LAKERS
Coming off an impressive NBA championship in the bubble the Lakers look poised to make another run at the title. Lebron and Anthony Davis are the most dominant duo in the league. The Lakers did a good job of improving their supporting cast this offseason. The Lakers struggled last season with Lebron off the floor due to their lack of playmakers behind him. They alleviated this problem with the new signing of Dennis Shroeder. Dennis is a high volume scorer who can create for himself and score in bunches. They have better front court depth this season behind Anthony Davis as well. Recent signing and last years Sixth man of the year Montrez Harrell adds a new dimension of scoring and leadership. The lakers are coming off the shortest off season in NBA history so don't be surprised if Lebron and AD rest often in the early stretches of the season. The new additions should help keep them competitive until Lebron and Davis reach their mid season strides.
2. CLIPPERS
Last season was a major disappointment for the Clippers. They blew a 3-1 playoff lead to the young Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs last season. Their new all star core lead by Kawhi and Paul George were never really able to develop the on floor chemistry needed to win a championship. Paul George missed much of the early season with a shoulder problem and by the time he finally started getting into a rhythm with the team, the pandemic hit. A line-up consisting of Kawhi, PG, Pat Bev, Marcus Morris, and Serge Ibaka should be the best defensive unit in the NBA with the ability to switch at most positions. Paul George needs to become more consistent if he can truly be the guy to help superstar Kawhi Leonard rack up more rings.
3. BROOKLYN
Brooklyn comes in at 3rd spot due to the championship potential they have. Although the core hasn't played together yet and both superstars have an iffy injury history, they are loaded with talent. Everyone knows how dangerous Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can be when healthy. Even if Kevin Durant returns at 80% of his former self he is still going to be unstoppable offensively. Prior to Durant’s torn Achilles he was the NBAs second best player. If everything works out and you can add Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to a team with a young core that showed promise last season, they should edge out the Bucks as the favorite to come out of the East. Expect early season struggles, but come playoffs they could be the most dangerous team in the East.
4. MILWUAKEE
Everyone knows what Milwaukee is capable of doing in the regular season. Leading the NBA in wins the past 2 seasons the Bucks need to show that they are capable of winning big games. Giannis needs to make big strides with his perimeter shooting and new signee Jrue Holiday needs to prove as a legit number 2 option on a championship team. The last 2 playoffs teams exploited Giannis poor perimeter shooting and Khris Middelton and Bledsoe were not enough to keep them afloat offensively. Jrue is a significant uprgrade at the point guard on both ends to Bledsoe. Is he enough to take them over the hump?
5. DALLAS
Dallas being so high may surprise some people considering they were only a 7 seed last season. Luka Doncic is the best prospect I've seen since Lebron. Luka should make more strides this season, especially defensively and outside shooting. Porzingis and Luka started showing much improved chemistry in the bubble prior to Porzingis getting injured. If Porzingis can stay healthy while the supporting cast keeps improving, Luka can keep them in contention for a top seed in the West.
6. DENVER
Denver is elite offensively. They have an array of solid 3 and D wings surrounding young stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic is the best passing Center in the history of the leauge and Jamal Murray proved an elite lead guard in the bubble. Expect Michael Porter to continue improving as a nice 3rd option offensively. Defense is the biggest question mark for the Nuggets coming into the 2021 season and they need to improve significantly. Bol Bol may be able to provide some much needed rim protection and length.
7. BOSTON
Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Jaylen brown, and Marcus Smart make up one of the NBA’s most talented cores. Losing Gordon Hayward should clear the way for Tatum to become the clear offensive focal point while giving more opportunities to Jaylen Brown to continue improving his already very good production. Boston needs someone to step up and provide the rim protection they have been lacking. Tristan Thompson may be able to provide some help. Hopefully Robert Williams can improve enough to help out with rim protection as well. Jayson Tatum needs to play up to his MVP level potential if the Celtics want to win the East.
8. MIAMI
The Heat displayed the best on floor chemistry in the league during the bubble. Everyone knows their role and how to flourish in it. Jimmy Butler is the ideal ring leader for the Heat. The young stars have tremendous respect for Jimmy and always play hard for him. Tyler Herro should be able to make strides as a consistent sidekick to Jimmy Butler while Bam is the prototype for modern day Centers. Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra continue to provide elite leadership from the top for a team that should be contenders once again.
9. TORONTO
Toronto’s core has proven to be a very solid team without Kawhi Leonard. Although they lost Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka to free agency, they still have their core of Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Fred Van Vleet. I love the raptors small back court with Lowry and Van Vleet. Both make up for their lack of height with fierce grit and determination on both sides of the ball. Pascal Siakam showed major growth last season until his poor bubble performance. I don't think that was indicative of his play and he will be back to his dominant self next season. With Nick Nurse leading the core of Lowry, Van Vleet, and Siakam they should be a lock for a top 4 record in the East.
10. UTAH
Donovan Mitchell has flourished into a true star in this league. Utah needs to add 3 point shooting and depth around Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Bojan Bogdonvaic who got injured last season will provide a much needed offensive threat next to Mitchell. With Donovan Mitchell on the verge of superstardom and Rudy Goberts elite rim protection, the Jazz are a threat for a top 4 seed in the West.
11. PHILLY
I have faith that Darryl Morey will finally help turn this talented young team into a championship threat. Moreys 13 year run as the Rockets GM was one of the most successful in NBA history, never finishing with a losing record. He also pulled off 77 trades in that time, Significantly more than any other GM. He gets things done and has already made moves that should make the Sixers much better. Seth Curry and Danny Green should provide the much needed 3 point shooting that the Sixers have been missing. Doc Rivers needs to find a way to make the Simmons-Embiid project look better together on the floor. If the talented duo doesn't show major improvments, don't be surprised if the Sixers pull off a blockbuster trade for James Harden.
12. PHEONIX
This should be the year the Suns finally end their 10 year playoff drought. Chris Paul will help unleash the true potential of the young Suns. Devin Booker should take a leap to superstardom while Ayton should develop into an all star caliber big. Young wings Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson made strides in the bubble which helped them go undefeated. I have very high hopes for the 2021 suns.
13. INDIANA
The Pacers should be a dangerous team if they can get everyone healthy and on the court at the same time. Despite all their injuries they have been a consistent playoff team in the East. Having Malcom Brogdon and Victor Oladipo finally able to play together they have one of the better 2 way back courts in the entire league. If TJ warren plays like he did in the bubble alongside 2020 all star Domtas Sabonis they provide very good scoring in the front court. Myles Turner is a great rim protector and has shown the ability to knock down the 3 pointer. If healthy don't be surprised if the Pacers are a top 4 seed in the East.
14. PORTLAND
The 2021 Portland team should look more like they did in the bubble. The return of Jusef Nurkic to the bubble put the potential of the Blazers on display. Gary Trent should be able to continue his stellar play from the bubble and turn into a solid scoring option who can defend the other teams best guards. Carmelo provides a floor spacer with a an ability to get an isolation bucket when needed. With Dame and CJ leading the Blazers and a solid supporting cast the Blazers will be a top 6 playoff seed in the west. Until they can play some consistent defense they are not championship threats.
15. WIZARDS
The Wizards have one of the most exciting backcourts in the NBA with Westbrook and Beal. The ball dominant guards will have to learn how to co-exist on the floor together. Both are veteran players who have experience playing along side other ball dominant guards giving me faith that they will play well together. Davis Bertans is great floor stretcher and provides a solid 3rd scoring option. Rui Hachimura looks to continue developing into a solid 2 way wing and rookie Deni Ajdiva has rookie of the year potential. I expect the Wizards star power to guide them to 4-7 playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference.
16. ROCKETS
A lot of uncertainty surrounds the 2021 Rockets. Their 2021 success rides on the whole situation surrounding James Harden. He has clearly expressed a desire to be traded to a contender, but no one is forcing the Rockets hand as James has 2 years left on his current deal. If Harden stays in Houston this season they are a playoff team. John Wall fits better alongside Harden as a distributor and they are still loaded with 3 point shooting. With Harden they are always a threat, without Harden they could easily fall to one of the worst records in the NBA
17. PELICANS
I really wanted to place the Pelicans higher on this list. One of the most exciting teams coming into the 2021 season, we finally get to see what this young core is capable of doing together with some chemistry under their belt. We only got to see a very limited preview of Zion Williamson last season, which still was insanely impressive. A knee injury kept him out of the line-up until mid January and even then he was playing with very strict minute restrictions. Despite the low minutes he still proved to be worth the hype with averages over 22 points and 6 boards while shooting over 58% from the field. His bubble play was underwhelming as he seemed to be in poor physical shape which effected his defensive efficiency. The pelicans announced that Zion will start the 2021 season with no restrictions. His per 36 minute averages as a rookie were 29 points and 8 rebounds per game, which should give a glimpse into what he is capable of doing in unrestricted minutes.The cast around Zion is impressive and should make big strides as well. Brandon Ingram became a legitimate all star while Lonzo showed to be the prefect guy to get Zion and Ingram the ball in scoring opportunities. Although they lost Jrue Holiday, they brought in Steven Adams who fits in perfectly as a defensive stopper alongside Zion who struggled in rim protection.
18. GOLDEN STATE
Golden State looked primed to become contenders once again until Klay Thompson tragically tore his achillies in a workout. Steph and Klay are great players by themselves but are unstoppable when together. The best shooting backcourt in the history of basketball bring a whole new dimension of spacing to the court that they just can’t pull off by themselves. A healthy Steph Curry speaks for himself while James Wiseman should help their defensive woes from last year. Kelly Oubre is a very underrated wing who will provide scoring and defense in the absence of Klay Thompson. If Steph can stay healthy this year I see the Warriors battling for a mid to low seed in the stacked West.
19. SPURS
The Spurs didn't make the playoffs last season for the first time since 1997, the year before snagging Tim Duncan with the 1st overall pick. Kawhi leaving a few years back became the end to one of their most successful runs in all of professional sports history. The current spurs roster should be competing for a bottom 3 playoff seed in the West. They need Demar Derozen and Lamarcus Aldgrige to stay healthy and young up and comers, Derrick White, Dejounte Murray, and Lonnie Walker need to continue to develop into above average starters to get this team to the playoffs. Until the Spurs make some big moves and clear out Derozen and Aldrige they will continue to be a mediocre team fighting for a low seed.
20. GRIZZLIES
The Grizzlies young core showed a lot of potential and had the Grizzlies in the driver seat for the 8 seed until they fell apart in the bubble. Ja Morant has uncapped potential and will likely blossom into one of the best guards in the league. Jaron Jackson has showed all star potential as well. His defense and shot blocking is already among the tops in the league. His 3 point shooting was also historically impressive for his size and age. No one in NBA history 6-10 or above has ever hit more 3s per game before turning 23. Brandon Clarke proved to be a steal in last years draft. His elite athletic ability and skill for his size allows him and Jackson to flourish. The Grizzlies will be a feared team in years to come but for now they will be fighting for a low playoff seed.
21. ATLANTA
The Hawks made significant improvements to their roster over the offseason . The Hawks added Bogdan Bogdonavic and Danilo Galinari to the starting 5. Both elite 3 point shooting wings will be a terror to guard alongside blossoming superstar Trae Young. They also brought in Rajon Rondo who can be the perfect mentor to Trae and teach the young core how to finish games and become a winning team. They traded for Clint Cappella last season prior to the shut down giving them much needed shot blocking and rebounding. John Collins is also a very solid young starting forward who can give you 20-10 games night in night out.
22. MINNESOTA
Karl Anthony-Towns needs to take the next step in his progression and become a winner. Year in year out he has proven to be one of the most talented players in the league, while his team is consistently at the bottom of the standings. His drama with Jimmy Butler a few years back hurt his reputation and gave him the “soft” label. I have faith in KAT and feel as if Minnesotas front office has been failing him since they took him 1st overall in 2015. They finally got rid of Wiggins last season and Deangelo Russell is a much better second fiddle to KAT. They are relying on production from the 2020’s 1st overall draft pick, Anthony Edwards, to fill a much needed wing scoring void. A young talented core that has a lot of future potential but just doesn't seem ready to become a winning team yet.
23. SACREMENTO
The Kings did not do much to improve their roster from last season. The future success of this team relies on the development of Dearon Fox and Marvin Bagley. Hopefully they can develop into a solid 1-2 punch while rookie first rounder Tyrese Haliburton can provide the 3 point shooting and consistent guard play that recent departure Bogdan Bogdonavic brought to the line-up.
24. ORLANDO
Orlando brings back much of the same core players that led them to an 8 seed in the weak Eastern conference last season. Led by borderline all star caliber players, Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon, their ceiling will be to compete for a bottom playoff seed. Markelle Fultz and rookie Cole Anthony have good upside but will likely contribute inconsistent play at the lead guard. Jonathan Issac who really blossomed last season will miss much of the upcoming season from a torn ACL in the bubble.
25. CHARLOTTE
The Hornets signed Gordan Hayward to a huge contract this season in the hopes that he returns to his All-NBA level play. Hayward showed the potential of reaching his level of play prior to his major ankle injury 2 seasons ago. Despite nagging injuries and playing alongside multiple 20 point scoring wings he averaged almost 18 points on impressive shooting splits. Devonta Graham looks to be a solid off ball guard to coveted rookie Lamelo Ball. Terry Rozier has the ability to take a backseat and develop into one of the leagues better 6th men. Lamelo Ball is the future of this team.
26. CHICAGO
Last seasons Jim Boylan experiment was a disaster. He lost control of the locker room very early on in the season, and had several public disagreements with their best player Zach Levine. They brought in Billy Donovan to help right the ship. The bulls are hoping for Billy Donovan coaching a young talented core of Zach Levine, Lauri Markanen, and Wendell Carter jr. to turn around the bulls franchise.
27. DETROIT
The Pistons are in desperate need of a rebuild. Poor contracts makes that a difficult process to begin. The 2 best players on this years pistons are Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, which would have made a very respectable tandem a decade ago. Griffin and Rose’s age and injury history makes it unlikely that they stay healthy for a full season. Detroit hopes that first round pick Killian Hayes can develop into a solid starting point guard under with Derrick Rose their to mentor him. I really like their other 1st round pick, Sadiq Bey, who I see make an impact as a 3 and D wing right away. The Pistons best bet is to find a way out of Blake Griffins monstrous contract (unlikely) and develop their young draft picks.
28. NEW YORK
The Knicks project to be among the bottom feeders of the NBA once again. On a positive note for the Knicks, the new front office regime has already done a good job of clearing bad contracts and getting themselves way under the cap. They did a good job in the 2020 draft getting one of the most NBA ready prospects in Obi Toppin. They also got PG Immanuel Quickley from Kentucky at the end of the 1st round who started to blossom as one of the nations best prior to their season ending early due to COVID.
29. OKLAHOMA CITY
Although the Thunder have one of the worst overall rosters coming into this season, they are in the best rebuilding position in the NBA. Over the past 2 seasons the Thunder have flipped big name players such as Paul George and Russell Westbrook into an unheard of 17 first round picks over the next 5 seasons. With franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a slew of top picks coming in over the next few seasons, the Thunder should be contenders again in no time.
30. CLEAVLAND
I really like Issac Okoro, the 5th overall draft pick from 2020. He is a big, physical wing who has elite defensive upside. He has underrated skill and shooting touch on offense, giving him very good 2 way upside. The Cavs need their young backcourt of Darius Garland and Colin Sexton to make major strides. It will be difficult to add these young, developing, players alongside established NBA veterans Kevin Love and Andre Drummond.