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Post by The Athletic on Jul 6, 2018 22:59:36 GMT -5
1. Washington Wizards
GM: Washington Wizards (octstuff)
2017 Record: 10-4
2017 Points: 8416 (4th in the East)
Lost in the Eastern Quarterfinals
Cap Room: $4.61M
Projected Roster:
Analysis:
The Wizards are always one of the sneakier teams out East. Octstuff always puts together a nice squad and this team in no different. No star really stands out but this team has a lot of depth. A big reason for the Wizards success last year was Dwight Howard's surprisingly very solid year. Say what you want about him, he played pretty well overall last year. He now heads to the Wizards in real life, and will need to have another big year for the Wizards to be in contention. Otto Porter is another huge part of this team, he's really grown into a really solid wing and is probably close to a top 7/8 small forward in the league. JV also had another solid season and it'll be interesting to see if he is freed up a little bit with the new coaching staff. Overall the Wizards are pretty stretched cap wise so there probably won't be many free agency moves out in Washington this off-season, but if the Wizards can find a taker for Reggie that would be huge. I expect the Wizards to be back in contention next year, but they will probably need to continue to make moves in order to be a title contender. Attachments:
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Post by The Athletic on Jul 8, 2018 12:57:29 GMT -5
 
2. Charolette Hornets
GM: Kennan
2017 Record: 6-8
2017 Points: 5879 (12th in the East)
Did not make the playoffs
Cap Room: $38.02M
Projected Roster:
Analysis:
The Hornets underwent new management this past year and immediately saw an improvement in the overall direction of the franchise. The Hornets came just a couple points away from making the playoffs last year and it's clear that management finally has a real true direction for the franchise. They are without their first going into next year so it really is go time for the Hornets. With young talent and a decent amount of cap room expect the Hornets to go spending smartly this summer. Will Barton, Zach Lavine, Gary Harris are all guys that come to mind off the bat. In terms of the actual talent on the roster, the Hornets are going to be looking at Lonzo Ball to take a big step forward. I think you had to be somewhat encouraged from him year one. He showed his impressive vision and raw ability to make tough passes, as well as an uncanny ability to rebound the ball. He is going to continue to get stronger and work on the offensive side of his game. If he stays healthy he's a building block. John Collins was also a steal last year and should get even more time this year as the Hawks are fully rebuilding. A really interesting piece to look at is Brandon Ingram. He has all the talent in the world, and is still very young but he's gotta take that next step. Here's to hoping to being around Lebron can do that for him. The Hornets are an exciting young team with a GM who is motivated and a good understanding of what's going on. Wouldn't be surprised to see the Hornets challenge for a playoff spot this coming year. Attachments:
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Post by The Athletic on Jul 8, 2018 13:18:43 GMT -5
  3. Miami Heat
GM: Heat GM (Bryan)
2017 Record: 0-14
2017 Points: 1987 (15th in the East)
Did not make the playoffs
Cap Room: $37.15M
Projected Roster:  Analysis: The Heat put together one of more impressively bad seasons in league history, dating back even to Bball25. It all worked out though as the Heat picked up the #1 pick in draft and took a potential franchise changing player in Deandre Ayton, followed by Marving Bagley. Bagley, Fox, and Ayton are not a bad core at all, and if even 2 emerge as stars they are going to be in really good shape considering the contracts. They are about to be OTC with pick #12 and may even have a chance at taking another generational talent in Michael Porter jr. Jordan Bell had a pretty solid last year and even though his value took a small hit with Cousins signing in Golden State, his long term value remains the same and that's really all that matter. Bell flashed to ability to do a little bit of everything while being a defensive monster. Burke somehow has resurrected his career as well so the Heat are really in some decent shape. The Heat are currently over roster space, so they won't be able to chase any big name free agents as of now, but expect them to clear some space and be in the running for a longer term piece. I'd put the Heat at about two years out but it really depends on the development of their young core. Exciting young team to watch in Miami.
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