The growing energy of the basketball season is becoming more and more pungent. Sick of the shitty 49ers, the Giants disappointing end and people overrating College Football. It's time for some basketball. It's time for dunks, deep 3's and good old fashioned explosive athletes. Make no mistake, THE BEST athletes in America play basketball, the best. As always, I'm fired up for this season and should be your source for any NBA questions or opinions. Let's break-down the Eastern Conference first, then have the West broken down later this week. My predictions are not iron-clad, but they are far more accurate than any person who does not do this as a profession. The East is still incredibly harder to determine than things out West but I'll do my best to make some solid predictions. I like the theme "East Shake-Up". Fresh new rosters looking to make the playoffs and challenge the Cavs. It won't be boring in the East this season, things should be interesting. To basketball we go!
2017 Playoff Seeds
1. Cleveland Cavaliers- At this point you just have to wonder how long Lebron James can continue his streak of pure domination of the Eastern Conference. Will his reign come to an end this season? Likely not, no. He's just too strong, too smart and too talented to regress significantly this season. There's talk that Kyrie could emerge as the Kobe to Lebron's Shaq, which could create tension but having those two on the same team should only be considered a blessing, not a burden. Their roster is virtually the same minus the addition of Mike Dunleavy and subtraction of SMC alum Dellavedova. Look for rookie Kay Fielder to possibly make a splash in Dellavedova's place. He's only 5'9 but he averaged 24ppg and 9apg his senior year in college, could be the new Nate Robinson. Anyway, Cavs are too talented and led by the King so tough to see them not getting the top seed to defend their 2016 title.
Random thought for your thoughts- Kevin Love getting traded before the deadline is unlikely but not so crazy that it couldn't happen. I'm thinking the Thunder/Mavericks could come calling..
2. Boston Celtics- The addition of Al Horford this off season was a massive catch for head coach Brad Steven's Celtics. Having a talented and smart center to anchor the middle of their offense/defense was a problem the Celtics most certainly addressed by signing Horford. The leprechauns should have no issues in winning 50+ games this season and securing one of the top spots in the East. I was never a fan of Evan Turner so allowing him to walk and promoting bulldog Marcus Smart to garner more minutes is a fantastic move. The Celtics will most certainly take a leap this year, the question is, will the leap be big enough to challenge Lebron's Cavs come playoffs?
Random thought for your thoughts- Will Isiah Thomas get snubbed AGAIN for an All-Star nod? (Yes)
3. Toronto Raptors- While their roster doesn't really wow you, the two-headed monster of Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan will be enough for the Raptors to ride to a top playoff seed. Both are bursting with confidence after helping earn a gold medal at the Olympics this past summer so both of them should be thirsty to keep the Raptors a legitimate playoff team. I like the addition of Jared Sullinger if he can manage to stay healthy/lean and draft pick/Euro/Utah Center Jakob Poeltl could turn some heads if he develops quicker than expected. Head Coach Dwayne Casey is one of the best motivators in the NBA, Raptors are still a talented and hard-working team that's difficult to beat at home.
Random thought for your thoughts- How long before Drake becomes a minority owner of this team?
4. Atlanta Hawks- Losing Al Horford to the Celtics definitely stings, but signing C Dwight Howard will definitely make you feel better. A lesser basketball mind will tell you that Dwight sucks, but he doesn't. Howard is a center any team wouldn't mind having if another center isn't already established. The Hawks also shook things up this off season by dealing PG Jeff Teague to the Pacers and getting the #12 pick back in return which was used to draft Taurean Prince out of Baylor. The jury is still out seeing if this trade/draft pick will be worth anything but it shows that the keys to the Hawks car have been handed over to the young PG in Dennis Schroder. Schroder showed flashes of elite potential last season and an aging Jeff Teague was only taking more and more of his minutes away. The Hawks still have a bounty of skilled NBA vets (Korver, Scott, Splitter, Sefolosha, Bazemore, Humpfries, Jack, Milsap) so they will still be relevant but don't hold your breath come playoffs.
Random thought for your thoughts- With all of those veterans listed above, how do the Hawks not trade at least 3 of them if the season isn't going the way they like it?
5. Detroit Pistons- I may be completely off on this one, but I really like what's going on up in Detroit. Stan Van Gundy is the polar opposite of his idiot brother Jeff, and is putting together young, scrappy rosters that are thirsty for wins. Center Andre Drummond will be a growing force again down low and you got to love how rookie SF Stanley Johnson stepped up in the playoffs to challenge Lebron (even though he failed). Not having PG Reggie Jackson for the first month or two of the season will hurt but the Piston's coaching and grind will see them through. Once Jackson is back, Detroit will be the team that nobody wants to play on the road and will bring physicality and toughness to you at home. Look for them to be active come the trade deadline too. Some disgruntled All-Star could be dealt and the Pistons are a great landing spot.
Random thought for your thoughts- Over/Under that Jeff Van Gundy is rumored to take over as coach of a struggling team because his brother is still successful?
6. Chicago Bulls- Why not? Speaking of shake-ups, the Bulls also had a massive one this off-season by stealing Miami's golden child and future hall of famer in Dwayne Wade and signing historically rogue free agent PG Rajon Rondo. They got sick of waiting for Derrick Rose to return to glory so they sent him packing to NY. Recently they flipped sparingly used SG Tony Snell for a back-up PG and former ROY Michael Carter-Williams. On paper, this is a nasty roster. All-Star Jimmy Butler is still one of the best two-way players in the game and adding all of this talent to take pressure off of him is a step in the right direction. I even loved the Denzel Valentine draft pick who could be a poor man's Draymond Green. However a problem for the Bulls could be outside shooting and overall identity. Wade and Rondo are notoriously known for their bad outside shooting percentage/defense and there's a lot of alpha-males for only one basketball. It's up to coach Fred Hoidberg to put together a complicated puzzle, if he can, a high playoff seed awaits. If he can't the Bulls will put forth yet another disappointing season that started with high promise.
Random thought for your thoughts- Will former coach Tom Thibs have a better record with the T-Wolves in his first year than the Bulls will?
7. Indiana Pacers- I HATED the firing of Frank Vogel. One of the most under appreciated coaches in the NBA. Not a year went by that he didn't deal with a devastating player injury or a wonky/aged roster put together by team prez, Larry Bird. Bird fired Vogel and replaced him with Nate McMillan, a coach that is highly regarded among NBA coaching minds, but never really being able to take a team to the next level which is why you've probably never heard of him. They dumped PG George Hill to the Jazz because he was little/mis-used and now have Jeff Teague running things at the point. I originally felt that the Pacers would take a step back and miss the playoffs but I like Paul George too much to doubt them making the playoffs. Center Miles Turner is the one to watch this season to see if he make improvement on an impressive rookie year. All in all, I think the Pacers will squeeze into the playoffs but they will likely find themselves in the same situation as last season with a disappointing playoff performance/early exit. Firing a talented coach then getting the same results? Come on, Larry!
Random thought for your thoughts- Is Indiana really a superior basketball-state if they have never won an NBA championship? (No) And is Hosiers the most over-rated basketball movie ever? (Yes)
8. Charlotte Hornets- Ugh, the Hornets. So boring and so hard to predict. While most people think that Michael Jordan is the man running the show, it's actually his GM Richard Cho that does the bulk of the work. The Hornets to me are in basketball purgatory. The have a roster of some talented players but most of them are over-paid or nothing to flashy to ride home about. The roster screams for a blow-up/tank so they can start over with a sexy top-pick but it's not like the greatest player/competitor ever in Michael Jordan would sign-off on doing something like that. Veterans Roy Hibbert and Marco Belinelli being added are two big yawns. Kemba Walker is still fast and quick as hell but when teams key in on him to shut down his attack, nobody on the team will step up to shoulder the load. I hate that I have them stealing the last playoff spot in my predictions but it is what it is.
Random thought for your thoughts- North Carolina's LGBT law led to the NBA to take away the Hornets hosting the 2017 All-Star game/week. Proof that even Michael Jordan can't influence Adam Silver's hasty decisions.
Random thought for your thoughts- Kevin Love getting traded before the deadline is unlikely but not so crazy that it couldn't happen. I'm thinking the Thunder/Mavericks could come calling..
2. Boston Celtics- The addition of Al Horford this off season was a massive catch for head coach Brad Steven's Celtics. Having a talented and smart center to anchor the middle of their offense/defense was a problem the Celtics most certainly addressed by signing Horford. The leprechauns should have no issues in winning 50+ games this season and securing one of the top spots in the East. I was never a fan of Evan Turner so allowing him to walk and promoting bulldog Marcus Smart to garner more minutes is a fantastic move. The Celtics will most certainly take a leap this year, the question is, will the leap be big enough to challenge Lebron's Cavs come playoffs?
Random thought for your thoughts- Will Isiah Thomas get snubbed AGAIN for an All-Star nod? (Yes)
3. Toronto Raptors- While their roster doesn't really wow you, the two-headed monster of Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan will be enough for the Raptors to ride to a top playoff seed. Both are bursting with confidence after helping earn a gold medal at the Olympics this past summer so both of them should be thirsty to keep the Raptors a legitimate playoff team. I like the addition of Jared Sullinger if he can manage to stay healthy/lean and draft pick/Euro/Utah Center Jakob Poeltl could turn some heads if he develops quicker than expected. Head Coach Dwayne Casey is one of the best motivators in the NBA, Raptors are still a talented and hard-working team that's difficult to beat at home.
Random thought for your thoughts- How long before Drake becomes a minority owner of this team?
4. Atlanta Hawks- Losing Al Horford to the Celtics definitely stings, but signing C Dwight Howard will definitely make you feel better. A lesser basketball mind will tell you that Dwight sucks, but he doesn't. Howard is a center any team wouldn't mind having if another center isn't already established. The Hawks also shook things up this off season by dealing PG Jeff Teague to the Pacers and getting the #12 pick back in return which was used to draft Taurean Prince out of Baylor. The jury is still out seeing if this trade/draft pick will be worth anything but it shows that the keys to the Hawks car have been handed over to the young PG in Dennis Schroder. Schroder showed flashes of elite potential last season and an aging Jeff Teague was only taking more and more of his minutes away. The Hawks still have a bounty of skilled NBA vets (Korver, Scott, Splitter, Sefolosha, Bazemore, Humpfries, Jack, Milsap) so they will still be relevant but don't hold your breath come playoffs.
Random thought for your thoughts- With all of those veterans listed above, how do the Hawks not trade at least 3 of them if the season isn't going the way they like it?
5. Detroit Pistons- I may be completely off on this one, but I really like what's going on up in Detroit. Stan Van Gundy is the polar opposite of his idiot brother Jeff, and is putting together young, scrappy rosters that are thirsty for wins. Center Andre Drummond will be a growing force again down low and you got to love how rookie SF Stanley Johnson stepped up in the playoffs to challenge Lebron (even though he failed). Not having PG Reggie Jackson for the first month or two of the season will hurt but the Piston's coaching and grind will see them through. Once Jackson is back, Detroit will be the team that nobody wants to play on the road and will bring physicality and toughness to you at home. Look for them to be active come the trade deadline too. Some disgruntled All-Star could be dealt and the Pistons are a great landing spot.
Random thought for your thoughts- Over/Under that Jeff Van Gundy is rumored to take over as coach of a struggling team because his brother is still successful?
6. Chicago Bulls- Why not? Speaking of shake-ups, the Bulls also had a massive one this off-season by stealing Miami's golden child and future hall of famer in Dwayne Wade and signing historically rogue free agent PG Rajon Rondo. They got sick of waiting for Derrick Rose to return to glory so they sent him packing to NY. Recently they flipped sparingly used SG Tony Snell for a back-up PG and former ROY Michael Carter-Williams. On paper, this is a nasty roster. All-Star Jimmy Butler is still one of the best two-way players in the game and adding all of this talent to take pressure off of him is a step in the right direction. I even loved the Denzel Valentine draft pick who could be a poor man's Draymond Green. However a problem for the Bulls could be outside shooting and overall identity. Wade and Rondo are notoriously known for their bad outside shooting percentage/defense and there's a lot of alpha-males for only one basketball. It's up to coach Fred Hoidberg to put together a complicated puzzle, if he can, a high playoff seed awaits. If he can't the Bulls will put forth yet another disappointing season that started with high promise.
Random thought for your thoughts- Will former coach Tom Thibs have a better record with the T-Wolves in his first year than the Bulls will?
7. Indiana Pacers- I HATED the firing of Frank Vogel. One of the most under appreciated coaches in the NBA. Not a year went by that he didn't deal with a devastating player injury or a wonky/aged roster put together by team prez, Larry Bird. Bird fired Vogel and replaced him with Nate McMillan, a coach that is highly regarded among NBA coaching minds, but never really being able to take a team to the next level which is why you've probably never heard of him. They dumped PG George Hill to the Jazz because he was little/mis-used and now have Jeff Teague running things at the point. I originally felt that the Pacers would take a step back and miss the playoffs but I like Paul George too much to doubt them making the playoffs. Center Miles Turner is the one to watch this season to see if he make improvement on an impressive rookie year. All in all, I think the Pacers will squeeze into the playoffs but they will likely find themselves in the same situation as last season with a disappointing playoff performance/early exit. Firing a talented coach then getting the same results? Come on, Larry!
Random thought for your thoughts- Is Indiana really a superior basketball-state if they have never won an NBA championship? (No) And is Hosiers the most over-rated basketball movie ever? (Yes)
8. Charlotte Hornets- Ugh, the Hornets. So boring and so hard to predict. While most people think that Michael Jordan is the man running the show, it's actually his GM Richard Cho that does the bulk of the work. The Hornets to me are in basketball purgatory. The have a roster of some talented players but most of them are over-paid or nothing to flashy to ride home about. The roster screams for a blow-up/tank so they can start over with a sexy top-pick but it's not like the greatest player/competitor ever in Michael Jordan would sign-off on doing something like that. Veterans Roy Hibbert and Marco Belinelli being added are two big yawns. Kemba Walker is still fast and quick as hell but when teams key in on him to shut down his attack, nobody on the team will step up to shoulder the load. I hate that I have them stealing the last playoff spot in my predictions but it is what it is.
Random thought for your thoughts- North Carolina's LGBT law led to the NBA to take away the Hornets hosting the 2017 All-Star game/week. Proof that even Michael Jordan can't influence Adam Silver's hasty decisions.
So close..
9. Washington Wizards- Firing their coach and bringing in former Thunder coach Scott Brooks was an easy/clear move but the Wizards did nothing in really improving their roster. It almost looks exactly like the same roster that disappointed last season. They over-paid for C Ian Mahinmi and also won't have his services for the first month of the season after he sustained a knee injury or something. Trading away draft picks last season only to miss the playoffs is a really bad look. Scott Brooks could eventually make this team a playoff caliber roster in a few seasons but having no picks and showing John Wall that you cannot make a playoff splash will definitely cost you. #9 might even be too high for this team and I wouldn't be shocked if Bradley Beal and Wall start bitching very early about the direction the Wizards are heading in.
Random thought for your thoughts- No team needs a mascot/name change more than the Wizards. Washington Sentinels, Senators, Generals, Presidents? I like my dark-horse pick, The Washington Lincolns. BAD-ASS. Fans could all being wearing awesome top-hats and beards.
10. Milwaukee Bucks- Head Coach Jason Kidd still has a lot to figure out with this roster but there is a growing light at the end of the tunnel. Extending the Greek Freak with a new deal was a great move, he has the potential to be MVP caliber if he ever reaches his potential ceiling. Jabari Parker could finally be healthy and contribute meaningfully. The Bucks also gambled big-time and drafted another lanky/tall project in Thon Maker that could wind up being the biggest steal of the steal. Before their youngsters make the leap however, their aging/random veterans and spread minutes won't be getting them into the playoffs this season. I see 2017-2018 being the year that the Bucks start turning the playoff heads but for now, the Buck will just be fun to watch as they are up and comers.
Random thought for your thoughts- The Greek Freak playing a 6'11 Point Guard then switching to Center is the stuff of NBA coach nightmares.
11. New York Knicks- Ah the Knicks, the most relevant, yet irrelevant team in professional sports. Big things happened for them this off season. They brought in former Suns coach Jeff Hornaseck to try again at running Phil's triangle offense. I like the hire but J-Horn won't be running his own system, he will be forced to run Phil Jackson's. Melo is satisfied with his gold medals so relying on him to be a leader is just folly. Porzingus remains the X-factor and future of this team so hopefully he makes a nice leap after his successful rookie season. Bringing in Derrick Rose despite his off-court drama was a head scratcher but it is a contract-year so they can be rid of him if he doesn't pan out. Joakim Noah was a decent signing but he's constantly hurt and a shell of his former self when healthy. The Knicks will get their nationally televised games and put asses in MSG's seats but a playoff team? Not so much. Too much drama and too many distractions will doom the Knicks like always.
Random thought for your thoughts- Derrick Rose was accused of gang-rape along with his two friends. It's a messy story but proof that Rose continues to look more and more like a legit asshole every year simply because he is a weirdo that finds his own basketball talent to be some kind of burden as well as a blessing.
12. Orlando Magic- If the Magic sniff or sneak into the playoffs this season, I won't be surprised, just pissed at myself for ranking them so low right now. They have an intriguing roster of youth mixed with savvy defensive veterans. Aaron Gordon must be given more minutes to speed his development, along with PG Elfrid Payton (Rajon Rondo-like) and SG Mario Hezonja. They sent Victor Oladipo to the Thunder for Serge Ibaka and also signed playoff hero C Bismack Biyombo to a sizeable deal. New head coach Frank Vogel will preach defense and development, exactly what a team like this needs and has a roster built for. In 2 or 3 seasons, the Magic could be an elite team, just not right now I'm thinking but who knows?
Random thought for your thoughts- If Aaron Gordon doesn't for some reason participate in the 2017 Dunk-Contest, do you have to watch? Even with Zach Lavine, the answer is still no.
13. Miami Heat- For the first time in a long time, the Heat will not have Dwayne Wade on their roster. Losing your franchise golden boy is extremely tough to over come, even if Wade was on the slow decline. Even worse, the situation with Chris Bosh is messy. The Heat say that he is unfit to play basketball and clearly want to cut ties with him and also make sure he can't play for another team this year. Bosh is crying bullshit, admitting he's not ready to come back just yet but can still attempt to hoop a few months down the road. Very messy, we will see how it shakes out but the Heat will certainly have a down year. Resigning Hassan Whiteside was a good move but he doesn't scream team-leader. Neither does Goran Dragic. Justice Winslow, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson are solid building blocks but nothing to rave about. A rough/media-heavy year in Miami as they attempt to turn the page.
Random thought for your thoughts- No Shaq, no Lebron, no Wade. No have-to-watch.
14. Philadelphia 76ers- Mercifully, the 76ers cut ties with tank-happy GM Sam Hinkie and turned the keys over to Jerry and Bryan Colangelo to pull this team out of the NBA gutter it historically and purposefully, threw itself into. Top pick Ben Simmons is LEGIT, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. However a broken foot injury most certainly will cost him a few months and if his agent (also Lebron's agent) has it his way, Simmons could maybe sit out the entire season. That wouldn't be the worst news imaginable, not like the 76ers were a playoff team anyway but the Colangelos need a few seasons to build this roster and develope the young talent they want to move forward with. Joel Embiid is finally healthy and showing flashes of potential. Whether or not the Sixers want to keep Nerlens Noel/Jahlil Okafor/Dario Saric is the question. Not enough minutes to spread around guys who sorely need all of them. Wins will be tough to come by this year.
Random thought for your thoughts- Did you know that Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith are minority owners of the 76ers? Wonder who keeps that when the divorce inevitably rolls around, hopefully it's Will.
15. Brooklyn Nets- The Nets will easily be one of the worst teams in basketball. Extremely unwatchable. Their best player in C Brook Lopez is constantly hurt, their young players are so-so and the veterans they signed are all career journey-men with not much left to bring to the table. Remember 3 seasons ago when the owner/GM gave away almost all of their picks to get Garnett, Pierce and Derrick Williams on the same Nets team? Yeah, it's STILL costing them and will the next year and the year after that unless they pull of a trade or free agency signing miracle. As the 76ers attempt to leave the NBA gutter, the Nets will lease their newly vacated space for the foreseeable future.
Random thought for your thoughts- Might be the cheapest/best NBA ticket you can buy in 2017. Brand-new arena with a shit team = sweet seats!
Random thought for your thoughts- No team needs a mascot/name change more than the Wizards. Washington Sentinels, Senators, Generals, Presidents? I like my dark-horse pick, The Washington Lincolns. BAD-ASS. Fans could all being wearing awesome top-hats and beards.
10. Milwaukee Bucks- Head Coach Jason Kidd still has a lot to figure out with this roster but there is a growing light at the end of the tunnel. Extending the Greek Freak with a new deal was a great move, he has the potential to be MVP caliber if he ever reaches his potential ceiling. Jabari Parker could finally be healthy and contribute meaningfully. The Bucks also gambled big-time and drafted another lanky/tall project in Thon Maker that could wind up being the biggest steal of the steal. Before their youngsters make the leap however, their aging/random veterans and spread minutes won't be getting them into the playoffs this season. I see 2017-2018 being the year that the Bucks start turning the playoff heads but for now, the Buck will just be fun to watch as they are up and comers.
Random thought for your thoughts- The Greek Freak playing a 6'11 Point Guard then switching to Center is the stuff of NBA coach nightmares.
11. New York Knicks- Ah the Knicks, the most relevant, yet irrelevant team in professional sports. Big things happened for them this off season. They brought in former Suns coach Jeff Hornaseck to try again at running Phil's triangle offense. I like the hire but J-Horn won't be running his own system, he will be forced to run Phil Jackson's. Melo is satisfied with his gold medals so relying on him to be a leader is just folly. Porzingus remains the X-factor and future of this team so hopefully he makes a nice leap after his successful rookie season. Bringing in Derrick Rose despite his off-court drama was a head scratcher but it is a contract-year so they can be rid of him if he doesn't pan out. Joakim Noah was a decent signing but he's constantly hurt and a shell of his former self when healthy. The Knicks will get their nationally televised games and put asses in MSG's seats but a playoff team? Not so much. Too much drama and too many distractions will doom the Knicks like always.
Random thought for your thoughts- Derrick Rose was accused of gang-rape along with his two friends. It's a messy story but proof that Rose continues to look more and more like a legit asshole every year simply because he is a weirdo that finds his own basketball talent to be some kind of burden as well as a blessing.
12. Orlando Magic- If the Magic sniff or sneak into the playoffs this season, I won't be surprised, just pissed at myself for ranking them so low right now. They have an intriguing roster of youth mixed with savvy defensive veterans. Aaron Gordon must be given more minutes to speed his development, along with PG Elfrid Payton (Rajon Rondo-like) and SG Mario Hezonja. They sent Victor Oladipo to the Thunder for Serge Ibaka and also signed playoff hero C Bismack Biyombo to a sizeable deal. New head coach Frank Vogel will preach defense and development, exactly what a team like this needs and has a roster built for. In 2 or 3 seasons, the Magic could be an elite team, just not right now I'm thinking but who knows?
Random thought for your thoughts- If Aaron Gordon doesn't for some reason participate in the 2017 Dunk-Contest, do you have to watch? Even with Zach Lavine, the answer is still no.
13. Miami Heat- For the first time in a long time, the Heat will not have Dwayne Wade on their roster. Losing your franchise golden boy is extremely tough to over come, even if Wade was on the slow decline. Even worse, the situation with Chris Bosh is messy. The Heat say that he is unfit to play basketball and clearly want to cut ties with him and also make sure he can't play for another team this year. Bosh is crying bullshit, admitting he's not ready to come back just yet but can still attempt to hoop a few months down the road. Very messy, we will see how it shakes out but the Heat will certainly have a down year. Resigning Hassan Whiteside was a good move but he doesn't scream team-leader. Neither does Goran Dragic. Justice Winslow, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson are solid building blocks but nothing to rave about. A rough/media-heavy year in Miami as they attempt to turn the page.
Random thought for your thoughts- No Shaq, no Lebron, no Wade. No have-to-watch.
14. Philadelphia 76ers- Mercifully, the 76ers cut ties with tank-happy GM Sam Hinkie and turned the keys over to Jerry and Bryan Colangelo to pull this team out of the NBA gutter it historically and purposefully, threw itself into. Top pick Ben Simmons is LEGIT, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. However a broken foot injury most certainly will cost him a few months and if his agent (also Lebron's agent) has it his way, Simmons could maybe sit out the entire season. That wouldn't be the worst news imaginable, not like the 76ers were a playoff team anyway but the Colangelos need a few seasons to build this roster and develope the young talent they want to move forward with. Joel Embiid is finally healthy and showing flashes of potential. Whether or not the Sixers want to keep Nerlens Noel/Jahlil Okafor/Dario Saric is the question. Not enough minutes to spread around guys who sorely need all of them. Wins will be tough to come by this year.
Random thought for your thoughts- Did you know that Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith are minority owners of the 76ers? Wonder who keeps that when the divorce inevitably rolls around, hopefully it's Will.
15. Brooklyn Nets- The Nets will easily be one of the worst teams in basketball. Extremely unwatchable. Their best player in C Brook Lopez is constantly hurt, their young players are so-so and the veterans they signed are all career journey-men with not much left to bring to the table. Remember 3 seasons ago when the owner/GM gave away almost all of their picks to get Garnett, Pierce and Derrick Williams on the same Nets team? Yeah, it's STILL costing them and will the next year and the year after that unless they pull of a trade or free agency signing miracle. As the 76ers attempt to leave the NBA gutter, the Nets will lease their newly vacated space for the foreseeable future.
Random thought for your thoughts- Might be the cheapest/best NBA ticket you can buy in 2017. Brand-new arena with a shit team = sweet seats!
By: El Mijo