After the NBA draft, free agent signings, coach signings, trade requests, and more chaos, the NBA season is finally here. The preseason started today with the Timberwolves defeating the Mavericks in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games! The drama-filled, over-the-top, tumultuous league we all love is officially back with brand-new storylines. Here are my NBA Power Rankings and Season Preview for the 2023-2024 season.
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2023-2024 NBA Power Rankings and Season Preview
30. Charlotte Hornets
Additions: Amari Bailey, Leaky Black, Miles Bridges, R.J. Hunter, Brandon Miller, Frank Ntilikina, Tre Scott, Nick Smith Jr., Edmond Sumner
Subtractions: Svi Mykhailiuk, Kelly Oubre, Kobi Simmons, Dennis Smith Jr., Xavier Sneed
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +50000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +25000
The Charlotte Hornets have been nothing short of a dumpster fire since making the playoffs in 2015. It has been a revolving door of lottery pick disappointments in Charlotte.
Miles Bridges will miss the first ten games of the season following his domestic violence arrest. Recently, it was reported that Kai Jones will remain away from the team following some negative comments directed at his teammates.
The positives are that LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward seem to finally be healthy. Second-overall pick Brandon Miller hopes to add some scoring to this squad that finished dead last in offensive rating last season.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Additions: Sidy Cissoko, RaiQuan Gray, Seth Millner, Cedi Osman, Sir’Jabari Rice, Victor Wembanyama
Subtractions: Keita Bates-Diop, Gorgui Dieng, Romeo Langford
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +20000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +10000
San Antonio won the Wembanyama Sweepstakes, but as far as roster construction, they are still miles away from a competing team. Their roster might be one of the worst in the league as far as talent. Victor Wembanyama sure has lots of talent, but I just don’t see him playing even 60 games this year. The Spurs are notorious for protecting injured players, and it wouldn’t shock me if this turns into a redshirt year for the 7’3 Frenchman.
“Has [Gregg Popovich] yelled at you yet?”
Victor Wembanyama: “Yeah, it came later than I expected but yeah, finally. I’m glad he yelled at me.”
“Have you been the blame for the whole team running yet?”
Wemby: “I don’t think so.” 😅
(via @Josh810)pic.twitter.com/xPk89HraD6
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 5, 2023
28. Washington Wizards
Additions: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Jared Butler, Bilal Coulibaly, Danilo Gallinari, Tyus Jones, Mike Muscala, Eugene Omoruyi, Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, Landry Shamet
Subtractions: Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, Jay Huff, Quenton Jackson, Monte Morris, Kendrick Nunn, Kristaps Porzingis, Isaiah Todd
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +100000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +50000
For a team losing their top two scorers, the Wizards could easily be lower on this list, but I do like some of their new pieces. Beal and Porzingis are out and in steps Jordan Poole.
Say what you want about Poole, but it was clear he needed a larger offensive role, which Golden State simply couldn’t offer him. Yeah, he’s a cone on defense, but I can’t imagine this team will be playing much defense anyway. The combination of Poole and Kuzma jacking up shots all game might be must-see TV.
I like the addition of Tyus Jones, who last season proved he could run an offense during Ja Morant’s absence. Landry Shamet is also an underrated shooter and shot-creator.
27. Orlando Magic
Additions: Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Joe Ingles, Mac McClung, Miye Oni, Trevelin Queen, Brandon Williams
Subtractions: Bol Bol, Michael Carter-Williams, Jay Scrubb
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +30000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +10000
Orlando has one of the oddest rosters in the league. It seems like they will surely be trading one of their guards before the trade deadline. They drafted Anthony Black out of Arkansas to seemingly rock the point.
They also have Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Markell Fultz. For Magic fans, you have to be looking for Paolo Banchero to build on his excellent Rookie of the Year campaign. If he and Franz Wagner can make a significant leap, this team will be on to something.
26. Detriot Pistons
Additions: Malcolm Cazalon, Joe Harris, Monte Morris, Jontay Porter, Marcus Sasser, Zavier Simpson, Ausar Thompson
Subtractions: Hamidou Diallo, R.J. Hampton, Cory Joseph, Rodney McGruder, Eugene Omoruyi
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +60000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +30000
The Pistons are another team that simply has not been able to get out of their own way in recent years. In walks Monty Williams with a massive contract. Although some of his decision-making in Phoenix deserves criticism, I really like Monty Williams for this young and uber-talented team.
Yes, I said Uber-talented. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, James Weisman, Marvin Bagley, Killian Hayes, and Ausar Thompson were all lottery picks and highly rated-prospects.
I was able to ask Monty Williams how the Pistons responded to him “pushing” and “stressing” the team in training camp:
“We had a great practice led by Jalen and Cade. Killian has been terrific in camp, his leadership is showing in various ways.” pic.twitter.com/Sb0rP7IUpl
— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) October 5, 2023
I trust Monty to figure it all out, just not quite this year.
25. Toronto Raptors
Additions: Gradey Dick, Javon Freeman-Liberty, Jalen McDaniels, Markquis Nowell, Dennis Schröder, Garrett Temple
Subtractions: Dalano Banton, Will Barton, Fred VanVleet, Joe Wieskamp
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +8000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +4500
The Raptors were surprisingly in on Damian Lillard, according to reports. Out goes Nick Nurse, and in steps Darko Rajaković. I’m not too sure what to make of this roster. It’s quite underwhelming, to say the least.
After an outstanding rookie campaign, Scottie Barnes didn’t make the jump many thought he would last year. He still hasn’t developed a consistent jump shot.
Pascal Siakam will remain the number one option, but with the departure of Fred VanVleet, they will need to find more scoring to compete in the Eastern Conference.
24. Chicago Bulls
Additions: Onuralp Bitim, Jevon Carter, Torrey Craig, Quenton Jackson, Julian Phillips, Adama Sanogo, Terry Taylor
Subtractions: Patrick Beverley, Javonte Green, Carlik Jones, Derrick Jones Jr., Marko Simonovic
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +17000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +7500
This Bulls team was quite intriguing for the better half of the 2021 season. They had Lonzo Ball finding open shots for DeRozan and LaVine. Since Ball’s injury, the team has missed a distributor to get these leather scorers open shots. Unfortunately, Ball will likely miss the entire 2023-2024 season.
This team is a perfect example of not good enough to compete for a Championship but not bad enough to be in contention for a top draft pick. Truly, a tough place to be.
23. Indiana Pacers
Additions: Bruce Brown, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, Oscar Tshiebwe, Jarace Walker, Isaiah Wong
Subtractions: Oshae Brissett, Chris Duarte, George Hill, James Johnson, Gabe York
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +30000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +13000
The Pacers have formed a solid core of Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Myles Turner. Last season, Benn Mathurin impressed with his 16.7 points per game. Indiana brought in Obi Toppin, as well as Bruce Brown, who got a shocking two-year $45 million deal.
Unfourtely, I don’t think this is enough to compete with the blue-bloods of the Eastern Conference.
22. Portland Trail Blazers
Additions: Deandre Ayton, Malcolm Brogdon, Moses Brown, Toumani Camara, Ashton Hagans, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Rayan Rupert, Robert Williams
Subtractions: Drew Eubanks, Keon Johnson, Damian Lillard, Nassir Little, Jusuf Nurkic, Cam Reddish, Trendon Watford, Jeenathan Williams, Justise Winslow
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +25000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +13000
What a summer it was for Joe Cronin and Blazer nation. The Damian Lillard drama was relentless and, quite frankly, ridiculous. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Dame would end up in Miami, as he joined the list of superstars to include the Heat on their “list” of team(s).
Shockingly, Cronin shipped Lillard to Milwaukee for Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
Then Cronin flipped Holiday for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, a 2024 first-round pick via Golden State, and a 2029 first-round pick.
A truly sensational return for Portland. I think they can compete for a play-in spot this season!
21. Houston Rockets
Additions: Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Nate Hinton, Aaron Holiday, Jock Landale, Jermaine Samuels, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, Jeenathan Williams
Subtractions: D.J. Augustin, Willie Cauley-Stein, Josh Christopher, Usman Garuba, Frank Kaminsky, K.J. Martin Jr., Daishen Nix, TyTy Washington
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +40000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +15000
Stephen Silas is out, and Ime Udoka is in as head coach of the Houston Rockets. Silas just seemed over his skis following the James Harden departure. The team is full of young talent, but that talent has yet to connect as a cohesive unit. Houston had the 27th-best offensive rating and the 29th-best defensive rating last season.
Udoka should help with that. H-Town also added Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. Two good pickups, in my opinion. Say what you want about Brooks, but if you have watched any of this Houston team the last few years, he is exactly what they need. Toughness.
Dillon Brooks playing shutdown defense on the perimeter. This is what the Rockets have been missing the last 3 seasons. pic.twitter.com/jLPUxY6S8X
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) October 5, 2023
I also like their draft picks, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, who are players that will help right away.
20. Atlanta Hawks
Additions: Kobe Bufkin, Mouhamed Gueye, Seth Lundy, Wesley Matthews, Patty Mills, Miles Norris
Subtractions: John Collins, Aaron Holiday, Vit Krejci, Tyrese Martin, Donovan Williams
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +75000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +2500
The Hawks are a confusing team to get a read on. After a surprising run to the ECF in the 2020-2021 season, the Hawks have disappointed over the last two years. John Collins is out the door after years of us waiting for him to take that next step.
Oh yeah, and GM Landry Fields flirted with the idea of trading Trae Young. Is the trio of Young, Dejounte Murray, and De’Andre Hunter enough for this Hawks team to reach a top seed in the East? I think not.
19. Utah Jazz
Additions: John Collins, Keyonte George, Joey Hauser, Taylor Hendricks, Romeo Langford, Brice Sensabaugh, Omer Yurtseven
Subtractions: Udoka Azubuike, Vernon Carey Jr., Rudy Gay, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +25000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +13000
The Utah Jazz have recovered well from the departures of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Danny Ainge has put together a solid squad. Last year’s Most Improved Player, Lauri Markkanen, leads the way for Utah. A starting five of Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri, John Collins, and Walker Kessler is quite good. I also love Keyonte George from Baylor with this team. I think the Jazz can be a frisky team all season and possibly make a play-in/playoff push.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves
Additions: Troy Brown, Jaylen Clark, Vit Krejci, Tyrese Martin, Leonard Miller, Shake Milton, Daishen Nix
Subtractions: Nathan Knight, Jaylen Nowell, Taurean Prince, Austin Rivers
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +7500
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +3500
I’m definitely not as high on Minnesota as some others. I love Anthony Edwards as much as the next guy, but he simply is not a top-ten player in the league just yet, as some others have him.
Last year, this team made stupid mistake after stupid mistake on the basketball floor. There were a ton of bad turnovers, bad shots, and just bad basketball. At the same time, the Timberwolves have some real offensive firepower and Rudy Gobert protecting the rim.
I still HATE the combo of Towns and Gobert because it forces Towns to defend the perimeter, which is something he does not excel at. I don’t see a major improvement from this team from last season.
17. Brooklyn Nets
Additions: Darius Bazley, Armoni Brooks, Noah Clowney, Harry Giles, Jordan Hall, Dennis Smith Jr., Keifer Sykes, Lonnie Walker, Trendon Watford, Dariq Whitehead, Jalen Wilson
Subtractions: Seth Curry, David Duke Jr., RaiQuan Gray, Joe Harris, Patty Mills, Dru Smith, Edmond Sumner, Yuta Watanabe
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +7000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +3500
How the mighty have fallen. The Brooklyn Nets were the big winners of the 2019 offseason, not only adding Kevin Durant but also adding Kyrie Irving. The team also traded for James Harden in 2020, forming the greatest collection of offensive talent on a single team in NBA history. It’s crazy that just three years later, none of those three remain in Brooklyn.
Like other teams that have traded superstars in recent years, the Nets reloaded quite nicely. In 27 games with Brooklyn, Mikal Bridges averaged 26.1 PPG on 48% shooting. It’s safe to say Bridges is flourishing in his larger role and will continue in the 2023-2024 season. Cam Johnson is another player from the KD trade who has excelled with a larger role, averaging 16.6 PPG in 26 games.
Ben Simmons on blocking out outside noise: “You can’t be soft… You’ve got to deal with it, you’ve got to live with it.” pic.twitter.com/A3zixBW9bE
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 2, 2023
Ben Simmons remains one of the biggest question marks of the season. If Simmons can somehow get back to his old form, I think Brooklyn can be a playoff team. I just want to see Ben Simmons ON the court.
16. Cleveland Cavaliers
Additions: Emoni Bates, Sharife Cooper, Ty Jerome, Damian Jones, Georges Niang, Craig Porter Jr., Zhaire Smith, Max Strus, Tristan Thompson
Subtractions: Mamadi Diakite, Danny Green, Robin Lopez, Sam Merrill, Raul Neto, Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens, Dylan Windler
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +3000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +1000
Like Minnesota, I’m also not high on Cleveland this year. I cannot ignore the Mitchell to the Knicks whispers continuing throughout the offseason. The Cavs didn’t do much to upgrade this roster after their disappointing loss to New York in the first round. However, they did bring in Max Strus and Georges Niang to help with their three-point shooting, which was a clear issue down the stretch. I think this team will regress in 2023-2024 unless Evan Mobley can take a massive offensive leap.
15. Miami Heat
Additions: Thomas Bryant, Justin Champagnie, Cheick Diallo, R.J. Hampton, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Josh Richardson, Dru Smith, Cole Swider, Alondes Williams
Subtractions: Udonis Haslem, Victor Oladipo, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Omer Yurtseven, Cody Zeller
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +2800
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +1300
Is it me, or are the Miami Heat attached to every disgruntled NBA superstar? The Heat clearly overplayed their hand in the Damian Lillard trade discussions. Lillard made it clear he wanted to play for the Heat, but Miami reportedly never made an offer worth it for Portland.
It’s clear this team took a step back from last year. Losing Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, two great three-point shooters, when Miami was the worst three-point shooting team in the regular season last season is cause for a bit of concern. I’m sure Miami, with their ‘Heat culture,’ will be in the mix toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
14. New Orleans Pelicans
Additions: Kaiser Gates, Jordan Hawkins, Malcolm Hill, Cody Zeller
Subtractions: Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangómez, Josh Richardson, Garrett Temple
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +5000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +2500
I was super high on the Pelicans last season. I really thought they could possibly compete for a top seed. Instead, the team dealt with a ton of injuries. Zion played in just 29 games, and Brandon Ingram played in 45 games. Unfortunately, Trey Murphy will now miss the start of the 2023-2024 season with a torn meniscus.
There are some clear positives for this team, though. I am high on Herb Jones and his development as a two-way player. I love the draft selection of Jordan Hawkins out of UCONN. This team is a year away from seriously competing in the West. Simply put, as NBA fans, we NEED 65 games plus of Zion Williamson.
“This was the first summer where we have seen Zion really take his profession seriously like that.”
David Griffin on Zion Williamson taking care of his body this offseason. pic.twitter.com/3sCzNctgpD
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 2, 2023
13. New York Knicks
Additions: Ryan Arcidiacono, Charlie Brown Jr., Donte DiVincenzo, Nathan Knight, Jaylen Martin, Dylan Windler
Subtractions: DaQuan Jeffries, Trevor Keels, Derrick Rose, Obi Toppin
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +5000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +1800
Although the Knicks have yet to land the ‘Superstar’ Knicks fans so desperately covet, New York has created a solid, winning roster. The Knicks are CLEARLY not in the class of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference. The team lacks firepower and offensive scoring, but their defense, especially in the playoffs, can get them pretty far. I think, at best, the Knicks will win one or two playoff series, depending on matchups.
12. Memphis Grizzlies
Additions: Shaquille Harrison, G.G. Jackson, Mychal Mulder, Derrick Rose, Marcus Smart
Subtractions: Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +2800
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +1300
After all the talking this Memphis Grizzlies team did last season, they were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the seven-seeded Lakers. This team is extremely talented but simply immature.
Their star, Ja Morant, will miss the first 25 games of the season due to suspension. I’m sure we have all seen the video. Morant will be allowed to practice and travel with the team, which is a good break for Memphis.
I didn’t love them giving up Tyus Jones, who seemed to run the offensive well in the absence of Morant. The Grizzlies are an astonishing 33-17 without Ja. Memphis did land Marcus Smart from Boston, who offers the scrappiness that fits well with Memphis’ culture. I can see the Grizz winning a bunch of games in the regular season once again, but until they prove it in the playoffs, they can’t be in my top ten.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder
Additions: Davis Bertans, Keyontae Johnson, Vasilije Micic, Victor Oladipo, Cason Wallace, Jack White
Subtractions: Jared Butler, Dario Saric
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +8000
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +4500
OKC will be one of my favorite teams to watch this season. I’m extremely high on the Thunder, and for good reason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander established himself as one of the league’s best scorers last season, averaging 31.4 PPG in 68 games played. SGA took just 2.5 three-pointers per game, focusing on getting to the basket and drawing fouls.
Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, and Jalen Williams are an excellent, multitalented young core. Oh, and don’t forget about the 7’1 second-overall selection in the 2022 Draft, Chet Holmgren, who never played a game last season due to injuries. I love Chet to win ROY this season. I think the Thunder have what it takes to be a top-six seed in the West if everything goes their way. Don’t be surprised if the Thunder breakout this season!
10. Golden State Warriors
Additions: Usman Garuba, Rudy Gay, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Cory Joseph, Rodney McGruder, Chris Paul, Brandin Podziemski, Jerome Robinson, Dario Saric, Donovan Williams
Subtractions: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Donte DiVincenzo, JaMychal Green, Andre Iguodala, Ty Jerome, Anthony Lamb, Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +1300
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +650
I seem to be one of the only ones who loved the Jordan Poole for Chris Paul trade for the Warriors. It was clear Poole just didn’t have the role he wanted on the team and became unplayable in big spots because of his miserable defense. That is not even to mention the entire punch situation with Draymond. Addition by subtraction.
In the worst-case scenario for Golden State, Chris Paul does not fit with them at all, and they can flip him and some draft capital for another asset. Not too bad at all. My biggest issue with this team, though, is that they didn’t address their biggest issue: size. In fact, they got smaller.
Reports are pointing to Klay Thompson possibly having to guard power forwards this year. Yikes. It’s difficult for me to put a team that really doesn’t prioritize the regular season higher than ten on my rankings. Don’t forget they were an abysmal 11-30 on the road last year.
Steve Kerr plans to have Klay Thompson defend power forwards in a lineup next to Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Kevin Looney, per @DaltonJ_Johnson pic.twitter.com/VZHYqcdReo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 3, 2023
9. Los Angeles Clippers
Additions: Kobe Brown, K.J. Martin Jr., Jordan Miller, Josh Primo, Brodric Thomas
Subtractions: Eric Gordon
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +1800
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +1000
The last few years have been the same for the Clippers. Before the season, we rave about their depth and their volume of two-way players, just for PG and Kawhi to miss time and injuries to derail their season.
LA acquired Bones Hyland and Russell Westbrook mid-season to help their point guard depth last year, but they ended up being bounced in the first round, and Kawhi Leonard found himself with another knee injury.
If I had to guess, I’d say there’s no way this version of the Clippers reaches an NBA Finals. They made no moves in the offseason to help their chances, although it has been reported James Harden wants to land there. I still don’t think that puts them in a position to seriously compete with the top teams in the West.
Ty Lue was asked what he thinks of James Harden.
“I don’t know”.
— Clippers UK (@ClippersUK) October 5, 2023
8. Sacramento Kings
Additions: Deonte Burton, Chris Duarte, Jordan Ford, Colby Jones, Skal Labissiere, Anthony Lamb, JaVale McGee, Jaylen Nowell, Jalen Slawson, Sasha Vezenkov
Subtractions: Terence Davis, Matthew Dellavedova, P.J. Dozier, Richaun Holmes, Chimezie Metu, Neemias Queta
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +5500
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +2500
Light the beam! Sacramento was the shock of the season last year. Coach of the Year Mike Brown led them to the three-seed and a playoff birth for the first time since 2005.
The team made some minor additions, which are positives in my estimation. Chris Duarte is a talented player who struggled to carve out a role in Indiana last season following his 13.1 PPG year in 2021. I also like Javale McGee as another rim protector and a guy who can give energy off the bench.
If Keegan Murray can improve on what was a great start to his young career, the Kings will be a staple in the playoffs for years to come.
7. Phillidelphia 76ers
Additions: Mo Bamba, Patrick Beverley, Ricky Council IV, David Duke Jr., Danny Green, Kelly Oubre, Filip Petrusev, Javonte Smart, Terquavion Smith, Azuolas Tubelis
Subtractions: Dewayne Dedmon, Louis King, Mac McClung, Jalen McDaniels, Shake Milton, Georges Niang
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +1800
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +750
It was quite an interesting offseason for Philadelphia. They fired Doc Rivers (shocker), brought in Nick Nurse, and are now the fourth team to deal with a James Harden trade demand.
James Harden is in the building pic.twitter.com/lMf3ayBPRh
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) October 5, 2023
The bitter truth of it all is that Philly has not made it past the second round of the playoffs with Joel Embiid. Yeah, the guy was marvelous last season, capturing his first MVP award, but once again, he was banged up when the playoffs rolled around. In the Boston series, Embiid averaged 25.5 PPG on 42.1% shooting, which is not what you want from your seven-foot center.
Yes, this team took Boston to seven games and even led the series 3-2, but Boston and Milwaukee significantly improved their rosters from last year. With James Harden seemingly out the door, it begs the question: Is Philly closer to the Knicks than the Celtics and Bucks in the East?
6. Dallas Mavericks
Additions: Greg Brown, Seth Curry, Dante Exum, Richaun Holmes, Derrick Jones Jr., Dereck Lively II, Mike Miles Jr., Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Joe Wieskamp, Grant Williams
Subtractions: Davis Bertans, Reggie Bullock, Justin Holiday, JaVale McGee, Frank Ntilikina, Theo Pinson, Christian Wood, McKinley Wright
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +2200
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +1200
Many were high on the Mavs last year, and the team not only disappointed but missed the playoffs entirely. I was shocked when this team added another ball-dominant shot-creator in, Kyrie Irving, into the mix. If you have watched the Mavericks over the past few seasons, you are familiar with their style of play. Luka dominates the ball and either shoots or dishes to an open teammate, similar to the Houston-James Harden style of play.
So, it was no shock to me when Kyrie joined Dallas, they STRUGGLED. Dallas went 5-11 in games both Luka and Kyrie started. Not good. But this definitely doesn’t tell the whole story. In this stretch, the team was awful on defense, which makes sense because the Mavs gave up one of their best perimeter defenders, Dorian Finey-Smith, in order to get Kyrie from Brooklyn. The team also lacked shooting outside of the two superstars.
These needs were addressed in the offseason, as Dallas brought in both Seth Curry and Grant Williams, who will have an immediate impact on this team. If Jason Kidd can get them to defend like they did in 2021-2022, they will find themselves right back in the Western Conference Finals.
5. Phoenix Suns
Additions: Grayson Allen, Udoka Azubuike, Keita Bates-Diop, Bradley Beal, Bol Bol, Drew Eubanks, Jordan Goodwin, Eric Gordon, Keon Johnson, Nassir Little, Chimezie Metu, Jusuf Nurkic, Yuta Watanabe
Subtractions: Deandre Ayton, Darius Bazley, Bismack Biyombo, Torrey Craig, Jock Landale, Chris Paul, Cameron Payne, Terrence Ross, Landry Shamet, T.J. Warren
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +600
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +350
You don’t need me to tell you the Suns are absolutely loaded on offense with the addition of Bradley Beal. I was a huge fan of their free-agent signings of Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, and Keita Bates-Diop. I was an even bigger fan of their trade that sent Deandre Ayton to Portland in exchange for more depth pieces: Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen.
My worry for this team is that their superstars are a bit redundant. Booker, Durant, and Beal are all mid-range assassins. Durant shoots the three well, whereas Booker and Beal are more streaky shooters from behind the arc. A major issue for Phoenix in last year’s Denver series was the fact that they were not even attempting enough three-point shots to keep games close.
If they can find a good mix of mid-range and three-point shooting, as well as a solid defense under Frank Vogel, they can win the whole thing!
4. Boston Celtics
Additions: Dalano Banton, Oshae Brissett, Jrue Holiday, Svi Mykhailiuk, Kristaps Porzingis, Neemias Queta, Jordan Schakel, Jay Scrubb, Lamar Stevens, Jordan Walsh
Subtractions: Malcolm Brogdon, Justin Champagnie, Danilo Gallinari, Blake Griffin, Mfiondu Kabengele, Mike Muscala, Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Robert Williams
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +400
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +180
Boston managed to force a Game 7 in the ECF last season after going down 3-0 to start the series. Miami, as heavy underdogs, took the series as rumors swirled about the possibility of a Brown and Tatum breakup.
Here we are four months later, and Boston has not only kept JT and JB together, but their squad got a whole lot better. It’s hard to imagine Marcus Smart in another uniform, but in my opinion, it was time for the roster to be shaken up. Porzingis provides shot blocking and helps stretch the floor, but the main problem with this team was a lack of a distributor to feed the two stars.
Although they gave up Brogdon and Rob Williams, Jrue Holiday is exactly what the Celtics needed: a true point guard who can defend and knock down open shots. Jrue did struggle in his last couple of playoff series, but I just think the fit is perfect.
Anything short of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance would be a failure in Boston.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Additions: Colin Castleton, Alex Fudge, Jaxson Hayes, D’Moi Hodge, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood
Subtractions: Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley, Troy Brown, Wenyen Gabriel, Shaquille Harrison, Dennis Schröder, Cole Swider, Tristan Thompson, Lonnie Walker
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +1200
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +750
It didn’t take a genius to realize the pairing of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, along with other non-shooters, was doomed from the start. I’m not here to play the blame game, but the Lakers finished 17-9 after they traded Westbrook and pretty easily won two playoff series before getting swept by Denver.
I love the offseason LA had. They didn’t swing for the fences and try to bring in another star. Instead, they kept most of their guys from last season and added some minor pieces. Christian Wood, Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish are solid additions.
It’s quite simple with the Lakers. If LeBron and AD can stay healthy, I think this team will win the West. But that is a BIG ‘if.’ The pairing have missed their fair share of games over the last three seasons. Also, AD hasn’t quite grabbed the torch from LeBron. If the Lakers get health and a dominant Anthony Davis, the sky is the limit.
2. Dever Nuggets
Additions: Justin Holiday, Jay Huff, Braxton Key, Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson
Subtractions: Bruce Brown, Thomas Bryant, Jeff Green, Ish Smith, Jack White
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +500
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +250
My number one team in the West had to go to the 2022-2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets. You hear that, Mike Malone? We are talking about you over here! Nikola Jokic is simply the best player in the sport of basketball. He is so gifted offensively that I simply don’t care about his defensive limitations.
Nikola Jokic is back in the states pic.twitter.com/V0soheCxho
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 2, 2023
This team did lose some key pieces from last season. Bruce Brown, who was a major part of what Denver did defensively in the playoffs, left for the bag in Indiana. Jeff Green was another piece that provided them with shooting and decent defense. Denver is hoping Christian Braun can fill this void, and I think he is very capable.
Denver will be right in the thick of things this season. Book it.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
Additions: Malik Beasley, Marques Bolden, Andre Jackson Jr., Damian Lillard, Chris Livingston, Robin Lopez, Omari Moore, TyTy Washington
Subtractions: Grayson Allen, Jevon Carter, Goran Dragic, Jrue Holiday, Joe Ingles, Meyers Leonard, Wesley Matthews
NBA Champion via DraftKings: +400
Conference Champion via DraftKings: +180
Tensions were rising in Milwaukee when Giannis Antetokounmpo made it very clear he would not sign his supermax contract unless he got a championship commitment from the Bucks. I think he got that commitment, alright.
In steps Damian Lillard after a long drawn-out trade demand with the Trail Blazers. Lillard wanted to be in Miami, but Portland did what was best for them.
Milwaukee did lose some depth pieces like Grayson Allen and Jevon Carter, but anytime you can swap Jrue Holliday for Damian Lillard, you do it ten times out of ten.
With a starting lineup of Lillard, Pat Connaughton, Khris Middleton, Giannis, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks are the team to beat in the NBA and are number one in my NBA Power Rankings for the 2023-2024 season!
