West:
1. Thunder: Fresh off a 68-win and champion season, they did not lose anyone while some of their young guys keep on developing, there is no reason to put them anywhere but first seed
2. Rockets: This was a squad that was looking for more consistent scoring output last season, and they traded for KD, one of the best players to help with that. A young squad that will only improve, its als hard for me not to put them 2nd
3. Nuggets: One of the better offseason moves out there, Cam Johnson is a major upgrade compared to MPJ. The bench is really what won them the offseason. With way better depth, the problem with the non-Jokic minutes should be solved
4. Clippers: Another great offseason, trading for Collins who fits in better, then signing Beal and Lopez to add to their depth. Strong squad on both ends, I can see them finish even higher up the table
5. Warriors: Definitely biased here, not too big of a fan on our offseason, would prefer more size in the paint. But last year we went on 2 great winning streaks and all contributing players are still on the squad, which is why I still have some sort of faith on us
6. Grizzles: Quite underrated team imo. A healthy Ja will lead a team to great success. Trading Bane might have strengthened them, KCP is a better fit, and Ty Jerome will basically be their new Bane. A strong squad offensively last year and only fell off due to a rough end to the season, think they can make the playoffs with a top 6 seed
7. Timberwolves: I am very harsh on Wolves, they can definitely finish up to 3rd seed, but nothing has changed to their squad, feels like with other teams improving, they will take a slight drop this year. Playoffs is a whole different picture tho
8. Lakers: Also bias involved, but I just don’t see how this team works. DFS is a better fit than Smart on the defensive end, and signing Ayton will only worsen them. Rui and Hayes need to have big seasons, they both need to be key contributors in order to make this Lakers team good
9. Spurs: If Wemby is healthy that just automatically implies at least a play-in spot. Questionable fit between Fox Harper and Castle which kinda holds them back
10. Mavs: The defense is there but the offense is just too weak for the start of the season. Dont think AD can play PF which makes it 3 starting caliber centers on the team, without the guys to feed them. 2nd half of the season will be much better with Kyrie back and possibly a Gafford trade, but the West is too strong, it might be too late for them by that time
11. Blazers: Blazers will probably finish closer to the play-in than a lot of people expect. They do have a great defensive squad, with few young guys still improving. The problem will be can they consistently perform
12. Suns: I guess wherever Dillon Brooks is their team chemistry improves? They have tried their best to stay afloat, unfortunately its just not enough and they will miss postseason completely
13. Pels: Horrible offseason, it is just a weird group of players put together. Beside Zion they drafted Derk Queen. Needed a true PG and they traded for Jordan Poole. Dejounte Murray is a huge question mark after the injury, just don’t see how they can improve this year
14. Kings: Another weird group of players put together. Still don't get why they signed Schroder at such a price. Their offense isn't elite, there’s near no defense, time for another rebuild
15. Jazz: Consensus 15th seed, simple as that, the rebuild continues
East:
1. Knicks: Big fan of their offseason, their addition from free agents is great. With Mike Brown, their offense should be one of the league's best. It should be enough to take them 1st in the East
2. Cavs: It will be a super close battle between the Cavs and the Knicks. Losing Ty Jerome hurts the Cavs’ bench so much, Zo shouldn’t be able to do anything near what Jerome was doing. A weakened bench therefore falling to 2nd seed
3. Magic: This is one of the best defensive teams last season which added some much-needed shooting and scoring with Bane. Fully expect them to be a top 4 seed if their starters can stay healthy all year
4. Hawks: This is going to be one exciting season for Atlanta, Porzingis should be a game changer if healthy. If not mistaken Trae Young never played with a real stretch in his career. They have major improvements on both ends, should qualify for playoffs easy
5. Pacers: Everyone thinks the Pacers will fall off without Tyrese, but I don’t really think so. This team has the depth, and the quality at PG with Nembhard and McConnell to make Tyrese’s absence not as significant. Also my man Huff will breakout im calling it rn
6. Heat: Love their offseason, added way more to their bench with Kasparas and Powell. Kel’el Ware actually looks like a future star. Solid stating group with a great bench, think they will finish top 6
7. Pistons: Lost Beasley, lost Schroder, Ivey doesn’t look like he can stay healthy. Scoring beside Cade is still a huge issue. Don't think they can repeat what they did last year unfortunately
8. Raptors: If the Raptors want a strong offense they got the players to do so. If the Raptors want a strong defense they also got the players, it’s all down to coaching. Right in the middle of the table imo
9. Celtics: Really not a fan of this offseason. Yes they have to cut salaries, but the new players they got is simply not enough. PF/C depth is just too weak, defense is weakened quite much, and I don’t trust Jaylen Brown to be able to lead like Jayson Tatum. Celtics will finish lower than a lot of people expect
10. Bucks: Giannis and Turner is a great duo, other than that, there are players who can put in big performances, once in 10 games. The supporting cast is either shit or inconsistent, that is not enough to make them a playoff team. Farewell to Giannis as this gonna be his last season in Milwaukee
11. Bulls: The Bulls are gonna stay somewhere like last season. Basically unchanged squad, unchanged coaching group, no young guys look super promising or will improve a ton this year
12. 76ers: This is assuming that Embiid’s knees are completely gone. Without Embiid, the PF/C depth is one of league’s worst, VJ Edgecombe won’t be a game changer immediately, Paul George will be Paul George. However if somehow Embiid is healthy then it will be a different story
13. Wizards: Wizards added Middleton and CJ McCollum, that should keep them away from 15th seed as these are some good vets. Solid group of youth as well
14. Hornets: Hornets is a mess, adding Sexton does nothing winning-wise. Do they trade LaMelo and blow up again?
15. Nets: I love the Nets, hella picks, many young players im excited to see, but yea has to be at the bottom
MVP: Nikola Jokic
ROTY: Cooper Flagg
6MOTY: Norman Powell
DPOY: Victor Wembanyama
MIP: Andrew Nembhard
CPOTY: Stephen Curry
COTY: Jamahl Mosley
All Stars: Team USA Guard: Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Cade Cunningham, Ja Morant, Trae Young
Team USA Forward/Center: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Amen Thompson, Jalen Johnson, Anthony Davis, Evan Mobley
Team World: Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Karl-Anthony Towns, Pascal Siakam, Franz Wagner
PLS LIKE ❤️ AND DROP YOUR THOUGHTS 🗣️ THX