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Post by The Athletic on Jun 29, 2018 18:19:38 GMT -5
1. Brooklyn Nets
GM: Josh
2017 Record: 6-8
2017 Points: 6260 (9th in the East)
Lost in the first round
Cap Room: $69.47M
Projected Roster:
Analysis:
The Brooklyn Nets are probably in one of the best situations in the league. This roster makeup is most general managers dream. They have a lot of young cheap talent. Donovan Mitchell was the steal of the draft, Jabari was just re-signed to a steal of a price, Aaron Gordon take huge strides, and guys like Dmurray, Caris Levert, and Skal all showed promise. I really think the Nets can make a real run in the East this next year. This off-season is just going to be very key to where they end up. They'll likely match whatever AG gets offered but then will have to decide if they want to pay the price of Norm Powell as well. Another guy I really like is Bogey. Obviously he's better in real life, but he is a solid shooting guard moving forward. The Nets can continue to choose the slower and more natural way, by letting their guys develop and using the space for free agency, or they can use the picks and really attack this year. It'll be really interesting to see where this team ends up because this team has one of the brighter futures in the league. Be on the watch for the Nets! Attachments:
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Post by The Athletic on Jun 29, 2018 19:16:03 GMT -5
2. Philadelphia 76ers
GM: Philadelphia 76ers (Chris)
2017 Record: 11-3
2017 Points: 9408 (1st in the East)
Lost in the First Round
Cap Room: $45.94M
Projected Roster:
Analysis:
This is another Eastern Conference team in just a really envious position. The 76ers had tough luck down the end of stretch. They finished first in the East in scoring but still only were the 5th seed and were bounced in the first round. They come back this year with solid players at many different positions. KAT and Demar are the leaders of this team and as they go this team goes. KAT was a little shaky down the stretch of the season, but he's still one of the youngest stars in the game and should be a huge part of the Twolves moving forward. Demar should only get better despite being limited because of the amount of shots he takes. It'll be interesting to see if the 6ers choose to re-sign Hood, because of his down year he is pretty cheap to re-sign. While he may never a star it's clear he does have a lot of talent. Some other guys worth monitoring are D'angelo Russell who has all the makings of a potential star, but has yet to put it all together. He enters a huge contract year, and if he steps up I have the 6ers as the early favorite out in the East next year. Melo's deal expires just in time, and we'll see who the 6ers end up targeting in free agency this summer.
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Post by The Athletic on Jul 1, 2018 14:25:25 GMT -5
  3. New York Knicks
GM: New York Knicks (Tyler)
2017 Record: 14-0
2017 Points: 9131 (2nd in the East)
Lost in the Eastern Conference Finals
Cap Room: TBD pending John Wall Trade
Projected Roster:
Analysis:
The Knicks have arguably been the most successful franchise in the league over the first two years. They won it all in their first, and came very close to making their second straight finals appearance had it not been for a tough loss to a hot Bulls team. Today signaled what may be a retool or rebuild we still aren't quite sure. This team still has a ton of talent, but dealt John Wall who some may consider a top 10 player for more depth, youth, and their own firsts. Again there is still a ton of talent on this team. Jrue Holiday had a coming out party this year, and solidified himself as a a very good player in this league. If Boogie leave Nola Jrue should have every opportunity to put up all-star numbers. TJ Warren proved he's a player in this league, Kris Middleton took more steps. This Knicks team has a very solid and relatively cheap young core. A big cap hold right now is Robin Lopez so if the Knicks can figure out a way to rid themselves of that and move forward with a couple pieces from free agency this team is going to be dangerous. Frank is a solid add, and Favors actually showed a lot when Gobert was on the shelf this season. Don't count this Knicks team out despite their most recent trade.
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Post by The Athletic on Jul 1, 2018 16:55:15 GMT -5
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Post by The Athletic on Jul 1, 2018 17:35:19 GMT -5
5. Boston Celtics
GM: No Gm 
2017 Record: 3-11
2017 Points: 4825 (14th in the East)
Did not make the playoffs
Cap Room: $14.58
Projected Roster:
Analysis:
When Yacob left this team without it's first last year it looked like this franchise was in shambles and would become a bottom feeder for years to come. And while that is still half true there is a lot of potential within this franchise. Josh Jackson i think is a huge bright spot for this organization. Despite a slow start, he really came along throughout the season and at the ripe age of just 20 he looks as if he's got real star potential. Draymond is always going to be a monster in this league because of his all around game, and lastly Fultz still has a ton of potential. I think, obviously Fultz taking a big step this next year is going to be key to how fast this rebuild is. There isn't a ton of cap, and the Celtics don't have their firsts for awhile, but if they play it smart and pick up sneaky guys from different teams this team could sneak in depending on how fast their players develop. Another huge development for them was Scary Terry. It is still unclear how much time he will get this coming year with Kyrie back in the fold but he should still see 25 minutes or so, and will command a huge payday in the following years. The talent and potential are there with this team, they just need someone to take the reigns and harness it. If i didn't have the Warriors this team would be a really fun project. Attachments:
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