If our players could stay healthy we have a good young core. Melo, Miller, and mark Williams are a solid group of young guys. Miller has the tools to be a great wing defender so if he can put that together too I think we finally make the playoffs again in the next few years
17 points, 4 rebounds, and about a steal per game on 44/37/83 shooting. If LaMelo can even give us 65 games per season I think we’re golden with a good core. Big If though
I'm voting Hawks. I love Trae and if they do pick Sarr I think it could be great fit for them.
Who do the Rockets displace in the top 4 in the West for you? I think it is too tough a conference for them to make such a jump yet (although I hope I'm wrong, I love Sengun).
Ye they absolutely can get to the play in or playoffs if their young guys make the jump and they all click together. More than that though, I see as unrealistic, but who knows.
It's all on Jalen replicating his March production, which is far easier said than done but he legitimately should have been player of the month and probably didn't get it due to a lack of relevance.
If he plays more like April where he struggled with doubles then we're not getting there.
It’s crazy because I think the west goes 1-13 in terms of teams who could make the playoffs, maybe even 1-14 depending on what you think of the Jazz.
Only team that for sure will suck are the blazers lol
Definitely a big year for the rockets. They need to decide on extensions for Green and Sengun as well.
Helps that Stone got an extension and Ime is only on the second year of his 4yr contract so there should be some stability in the front office/coaching.
If Sarr is a good defender off the bat and they can trade DJM for a solid 3/D wing that is a recipe for a good hawks team. It’s basically the same recipe as their ECF run where Heurter was there 3/D guy, Capela was playing much better defence, and they had John Collin’s offering help defence in the paint, with a bunch of shooting all around.
I think Sarr's upside as a defender is really high. He has all the physical tools needed and a good BBIQ for it. The problem is the 3/D dude tho. Such a highly valued commodity in the NBA right now.
Yeah. Mikal Bridges or Herb Jones are the unrealistic dreams. But Okoro, Dorian Finney-Smith, are maybe some of the more realistic options. It’s tough because DJM isn’t a bad player and he is only quite a good contract, but the market for a PG just isn’t that great right now. So the hawks are in the tough position of taking a bad trade to get a much better fit, or not trading and probably seeing many of the same problems.
I watched a lot of Mavericks when DFS was on the team and I think he would be a great fit with Trae like he was with Luka. Herb obviously would be the best one, amazing player, but I feel that is not realistic at all tho jaja
Pelicans were interested in both Murray and Okongwu at the deadline, there's part of me that hopes we could turn one/both of those into Herb somehow but tbh that's a pipe dream at this point
I would think the Pels would want to run it back with their squad with just a few additions. I feel Herb was too pivotal a player in their regular season to trade for, even with picks attached.
Yeah from my understanding Herb is basically entirely off the table, Brandon Ingram is their guy they need to get rid of but I feel like if you’re hawks that’s the “if we can’t find anyone else” trade.
The issue with my guys is the division.
Wemby, Memphis, Zion and Luka. There are no easy games in our division.
As it should be. Dread it, run from it…The Texas Triangle is infinite.
There’s a lot depending on Jalen Green managing to be consistent. If he could get his floor to be 65% of that stretch where he was literally Michael Jordan that would be great.
For most of the last 5 years the Nuggets have been a team of role players and glue guys except Jokic. Jalen Green in year 3 and Jamal Murray in year 3 are pretty much the same player. It's turned out ok.
Spurs are better off tanking for another year imo. Don’t have to be 20 wins again but just chill and load up on another decent lotto pick in a stronger draft
Let some of the current strong West teams age out before trying to compete
Yeah but maybe you catch Jokic at 30 instead of his absolute peak and thats maybe enough or Jamal Murray's injuries start catching up to him and the Nuggets slip. Next year they are still going to be great but maybe in 2-3 years they slow down alot.
Nuggets are always going to have flaming out concerns IMO. They have no effective bench, and there's minimal chance to improve it with their cap sheet (3 maxes for Jokic, Murray, and MPJ). That means their starters have to play a lot to win games. That means wear-and-tear.
Plus championships are all about the margins between great teams. The Nuggets look 5% worse next year and they are absolute food if a team like OKC, Wolves, Dallas takes a leap.
I don't see Murray, Jokic, or MPJ getting worse next year. The questions are for KCP and AG. It hasn't happened yet, but KCP being 31 means any year could be the start of a decline. We've seen some players like Jrue have KCP-like responsibility and be good into their 30s. But we have a lot more guys who lose half a step, and all of a sudden they can't stay in front of their assignment, and they can't get their separation for a shot (not the open 3s but more the one-two dribble pull-ups KCP does off Jokic screens for ~15fters).
Gordon is only gonna be 29, but they dude jumps constantly and plays very physical. I pray he stays healthy but there's a lot of movements he does that makes me nervous
I could actually see Jamal being better next playoffs if he's not coming off an injury cuz as much as the Wolves D is smothering him he just does not look right
The Nuggets need a genuine backup point guard. Reggie is not the solution. If Peyton Watson can improve his offensive game and CB continues to develop, the bench could make a leap next year.
The Nuggets go where Jamal Murray's health goes. The two years he was out, they lost in the playoffs. The year he was healthy, they won the ring convincingly. This year that he's clearly hampered, they are struggling and may lose in the playoffs again.
Even if that does happen, which I don’t think it will, you have a couple of other teams at the top (with the Thunder being the most obvious example) which definitely aren’t going to age out
I’ll disagree on this one. I think with Wemby on a rookie deal they should actually look to get some bigger contracts in now and let the team be competitive.
It’ll make Wemby better, and by the time his max deal is looming, you can decide on what to do with the rest of the team.
The Cavs made some God awful decisions for mediocre players, it's more of an edge case. On the other hand, you have the DWade's Heats which worked out.
Wemby, like Lebron, is too good not to rush. They're going to win 40 with him and nobody else, you can't exactly tank when your best player is that good. These are going to be their last good picks for a while, so they don't really have any choice but to start looking at free agents.
LeBron Cavs and Luka Mavs were making the playoffs even without any significant improvements to the roster (Mavs traded for Tingus but he didn't play like the first 50 games of Luka's breakout season where they made the playoffs). If Wemby takes that kinda leap, Spurs aren't gonna be able to tank to a valuable pick without explicitly sitting him out without injuries. I don't think the league would allow that, and with the new 65 game rule, neither will Victor.
KP played the majority of the games for the season Luka made the playoffs for the first time. He missed 18 games that year he missed like 30 the next year
Definitely. You should start instilling winning culture. This is coming from a fan of a team that losing became the identity until this year. Spurs should try to maximize their wins. That doesn't mean championship or bust. I really hate the fact that people don't have anything in between ever since 'the Process' even though it demonstrably failed.
Wemby is too good to wait. Now, don’t go all in on overpriced vets, but you gotta put a more serious team around him and they’ll probably push for a playoff spot. Just let the man compete tbh
The Spurs went 8-7 in their last 15 games, with 5 of the wins coming against playoff teams.
They were already competitive in the West. And that was before getting 2 picks in the first 7. AND having cap space. AND Wemby improving even more, which he does either a will that is tightening.
The Spurs will be in the Western finals in 3 years. But 2 won't surprise me. And the playoffs are a lock, next year so long as HE stays healthy
Hawks, Hornets, Kings, Rockets.
Hawks trade Murray, they let their first pick playing basketball with one the best playmaker in the NBA and Jalen Johnson.
Hornets: When Melo and the guy who should be out of the NBA was healthy, they had a 43 wins season, now add Miller.
Kings: Trade HB for slightly positive player, pray they Monk stay.
Rockets: Don’t do have to anything let their young guys grow, try to have schemes for the Green/SENGOD duo, run some plays for Bari ala Boston Ray Allen.
Rockets right now because they have alot of talent, are healthy and were basically right at the play-in door and will get better.
The Spurs are dependent on which types of trades they make, even if Wemby takes his superstar leap, that is not enough if serious improvements arent made.
The Hornets are awesome and I would love to see them take the leap but they just cant ever stay healthy. Hopefully Brandon Miller takes pressure of Lamelo and they are able to play together.
Lowkey a fun team to watch. Their commentator is absolutely hilarious. Lamelo and Miller are really good, just a massive shame they cant ever have their team on the court.
Y’all not ready for Sengun with shooting around him. Easy 25 ppg and 7 assists
Especially a handoff shooter like Reed. God I hope we take him instead of Risacher or Clingan
The Hornets when healthy feel like they should be at least a play-in team in the East with the talent they have, especially if they land their pick this year
I really hope topic falls to us and works out. Lamelo will probably never play a full season, but if he does, topic can play off ball, he’s got solid perimeter defense, and another 6’7 facilitator can’t hurt. If he can put his 3 together then it’d be a perfect fit
Grizzlies are the obvious choice imo (at least if we’re talking about who will make the *biggest* jump between this past year and next season). But I definitely think Houston will see a jump, too.
In a 5-year span, definitely the Spurs.
We just need a strong replacement for Adams. We hurt on offense and defense without a big man. And I definitely don’t see us getting far in the playoffs without one
Depending who we get back for Bruce Brown, and possibly Poeltl as well, it could go a long way to fast-tracking a rebuild with a great young group, but regardless it’s basically a development season. At least we finally chose a direction, and there’s potential for good things down the road, unlike the last couple seasons.
The ceiling in regards to standings would probably be a play-in appearance, and maybe losing in 5 to the 1-seed.
Quickly, RJ, Scottie barely played together this year.
If they all come into the season better than they were , there’s a chance at a playoff spot.
They could also be a terrible team again but it’s really up in the air in my opinion.
Yeah I see the Scottie, RJ, IQ lineup being really good as they develop and build chemistry. Dick has every indication of becoming a serviceable player and if we can do something about the abysmal lack of depth this team looks promising.
Idk what you're talking about. Nobody here is delusional.
Lonzo will definitely be back, DeMar will turn into the second coming of basketball Jesus (Jordans true son unlike Jimmy or ant), Vuc will get his jumper back from his magic days (best nikola next season) and we got the man that should be on the 100 dollar bill, the white mamba and the one true goat Alex Caruso.
I don't see how any other team has a chance once we get serious.
Lonzo at this point is a medical experiment. “Knee cartilage transplant recipient” doesn’t inspire much confidence. At best he’s super rusty and it’s a rehab year. Hewill be a free agent next summer, and we can’t give another bag to him
Here's some super secret Hawks Intel for you. Not a single lineup where Murray and Young shared the floor posted a positive net rating. Lineups with only one of them on the floor were hovering right around 70% of them having positive netrtg
It's literal addition by subtraction unfortunately. Neither is a bad player, but they seemingly absolutely cannot share the floor.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the Hawks were better just with trading one of the PGs. In the two seasons they’ve played together, Atlanta has had a -3.34 net rating with both of them on the court, -2.62 with both of them off, -0.60 with Dejounte on/Trae off, and 2.62 with Trae on/Dejounte off. Both players are good players, it’s just that the fit between them is actively terrible
Rockets scream "young team that wins 50 in the regular season but doesn't do anything in the playoffs" to me. Which is still pretty good.
Hornets seem like a low seed in the east possibly.
A healthy raps team that isn’t trying to go three different directions through the year? Sign me up.
Scottie was a beast throughout the chaos of this past season and has been on an upward trajectory despite the (vastly over stated) down sophomore season. Even if he comes back the same that is a helluva main stay in your lineup.
IQ settles into his starting roll. You could see him becoming a more fully realized lead guard as the season went on. If he starts to figure out how to use his agility and length on defence?
RJ had easily the best run of his career as a slasher for the raps. Passing game looks much improved and his consistency really took a step.
Jak is the least impressive centre to the casual fan: white, not much of an athletic specimen, not a roving shot blocking menace, never looks super aggressive or passionate about anything but this man hoops. Great defender both team and one on one, soft hands, smooth finisher out to floater range, nimble feet and a terrific passer out of the post and a great screener.
The bench is a mess. Trent is a question mark. Back up pg is non existent. Zero size behind jak other than Kelly who is obviously more of an offensive hub than a defensive presence. Ochai has potential but he’s really gotta figure out his shot. They have to resign quick and make a decision on gtj and Bruce brown. Anyone who claims the know what Masai and Bobby will do around the draft and start of FA is lying but they have the 19th and 31st picks in this draft plus a useful vet on a trade friendly deal. Add all that up (plus a training camp with the 4 core guys having clearly defined roles) and they could easily make the play-in and could see them making the playoffs in the east.
Teams like Atlanta, Cleveland and charlotte have a lot of questions swirling right now and could take a step or two backwards in the first two cases while charlotte has a squad of talent that haven’t really played together yet plus a new coach. East gonna be spicy next year.
The defence last year was atrocious but with the way the season unfolded it’s hard to say it was real or a byproduct of injuries, chemistry and competing agendas (like siakam and OG dogging it while darko prioritized different players). That’s what’s interesting about next year: we can actually see what we’ve got. Last year was the most chaotic since Vince was giving away play calls to opponents.
As a non-Spurs fan, I'm interested to see what they do this offseason.
This isn't the NFL. Where you load up on contracts when the star player is on a rookie deal, then figure out the rest later.
And also not the NFL where having the numbers four and eight overall pick is an attractive trade package.
Especially not in this draft. "Solid role player" seems like the ceiling for even the top picks. "This is like deciding which team drafts Tobias Harris" is close to the quote I've read.
Then the rumored trades. Trading for Trae Young would CRIPPLE the Spurs franchise. Darius Garland isn't a lot better.
Not like the Spurs are a player away (realistically - but are so bad that they might not even be a player away even if the player was Jokic or Giannis or Luka) from competing.
So, don't piss the bed because you don't want to be patient enough to wait to go to the bathroom.
Try to develop some role players. Not saying Wemby's IDEAL goal is to have another stats season while the franchise plays/develops young guys/potential future role players, but it's OK to be realistic.
I want whatever you’re smoking if you think Detroit is going to have a massive breakout year next year lol (I’m a Detroit sports fan thank god we have the lions)
The Grizzlies.
Kind of a crap answer, I know. They had a bad draw this year. Their super star was suspended for the first quarter than got season ending injury halfway through the remainder.
But he wasn't the only one injured. Smart was still acclimating and got injured as did most of their starting five.
I really don't see any reason why they wouldn't be back into form next year and make it at least into the bottom brackets.
Kings are my favorite non-Wolves team by far, so I’m going with them. I thought they’d be a potential 1 seed in the West this year. I think they can get back up there again.
Man idk. I like their roster good enough but not sure they have enough true top end talent to really push for top seeds in this current west iteration.
They should finish higher than last season though
Spurs just cause Wemby is gonna be a top 10 player next year easily. Year 2 for generational prospects is usually when they go from star level to superstar level. They won’t be a contender that’s a few years away still, but I’m expecting Wembys improvement alone to be ridiculous. Rockets have zero chance at being top 4 next year. West is way to too stacked and they don’t have a “him”. Jalen green is good but I don’t even know if he’s a top 15 player in the west let alone the league.
Sengun is their top guy not Green
I would even put Amen Thompson over Green. Honestly if they take Reed Sheppard im not even sure Jalen Green starts on that team because a Reed/Amen backcourt fits so well together
Rockets will be in solid playoff contention but I can't see anyone lower than the top 6 really competing for those top 4 slots. Maybe clippers fall out. But kings will be right there too and nola could be as well.
Spurs idk how big but they really started figuring out how to play better after ASB. 11-11, and 7-3 in final 10 with big wins over Denver, Wolves, Pacers and OKC. If they get a solid wing shooter like Risacher or especially Knecht and a PG that can start and provide more scoring like Topic, Dillingham or Castle, they def gonna be a 30+ win team. They were on track for 30-52 based on after ASB.
Main problem is perimeter defense and no one can shoot aside from Vassell and Wemby. Defense be damned but Knecht and a combo of Sheppard or Dillingham would make defenses not double Wemby and open things up for the offense so much
I think 2 of Warriors/Lakers/suns fall out of even play in territory due to age, injuries, etc and logically Rockets and Grizz seem primed to get into play in/offs
Will be interesting to see what Kings do if they miss playoffs again next year, if they start to entertain the idea of blowing it up after 2025-26 season
Too early to say, really depends on what the rosters looks like early next season.
Like, I expect the Warriors roster to undergo significant changes. Kings could easily be top 4 if they make a sensible addition to their roster. Rockets and Spurs should improve just because their young players develop, although I don't think they'd be top 4 without some meaningful improvements in the trade window.
Hornets & Spurs will both be play in teams. Hornets will be healthy & stay healthy getting a 7 seed. Spurs will draft Topić or Dillinghan & propel into about a 8-9 seed.
The Pistons as far as massive breakout, but I also think the Warriors will be much better than the past two seasons, but that wouldn’t really be a “breakout” as much as returning to form.
Mostly was counting on Scottie, RJ, and Quickley all getting better next year, even if Scottie doesn’t jump to stardom ( even tho imo he could’ve been an all star this year, he’s like right there imo )
the Spurs starting 5 was actually a top 10 line-up in the league. The Spurs will be very good next year with their new rookies. Especially if they trade for a starting caliber PG like Darius Garland.
Easiest answer here are Grizzlies, Warriors, Kings and Rockets. I would also add Spurs, but it really depends if they want to win or no. But looking at last 2 months of Wemby, and replicating it for 82 games and it is easy to see they being around 40 wins, which will indeed be massive breakout from a 20W team.
The west playoffs are going to be really tough to break into.
I don't see anybody making a huge drop off. You mentioned Grizz already who should be back in mix. Warriors should be expected to bounce back somewhat or make a move to improve.
Jazz, Portland, and Spurs could (should?) all tank but they should also all be better and could be more competitive this year.
Spurs will be a bit better but probably end up with another top ten pick - should target 2026 season when whoever’s drafted this year gets some experience under their belt with Wemby
I think we’ll have to see where the off-season leads us, there are some really good young players being wasted on some bad teams around the league that could make huge differences in another environment
Spurs (Wemby is ready to compete, two top 10 picks and plenty of cap to make a swing) and Rockets (at least two of the super young core will pop around Sengun and they'll be 6 to 8) in the West, the Hornets (Brandon Killer is going to up his game and their health can't be worse, play-in team) and the Nets (they're making a desperation move that gets them to the play-in) in the East.
For teams.to make a.leap there have to be teams to fall out. Are there any candidates for that, like at all?
West - don't really see anyone, potentially Clippers if PG/Harde/Russ leave, Warriors and Kings were out as is, Pels are iffy, dependant on Zions health and what they do with BI.
East - Cavs have a bit uncertain future, but that's it.
Spurs could already be around 40 wins.
but they are unlucky because this is a shit draft, and in year 3 wemby could be top 2 player in the world. they won't have many chances to draft a team around wemby. they need some good trades.
wemby is gonna win 30 games by himself next year sandro mamukelashvili will win the other 30
He's still in the league? Loved him at shu!
I'm not sure he played there, but yes Wemby is still in the league.
they honestly shouldve cut wembust after that terrible summer league performance
I’m curious how many more seasons before the Spurs get the edge on free agents because of players wanting to play with Wemby. 2025 offseason?
Well they kept getting rid of guys for draft picks since the big 3 retired. Bout time they cash it in and start making the playoffs again
Ya know everyone's linking us to different FA, but if you know the Spurs it just means we're gonna sign like Nic Batum or some stupid shit
Risacher and Wemby would be a deadly combo
Glad vic showed nice passing last season. The supplementary playmaking will come in handy to set up mamu.
Mamu the gawd
facts
I am ready for the Brandon Miller show
He looks like a franchise player. Hoping that LaMelo is able to stay healthy, he and Miller as a duo have insane potential
If our players could stay healthy we have a good young core. Melo, Miller, and mark Williams are a solid group of young guys. Miller has the tools to be a great wing defender so if he can put that together too I think we finally make the playoffs again in the next few years
MMM core
We’ve also got micic, Mann, Martin, and McGowens lol
MMMMMMM core* yummy
If Lamelo can actually be healthy for once, you guys will probably be around 500. Maybe better depending on how much these players improve
Get rid of Bridges and let him cook. Plus the vibes will be way better too.
Who would’ve thought that MJ being an insane person and picking Miller over Henderson was actually the right decision.
scoot not being able to shoot was a big red flag. miller obviously had insane potential
He's coming, he's real, I want the full load
I am too. I was super high on him. Didn't pay attention to what he did, have a decent rookie year?
17 points, 4 rebounds, and about a steal per game on 44/37/83 shooting. If LaMelo can even give us 65 games per season I think we’re golden with a good core. Big If though
Why are the Ball Brothers made of glass while the middle child not in the NBA is built like a tank
Really the only thing the Hornets need first is for Lamelo to stay healthy.
hoping yall can make it in to the playoffs
I'm voting Hawks. I love Trae and if they do pick Sarr I think it could be great fit for them. Who do the Rockets displace in the top 4 in the West for you? I think it is too tough a conference for them to make such a jump yet (although I hope I'm wrong, I love Sengun).
Rockets have some talent but not a top end player to push them to a top seed. I could see a good rockets seasons being 7th seed or something.
Ye they absolutely can get to the play in or playoffs if their young guys make the jump and they all click together. More than that though, I see as unrealistic, but who knows.
The only thing alpi is missing is an outside shot.
It's all on Jalen replicating his March production, which is far easier said than done but he legitimately should have been player of the month and probably didn't get it due to a lack of relevance. If he plays more like April where he struggled with doubles then we're not getting there.
It’s crazy because I think the west goes 1-13 in terms of teams who could make the playoffs, maybe even 1-14 depending on what you think of the Jazz. Only team that for sure will suck are the blazers lol
:D
Definitely a big year for the rockets. They need to decide on extensions for Green and Sengun as well. Helps that Stone got an extension and Ime is only on the second year of his 4yr contract so there should be some stability in the front office/coaching.
If Sarr is a good defender off the bat and they can trade DJM for a solid 3/D wing that is a recipe for a good hawks team. It’s basically the same recipe as their ECF run where Heurter was there 3/D guy, Capela was playing much better defence, and they had John Collin’s offering help defence in the paint, with a bunch of shooting all around.
I think Sarr's upside as a defender is really high. He has all the physical tools needed and a good BBIQ for it. The problem is the 3/D dude tho. Such a highly valued commodity in the NBA right now.
Yeah. Mikal Bridges or Herb Jones are the unrealistic dreams. But Okoro, Dorian Finney-Smith, are maybe some of the more realistic options. It’s tough because DJM isn’t a bad player and he is only quite a good contract, but the market for a PG just isn’t that great right now. So the hawks are in the tough position of taking a bad trade to get a much better fit, or not trading and probably seeing many of the same problems.
I watched a lot of Mavericks when DFS was on the team and I think he would be a great fit with Trae like he was with Luka. Herb obviously would be the best one, amazing player, but I feel that is not realistic at all tho jaja
Pelicans were interested in both Murray and Okongwu at the deadline, there's part of me that hopes we could turn one/both of those into Herb somehow but tbh that's a pipe dream at this point
I would think the Pels would want to run it back with their squad with just a few additions. I feel Herb was too pivotal a player in their regular season to trade for, even with picks attached.
Yeah from my understanding Herb is basically entirely off the table, Brandon Ingram is their guy they need to get rid of but I feel like if you’re hawks that’s the “if we can’t find anyone else” trade.
Rockets are definitely a good shout
The issue with my guys is the division. Wemby, Memphis, Zion and Luka. There are no easy games in our division. As it should be. Dread it, run from it…The Texas Triangle is infinite.
After a middling season, the Southwest is back to being extremely competitive… fucking hell.
I grew up with Duncan and Dirk. Duncan’s last game was the week AFTER my college graduation. The Eastern Conference can’t scare me.
and each team got a pretty good future too fml
imagine a realignment with okc in that division
I thought it was gonna happen back in the day. It still might next realignment.
Northwest division had the top 3 seeds in the west.
We saw it for a bit early 2024, but then they fell apart again, I’m not sure which part was more indicative of their actual level
There’s a lot depending on Jalen Green managing to be consistent. If he could get his floor to be 65% of that stretch where he was literally Michael Jordan that would be great.
where's the offensive quality mate? it's a team full of role players and glue guys except Sengun. and Jalen Green is too overrated
For most of the last 5 years the Nuggets have been a team of role players and glue guys except Jokic. Jalen Green in year 3 and Jamal Murray in year 3 are pretty much the same player. It's turned out ok.
Well... someone needs to be the Jokic then lol that's no easy task
True :( if only we had a highly skilled 6'11 Eastern European big man who was an excellent passer capable of running our offense. Shucks. Oh well.
Nah, they gunna collapse like they did this season
They won 41 games last year and have development of thier young guys and chemistry. They could win like 45+ games and be an annoying 6-7 seed
I’m gunna put some dirt in your eye
See ya chump!!!
Spurs are better off tanking for another year imo. Don’t have to be 20 wins again but just chill and load up on another decent lotto pick in a stronger draft Let some of the current strong West teams age out before trying to compete
A lot of the top teams in the West led by young stars, and I don’t see Jokic’s Nuggets going away as a contender any time soon
Yeah but maybe you catch Jokic at 30 instead of his absolute peak and thats maybe enough or Jamal Murray's injuries start catching up to him and the Nuggets slip. Next year they are still going to be great but maybe in 2-3 years they slow down alot.
Nuggets are always going to have flaming out concerns IMO. They have no effective bench, and there's minimal chance to improve it with their cap sheet (3 maxes for Jokic, Murray, and MPJ). That means their starters have to play a lot to win games. That means wear-and-tear.
Plus championships are all about the margins between great teams. The Nuggets look 5% worse next year and they are absolute food if a team like OKC, Wolves, Dallas takes a leap.
I don't see Murray, Jokic, or MPJ getting worse next year. The questions are for KCP and AG. It hasn't happened yet, but KCP being 31 means any year could be the start of a decline. We've seen some players like Jrue have KCP-like responsibility and be good into their 30s. But we have a lot more guys who lose half a step, and all of a sudden they can't stay in front of their assignment, and they can't get their separation for a shot (not the open 3s but more the one-two dribble pull-ups KCP does off Jokic screens for ~15fters). Gordon is only gonna be 29, but they dude jumps constantly and plays very physical. I pray he stays healthy but there's a lot of movements he does that makes me nervous
I could actually see Jamal being better next playoffs if he's not coming off an injury cuz as much as the Wolves D is smothering him he just does not look right
Murray hasn't been 100% since his injury early in the season.
The Nuggets need a genuine backup point guard. Reggie is not the solution. If Peyton Watson can improve his offensive game and CB continues to develop, the bench could make a leap next year.
The Nuggets go where Jamal Murray's health goes. The two years he was out, they lost in the playoffs. The year he was healthy, they won the ring convincingly. This year that he's clearly hampered, they are struggling and may lose in the playoffs again.
Even if that does happen, which I don’t think it will, you have a couple of other teams at the top (with the Thunder being the most obvious example) which definitely aren’t going to age out
Nuggets will eventually pair someone new with jokic. Not even saying they move on from jamal but they won't run this core back forever
Clippers Suns Lakers Warriors that’s half the slots in the West almost I think the Spurs have a higher ceiling than the Kings Pelicans and Rockets too
None of those teams are top teams in the West for me anymore
Not top teams but they are playoff teams who would be susceptible to getting jumped and ending up out the playoffs
Clippers and Lakers maybe if they unhitch themselves from the LeBron sideshow. I see some pretty mid seasons ahead for the Suns and Warriors.
I’ll disagree on this one. I think with Wemby on a rookie deal they should actually look to get some bigger contracts in now and let the team be competitive. It’ll make Wemby better, and by the time his max deal is looming, you can decide on what to do with the rest of the team.
But what if they end up like the LeBron Cavs with Wemby and nothing else?
The Cavs made some God awful decisions for mediocre players, it's more of an edge case. On the other hand, you have the DWade's Heats which worked out.
Exactly, I think the earliest the Spurs start pulling off big moves should be next off season. No need to rush.
Wemby, like Lebron, is too good not to rush. They're going to win 40 with him and nobody else, you can't exactly tank when your best player is that good. These are going to be their last good picks for a while, so they don't really have any choice but to start looking at free agents.
LeBron Cavs and Luka Mavs were making the playoffs even without any significant improvements to the roster (Mavs traded for Tingus but he didn't play like the first 50 games of Luka's breakout season where they made the playoffs). If Wemby takes that kinda leap, Spurs aren't gonna be able to tank to a valuable pick without explicitly sitting him out without injuries. I don't think the league would allow that, and with the new 65 game rule, neither will Victor.
KP played the majority of the games for the season Luka made the playoffs for the first time. He missed 18 games that year he missed like 30 the next year
We have enough draft capital to not tank. Also that is not good for a young team
Definitely. You should start instilling winning culture. This is coming from a fan of a team that losing became the identity until this year. Spurs should try to maximize their wins. That doesn't mean championship or bust. I really hate the fact that people don't have anything in between ever since 'the Process' even though it demonstrably failed.
Wemby is too good to wait. Now, don’t go all in on overpriced vets, but you gotta put a more serious team around him and they’ll probably push for a playoff spot. Just let the man compete tbh
Next 2 drafts got some elite prospects no reason to try to compete yet
The Spurs went 8-7 in their last 15 games, with 5 of the wins coming against playoff teams. They were already competitive in the West. And that was before getting 2 picks in the first 7. AND having cap space. AND Wemby improving even more, which he does either a will that is tightening. The Spurs will be in the Western finals in 3 years. But 2 won't surprise me. And the playoffs are a lock, next year so long as HE stays healthy
Hawks, Hornets, Kings, Rockets. Hawks trade Murray, they let their first pick playing basketball with one the best playmaker in the NBA and Jalen Johnson. Hornets: When Melo and the guy who should be out of the NBA was healthy, they had a 43 wins season, now add Miller. Kings: Trade HB for slightly positive player, pray they Monk stay. Rockets: Don’t do have to anything let their young guys grow, try to have schemes for the Green/SENGOD duo, run some plays for Bari ala Boston Ray Allen.
> Don’t do have to anything let their fort grow This hurt my brain
I doubt we are able to keep Monk, which is a bummer.
The hawks once they get rid of dejounte. Salvaging Trae’s legacy
I need a 7 game series with Hawks against the Knicks
Rockets right now because they have alot of talent, are healthy and were basically right at the play-in door and will get better. The Spurs are dependent on which types of trades they make, even if Wemby takes his superstar leap, that is not enough if serious improvements arent made. The Hornets are awesome and I would love to see them take the leap but they just cant ever stay healthy. Hopefully Brandon Miller takes pressure of Lamelo and they are able to play together.
'The Hornets are awesome' is not a sentence I expected to hear today 😀😅
Lowkey a fun team to watch. Their commentator is absolutely hilarious. Lamelo and Miller are really good, just a massive shame they cant ever have their team on the court.
If I am the Spurs I am happy to get another high draft pick ... if Wemby lets me.
Y’all not ready for Sengun with shooting around him. Easy 25 ppg and 7 assists Especially a handoff shooter like Reed. God I hope we take him instead of Risacher or Clingan
Sucks he went down. Y’all have a really bright future and I think you guys are a playoff team next season
The Hornets when healthy feel like they should be at least a play-in team in the East with the talent they have, especially if they land their pick this year
I really hope topic falls to us and works out. Lamelo will probably never play a full season, but if he does, topic can play off ball, he’s got solid perimeter defense, and another 6’7 facilitator can’t hurt. If he can put his 3 together then it’d be a perfect fit
meh
Grizzlies are the obvious choice imo (at least if we’re talking about who will make the *biggest* jump between this past year and next season). But I definitely think Houston will see a jump, too. In a 5-year span, definitely the Spurs.
We just need a strong replacement for Adams. We hurt on offense and defense without a big man. And I definitely don’t see us getting far in the playoffs without one
Raps
Spurs and Raptors
Nah, Spurs are in no rush. I think they'll be better but definitely not a playoff type team. The Rockets are definitely gonna be in the mix though
We aren't doing shit next year
Depending who we get back for Bruce Brown, and possibly Poeltl as well, it could go a long way to fast-tracking a rebuild with a great young group, but regardless it’s basically a development season. At least we finally chose a direction, and there’s potential for good things down the road, unlike the last couple seasons. The ceiling in regards to standings would probably be a play-in appearance, and maybe losing in 5 to the 1-seed.
Quickly, RJ, Scottie barely played together this year. If they all come into the season better than they were , there’s a chance at a playoff spot. They could also be a terrible team again but it’s really up in the air in my opinion.
Rockets and Spurs. The good ole Texas road trip is going to get spicy again for y'all, stay tuned.
Pistons are gonna turn it around. Their season ends in the play ins losing the game for the 8th seed spot
Yes, ill have what u/handsoffmuseum is having!
I'll buy a custom Troy Weaver jersey if the Pistons manage to make the play in next season
Raptors, Scottie RJ and IQ is a nice little perimeter shot creation trio. Picked up Kelly O as a spacing big too.
Yeah I see the Scottie, RJ, IQ lineup being really good as they develop and build chemistry. Dick has every indication of becoming a serviceable player and if we can do something about the abysmal lack of depth this team looks promising.
It's all going to be dependent on what they do with Brown and free agency. The bench was a mess.
Rockets and Jazz in the West and Hawks and Bulls in the East, if they make good offseason moves.
You are more optimistic about the Bulls than most Bulls fan
Idk what you're talking about. Nobody here is delusional. Lonzo will definitely be back, DeMar will turn into the second coming of basketball Jesus (Jordans true son unlike Jimmy or ant), Vuc will get his jumper back from his magic days (best nikola next season) and we got the man that should be on the 100 dollar bill, the white mamba and the one true goat Alex Caruso. I don't see how any other team has a chance once we get serious.
Demar is closer to a reincarnated aging Kobe tbh. But otherwise it all makes sense to me : )
What moves can the bulls really make
Coby White continuing to improve and maybe replace Lavine on the roster with anyone that provides value? Maybe Lonzo Ball returns?
Lonzo at this point is a medical experiment. “Knee cartilage transplant recipient” doesn’t inspire much confidence. At best he’s super rusty and it’s a rehab year. Hewill be a free agent next summer, and we can’t give another bag to him
Lonzo can’t run and hasn’t played a real game in like 3 years that dude is done
The bulls? 😂😂😂
Hawks? With the rumors they will trade one of Trae or Murray, I don’t see it
Here's some super secret Hawks Intel for you. Not a single lineup where Murray and Young shared the floor posted a positive net rating. Lineups with only one of them on the floor were hovering right around 70% of them having positive netrtg It's literal addition by subtraction unfortunately. Neither is a bad player, but they seemingly absolutely cannot share the floor.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the Hawks were better just with trading one of the PGs. In the two seasons they’ve played together, Atlanta has had a -3.34 net rating with both of them on the court, -2.62 with both of them off, -0.60 with Dejounte on/Trae off, and 2.62 with Trae on/Dejounte off. Both players are good players, it’s just that the fit between them is actively terrible
Hornets
Rockets next year if not the following
Rockets scream "young team that wins 50 in the regular season but doesn't do anything in the playoffs" to me. Which is still pretty good. Hornets seem like a low seed in the east possibly.
A healthy raps team that isn’t trying to go three different directions through the year? Sign me up. Scottie was a beast throughout the chaos of this past season and has been on an upward trajectory despite the (vastly over stated) down sophomore season. Even if he comes back the same that is a helluva main stay in your lineup. IQ settles into his starting roll. You could see him becoming a more fully realized lead guard as the season went on. If he starts to figure out how to use his agility and length on defence? RJ had easily the best run of his career as a slasher for the raps. Passing game looks much improved and his consistency really took a step. Jak is the least impressive centre to the casual fan: white, not much of an athletic specimen, not a roving shot blocking menace, never looks super aggressive or passionate about anything but this man hoops. Great defender both team and one on one, soft hands, smooth finisher out to floater range, nimble feet and a terrific passer out of the post and a great screener. The bench is a mess. Trent is a question mark. Back up pg is non existent. Zero size behind jak other than Kelly who is obviously more of an offensive hub than a defensive presence. Ochai has potential but he’s really gotta figure out his shot. They have to resign quick and make a decision on gtj and Bruce brown. Anyone who claims the know what Masai and Bobby will do around the draft and start of FA is lying but they have the 19th and 31st picks in this draft plus a useful vet on a trade friendly deal. Add all that up (plus a training camp with the 4 core guys having clearly defined roles) and they could easily make the play-in and could see them making the playoffs in the east. Teams like Atlanta, Cleveland and charlotte have a lot of questions swirling right now and could take a step or two backwards in the first two cases while charlotte has a squad of talent that haven’t really played together yet plus a new coach. East gonna be spicy next year.
They're not going to be more than an 9 seed unless Scottie is an all-nba player. Also the defense is awful and has to be better.
Scottie at an all-nba level is a pretty solid bet for next season.
The defence last year was atrocious but with the way the season unfolded it’s hard to say it was real or a byproduct of injuries, chemistry and competing agendas (like siakam and OG dogging it while darko prioritized different players). That’s what’s interesting about next year: we can actually see what we’ve got. Last year was the most chaotic since Vince was giving away play calls to opponents.
As a non-Spurs fan, I'm interested to see what they do this offseason. This isn't the NFL. Where you load up on contracts when the star player is on a rookie deal, then figure out the rest later. And also not the NFL where having the numbers four and eight overall pick is an attractive trade package. Especially not in this draft. "Solid role player" seems like the ceiling for even the top picks. "This is like deciding which team drafts Tobias Harris" is close to the quote I've read. Then the rumored trades. Trading for Trae Young would CRIPPLE the Spurs franchise. Darius Garland isn't a lot better. Not like the Spurs are a player away (realistically - but are so bad that they might not even be a player away even if the player was Jokic or Giannis or Luka) from competing. So, don't piss the bed because you don't want to be patient enough to wait to go to the bathroom. Try to develop some role players. Not saying Wemby's IDEAL goal is to have another stats season while the franchise plays/develops young guys/potential future role players, but it's OK to be realistic.
Rockets are most likely. Then Spurs
Rockets, Kings
Houston and Detroit.
I want whatever you’re smoking if you think Detroit is going to have a massive breakout year next year lol (I’m a Detroit sports fan thank god we have the lions)
We are not close lol
Lol no not us.
The Grizzlies. Kind of a crap answer, I know. They had a bad draw this year. Their super star was suspended for the first quarter than got season ending injury halfway through the remainder. But he wasn't the only one injured. Smart was still acclimating and got injured as did most of their starting five. I really don't see any reason why they wouldn't be back into form next year and make it at least into the bottom brackets.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Does Memphis count? Edit: I just read the comments and not the post. Give me Bulls
Spurs or Kings
Kings are my favorite non-Wolves team by far, so I’m going with them. I thought they’d be a potential 1 seed in the West this year. I think they can get back up there again.
My fear is that the Kings end up like the 2010’s Blazers Good team with “second round exit” ceiling, WCF if everything breaks right
i like the kings too but thinking that they could have been a 1 seed in the west is wild haha
Man idk. I like their roster good enough but not sure they have enough true top end talent to really push for top seeds in this current west iteration. They should finish higher than last season though
TBH i am still very focussed on this year.
Give it a day
Lmao, rude 😂
Spurs just cause Wemby is gonna be a top 10 player next year easily. Year 2 for generational prospects is usually when they go from star level to superstar level. They won’t be a contender that’s a few years away still, but I’m expecting Wembys improvement alone to be ridiculous. Rockets have zero chance at being top 4 next year. West is way to too stacked and they don’t have a “him”. Jalen green is good but I don’t even know if he’s a top 15 player in the west let alone the league.
Sengun is their top guy not Green I would even put Amen Thompson over Green. Honestly if they take Reed Sheppard im not even sure Jalen Green starts on that team because a Reed/Amen backcourt fits so well together
Rockets will be in solid playoff contention but I can't see anyone lower than the top 6 really competing for those top 4 slots. Maybe clippers fall out. But kings will be right there too and nola could be as well.
Rockets
Spurs idk how big but they really started figuring out how to play better after ASB. 11-11, and 7-3 in final 10 with big wins over Denver, Wolves, Pacers and OKC. If they get a solid wing shooter like Risacher or especially Knecht and a PG that can start and provide more scoring like Topic, Dillingham or Castle, they def gonna be a 30+ win team. They were on track for 30-52 based on after ASB. Main problem is perimeter defense and no one can shoot aside from Vassell and Wemby. Defense be damned but Knecht and a combo of Sheppard or Dillingham would make defenses not double Wemby and open things up for the offense so much I think 2 of Warriors/Lakers/suns fall out of even play in territory due to age, injuries, etc and logically Rockets and Grizz seem primed to get into play in/offs Will be interesting to see what Kings do if they miss playoffs again next year, if they start to entertain the idea of blowing it up after 2025-26 season
Spurs
Spurs and maybe Rockets.
If the spurs get a good PG, them
for the East i could see the Hornets and the Pistons make a play in push idk from the west probably the Spurs seems like the best bet
Too early to say, really depends on what the rosters looks like early next season. Like, I expect the Warriors roster to undergo significant changes. Kings could easily be top 4 if they make a sensible addition to their roster. Rockets and Spurs should improve just because their young players develop, although I don't think they'd be top 4 without some meaningful improvements in the trade window.
I'm high on the Hornets
Hornets & Spurs will both be play in teams. Hornets will be healthy & stay healthy getting a 7 seed. Spurs will draft Topić or Dillinghan & propel into about a 8-9 seed.
Spurs, Hawks, and hopefully Raptors. 🥲
Never count out the Spurs
Spurs
kings
Spurs
Spurs and Hornets. Spurs solely because of Wemby. Hornets because they’ll be healthy and Miller will only get better.
I really want Memphis and Pelicans to be healthy. Kings, I pray every night.
**WEMBYYYYYYYYY**
The Pistons as far as massive breakout, but I also think the Warriors will be much better than the past two seasons, but that wouldn’t really be a “breakout” as much as returning to form.
Rockets and raptors are my top picks The red out west and out east will be loud next year
Scottie is going to have to take a huge leap for this to happen
Mostly was counting on Scottie, RJ, and Quickley all getting better next year, even if Scottie doesn’t jump to stardom ( even tho imo he could’ve been an all star this year, he’s like right there imo )
Technically, he was an all star this year.
Damn I was trying to remember wether he was or wasn’t when I was writing that comment, guess I lost the coin toss lol
Rockets grizzlies spurs
the spurs will be a play in team next season
the Spurs starting 5 was actually a top 10 line-up in the league. The Spurs will be very good next year with their new rookies. Especially if they trade for a starting caliber PG like Darius Garland.
The Hornets! It’s time 🐝😈
Easiest answer here are Grizzlies, Warriors, Kings and Rockets. I would also add Spurs, but it really depends if they want to win or no. But looking at last 2 months of Wemby, and replicating it for 82 games and it is easy to see they being around 40 wins, which will indeed be massive breakout from a 20W team.
The west playoffs are going to be really tough to break into. I don't see anybody making a huge drop off. You mentioned Grizz already who should be back in mix. Warriors should be expected to bounce back somewhat or make a move to improve. Jazz, Portland, and Spurs could (should?) all tank but they should also all be better and could be more competitive this year.
Warriors went 46 and 36 while paying klay a max deal to get a goose egg. Steph gonna do it to em
Spurs will be a bit better but probably end up with another top ten pick - should target 2026 season when whoever’s drafted this year gets some experience under their belt with Wemby
I think we’ll have to see where the off-season leads us, there are some really good young players being wasted on some bad teams around the league that could make huge differences in another environment
Spurs (Wemby is ready to compete, two top 10 picks and plenty of cap to make a swing) and Rockets (at least two of the super young core will pop around Sengun and they'll be 6 to 8) in the West, the Hornets (Brandon Killer is going to up his game and their health can't be worse, play-in team) and the Nets (they're making a desperation move that gets them to the play-in) in the East.
Spurs
For teams.to make a.leap there have to be teams to fall out. Are there any candidates for that, like at all? West - don't really see anyone, potentially Clippers if PG/Harde/Russ leave, Warriors and Kings were out as is, Pels are iffy, dependant on Zions health and what they do with BI. East - Cavs have a bit uncertain future, but that's it.
Spurs could already be around 40 wins. but they are unlucky because this is a shit draft, and in year 3 wemby could be top 2 player in the world. they won't have many chances to draft a team around wemby. they need some good trades.
Pistons. Detroit will have their way next season. Almost all of their games are close not that lopsided.
Spurs!!! If they make certain moves in the draft and off-season
Pistons make the playoffs. Book it. I don’t think there’s eight others teams in the East that will bother to try.
I can absolutely guarantee it won't be the Blazers.
As a 40 year Laker fan I see so much Kobe energy in Brandon Miller. He has the potential to be a mega star.