 
Cam Payne  

The Good:
Chuck and his Bulls head into the year as the second most winningness GM in league history.  No matter what he puts together winners.  Honestly, Trey's team is probably a little better just because of Harden and Lillard, but i gave him the edge because I have confidence he'll make 2-3 trades during the year that significantly help him out.  Nance should play more with TT gone and has always been a per minute stud. Noel looks really solid in NY. Buddy Hield should be a starter again.  This team just has a lot of really solid depth, and that's going to be super important this year.  On top of all that Chuck still has Knicks first in his back pocket, and you can bet he'll find the best possible deal to add an impactful player at some point.  Not Chuck's most talented team, but it will grind out games.     

The Bad:
The team just lacks star power.  Middleton is a stud but he is still a better real life player and isn't a guy you can count on for even 35+ a night.  The other issue here is the Buddy Hield contract, $25 mill is damn near crippling.  Other than that it's a solid team from top to bottom that will be tough to beat most weeks because of the depth. 
 
The Future:
Chuck's as active as it gets so I have no idea what this squad looks like in the future.  I will say there are a lot of expiring deals on this roster, so next year probably looks a lot different.  However it looks, I do know at the end of the day Chuck will compete and I respect the hell out of it.  One potential knock on Chuck in the past was that, for as knowledgable as Chuck was, this isn't a redraft league so Chuck's win now philosophy at times came at a cost of the future.  Chuck has adjusted and his recent moves has shown.  Chuck is as sure of a bet as any to have a competitive team year in and year out.  League legend. 

[The Athletic]

6. Toronto Raptors 

GM: Kendrick Perkins Toronto Raptors (Perk)

Projected Record: 17-12

Notable Off-Season Move: The Raptors sat tight this off-season.  Sometimes the best move is no move 

Roster:
PG- Marcus Smart 
SG- Josh Richardson
SF- Gordon Hayward 
PF- Danilo Gallinari 
C- Nikola Vucevic 
Util- Davis Bertans  
Util- Daniel Theis 

Bench
Alec Burks 
Tomas Satoransky 
Tyler Johnson 
Ian Mahinmi 
Willie Cauley-Stein

The Good:
Perk has built his teams the same way every year he's been in the league, and that is depth.  It's a deep team with impactful players in every starting spot.  Gallo might have a usage dip but I think he can make up for it with the added efficiency from a better offense and higher tempo.  The biggest win from this off-season was Gordon Hayward heading to Charlotte.  In Boston he was the clear number 4, in Charlotte he becomes the clear number 1 guy.  Many people sleep on him but he still had a really impressive year in Boston and I would not be shocked at all if he has an all-star level year as the guy in Charlotte.  Vucevic is as consistent as can be and is a lock for 35.  Lastly, Bertans can hopefully take a jump in a revamped Washington offense.     

The Bad:
Really the only thing standing out to me is Ian Mahinmi.  Ian is out of the league and with COVID and the strength of the East it's critical Perk picks up another contributor in his place, especially with a little bit of cap room to play with. Also I thought Millsap was going to be very helpful this year, and I can't say the same about WCS, but we'll see.  

The Future:
Perk is one of those owners that just grinds out winning seasons without a ton of noise.  It's not like an amazing sexy team, but it's a team full of productive players and I imagine in three years Perk's team looks pretty similarly constructed to the way it is now.  

[The Athletic]

5. Cleveland Cavs 

GM: Jon Cleveland Cavaliers (Jon)

Projected Record: 18-11

Notable Off-Season Move: Signing Dillon Brooks in restricted free agency 

Roster:
PG- Collin Sexton 
SG- Aaron Holiday 
SF- Lebron James 
PF- Jarren Jackson 
C- Nikola Jokic  
Util- Dillon Brooks  
Util- Kent Bazemore 

Bench
Gorgui Dieng 
Thad Young 
Sterling Brown
Dzanan Musa 
Markieff Morris 

The Good:
I think I am higher on this team than most in this league just because of Jokic and Bron.  There are studs and then there are mega studs and Jok and Bron fall in the latter.  Yes, Bron may get a little more rest, but in general he isn't a load management guy so I'm not going to knock him down too much.  I like JJJ as a prospect and expect him to take the normal jump a 3rd year player takes, even if he isn't healthy at the start of the year.  I think the two guys I really like this year that will the X factors are Aaron Holiday and Collin Sexton.  I think Sexton still has a ways to go as a winning basketball player, but as a fantasy player he should have a huge opportunity this year to put up big numbers.  I think Holiday takes a nice jump this year and it seems like the coaching staff really likes him too.  

The Bad:
The main issue here is clearly depth.  While I don't think Lebron is going to go full Kawhi an injury to him or Jok would really leave this team pretty thin.  It's a good starting squad, but once you get into the bench it's very bare.  I liked the Thad signing, but I still think the Cavs are going to have to add a bench piece or two to be able to take the next jump.  

The Future:
The window for the Cavs is now.  For as amazing is Bron is he just can't do this forever.  The Cavs should look to capitalize on him continuing to play elite basketball and trying to get the most out of the best duo this league has to offer.  The Cavs also have a ton of fun really young pieces outside of Jok with JJJ, Sexton, and Holiday.  The development of all three will be critical to how this team transitions to the post Lebron James era.  

[The Athletic]

4. Miami Heat 

GM: Sanjul Sharma Heat GM (Bryan)

Projected Record: 20-9

Notable Off-Season Move: Signing veterans Tristan Thompson, PJ Tucker, and Evan Fournier in free agency 

Roster:
PG- De'Aaron Fox 
SG- Evan Fournier 
SF- Deandre Hunter 
PF- PJ Tucker 
C- Deandre Ayton 
Util- Ja Morant  
Util- Devonte Graham 

Bench
Kendrick Nunn
Tristan Thompson
Lonnie Walker 
Obi Toppin 
Harry Giles 

The Good:
This team has a claim to being the deepest in the league.  There isn't a single player on this roster that won't get at least some sort of minutes for their team this year.  On top of the depth the team also has a star studded trio in De'Aron Fox, Ja Morant, and Deandre Ayton.  The Miami Heat's time is now.  I think the thing that makes me so high on this team besides the depth is that all three of the studs should take size-able leaps this year.  De'Aron for all his talent has yet to have his season where he just completely bursts onto the scene.  I wouldn't be surprised if he has a Bam like ascendency this year.  Ja had an awesome rookie year and for as hard of a worker he is you would imagine he takes a large jump this year.  He's looked amazing this pre-season.  I'm following a similar mindset with Ayton, the NBA is a really tough league with the best athletes and basketball minds in the world, sometimes it just takes time.  Add in CP3 and i like Ayton's out look just that much more.  Bryan used the extra cap room to good use and added three really solid producers.  Things are looking good in Miami.  

The Bad:
Not much bad here but if I have to nitpick it's the construction of the roster.  It is very very guard heavy which may leave the Heat in tough spots on some nights.  Obviously I would never just deal a guard for a worse player at another position but Bryan may weigh his options in dealing a guard for a player that gives his roster a little more flexibility and versatility.  Also I know I just mentioned the youth as a part of what I like with this squad but if we are getting real nit picky here, there are a ton of youngins here and you would love to have that one stud that you know you can count on night in and night out.  For as good as Ja, Fox, and Ayton are they may have nights here and there where they don't show up.  

The Future:
This Heat team is up there with Mavs for one of the most fun young teams in the league.  Bryan has trusted the process the first 4 years in the league and now it is time to reap the rewards.  Fox, Ayton, Ja is the most fun young trio in the league and the future of the Heat is in good hands.  Now Sanjul's job is to put these young players primes to good use and bring home a championship to South Beach.    

[The Athletic]

3. Milwaukee Bucks 

GM: Jacob Stalsberg Milwaukee Bucks (Jacob)

Projected Record: 23-6

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading Kristaps Porzingis for Otto Porter and Brandon Clarke 

Roster:
PG- Dejounte Murray 
SG- Bojan Bogdanovic 
SF- Otto Porter 
PF- Giannis Antetekoumpo 
C- Clint Capela  
Util- Brandon Clarke
Util- Lamelo Ball 

Bench
Rudy Gay 
Devin Vassell
Seth Curry 
Cody Martin
Carmelo Anthony 

The Good:
Let's start with the obvious here, Giannis is hands down the best fantasy player in the league especially in a league that includes field goal percentage.  Giannis is going to give this team a fighting chance every single week.  I also love Dejountae, I think he's in for a pretty big year and I think his game is perfect for the scoring that we have.  He's shown improvement every year and I expect him to be a big part of what Jacoby does.  Jacoby shopped the #2 pick all year to see if he could get a piece that would put him over the edge, he ended up keeping the pick and drafted Lamelo Ball.  Lamelo's production this year is going to be a huge determining factor in how far this team rolls.  On one hand he turns it over a decent amount, and probably won't shoot it well from the year, but he fills it up.  One would also think that by the end of the year the Hornets will turn things over to him... Just in time for our playoff. I'm also higher than most on Otto, the man is just a few seasons removed from being a really good basketball player and now he is in a contract year.  Clarke was a per minute stud last year, and one would figure his minutes go up.  In any other year this Bucks team would probably be the title favorite, the only reason he isn't is because of a ridiculously loaded East.     

The Bad:
Not a ton to be upset at here.  If I have to get nitpicky you could say that Jacoby could stand to add one more piece of depth.  Vassell has looked really solid this pre-season but I think it'll still be a stretch for him to be a regular night in night out producer.  Clint was a monster in Houston, but he just hasn't played in so long.  With a pretty strong front court, I still think i need to see him get 32-33 minutes a night before I can fully say he's back to what he was.  Other than that, this team is loaded.   

The Future:
This team is set up to run the East for years to come.  Giannis isn't slowing down any time soon, and the Bucks have another potential face of the franchise in Lamelo Ball.  Lamelo is going to be the determining factor of this franchise's ceiling over the next couple years.  If he becomes a star this team is going to be really damn scary for the next couple years.  I mean even if he doesn't this team is still going to be scary. Sharp ownership + GIannis is a recipe for a dynasty.  We shall see. 

[The Athletic]

2. Brooklyn Nets 

GM: Josh

Projected Record: 24-5

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading Eric Paschal and Matisse Thybulle for Laurri Markkannen 

Roster:
PG- Luka Doncic 
SG- Derrick White  
SF- Kevin Durant 
PF- Lauri Markkanen 
C- Brook Lopez 
Util- Caris Levert 
Util- Mike Conley 

Bench
Harrison Barnes 
Zach Collins 
JJ Reddick 
Anfernee Simmons 
Alen Smailagic 

The Good:
I still remember about 2 years ago saying Josh was gonna run the league in a couple years and here we are.  The stage is set.  Josh has either the first or second best duo in this league with Luka and KD.  Luka is as safe a bet in this league and I wouldn't be shocked at all if he averages a triple double.  I was initially pretty worried about KD's Achilles, but he's looked awesome in the limited time he's back, so while maybe he'll rest here and there I think it's safe to say that Josh has a stud locked in with him.  Josh did a great job upgrading his depth with players who aren't sexy but at the end of the day just produce. Lopez, Conley, Barnes, and even Derrick White are all over looked producers who will provide valuable depth behind KD and Luka.  On top of that I like Laurri to have a bounce back season with Billy Donavon running the show.  This Nets team is just loaded.      

The Bad:
The "bad" is all relative here, but there are a couple things that concern me.  I'm not sure what Simmons and Smiley's roles are this year, and I wouldn't be shocked at all if either find themselves on the bench most nights.  While the Nets are still "deep" having two roster spots taken up by guys who aren't producing can be trouble as we get into the playoffs.  The Nets also have zero flexibility. They've used every single penny of cap room.  If things go south and they need to make some moves to accommodate things, it's going to be really damn tough.  Lastly, for as talented as Caris is he's still stuck in a tough situation for fantasy production.  

The Future:
Any team that Luka has a bright future, but it'll be interesting to see how Josh manages the last 2 years of his rookie deal.  Having Luka at that price for the next 2 years is unbelievably valuable so I'd assume Josh will continue to push the chips in the way he has this off-season.  Caris, KD, Luka, and Laurri is as good a core as you can have, the challenge will just be managing the financials moving forward.  

[The Athletic]

1. Boston Celtics 

GM: Brandon Ho Boston Celtics (Brandon)

Projected Record: 27-2

Notable Off-Season Move: Trading Marvin Bagley and Jusuf Nurkic in a three way deal that landed him Karl Anthony-Towns 

Roster:
PG- Ben Simmons 
SG- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 
SF- Cam Johnson 
PF- Marcus Morris 
C- Karl Anthony-Towns 
Util- Bam Adebayo 
Util- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 

Bench
James Johnson 
Danny Green
Hami Diallo 
Isaiah Hartenstein 
Nico Melli 

The Good:
Jesus.... This squad rivals the Pelicans of a year or two ago.  Let's start with the obvious..  SGA, Bam, Simmons, and KAT is fucking ridiculous.  There's a decent chance that every single of those guys are top 20 players this year, and if that's the case it's a wrap.  SGA should step into a monster role this year, Bam is Bam, Ben is Ben, and KAT is KAT.  On top of that Bman has solid depth.  Marcus Morris should start, and while he's not a per minute stud, you can count on him to atleast provide some value.  KCP, James Johnson, and Danny Green should all have sneaky roles as well.  I think the real sleeper here is Hartenstein.  When he plays he puts up points, and he should get most of the minutes that Plumlee had last year.  This team is scary and are the early title contenders, even above other powerhouses like Nets, Bucks, Clippers, and Pelicans.  Brandon has arrived! 

The Bad:
Really nothing, but i'll nitpick.  I mentioned him having solid depth, but there are teams with better depth.  Not many teams in here can survive their best player getting hurt, but the Celtics aren't really poised to handle a star or two going.  MY other concern is KAT.  He's still one of the best most talented players in the leagues, but I know I wouldn't be myself if I lost 7 family members including my mom.  It's just gotta be tough having that level of focus and energy when you just aint feeling it.  I feel for him and wish him the best, but idk if I envision him at the level he was last year.  Okay yeah I tried my best, that's really all I can think of.  

The Future:
This team has as bright a future as any.  All four of his studs are youngins! The interesting part is that he can't keep KAT, Ben, and have the money to keep SGA and Bam.  In fact Idk if he'll even be able to keep this 4 together through next year as Bam hits free agency and will surely cost 25+.  But we will see, Brandon has been a rebuilder for most of the time he has been in this league, but really had himself an off-season.  A title here will jump him into the category of the leagues' best, and we'll see if he can take this from a one year thing to a dynasty in Boston.