The NBA is in a state of parity we havent seen in a long time.
As for the West, several teams have realistic hopes of making a run to the NBA finals.
Pierce, Garnett, and Allen only won once and were celebrated like a dynasty.
Larry Bird won three but never repeated.
The Knicks had significant roster turnover this offseason after a stellar 2024.
The Knicks' lack of size and depth is concerning.
I do expect Jalen Brunson to be All-NBA.
The Sixers picked up Paul George this offseason.
Gen Z seems to think he is Dr. J. Annnnnnnnd, but hes already hurt.
This is a classic, great, on-paper team with major real-life flaws.
Joel Embiid is already discussing skipping the second of back-to-back games, and their depth is questionable.
The Nets and Raptors round out the division without great aspirations heading into the season.
The Nets have some talent but lack continuity.
The Raptors have some continuity but minimal talent.
Both teams should struggle.
At least Barclays had the WNBA Champion Liberty.
Leaning on bench play and blowing teams out early are the best ways to avoid overusing their big three.
The East is stronger, and the 82-game grind might be this teams biggest adversary.
The Cavs have continuity and a well-balanced roster.
They remind me of the ’90s Cavs, never an easy out but also not a serious contender.
Without a meaningful trade, I dont see them taking a major step forward or backward this year.
The Bulls and Pistons used to battle for trips to the NBA finals.
This will not be the case anytime soon.
Jordan & Isiah aren’t walking through that door.
Southeast Division:
This is the weakest division in the East.
Paolo Banchero is a killer and will continue to ascend this year.
He needs more pieces around him to get the Magic into the 50-60 win tier.
The Heat need to figure out this Jimmy Butler situation.
Their Heat Culture seems to be in tatters, as they have an open conflict with their best player.
Perhaps Udonis Haslem was the real MVP all those years.
The Wizards and Hornets dont deserve season previews or the owners' share of the NBA revenue.
They are genuinely two embarrassing franchises with nothing to look forward to.
This is the death division of the NBA, loaded with three title contenders.
I feel most confident in the Nuggets with Nikola Jokic as their anchor.
Jamal Murray will enter the season with a chip on his shoulder after last years playoffs.
His health will be essential.
Russell Westbrook will be a sneaky-great addition to this team, filling holes wherever necessary.
The Timberwolves made a bold move this summer, giving up KAT for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
This will be a mean, defensive, and fast team.
The Thunder built a great core of young stars and added Isaiah Hartenstein this summer.
The Jazz and Trailblazers do not.
Pacific Division:
This might be the most sad division in the NBA.
The retirement community division.
Kevin Durant needs to become an option and preserve his energy and health.
The Kings seemed like a team on the rise a couple of years ago but have regressed.
Unless they seriously rebuild around Stephen Curry, the Warriors will be a play-in team.
He isnt young enough to carry them for 82 games anymore.
The Lakers are producing a Disney Father-Son film, with Brony James joining his dad, LeBron.
It will make Space Jam 2 look like The Godfather II.
With Kawhi Leonard out, this season could get very ugly quickly.
He will return with a massive season and lead the Grizzlies to 50 wins and the division title.
However, those two personalities arent ideal for regular-season reliability.
This team will remain dangerous, but I dont expect them to be a dominant regular-season team.
If the team stays completely healthy, which it wont, it could compete.
Zion Williamson is approaching now-or-never territory in terms of completing a full dominant season.
Chris Paul was an interesting addition who wouldve been perfect for Wemby 10 years ago.
If Paul has any renaissance, the Spurs could sneak up on people.
I think they will easily be the leagues most improved team.
