[As of 7/2/2019] Which team is the most interesting to you?

wrong thread

 

I really like the kings as well, thought they would of made the playoffs last season. This upcoming season should be an opportunity for their young players to prove their worth

 

The Bulls, now have one of more talented younger rosters in the league. Now, here is how they become interesting, do they compete for a playoff spot or do they start unloading some of these players for a potential star or max player. Chicago is much more competently ran than say the Knicks or Nets.


Nets, do they fly or sink with Kyrie. Granted, KD returns in 2020. I do wonder how fans will perceive Kyrie, if they finish outside of the top 5 in the East or missed the playoffs. Will it just confirm Boston and Cleveland made the right decision? I doubt they move on from Kyrie, but if Year 2 with KD yields less than satisfactory results, like another 1st round exit or 2nd round elimination without a fuss.

The Nuggets, do they make the next step, as a conference powerhouse, given the Warriors expected decline and other dominoes falling across the West. I think the biggest wildcard for them is Michael Porter Jr. If he proves himself to be any thing from an above average starter to a possible All-Star caliber player. It gives the Nuggets a shot at Western Conference supremacy, especially if the Lakers cannot lock down Kawhi or put adequate pieces around AD/LeBron (near the end of his prime). Along with the Warriors (post-KD and Draymond's looming free agency).

Warriors, kinda obvious, no KD, anymore. Klay being out for an extended period of time, acquisition of Russell, and Draymond's looming free agency. Also, the Warriors bringing in a handful of young players, and trading Andre Igoudala. After five consecutive NBA Finals appearances, is this the year the Warriors take a temporary step back or does Steph proves he's still one of the greatest players of this generation.

Celtics, entered last season as the Eastern Conference favorites to face the Warriors in the Finals. Boston spent the entire year, trying to find chemistry with their star players (Kyrie and Hayward) and their young guns (Tatum, Brown, Smart, Rozier, and other promising draft picks). They fail far below expectations in only reaching the 5th seed, winning 50 games, and given a gentleman's sweep after a decisive game 1 win in Milwaukee. After Kyrie parted ways with the Celtics, along with Horford opting out to 76ers, the Celtics still managed to grab a gem in Kemba Walker. Although, Kemba may not be equal in talent to Kyrie, he's close enough production wise to keep team's honest on defense, especially with his big-shot making ability and getting baskets in bunches. He should mesh better with the Celtics squad, but will it be enough to go deep into playoffs. Which would fall into Boston's young guns and Hayward. Who all might become trade-bait, if the Celtics endure another slow start.






Honorable Mentions:

The Rockets, I'm pretty sure this team will be blown up, if we start, like we did last season. But, Beard will keep us entertained, as Morey builds a supporting cast.

The Atlanta Hawks, like the Bulls they've amassed a good collection of young talent. Same deal, at what point do they decide to go to another level, if the team is steadily in the lottery territory. If the right offer for a star player make them reconsider their rebuilding plans.

Miami Heat, Jimmy takes his talents to South Beach. Many are already questioning this move by both the Heat and Jimmy B, also add in the losses Whiteside, Richardson, and Olynk. Dragic likely on the way out via trade. It puts Miami in an unusual situation of rebuilding and not good enough to be a lottery team. Though, the Heat at the moment have enough pieces to clinch a playoff spots and may be able to grab a few quality players.

 

Heat

Miami should be a $hitshow. Jimmy will be a star on a horrible team which will make him look better than what he really is. I can't wait to see that train wreck.

 

I really want Jazz expectations to get sky-high then 4-1 their ass again.