The 2023-2024 NBA season is upon us, and it shapes up to be one of the more competitive in recent memory with Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets teammates out to defend their crown.
James Harden and the Philadephia 76ers are at loggerheads, with the superstar guard unlikely to feature this season until he is traded.
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The Bucks pulled the trigger on one of the biggest trades in recent seasons, landing point guard Damian Lillard to partner Giannis Antetokounmpo as they aim to head back to the NBA Finals.
Meanwhile, can Australia’s very own Josh Giddey and his emerging Oklahoma City Thunder squad progress to the playoffs after falling agonisingly short last season?
Here at foxsports.com.au, we’ve run our eye over all 30 teams. Read on for our bumper NBA season preview!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTA HAWKS
Gained: PG Patty Mills, SG Wesley Matthews, SG Kobe Bufkin (draft)
Lost: PF John Collins
Analysis: It was only three seasons ago that the Hawks made the Eastern Conference Finals, but in the two campaigns since, they’ve been bundled out in the first round. It’s clear what this team wants to do, considering they possess a stack of shooters, including Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic and the emerging Saddiq Bey. They also added Patty Mills and Wesley Matthews in the offseason as well as drafting shooting guard Kobe Bufkin. The back-court of Young and Dejounte Murray, who signed a 4-year, $120 million extension, is one of the best in the league. They compliment each other well and showed that in the first round of the playoffs, when taking two games off the Celtics. Quin Snyder took over as coach towards the end of last season and is an upgrade on Nate McMillan, who was fired heading into the All-Star break. Snyder has had a full offseason with the Hawks which is important, and that, coupled with the addition of two savvy veterans, should see Atlanta improve on last season and make some noise in the East.
Prediction: 6th in the East
BOSTON CELTICS
Gained: PF Kristaps Porzingis, PG Jrue Holiday, G Oshae Brissett
Lost: SG Marcus Smart, F Grant Williams, F Robert Williams, PG Malcolm Brogdon
Analysis: The Celtics have made the conference finals in three of the last four seasons but keep finding a way to fall short. Favoured by many to win it all in 2022-2023, it was a disappointing playoff campaign last season, taking six games to beat the Hawks, seven to progress over the 76ers in the conference semis before losing in seven against the Heat. Something needs to give in order to get over the hump, so GM Brad Stevens decided to make a number of huge moves this offseason, including orchestrating a bumper trade to acquire Porzingis. Unfortunately, that mean tough-nosed fan favourite Marcus Smart had to go. The Celtics also picked up Jrue Holiday in the Damien Lillard-to-Milwaukee three-team trade. In addition, star forward Jaylen Brown ensured his future in Boston by signing the richest NBA deal ever. Throw in MVP candidate Jayson Tatum and the Celtics boasts one of the most potent offenses in the NBA and are as well as they’ve ever been placed to win their first title in 15 years.
Prediction: 1st
BROOKLYN NETS
Gained: PG Dennis Smith Jr, G Lonnie Walker, F Noah Clowney (draft), G Dariq Whitehead (draft)
Lost: F Yuta Watanabe
Analysis: The question on the lips of many is ‘will Ben Simmons ever get back to his best?’ The Aussie star has barely been sighted over the past two seasons (just 42 games) and has become an NBA whipping boy. However, there have been good signs in the offseason/preseason that Simmons is ready to perform like we know he can. Simply put, he’s going to have to for this Nets team to have any chance of winning at least one playoff series. Defensively, Simmons makes this team much better, and that aspect is going to have to be a strength for a Nets side who lack a superstar. Mikal Bridges emerged last season after being traded from Phoenix as a part of the Kevin Durant deal. Of course, the Nets boast several draft picks from the Durant and Kyrie Irving (Dallas) trades, so perhaps the front office could use those in future deals to improve their team immediately. However, until that happens, the Nets are just a middle-of-the-road team.
Prediction: 12th
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Gained: Brandon Miller (1st round draft pick)
Lost: G Dennis Smith Jr, Kelly Oubre Jr, Kai Jones
Analysis: The Hornets were never in the hunt last season, finishing with one of the worst records in the league (27-55). They are likely to be significant improvers this time around, even though it likely won’t end in a playoff berth. Charlotte drafted Alabama guard/forward Brandon Miller with the second overall pick, and he’s a player who should boost this team right away as he was the most-ready-made prospect in the entire draft. LaMelo Ball is a star, who inked a massive five-year extension, but his absence through injury for most of last season was noticeable. The Hornets really could have used Miles Bridges, but his future on the team is uncertain. Bridges, who didn’t play at all last season, was suspended 30 games by the league after being charged with domestic violence. He was due back this season but has since violated a protection order. There are some good, young pieces on this roster (Ball, Miller), and underrated players who are more than capable (PJ Washington, Mark Williams) and will improve from last season, I just don’t think there are a team primed to challenge in the East just yet.
Prediction: 13th
CHICAGO BULLS
Gained: G Jevon Carter, F Torrey Craig
Lost: G Pat Beverley, F Derrick Jones Jr.
Analysis: It’s fair to say the 2022-23 Bulls were a big disappointment. The 40-42 record indicates a mediocre team, which is what they were, despite boasting Zach Lavine, Demar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. With so much money tied up in those three players, there isn’t much wiggle room for the Bulls to improve their roster and barring the pick-up of some needed point guard depth in Jevon Carter, they didn’t really get a whole lot better in the offseason. Sadly, Lonzo Ball will again miss yet another season with his troublesome left knee. He would have been a huge help. High draft pick Patrick Williams hasn’t kicked on like the franchise would have expected, and if anything, regressed last season. At this stage, the Bulls are a middling team and with Lavine, DeRozan and Vucevic not getting any younger, I don’t envisage them scaring anyone in the East.
Prediction: 9th
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Gained: G Max Strus, F Georges Niang, G Emoni Bates (draft)
Lost: F Cedi Osman
Analysis: Donovan Mitchell was excellent in his first season with the Cavs, averaging over 28 points a game, building a strong back-court with the talented PG Darius Garland who should only improve again in what is his fifth year in the league. Evan Mobley impressed in his second season, showing off plenty of versatility. After winning 51 games in the regular season, was an anticlimactic end for the Cavs, losing to the Knicks 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs. They were able to get better in the offseason as they didn’t lose any key players but were able to add a couple of sharpshooters in Max Strus and Georges Niang. The Cavs are one of the better teams in the East, but until they can win at least a series in the postseason, they aren’t yet a serious threat for the title.
Prediction: 3rd
DETROIT PISTONS
Gained: F Joe Harris, G Monte Morris, G Ausar Thompson (draft)
Lost: G Cory Joseph
Analysis: The Pistons have a new coach in the well-regarded Monty Williams and plenty of young pieces who should enjoy long NBA careers. The return of Cade Cunningham is key. He was very good as a rookie and improved in his second season but only played 12 games before a stress fracture ended his season, although there was seldom a shot he didn’t like which affected his shooting percentage. Jaden Ivey is Cunningham’s running mate in the back court and he made huge strides last season. Jalen Duren is Detroit’s centre of the future while rookie Ausar Thompson will have an immediate impact defensively. It won’t be hard to win more games than they did last season (17) but it won’t be for at least a couple of years until we see the Pistons be in a position to challenge for a championship.
Prediction: 14th
INDIANA PACERS
Gained: G Bruce Brown, F Opi Toppin, G Ben Sheppard (draft), F Jarace Walker
Lost: G Chris Duarte
Analysis: There were plenty of decent signs from this Pacers team last year, despite missing the postseason with a 35-47 record. Tyrese Haliburton was one of the league’s best point guards and was rewarded with a new contract. The Pacers added the tenacious Bruce Brown from the championship winning Nuggets and playing around him will only improve this team’s effort. Bennedict Mathurin looks set for a very good career in this league after showing out as a 6th man in his rookie season. Expect to see him in the starting line up in the near future. The Pacers should improve on last season’s record.
Prediction: 11th
MIAMI HEAT
Gained: C Thomas Bryant, F Jaime Jaquez (draft)
Lost: G Gabe Vincent, G Victor Oladipo, F Max Strus
Analysis: It was a remarkable run from the Heat last season, progressing to the NBA Finals from the Play-In Tournament. The catalyst for that run was the play of Jimmy Butler, who had one of the all-time finals series. There was a time during the offseason where it appeared Damian Lillard would end up at the Heat, but it was the Bucks who swooped in, which caught the ire of a few Miami players, notably Butler. However, they have to let bygones be bygones and focus on the team they have. Tyler Herro’s return from a wrist injury is a big boost but the losses of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus will be felt as both players were strong contributers last season. With that said, the Butler-led Heat will again be competitive with Herro and Bam Adebayo to feature prominently. After last season, you just can’t count this team out.
Prediction: 7th
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Gained: PG Damian Lillard, G Malik Beasley, C Robin Lopez
Lost: PG Jrue Holiday, G Grayson Allen
Analysis: After being bundled out in the first round last year (the sixth ever No.1 seed to lose to an 8 seed), superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo made no secret that the Bucks had to make improvements soon or he might be out of there. The front office were obviously listening as the Bucks pulled off one of biggest trades in recent memory when acquiring Portland point guard Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, they had to part ways with fan favourite Jrue Holiday but it was clear it was a move Milwaukee had to make to get back into the NBA Finals. It’s the first time both Lillard and Antetokounmpo have played with another star player and the veteran point guard’s best chance of winning a championship after toiling away in Portland in recent seasons. Giannis may have only just signed a new three-year extension worth $186m (USD), but the clock is ticking on this new partnership. The Bucks have to win now as the franchise have committed so much money to both Antetokounmpo and Lillard to the tune of over $122m (USD) a year between the two of them. In fact, Antetokounmpo and Lillard are the two highest earners in the NBA annually ($62m, $60.8m respectively). The Bucks’ first round exit last season resulted in coach Mike Budenholzer’s firing. He’s been replaced with former Toronto assistant and rookie head coach Adrian Griffin.
Prediction: 2nd
NEW YORK KNICKS
Gained: G Donte DiVincenzo
Lost: G Derrick Rose, F Obi Toppin
Analysis: The Knicks won just their second playoff series in 10 years when defeating the Cavs 4-1. It was one of their better seasons in recent memory and they’ll hope to build off that. The Jalen Brunson acquisition was a terrific move with the point guard taking his game to a new level in New York after getting out from under Luka Doncic’s shadow in Denver. Immanuel Quickley also had a career-best season, resulting in a runner-up finish in the sixth man of the year race. There are no out-and-out superstars on their roster, but they have a very good core of Brunson, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett and are a well-coached team. They will be thereabouts again.
Prediction: 5th
ORLANDO MAGIC
Gained: G Anthony Black (draft), F Jett Howard (draft)
Lost: F Bol Bol
Analysis: There’s plenty to like about this team and the way they finished off last season, and if it wasn’t for such a sluggish start, the Magic would have likely made the Play-In Tournament. Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero was immense from day dot for the Magic, averaging nearly 21 points and seven rebounds a game. He leads a young team that just got younger in the offseason, adding Anthony Black (6th overall) and Jett Howard (11th overall) in the draft. Orlando just inked an extension with handy guard Cole Anthony who is plenty versatile and will be a sixth-man of the year contender this season. Are the Magic a serious threat? Far from it, but they should provide plenty of entertainment as they continue navigating through a rebuild.
Prediction: 10th
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Gained: G Pat Beverley, F Kelly Oubre
Lost: F Georges Niang, G Shake Milton
Analysis: We will start with the elephant in the room. What in the world is going on with James Harden? At this stage, it doesn’t appear he’ll be on the floor for the 76ers’ opening game against the Bucks on Friday (AEDT). What happened? Well the relationship between Harden and GM Daryl Morey has disintegrated badly with the star guard publicly calling out Morey numerous times this offseason in addition to requesting a trade (which hasn’t been granted). Harden opted into his contract and picked up his $35.6 million (USD) option but then wanted to be traded. In Harden’s eyes, he should have been offered a long term deal and wasn’t so Morey can’t be trusted. New coach Nick Nurse will have to go on without Harden, who led the league in assists last season. Joel Embiid was able to win his first MVP this season, and while he will still be one of the best players in basketball with or without Harden, he may not be as effective as last season without Harden running point. The 76ers have picked up a couple of good role players in Beverley and Oubre Jr, the latter who will instantly improve the team’s three-point shooting.
Prediction: 4th
TORONTO RAPTORS
Gained: G Dennis Schroder, G Gradey Dick (draft)
Lost: G Fred VanVleet
Analysis: It’s a new dawn for the Toronto Raptors, who fired Nick Nurse after an underwhelming 10th placed finish last season and replaced him with rookie NBA head coach Darko Rajakovic. All-Star forward Pascal Siakam is the star of the show, but he’ll need help from the likes of Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby with Fred VanVleet leaving in free agency. It was somewhat of a sophomore slump for Barnes last season but expect him to bounce back. He’s a stat sheet filler who is improving his shooting range so if the Raptors are to play well, he’ll need to be better. Rookie Gradey Dick is a three-point threat which is desperately needed, especially in VanVleet’s absence. They are a long way from getting back to a championship, but their best form would be good enough to progress to the playoffs and perhaps win a series.
Prediction: 8th
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Gained: G Jordan Poole, G Tyus Jones, G Landry Shamet, F Bilal Coulibaly (draft)
Lost: G Brad Beal, G Monte Morris, F Kristaps Porzingis
Analysis: The Wizards said farewell to Brad Beal and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, their two best players. Beal is a huge loss as he was the heart-and-soul of this team, but it was a necessary change to trade him onto a contender as they weren’t getting anywhere with him as the team’s first scoring option. Instead, they’ll rely on walking bucket Jordan Poole and the newly extended Kyle Kuzma. Poole has his shortcomings, but he proved when given the chance to start at the Warriors, that he could post big numbers. Bilal Couliabaly is a promising high draft pick who should find himself playing quite a bit in his rookie year. They might prove to be a plucky team at times, but make no mistake, the Wizards will be finishing near the bottom of the standings in the East.
Prediction: 15th
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Dallas Mavericks
Gained: F Grant Williams, G Seth Curry, G Dante Exum, C Richaun Holmes, C Dereck Lively II (draft)
Lost: F Reggie Bullock
Analysis: The Mavs suffered a late-season collapse, missing the playoffs despite heading into the All-Star break with a 31-26 record. That collapse coincided with the arrival of Kyrie Irving in late February. Whether Irving and Luka Doncic can coexist is the big question. They went 5-11 when playing together last season, but with the benefit of a full offseason under their belt together, expect that record to prove to be an outlier. Dallas added several handy role players which will help defensively, including Grant Williams from the Celtics. Aussie Dante Exum is back in the NBA with Dallas and he too will had plenty of starch defensively. Tipping the Mavericks to hit back from a disappointing 2022-2023 and progress to the postseason.
Prediction: 7th in the West
Denver Nuggets
Gained: G Justin Holiday
Lost: G Bruce Brown, F Jeff Green
Analysis: Last season’s champs did it with the ears pricked in the end as the nonchalant, harness racing-loving Nikola Jokic proved he was the best player in the NBA with his first title. Guard Jamal Murray made a big leap last season, earning a place on the All-NBA team while Michael Porter Jr. hit big shots time and time again. The departure of Bruce Brown is hard to replace, but there a couple of younger players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson who can play a similar role. The Nuggets didn’t get much better, but they won’t need to to go back-to-back as was the ease they cruised to a championship last season. At this early stage, the West is between the Nuggets and Suns with a bit of a gap to the rest of the teams.
Prediction: 2nd
Golden State Warriors
Gained: G Chris Paul, G Cory Joseph, Brandin Podziemski (draft)
Lost: G Jordan Poole, G Donte DiVicenzo
Analysis: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green may be in the twilight of their careers, but as long as that core is on the floor, Golden State can never be counted out. Jordan Poole was traded to the Wizards, with veteran PG Chris Paul joining the Warriors. It’s hard to envisage what Golden State will look like with Paul joining the fray, but there’s no doubt he adds another level head and basketball smarts to a team that aren’t lacking in those areas. The key is Steph Curry and whether he can continue to play at such a high level. The Warriors adding a savvy vet in Cory Joseph while Jonathan Kuminga improved vastly last season and has been near outstanding in preseason action. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski is another who has been balling out for the Warriors this preseason. They’ll shock some people and make a deep run.
Prediction: 5th
Houston Rockets
Gained: G Amen Thompson (draft), G Cam Whitmore (draft), F Dillon Brooks, G Fred VanVleet, C Jock Landale, F Jeff Green
Lost: G Kevin Porter Jr, F KJ Martin
Analysis: Were willing to make a splash in free agency, giving rich deals to Fred VanVleet and the polarising Dillon Brooks. From an outsiders perspective, it may look like Houston paid overs for these two players, but for a young team yearning for experience, they are good acquisitions. VanVleet will be good for 20 points a night, while Brooks’ defensive prowess can’t be overstated, despite his shortcomings. Houston traded last season’s point guard Kevin Porter Jr. because of serious legal issues, so VanVleet will be required to earn every cent of his $128.5m (USD) contract. The Rockets drafted Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore in the first round to add to a young core of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr and the very impressive big man Alperen Sengun. There will be more growing pains for this group this campaign, but they should eclipse last season’s 22 win total.
Prediction:13th
LA Clippers
Gained: G Kobe Brown (draft), Kenyon Martin Jr
Lost: G Eric Gordon
Analysis: This shapes up as a huge season for the Clippers. In what has been indicative of the past few seasons, they were bundled out after a 4-1 first round series loss to the Suns with Paul George missing the entire series. When Kawhi Leonard and George joined the team in July 2019, many thought the Clippers would soon be winning championships or at the very least, contesting the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case with injuries playing a big factor as Leonard and George have only played together in 142 of a possible 308 games, going an impressive 96-46. That stat alone should give Clippers fans hope that if these two superstars can stay on the court, it bodes well for their title chances. However, from what we’ve seen recently, it is a big if.
Prediction: 3rd
LA Lakers
Gained: C Jaxson Hayes, F Taurean Prince, F Christian Wood, G Gabe Vincent
Lost: G Malik Beasley, G Dennis Schroder
Analysis: The Lakers have probably one of the more well-rounded rosters heading into a new season than they have in years past. Depth has been the concern in those recent seasons, but the Lakers were able to add some handy pieces such as Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent, which will potentially be low risk, high reward signings. Both are very handy players, Wood especially on his day. With that said, the burning question is whether 38-year-old LeBron James shows any sign of slowing down. It doesn’t appear he is just yet and with running mate Anthony Davis at the peak of his powers, the Lakers look well placed to make another deep run with these added parts to the roster expected to be key.
Predicition: 6th
Memphis Grizzlies
Gained:
Lost:
Analysis: The Western Conference will be extremely competitive this season, and despite winning 50 games in 2022-2023 to finish second, the Grizzlies are a team who may find themselves sliding down the standings. Star point guard Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games and centre Steven Adams is out for the entire season with a knee injury. The conference is so strong and a slow start without Morant might be too tough to overcome later in the season. Adding Marcus Smart via trade was a shrewd move after gun defender Dillon Brooks left for Houston in free agency. The Grizzlies are a tight-knit bunch who are well-coached, but their lack of top-tier talent outside of Morant may hurt them in a season a number of teams in the conference are expected to ascend.
Prediction: 10th
Minnesota Timberwolves
Gained: G Shake Milton
Lost: F Tauren Prince
Analysis: Intriguing team are the Wolves. On paper, they have one of the more talented starting fives in the league, but for one reason or another, they can never seem to gel as a unit. Anthony Edwards as a bona fide superstar and has earned every cent of the bumper new $260 million (USD) deal he signed in the offseason. For mine, he’s Minnesota’s most important player, however what will also be critical to the Timberwolves’ success will be how the frontcourt pairing of Karl Anthony-Towns and Rudy Gobert will work. Minnesota sold the farm for Gobert before last season but his form was mixed at best. He didn’t see much time on the floor with KAT though with the latter only appearing in 29 games last season. One thing that this team doesn’t lack though is confidence. Point guard Mike Conley isn’t short of belief in this group, stating at Minnesota’s media day, “I think that last year our team, if we were healthy, we were a team that could have been the Denver Nuggets of last year”. Huge call, but it’s hard to disagree that if these talented group of players can find a way to put it altogether, the Timberwolves can make some noise this season.
Prediction:8th
New Orleans Pelicans
Gained: G Jordan Hawkins (draft)
Lost: C Jaxson Hayes
Analysis: After a terrific first couple of months, the Pelicans dropped off to finish 9th in the West last season and were eliminated during the Play-In Tournament after a loss to the Thunder. At the moment, they are simply a middling team who don’t have the firepower to challenge for a title. Australia’s own Dyson Daniels, Herbert Jones and sharpshooter Trey Murphy III are three players set to make a big leap this season and improve on their strong end to 2022-2023, but outside of them, a lot of guys have hit their ceiling. There’s talent on this roster, notably Zion Williamson, but he just can’t stay healthy. If the Pelicans were to make into the playoffs, it wouldn’t be a shock, but there’s as good a chance they miss out completely. The concern is that they didn’t really improve in the offseason other than adding rookie Jordan Hawkins in the draft whereas other teams around them in the standings in the West, did.
Prediction: 11th
Oklahoma City Thunder
Gained: F Davis Bertans, G Cason Wallace (draft)
Lost: F Dario Saric, C Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Analysis: Every Aussie’s first or second favourite team made huge strides last season. The Thunder were one game away from progressing to a seven-game playoff series, but were defeated by Minnesota in the Play-In Tournament. Conventional wisdom suggests they’ll improve on that result with last year’s number two overall pick Chet Holmgren to now feature in the line-up. It’s essentially Holmgren’s rookie year after missing all of last season with a foot injury. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved he is one of the most prolific scores in the league last season and the Thunder will go as far as he takes them, while Josh Giddey took a huge leap in his development Giddey was able to score more effectively last season, and many experts expect him to enjoy a breakout campaign in 2023-2024. A starting five of Giddey, SGA, last season’s outstanding rookie Jalen Williams, Holmgren and Lu Dort will make some noise in the West, and if they can keep those four core players together, success appears imminent at some stage over the next four to five seasons.
Prediction:9th
Phoenix Suns
Gained: G Brad Beal, C Jusuf Nurkic, G Grayson Allen
Lost: G Chris Paul, G Landry Shamet
Analysis: The Suns arguably possess the most potent trio of scorers in the league with Brad Beal joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix. The Suns gave away quite a bit to land Beal, including giving away Chris Paul and a number of draft pick swaps. Phoenix will be hoping Beal can be that piece that can help them get back to the NBA Finals after failing to progress pass the second round in the last two seasons. In addition, Durant has had the benefit of a full offseason with the Suns after arriving halfway through 2022-2023 campaign. They loom as the biggest threat to Denver in the West, and betting markets reflect that with the Suns and Nuggets $3.75 joint favourites to win the conference. While centre Deandre Ayton is a loss, former Trail Blazer Jusuf Nurkic is no slouch, and will certainly be an offensive threat down low that opponents can’t take lightly. The additions of bench players Grayson Allen, Bol Bol and Chimezie Metu ensures the Suns’ depth won’t be an issue.
Prediction:1st
Portland Trail Blazers
Gained: G Scoot Henderson (draft), F Kris Murray (draft)
Lost: G Damian Lillard
Analysis: The end of an era in Portland. Star guard Damian Lillard, after 11 seasons of tremendous service, was traded in the offseason to Milwaukee. It was a move both teams had to make, as the Trail Blazers weren’t able to build a strong enough team around Lillard to contest. However, as sad as it is to see a player like Lillard go, Portland fans are ready for the Scoot Henderson show. Henderson fell to the Trail Blazers at pick number 3 in the 2023 NBA Draft, and will probably be the main option offensively. Anfernee Simons is a future All-Star who improved last season while Jerami Grant, who inked a rich five-year extension, can score from anywhere on the court while former number 1 pick Deandre Ayton will command plenty of respect from opponents. Depth is the concern for the Trail Blazers, but even though they are in the midst of a rebuild, they will have their moments this season.
Prediction: 14th
Sacramento Kings
Gained: G Chris Duarter, C Nerlens Noel, G Sasha Vezenkov (Euroleague)
Lost: C Richaun Holmes
Analysis: The question is, can they back up last season’s somewhat surprising third-placed finish in the West? They had the talent, but they were able to put it altogether and break a lengthy playoff drought. They wound up being bundled out by the Warriors in the first round, but that’s nothing to scoff at. The West is always a tough conference, so it’s hard to be confident they’ll nab a top four seed, but one thing is for sure – the Kings haven’t got worse. Sacramento have added Sasha Vezenkov from the Euroleague, and he’s shown in the preseason that he’ll be a player that has to be closely guarded on the perimeter from opposition defenses. Superstar point guard De’Aaron Fox is just hitting his prime so expect him to build on last season’s career best campaign, which resulted in a maiden All-Star appearance.
Prediction:4th
San Antonio Spurs
Gained: F Victor Wembanyama (draft), F Cedi Osman, G Reggie Bullock
Analysis: It’s safe to say they’ll be one of the most-watched teams this season, particularly early on because of the addition of one Victor Wembanyama. The 224cm, 19-year-old is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James and for good reason. His rare size blends with an unique skillset blends which creates a type of player that hasn’t been seen before in the NBA. While Wembanyama will undoubtedly make this team better, it’s still a very young roster in San Antonio. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell are nice pieces who are improving but growing pains are to be expected again from the Spurs. Plenty will disagree, but this team will struggle to finish better than the bottom two in the West even with their shiny new toy.
Predicition:15th
Utah Jazz
Gained: F John Collins, F Taylor Hendricks (draft), G Keyonte George (draft), Brice Sensabaugh (draft)
Lost: C Juan Toscano-Anderson
Analysis: The acquisition of John Collins from Atlanta in a trade will help this burgeoning roster. Collins joins a frontcourt consisting of the up-and-coming centre Walker Kessler and All-Star Lauri Markkanen. In the back-court, Jordan Clarkson is a sharpshooter who can go on a tear with the drop of a hat, while Collin Sexton has flashed glimpses. Consistency is the issue with him, but if he can figure that out, he has a tonne of upside. There’s plenty to be excited about for Jazz fans, including three first round draft picks. But while they might not go deep into the playoffs, it wouldn’t shock to see them nab a lower seed and contest a Play-In match.
Prediction: 12th
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