Pre Free Agency Power Rankings
May 7, 2017 21:28:59 GMT -5
Philadelphia 76ers (Chris), Oklahoma City Thunder (Loren), and 3 more like this
Post by Golden State Warriors (Caleb) on May 7, 2017 21:28:59 GMT -5
Here we go, as the off-season gets underway this is where i think the balance of power in the league stands. I try to take into account everything in terms of potential free agents, picks, and money situation.
Without further ado, lets get into it!
30. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have two players under contract, Harrison Barnes and Al Horford. Management has fallen off the map, and rumors are a new regime will be taking over soon. Theres really not a ton to talk about here, this team after resigning Steph will have only three players under contract, with less than 30 mill to work with. Needless to say the Rockets need to have a big off-season.
29. Los Angeles Clippers
Trey and his Clippers come in at 29. I can't wait for the day Trey has a contending team, not quite sure how long that'll be. The Clippers do have their franchise guys in Isaiah Thomas and Simmons. Because both pieces are so cheap, the Clippers have a lot of money to work with heading into the off-season, and it'll be interesting to see if they lure any big names to LA. If the Clipps have some luck and land ZO/Fox/Fultz/ or Jackson, they will be well on their way to competing again. The path is clear for this team, wait for Simmons to develop, draft well, use their money wisely, and watch Isaiah work. The future is bright in LA, but it's up to Trey to make it happen.
28. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had a tough year, but there is still hope. A new GM is on his way soon and has already expressed his desire to get a deal done with Ibaka. That leaves a pretty promising core of Ibaka, George, Prince, and Cauley-Stein. While this team isn't close to a playoff team it has some pieces, and if the right cards are played it will just be a matter of time before the Lakers are back on the map. George's contract is definitely a thing to watch in the coming year.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers
Again, another team that isn't close to competing but a team that has plenty of pieces. Kyrie Irving is still young and getting better. Jamaal and Hield are both bright young talents in the league, although admittedly their games don't translate the best to this league. A big part of this team's development moving forward is Elfrid Payton. Is his time in Orlando running out? He's shown flashes of brilliance and an improved jumper, but the league has changed so much and teams generally need a PG who is at least an average shooter. If Payton takes another step this year it would be huge for the Cavs.
26. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans slide in at 27. The franchise has a lot of organizational depth and a committed front office, but it needs to start turning it's assets into producing players. The team just recently re-signed center Alex Len to a multi year deal and will be banking on him and Drummond moving forward as the cornerstones of the franchise. The development of Justice Winslow will be the thing i'm looking at with this team, i still don't think we know what the future is for Winslow. Does he turn into a Trevor Ariza type 3 and D guy or does he turn into a legit all-star? Time will tell.
25. Boston Celtics
The Celtics come in at 25. Like the others they have the pieces to eventually be a contender, it's just going to be a process. The Celtics are very obviously led by Nikola Jokic. The Serbian big man had a monster sophomore season and cemented himself as a big time player, and building block moving forward. He's one of the more untouchable players around the league, and will be the key factor in any sucess the Celtics have moving forward. The season also led to the emergence of Willy Hernangomez, who showed he will also be a big part of the Celtics future. With both Hernangomez and Jokic down low the draft couldn't be set up any better for the Celtics. This draft is loaded with talent at the guard position, and the Celtics should most likely have their pick at whatever talented guard they want. With another 40+ mill in cap room the Celtics have a lot of options moving forward this off-season.
24. Miami Heat
The Lebron James led Miami Heat roll in at #24. The problem with this team is Marvin Williams, Victor Oladipo, and Lebron James are making a combined 62 million. That's just not gonna work in today's league. Lebron is definitely still capable of leading a team to a title, but hes gonna need more help than this. The good thing is the Heat still are in a good overall spot. Thon Maker and Henry Ellenson are both guys i think have a bright future in the league even if it will take some time. Lou is stilla solid player on a cheap deal, and the draft is coming up as well. Overall the Heat need to move one of Dipo or LBJ in my eyes to create some flexibility, but the Heat still have plenty of assets and with proper moves could be a playoff team.
23. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are a very interesting team. They have some older vets like Eric Gordon, Marc Gasol, and Al Jefferson. They also have some really talented younger players like Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown. The success in the near future is going to be predicated on the development of Brown and Ingram moving forward. Both are immensely talented with amazing physical gifts, it's just going to come down to the mental side, do both have that killer mind-set to go and be great? Marc Gasol is an odd fit on the team and i wouldn't be surprised if the Hornets look to move him with how expensive he is.
22. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are one of my favorite teams in the league with how they're set up. They still have a far way to go, but talent is not a problem with this team. AG had a weird season and it still remains to be seen if he has enough to be a star in the league, he's still very young. The Jabari injury was tough to see and you have to question if he'll ever be the same after seeing what has happened to D-Rose. Granted, Rose's game was built a lot more off his athleticism, but it sure can't help Jabari. Murray is interesting and i think eventually becomes a very solid player in San Antonio. Powell, Skal, and Mudiay have all shown flashes, but again that's really all they've been.. flashes. If these guys can continue to take steps forward, this is a contending team in a couple years. With almost a full roster and 50+ mill in cap space the Nets can go all in on a big time name in free agency if they want. Future looks bright in Brooklyn.
21. Orlando Magic
The Magic come in at 21, after a pedestrian first season. Perry has some solid players and are only one or two free agent acquisitions away from being a playoff team. Myles Turner didn't quite have the season i expected ( I expected a monster year) but he more than proved he's a huge piece moving forward. Hayward had a career year and showed he can be the captain of this Magic team for years to come when they locked him up to a 5 year deal. Now when i look at this Magic team i see one problem, and that's overpaid players. Forunier, Kanter, and JV are all making 15 mill + and you could make an argument none of them are worth that. Of course money is meant to be spent, and sometimes you have to overpay but i'm just not sure a team that is paying those three guys that amount of money will ever be a title contender. What Perry decides is the best move this off-season will be interesting, but i have heard JV will be shopped heavily this off-season.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder aren't in the best of shape right now and are kinda toe-ing that line where you're not super bad, but just not good enough either. The team has some talent. Lin, Klay, and Kieff are all very serviceable players and guys that can help a team win a ring. However when the guys surrounding them are Patty McCaw, DJ Augustine, and Sabonis it's going to be tough. It'll be interesting to see what direction the Thunder choose to go in. Are they going to go all in on picks and deal away their guys or are they going to use their cap space to add pieces in free agency and make a run at this? Time will tell.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
The T-wolves have one of the best duos in the league in Dame Lillard and Anthony Davis. The problem is they combine for almost half the cap space. Management has gone quiet of late, and a new GM should be stepping in soon. He has some decisions to make do you continue to build off of Lillard and Davis? Or do you move one to create some flexibility and space moving forward? Either way having both Lillard and Davis is nothing to be bummed about as both are great players, if some of the young players develop and the Twolves add a veteran or two in free agency this team could make some noise in the playoff hunt.
18. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a weird team. They're another team with a mix of vets and youngins who could go young and rebuild, but also go all in and be a playoff team. Kevin was kinda content being in the middle of that this past year. The Suns boast a ice group of young guards in Dunn, Schroeder, Smart, and Tyus Jones. The Suns also have an interesting front court pairing in Nik Vucevic and Kenneth Faried, neither of which i think are the long term option down low. Really the Suns future could go in so many different ways, it really is just up to the Suns which way it to be.
17. Philadelphia 76ers
The 6ers had a very solid and in my opinion over achieved. However they have one of the more fun rebuilding paths if not the most fun in the league. The team will be led by a trio of up and coming talent in Embiid, Zinger, and Druss. I'm not a huge fan of Russ and don't think he'll ever evolve into a star, but Embiid and Porzingis are two of my favorite talents in the league. Hood's jumper has been inconsistent the second half of the year, but the upside with him is very high, pair that with Seth Curry's emergence and miles of cap space and the 76ers have an extremely bright future. If i were in control at Philly i would hone in on one or two impact players to pair with the young core and look to push on that playoff run they had last year.
16. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers i think are in a real good spot moving forward and i'll tell you why. They've got an all-star locked up at a cheap rate, and their choice of shooting guard of the future with Dion Waitors and KCP. If they can find a home for Parsons, and that's a huge if they coud possibly being back Waitors and KCP. Wiggins is going to be a big key for this franchise moving forward. If he can continue to grow and expand his game, he can be a star in this league. He gets to the rim and ease and had some really insane games this year, if he can just develop a consistent jumper watch out man. Frank Kaminsky isn't a bad piece either. Good things should be coming to Portland.
15. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are here solely because of Russell Westbrook, yes he hasn't yet re-signed in Indy, but all sings point to that eventually getting done. He was the heart and sole of this Pacers team and every week you knew he was going to put up just disgusting numbers. Now for the Pacers it's about finding a group that can fit around him. There are three guys i look at when looking at who may help in that, Tyler Ullis, Julius Randle, and the last one may surprise you but, Juan Hernangomez. There are however definitely some flaws with this team Bismack, Solomon Hill, and Wes Matthews are just all making way too much money. As a result Noel is most likely going to walk in free agency and while they look like they do have the money to keep Russ it's going to be really tight and eventually other moves are gong to have to be made to create space. Overall this team has potential to swing either way, playoffs or down towards rebuilding, it's Jon's choice and it'll be interesting to see in what direction he leads them.
14. Dallas Mavericks
Some could argue this is a little to high but i'm putting some value in Landon's GM skills. Landon has his Mavericks in pretty good shape this off-season, he has his star player signed for two more years and some cap space to work around him. RHJ and Tobias Harris are two young pieces i really like a lot and i expect them to continue to develop and be a big part of the Dallas future moving forward. An interesting player is Terry Rozier i see a lot of potential in him, but he's never really had the chance in Boston with another year under his belt i think he could get some more time moving forward. Ultimately the Mavs season will be determined by the free agency period they have. 36 Million isn't a ton, but with James Harden already on your team and some decent pieces around him, it's up to Landon to find more complementary pieces via free agency to get his Mavs in contention.
13. Atlanta Hawks
John's Hawks come in at 13, even though i know it would be foolish of me to ever think his team would end up in 13th over the course of the season. John had a typical John season last year, even in a year with few trades. He is always one of the more active owners on free agent market and even though you'd never know by looking at his team he finished 13-1 with a division title in his inaugural year. John will get it done. The key to the Hawks again this year will be DJ and Kyle Lowry. Lowry who is still officially un-signed should be finishing up his deal soon, the sides have agreed to a price but are just settling on the years. If the Hawks can add some guards through free agency to help take the load off Lowry this team will be very good again, but given the talent i can't justify having them lower than 13.
12. Chicago Bulls
This is where it starts to get pretty tough, but i went Charlie and his Bulls here at 12. Here's why, his second and third best players really freak me out. Bledsoe is a stud and i love him, but with the new movement they got going on in Phoenix i could see him being on the outside looking in eventually. Again love Bledsoe, think he's an amazing talent, but i also know that Phoenix loves Ullis and Booker and finding minutes for all three and Knight won't be the easiest thing. Then we get to my biggest problem which is LMA. The guy just doesn't look himself, and while i know both played different games, his declining is reminding me a little bit of Amare's. If Aldridge can come next year and show us he's all that guy he was in Portland it would be huge for the Bulls but i just don't think he can. Rondo's future is never secure, but if he comes back to Chicago and runs the show again that would be a huge boost. But for me the future is just too shaky in Chicago for me to have Charlie anything higher than 12. Yes, he'll make the playoffs, but with only a little over 20 mill in room and 4-5 spots to fill it'll definitely be an interesting off-season in Chi-town.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Spurs is another owner like John where no matter what the "talent level" of his team is, he's always going to make a run and up there towards the top. I think Chris' trail run out West went pretty well, as his Spurs finished 11-3 and 4th out West. The team has already brought back big man Greg Monroe and are set up well with 30+ mill in cap room and not a ton of spot to fill. However there is some uncertainty in my eyes moving forward. Despite a very solid year, i could stll see Rubio being edged out in Minnesota if Dunn makes any progress at all. Is TJ McConnell a player in this league? He had a very solid year, but if the 6ers get one of Smith/Fultz/Fox/Ball TJ's minutes will have to go down. Will Kent prove he is worth that big deal? All these things will be interesting things to monitor as we head into next year. Overall this is no doubt a playoff team, but the off-season will definitely be an important one in San Antonio.
10. Denver Nuggets
I couldn't really justify having Kevin any lower after his rough season. His Nuggets still are able to crack the top ten. Again, KD is still un-signed at the moment, but all signs point to eventually the Nuggets finding a move that clears the money to bring him back. This is kinda where the problem lies. The Nuggets are pushed up against the wall financially, and with a couple spots let to fill it's going to be pretty tough for them to fill out a full roster. The problem lies in who they are paying big bucks too. Ian Mahinmi and Steven Adams are earning a combined 37 million. When you are paying those two guys that amount of money, have to bring back KD, and still have guys like JR Smith and Dwight Powell making money it's going to be tough. My money is on the Nuggets eventually releasing JR, but i think they have to consider releasing Mahinmi, nobody will ever take on that contract unless they're getting a lotto with8it, and paying the guy 16+ mill is just asking for trouble. Despite all this the Nuggets are still a good basketball team, championship contender? Probably not. But if the right moves are made this off-season we may be able to say that at tip off next year, we'll see.
9. Detroit Pistons
Merv always got a ton of shit, but he knows his stuff. His Pistons had an awesome year, and if all goes to plan this off-season should be back fighting for a shot at a title. As of now this is not a title team. The team has three impact players under control, Kawahi, Kevin Love, and Zach Lavine. Leonard had a monster year and there is nothing Merv needs to worry about there. Love should still be good for a couple more years, but it'll be interesting to see how Lavine comes back from his ACL tear, will he be the same? The reason i still have this team so high is the cap space. 50+ mill with the ability to bring back Millsap is big. A big off-season is coming for Detroit and if all goes as planned this team will be right back in the thick of it.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks had an awesome season and a lot of the key pieces are back. My problem with them is just the depth. They have maybe the best duo in the league in CP3 and Giannis, yes Chris is getting older but he should still be good for 40 a night. The cast around those two is solid too, Johnson had a good year, Crowder who i don't like a ton in real life i will admit is solid, and Gary Harris has turned himself into a really nice player. But here are some of the issues, the Bucks have 8 players on the roster, with one of them being Michael Gbinnije, so really 7. That leaves 5 roster spots open with 16 mill. It's going to be a tough squeeze. The roster as it is constructed right now is an easy playoff team, but i don't think it's quite a contender. If Jacoby can make some moves moving forward this Bucks will be right back in contention as they were last year.
7. Washington Wizards
The Wizards had a sneaky good year and come in at 7. At first i was going to have them a little further back just because they really don't have much money to spend, but then i realized the team how it's built right now can probably contend. They have twin towers inside with Dwight and Demarcus. I'm still not sure Dwight is worth that money, but he did have a pretty decent year in Atlanta and think he can be solid for a couple more years. Otto had a nice breakout year, and is all but re-signed the two are just working out the length of the deal. Reggie Jackson is the key to this team. He has the talent to be a very good NBA point guard, but he's kinda dumb sometimes, and doesn't really play with a team that compliments him. If SVG sticks with him and he has a comeback year it'll be big for the Wiz. Courtney Lee and Wilson Chandler are both solid role players in their own right. If this teams finds a way to shed a little money and add some vets this is a contender. Right now i think this is just an above average team who could make a run but still doesn't quite feel like a contender yet.
6. Toronto Raptors
Most people will probably think i have this team pegged too high, but i think the most important thing to look at here is just overall GM investment. The Raptors have been involved since day 1 and are always looking to get better. The team is in a good situation with young pieces locked up like Booker, Gallo, Dray, and even Gortat. I think a sneaky guy to watch heading into next year is Austin Rivers, with Reddick most likely gone Rivers could be stepping into a decent sized role. I used to absolutely shit on Rivers but hes really improved as a player. Looking at the roster there is really nothing that jumps out at you as bad or needing improvement. IF i had to go with something, it would probably be the players on the team are better in real life than in here. Gallo, Booker, and Bradley all are probably a little more valuable to their NBA teams. Either way, if the Raps can find someone to take TP's contract, and sign a vet or two in free agency this team will be in the conversation towards the end of next year.
5. Sacramento Kings
I'm giving the defending Western Conference champs some respect with this ranking, because the roster in itself is not a top 5 roster. With 8 guys under roster the Kings have 15 mill to fill 4 spots. Despite this the Kings are still pretty deep. This team has Blake, Melo, Dragic, Beverley, Morris, Kilpatrick, and Booker. But with that being said there are some question marks about the Kings two best players moving forward. Can Blake stay healthy and will even be in LA next year? We all saw what this Kings team was like when Blake was out. There is no chance for this team if he's not playing, Blake's health is huge moving forward. Secondly is Melo. I'm scared we are starting to get to that D-wade stage with him. I'd still consider him an elite scorer, but he's definitely declining and i feel like next year could be the biggest drop off in his descent. Overall don't get me wrong this is a very solid team, with some trades, a nice pick, and a free agent or two this Kings team will be right back where it was this past year making a deep playoff run.
4. Utah Jazz
Sorry TJ. I know TJ probably think he's higher but this is where i see his Jazz team. The Jazz are a very good team, and just picked up some depth with Nurk and T-ross coming over for Gobert. This clears enough room to re-sign Gay, which all signs point to happening. So as we stand the Jazz have some big time players in Conley, CJ, and Nurk. I think the big weakness for this team moving forward is flexibility. The team is basically a full team, and as it stands now would probably complete for a title. But with little cap room, i just don't know if i can say this team is good enough to go win a title. The two big problems for me with this team is 1. paying Tristan Thompson that much money, and 2. re-signing Gay when i think you can spend that money elsewhere on someone or something that isn't heading into an age 30 season coming off a torn achilles. But if we know one thing TJ is always up to something, and usually a step ahead. As it stands now, i can't say he's the title favorite, but he's in the discussion. Only time will tell.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies coming off a loss in the WCF are in at 3. Let's start with the problem and i think it's pretty obvious, you can't be paying Luol that money. Other than that i really don't see much. But paying Deng that money directly makes it so that you can't re-sign Plumlee this period. Management has been a little quiet since the off-season, but there's still time to find a suitor for Deng or maybe even Derozan or Anderson in order to free up the money to then re-sign Plumlee. Derozan and Anderson were both huge parts of the Grizzlies' success. I still remember thinking wow i would not pay that for either of those guys, but both went on to have very productive seasons. Like the Jazz this is a pretty finished product. As it stands right now this team would be one of the favorites to win it all with stars in their primes like Towns and Derozan, and pieces like Farrell, Anderson, Covington, and Dieng contributing around them. There is a little bit more room to work with here than say Utah which i think gives them a slight advantage, but either way this off-season will be huge in creating that small bit of separation that is so important out West.
2. Golden State Warriors
Yes, i'm that LM fag who puts himself two in his own power rankings. Butler being down for the playoffs really crushed me, and i thought i had a real shot at making a run. Anyways, that's now in the past, but i think we're right back in position to make another run. The T-Ross Nurk swap for Gobert shows just how far those two have come. T-ross was available as a free agent, and there was a time where Nurk was getting DNPs. Gobert will join Jimmy Butler, Batum, Brook Lopez and presumably Jeff Teague in what should be a very dynamic offense next year. The key for me i think ends up on Saric and Dekker. Both showed signs of being very good players Saric might even win ROY. IF both can continue to grow this is going to be a pretty tough team to stop. There are flaws, the Warriors are pretty tight on money and will have to move oe of Harkless or Temple to create the room to re-sign Teague. Either way this team is going to very tough to stop.
1. New York Knicks
The Knicks are coming off a title and thus are #1. The Knicks in what was an awesome story ran the table as a #8 seed all the way to a title. The team has a very solid star trio in Jrue, John Wall, and Kris Middleton. Looking at the team there really aren't a ton of weaknesses, the team has depth from top to bottom, and while they don't have a ton of wiggle room they have just enough to draft a guy and sign a vet. The Knicks really showed that depth is key to a championship, and with Wall's emergence, Jrue's improved play in New Orleans, and Middleton picking up where he left off this team is going to be much more than an 8th seed this season.
I hope you all enjoyed, my next edition will be post FA and draft rankings, but we've got a lot of other fun stuff on the way.
Without further ado, lets get into it!
30. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have two players under contract, Harrison Barnes and Al Horford. Management has fallen off the map, and rumors are a new regime will be taking over soon. Theres really not a ton to talk about here, this team after resigning Steph will have only three players under contract, with less than 30 mill to work with. Needless to say the Rockets need to have a big off-season.
29. Los Angeles Clippers
Trey and his Clippers come in at 29. I can't wait for the day Trey has a contending team, not quite sure how long that'll be. The Clippers do have their franchise guys in Isaiah Thomas and Simmons. Because both pieces are so cheap, the Clippers have a lot of money to work with heading into the off-season, and it'll be interesting to see if they lure any big names to LA. If the Clipps have some luck and land ZO/Fox/Fultz/ or Jackson, they will be well on their way to competing again. The path is clear for this team, wait for Simmons to develop, draft well, use their money wisely, and watch Isaiah work. The future is bright in LA, but it's up to Trey to make it happen.
28. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had a tough year, but there is still hope. A new GM is on his way soon and has already expressed his desire to get a deal done with Ibaka. That leaves a pretty promising core of Ibaka, George, Prince, and Cauley-Stein. While this team isn't close to a playoff team it has some pieces, and if the right cards are played it will just be a matter of time before the Lakers are back on the map. George's contract is definitely a thing to watch in the coming year.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers
Again, another team that isn't close to competing but a team that has plenty of pieces. Kyrie Irving is still young and getting better. Jamaal and Hield are both bright young talents in the league, although admittedly their games don't translate the best to this league. A big part of this team's development moving forward is Elfrid Payton. Is his time in Orlando running out? He's shown flashes of brilliance and an improved jumper, but the league has changed so much and teams generally need a PG who is at least an average shooter. If Payton takes another step this year it would be huge for the Cavs.
26. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans slide in at 27. The franchise has a lot of organizational depth and a committed front office, but it needs to start turning it's assets into producing players. The team just recently re-signed center Alex Len to a multi year deal and will be banking on him and Drummond moving forward as the cornerstones of the franchise. The development of Justice Winslow will be the thing i'm looking at with this team, i still don't think we know what the future is for Winslow. Does he turn into a Trevor Ariza type 3 and D guy or does he turn into a legit all-star? Time will tell.
25. Boston Celtics
The Celtics come in at 25. Like the others they have the pieces to eventually be a contender, it's just going to be a process. The Celtics are very obviously led by Nikola Jokic. The Serbian big man had a monster sophomore season and cemented himself as a big time player, and building block moving forward. He's one of the more untouchable players around the league, and will be the key factor in any sucess the Celtics have moving forward. The season also led to the emergence of Willy Hernangomez, who showed he will also be a big part of the Celtics future. With both Hernangomez and Jokic down low the draft couldn't be set up any better for the Celtics. This draft is loaded with talent at the guard position, and the Celtics should most likely have their pick at whatever talented guard they want. With another 40+ mill in cap room the Celtics have a lot of options moving forward this off-season.
24. Miami Heat
The Lebron James led Miami Heat roll in at #24. The problem with this team is Marvin Williams, Victor Oladipo, and Lebron James are making a combined 62 million. That's just not gonna work in today's league. Lebron is definitely still capable of leading a team to a title, but hes gonna need more help than this. The good thing is the Heat still are in a good overall spot. Thon Maker and Henry Ellenson are both guys i think have a bright future in the league even if it will take some time. Lou is stilla solid player on a cheap deal, and the draft is coming up as well. Overall the Heat need to move one of Dipo or LBJ in my eyes to create some flexibility, but the Heat still have plenty of assets and with proper moves could be a playoff team.
23. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are a very interesting team. They have some older vets like Eric Gordon, Marc Gasol, and Al Jefferson. They also have some really talented younger players like Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown. The success in the near future is going to be predicated on the development of Brown and Ingram moving forward. Both are immensely talented with amazing physical gifts, it's just going to come down to the mental side, do both have that killer mind-set to go and be great? Marc Gasol is an odd fit on the team and i wouldn't be surprised if the Hornets look to move him with how expensive he is.
22. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are one of my favorite teams in the league with how they're set up. They still have a far way to go, but talent is not a problem with this team. AG had a weird season and it still remains to be seen if he has enough to be a star in the league, he's still very young. The Jabari injury was tough to see and you have to question if he'll ever be the same after seeing what has happened to D-Rose. Granted, Rose's game was built a lot more off his athleticism, but it sure can't help Jabari. Murray is interesting and i think eventually becomes a very solid player in San Antonio. Powell, Skal, and Mudiay have all shown flashes, but again that's really all they've been.. flashes. If these guys can continue to take steps forward, this is a contending team in a couple years. With almost a full roster and 50+ mill in cap space the Nets can go all in on a big time name in free agency if they want. Future looks bright in Brooklyn.
21. Orlando Magic
The Magic come in at 21, after a pedestrian first season. Perry has some solid players and are only one or two free agent acquisitions away from being a playoff team. Myles Turner didn't quite have the season i expected ( I expected a monster year) but he more than proved he's a huge piece moving forward. Hayward had a career year and showed he can be the captain of this Magic team for years to come when they locked him up to a 5 year deal. Now when i look at this Magic team i see one problem, and that's overpaid players. Forunier, Kanter, and JV are all making 15 mill + and you could make an argument none of them are worth that. Of course money is meant to be spent, and sometimes you have to overpay but i'm just not sure a team that is paying those three guys that amount of money will ever be a title contender. What Perry decides is the best move this off-season will be interesting, but i have heard JV will be shopped heavily this off-season.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder aren't in the best of shape right now and are kinda toe-ing that line where you're not super bad, but just not good enough either. The team has some talent. Lin, Klay, and Kieff are all very serviceable players and guys that can help a team win a ring. However when the guys surrounding them are Patty McCaw, DJ Augustine, and Sabonis it's going to be tough. It'll be interesting to see what direction the Thunder choose to go in. Are they going to go all in on picks and deal away their guys or are they going to use their cap space to add pieces in free agency and make a run at this? Time will tell.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
The T-wolves have one of the best duos in the league in Dame Lillard and Anthony Davis. The problem is they combine for almost half the cap space. Management has gone quiet of late, and a new GM should be stepping in soon. He has some decisions to make do you continue to build off of Lillard and Davis? Or do you move one to create some flexibility and space moving forward? Either way having both Lillard and Davis is nothing to be bummed about as both are great players, if some of the young players develop and the Twolves add a veteran or two in free agency this team could make some noise in the playoff hunt.
18. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a weird team. They're another team with a mix of vets and youngins who could go young and rebuild, but also go all in and be a playoff team. Kevin was kinda content being in the middle of that this past year. The Suns boast a ice group of young guards in Dunn, Schroeder, Smart, and Tyus Jones. The Suns also have an interesting front court pairing in Nik Vucevic and Kenneth Faried, neither of which i think are the long term option down low. Really the Suns future could go in so many different ways, it really is just up to the Suns which way it to be.
17. Philadelphia 76ers
The 6ers had a very solid and in my opinion over achieved. However they have one of the more fun rebuilding paths if not the most fun in the league. The team will be led by a trio of up and coming talent in Embiid, Zinger, and Druss. I'm not a huge fan of Russ and don't think he'll ever evolve into a star, but Embiid and Porzingis are two of my favorite talents in the league. Hood's jumper has been inconsistent the second half of the year, but the upside with him is very high, pair that with Seth Curry's emergence and miles of cap space and the 76ers have an extremely bright future. If i were in control at Philly i would hone in on one or two impact players to pair with the young core and look to push on that playoff run they had last year.
16. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers i think are in a real good spot moving forward and i'll tell you why. They've got an all-star locked up at a cheap rate, and their choice of shooting guard of the future with Dion Waitors and KCP. If they can find a home for Parsons, and that's a huge if they coud possibly being back Waitors and KCP. Wiggins is going to be a big key for this franchise moving forward. If he can continue to grow and expand his game, he can be a star in this league. He gets to the rim and ease and had some really insane games this year, if he can just develop a consistent jumper watch out man. Frank Kaminsky isn't a bad piece either. Good things should be coming to Portland.
15. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are here solely because of Russell Westbrook, yes he hasn't yet re-signed in Indy, but all sings point to that eventually getting done. He was the heart and sole of this Pacers team and every week you knew he was going to put up just disgusting numbers. Now for the Pacers it's about finding a group that can fit around him. There are three guys i look at when looking at who may help in that, Tyler Ullis, Julius Randle, and the last one may surprise you but, Juan Hernangomez. There are however definitely some flaws with this team Bismack, Solomon Hill, and Wes Matthews are just all making way too much money. As a result Noel is most likely going to walk in free agency and while they look like they do have the money to keep Russ it's going to be really tight and eventually other moves are gong to have to be made to create space. Overall this team has potential to swing either way, playoffs or down towards rebuilding, it's Jon's choice and it'll be interesting to see in what direction he leads them.
14. Dallas Mavericks
Some could argue this is a little to high but i'm putting some value in Landon's GM skills. Landon has his Mavericks in pretty good shape this off-season, he has his star player signed for two more years and some cap space to work around him. RHJ and Tobias Harris are two young pieces i really like a lot and i expect them to continue to develop and be a big part of the Dallas future moving forward. An interesting player is Terry Rozier i see a lot of potential in him, but he's never really had the chance in Boston with another year under his belt i think he could get some more time moving forward. Ultimately the Mavs season will be determined by the free agency period they have. 36 Million isn't a ton, but with James Harden already on your team and some decent pieces around him, it's up to Landon to find more complementary pieces via free agency to get his Mavs in contention.
13. Atlanta Hawks
John's Hawks come in at 13, even though i know it would be foolish of me to ever think his team would end up in 13th over the course of the season. John had a typical John season last year, even in a year with few trades. He is always one of the more active owners on free agent market and even though you'd never know by looking at his team he finished 13-1 with a division title in his inaugural year. John will get it done. The key to the Hawks again this year will be DJ and Kyle Lowry. Lowry who is still officially un-signed should be finishing up his deal soon, the sides have agreed to a price but are just settling on the years. If the Hawks can add some guards through free agency to help take the load off Lowry this team will be very good again, but given the talent i can't justify having them lower than 13.
12. Chicago Bulls
This is where it starts to get pretty tough, but i went Charlie and his Bulls here at 12. Here's why, his second and third best players really freak me out. Bledsoe is a stud and i love him, but with the new movement they got going on in Phoenix i could see him being on the outside looking in eventually. Again love Bledsoe, think he's an amazing talent, but i also know that Phoenix loves Ullis and Booker and finding minutes for all three and Knight won't be the easiest thing. Then we get to my biggest problem which is LMA. The guy just doesn't look himself, and while i know both played different games, his declining is reminding me a little bit of Amare's. If Aldridge can come next year and show us he's all that guy he was in Portland it would be huge for the Bulls but i just don't think he can. Rondo's future is never secure, but if he comes back to Chicago and runs the show again that would be a huge boost. But for me the future is just too shaky in Chicago for me to have Charlie anything higher than 12. Yes, he'll make the playoffs, but with only a little over 20 mill in room and 4-5 spots to fill it'll definitely be an interesting off-season in Chi-town.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Spurs is another owner like John where no matter what the "talent level" of his team is, he's always going to make a run and up there towards the top. I think Chris' trail run out West went pretty well, as his Spurs finished 11-3 and 4th out West. The team has already brought back big man Greg Monroe and are set up well with 30+ mill in cap room and not a ton of spot to fill. However there is some uncertainty in my eyes moving forward. Despite a very solid year, i could stll see Rubio being edged out in Minnesota if Dunn makes any progress at all. Is TJ McConnell a player in this league? He had a very solid year, but if the 6ers get one of Smith/Fultz/Fox/Ball TJ's minutes will have to go down. Will Kent prove he is worth that big deal? All these things will be interesting things to monitor as we head into next year. Overall this is no doubt a playoff team, but the off-season will definitely be an important one in San Antonio.
10. Denver Nuggets
I couldn't really justify having Kevin any lower after his rough season. His Nuggets still are able to crack the top ten. Again, KD is still un-signed at the moment, but all signs point to eventually the Nuggets finding a move that clears the money to bring him back. This is kinda where the problem lies. The Nuggets are pushed up against the wall financially, and with a couple spots let to fill it's going to be pretty tough for them to fill out a full roster. The problem lies in who they are paying big bucks too. Ian Mahinmi and Steven Adams are earning a combined 37 million. When you are paying those two guys that amount of money, have to bring back KD, and still have guys like JR Smith and Dwight Powell making money it's going to be tough. My money is on the Nuggets eventually releasing JR, but i think they have to consider releasing Mahinmi, nobody will ever take on that contract unless they're getting a lotto with8it, and paying the guy 16+ mill is just asking for trouble. Despite all this the Nuggets are still a good basketball team, championship contender? Probably not. But if the right moves are made this off-season we may be able to say that at tip off next year, we'll see.
9. Detroit Pistons
Merv always got a ton of shit, but he knows his stuff. His Pistons had an awesome year, and if all goes to plan this off-season should be back fighting for a shot at a title. As of now this is not a title team. The team has three impact players under control, Kawahi, Kevin Love, and Zach Lavine. Leonard had a monster year and there is nothing Merv needs to worry about there. Love should still be good for a couple more years, but it'll be interesting to see how Lavine comes back from his ACL tear, will he be the same? The reason i still have this team so high is the cap space. 50+ mill with the ability to bring back Millsap is big. A big off-season is coming for Detroit and if all goes as planned this team will be right back in the thick of it.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks had an awesome season and a lot of the key pieces are back. My problem with them is just the depth. They have maybe the best duo in the league in CP3 and Giannis, yes Chris is getting older but he should still be good for 40 a night. The cast around those two is solid too, Johnson had a good year, Crowder who i don't like a ton in real life i will admit is solid, and Gary Harris has turned himself into a really nice player. But here are some of the issues, the Bucks have 8 players on the roster, with one of them being Michael Gbinnije, so really 7. That leaves 5 roster spots open with 16 mill. It's going to be a tough squeeze. The roster as it is constructed right now is an easy playoff team, but i don't think it's quite a contender. If Jacoby can make some moves moving forward this Bucks will be right back in contention as they were last year.
7. Washington Wizards
The Wizards had a sneaky good year and come in at 7. At first i was going to have them a little further back just because they really don't have much money to spend, but then i realized the team how it's built right now can probably contend. They have twin towers inside with Dwight and Demarcus. I'm still not sure Dwight is worth that money, but he did have a pretty decent year in Atlanta and think he can be solid for a couple more years. Otto had a nice breakout year, and is all but re-signed the two are just working out the length of the deal. Reggie Jackson is the key to this team. He has the talent to be a very good NBA point guard, but he's kinda dumb sometimes, and doesn't really play with a team that compliments him. If SVG sticks with him and he has a comeback year it'll be big for the Wiz. Courtney Lee and Wilson Chandler are both solid role players in their own right. If this teams finds a way to shed a little money and add some vets this is a contender. Right now i think this is just an above average team who could make a run but still doesn't quite feel like a contender yet.
6. Toronto Raptors
Most people will probably think i have this team pegged too high, but i think the most important thing to look at here is just overall GM investment. The Raptors have been involved since day 1 and are always looking to get better. The team is in a good situation with young pieces locked up like Booker, Gallo, Dray, and even Gortat. I think a sneaky guy to watch heading into next year is Austin Rivers, with Reddick most likely gone Rivers could be stepping into a decent sized role. I used to absolutely shit on Rivers but hes really improved as a player. Looking at the roster there is really nothing that jumps out at you as bad or needing improvement. IF i had to go with something, it would probably be the players on the team are better in real life than in here. Gallo, Booker, and Bradley all are probably a little more valuable to their NBA teams. Either way, if the Raps can find someone to take TP's contract, and sign a vet or two in free agency this team will be in the conversation towards the end of next year.
5. Sacramento Kings
I'm giving the defending Western Conference champs some respect with this ranking, because the roster in itself is not a top 5 roster. With 8 guys under roster the Kings have 15 mill to fill 4 spots. Despite this the Kings are still pretty deep. This team has Blake, Melo, Dragic, Beverley, Morris, Kilpatrick, and Booker. But with that being said there are some question marks about the Kings two best players moving forward. Can Blake stay healthy and will even be in LA next year? We all saw what this Kings team was like when Blake was out. There is no chance for this team if he's not playing, Blake's health is huge moving forward. Secondly is Melo. I'm scared we are starting to get to that D-wade stage with him. I'd still consider him an elite scorer, but he's definitely declining and i feel like next year could be the biggest drop off in his descent. Overall don't get me wrong this is a very solid team, with some trades, a nice pick, and a free agent or two this Kings team will be right back where it was this past year making a deep playoff run.
4. Utah Jazz
Sorry TJ. I know TJ probably think he's higher but this is where i see his Jazz team. The Jazz are a very good team, and just picked up some depth with Nurk and T-ross coming over for Gobert. This clears enough room to re-sign Gay, which all signs point to happening. So as we stand the Jazz have some big time players in Conley, CJ, and Nurk. I think the big weakness for this team moving forward is flexibility. The team is basically a full team, and as it stands now would probably complete for a title. But with little cap room, i just don't know if i can say this team is good enough to go win a title. The two big problems for me with this team is 1. paying Tristan Thompson that much money, and 2. re-signing Gay when i think you can spend that money elsewhere on someone or something that isn't heading into an age 30 season coming off a torn achilles. But if we know one thing TJ is always up to something, and usually a step ahead. As it stands now, i can't say he's the title favorite, but he's in the discussion. Only time will tell.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies coming off a loss in the WCF are in at 3. Let's start with the problem and i think it's pretty obvious, you can't be paying Luol that money. Other than that i really don't see much. But paying Deng that money directly makes it so that you can't re-sign Plumlee this period. Management has been a little quiet since the off-season, but there's still time to find a suitor for Deng or maybe even Derozan or Anderson in order to free up the money to then re-sign Plumlee. Derozan and Anderson were both huge parts of the Grizzlies' success. I still remember thinking wow i would not pay that for either of those guys, but both went on to have very productive seasons. Like the Jazz this is a pretty finished product. As it stands right now this team would be one of the favorites to win it all with stars in their primes like Towns and Derozan, and pieces like Farrell, Anderson, Covington, and Dieng contributing around them. There is a little bit more room to work with here than say Utah which i think gives them a slight advantage, but either way this off-season will be huge in creating that small bit of separation that is so important out West.
2. Golden State Warriors
Yes, i'm that LM fag who puts himself two in his own power rankings. Butler being down for the playoffs really crushed me, and i thought i had a real shot at making a run. Anyways, that's now in the past, but i think we're right back in position to make another run. The T-Ross Nurk swap for Gobert shows just how far those two have come. T-ross was available as a free agent, and there was a time where Nurk was getting DNPs. Gobert will join Jimmy Butler, Batum, Brook Lopez and presumably Jeff Teague in what should be a very dynamic offense next year. The key for me i think ends up on Saric and Dekker. Both showed signs of being very good players Saric might even win ROY. IF both can continue to grow this is going to be a pretty tough team to stop. There are flaws, the Warriors are pretty tight on money and will have to move oe of Harkless or Temple to create the room to re-sign Teague. Either way this team is going to very tough to stop.
1. New York Knicks
The Knicks are coming off a title and thus are #1. The Knicks in what was an awesome story ran the table as a #8 seed all the way to a title. The team has a very solid star trio in Jrue, John Wall, and Kris Middleton. Looking at the team there really aren't a ton of weaknesses, the team has depth from top to bottom, and while they don't have a ton of wiggle room they have just enough to draft a guy and sign a vet. The Knicks really showed that depth is key to a championship, and with Wall's emergence, Jrue's improved play in New Orleans, and Middleton picking up where he left off this team is going to be much more than an 8th seed this season.
I hope you all enjoyed, my next edition will be post FA and draft rankings, but we've got a lot of other fun stuff on the way.
