As we enter the 2023-2024 NBA season, the league feels as balanced as ever.
Eastern Conference
Giphy Images.
Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division has a clear favorite in the Celtics, but dont sleep on the Knicks.
The Celtics have continuity with their star players, but they dont fit as a traditional 1-2 punch.
Without Smart acting as the glue, the Celtics must find a new identity.
With less depth and interior defense, the Celtics will heavily depend on their stars staying healthy.
The Knicks enter the season with their roster intact after a second-round exit from the playoffs last year.
The return for Obi Toppin was weak, but Donte DiVincenzo is a perfect fit for the Thibs system.
I think a Philly implosion is imminent.
Its unfortunate because Nick Nurse is a great coach inheriting a mess.
The Nets have some raw talent and can win some games in the East.
I wouldnt be surprised to see them leapfrog Phiilly.
Drake and the Raptors do not have much to look forward to this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Damian Lillard have games that should mesh perfectly together.
It is their division and conference to lose.
The Cavs will be streaky but should be able to swing 50 wins with this roster.
Donovan Mitchell is entering a contract year with seemingly no interest in staying in Cleveland.
Max Strus was a nice pickup but not a needle mover.
This team has the broadest spectrum of possible outcomes.
The variable is if Tyrese makes the next leap into superstardom.
The Bulls seem to be descending into no mans land.
Detroit, on the other hand, is building a solid young core.
I expect the Bulls to make some big trades.
Southeast Division:
This division is putrid.
I dont see this team getting to 50 wins.
Don’t be surprised if Pat Riley pulls off a trade midseason.
The Hawks will live and die by the inconsistent play of Trae Young and most likely die.
The Wizards and Hornets will be get right games for every opponent.
This is the most feeble division in basketball.
Western Conference
Northwest Division:
The best team in the NBA will dominate this division.
Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and company return to defend their title with minimal churn in the offseason.
While a championship isnt certain, a division title is a lock.
Their continuity, style of play, and depth put them in a great position to repeat.
Jamal and Jokic are just getting started.
The Jazz are still rebuilding, with Danny Ainge trying to fleece anyone who will answer his calls.
And lastly, the Trailblazers are officially in rebuild mode post-Lillard.
With that said, Scoot Henderson is someone worth getting excited about building around.
Luka Doncic is due for a revenge year after last seasons shameful conclusion.
The Pelicans will be frisky, with Zion Williamson being their biggest variable.
While they have the talent, they dont have consistent availability.
If Ja Morant wasnt suspended for 25 games, this would be the Grizzlies division to lose.
It will be hard for him to come back and lead the team to 50 wins.
Steven Adams out for the year will also severely hurt them inside.
The Rockets and Spurs will be feeble, but seeing how Victor Wembanyama plays will be interesting.
A massively hyped 75 wing player who has looked great in the preseason.
What could go wrong?
I can not believe Fred VanVleet got a $130 MM deal.
Dillon Brooks will lead the Rockets to another terrible season.
Pacific Division:
This is the most unpredictable division in basketball.
They are all excellent but flawed teams.
I wouldnt be surprised by any of these five teams swapping spots.
This division is wide open, and every team should make the playoffs.
The Warriors' stars are aging, but still a top team.
Ultimately, they know their window is closing, and that home court matters.
This division will be a war of attrition.
The Suns are too dependent on their big three to dominate the long regular season.
However, they are still a little young to win this division loaded with former champions.
Midseason Tournament Winner: No one gives a fuck.
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