15. Atlanta Hawks
Intrigue: JL - The Return..? - Yes, the return. Last season, as most of you (don't) know, Al Horford was injured. People tend to forget about the Hawks just because well, they're the Hawks. Everyone was talking about the returns of Kobe and D-Rose, for rightful reasons, but no one ever seemed to mention the return of Horford. Let's take a step back and remember that the Hawks without their best player pushed a number one seeded Pacers team to the brink of elimination in a seven game series that they led after five games to the beat of 3 games to 2. The Hawks didn't do anything too over the top during the course of the summer, but they did add some more firepower to their perimeter with the additions of Thabo Sefolosha and the Bazegod. The Hawks' addition of Horford should pay immediate dividends. Despite only playing 29 games for the Hawks last season, Horford set a new career high in points per game with 18.6 PPG. Hopefully, Horford's able to bounce back and return to being an all-star caliber player.AT - Spurs East - They have the front office, coach, personnel, and style of play to mimic the team they want to be out West. To say they are a poor man's version of it would be disrespectful because they're a decent version that is working towards being the actual version. Their roster is a collection of good players that fill specific roles and aren't asked to do anything more. They can shoot the 3 (Hi Kyle Korver!), finished second in team assists only to the Spurs, and they emphasize defense. If Coach Budenholzer continues to get better as a coach, his hair starts to whiten, and a grizzly beard begins to form, he might soon have a team engineered to win like that team he once was an assistant for in San Antonio. I'll believe the Atlanta Spurs exist the day Kent Bazemore becomes the next Bruce Bowen with athleticism...Oh my.
Player to Watch: JL - Kent Bazemore..? - I really don't know who's starting at the 2 spot for this team, but I'm just hoping that Bazemore will. Having watched the Bazegod cheer for the Warriors and grow into a real NBA player, I'm really rooting for the guy. I've met him a few times and he seems like a really cool dude. Last season in L.A., he finally got the chance to play and averaged 13 points a game for the purple and gold. So, hopefully, he gets to play in Atlanta too. If not, then we'll always have his SF pro-am mix tape and his bench celebrations near and dear in our hearts. Just for the record, I think he's surpassed Sarunas Jasikevicius as the greatest Warrior cheerleader ever.
AT - Al Horford - If the Hawks are the Spurs East, then Al Horford plays the role as Tim Duncan. If he wasn't injured during the playoffs last season, how far could this team have gone in the playoffs? With a healthy Horford playing alongside Milsap, they make for a nasty frontcourt. He's a difference maker defensively. He's the best post defender on the team and best player in general. He will make them much better this year, and if healthy come playoff time, they may actually get past the first round.
However as I say all that, the team succeeded without him and were still able to push the 1-seeded Pacers to 7 games. They're also loaded at the power forward position with another all-star power forward on the roster, so does that make him expendable? I wouldn't say all bets are off on Horford possibly being traded this season if it means an exchange for an all-star wing. I think Millsap would most likely be the one getting dealt (expiring contract on a friendly $9 million), but it wouldn't surprise me if Horford is dealt if the right offer is made. The Hawks have flexibility with their pieces and even their best player is movable.
Personal Take: JL - I don't know about sharing this. You probably don't know this, but… I have knowledge about the whereabouts of perhaps what could be the greatest basketball video in the history of the NBA. What's that you say? It has nothing to do with the Hawks because the Hawks are irrelevant? Well, that's where you're wrong. I'll post the video below. Watch it. If you don't, you'll regret it. You're welcome…
AT - Here's a weak Trade to Consider:
(Hawks): Jeff Green
(Celtics): Ben McLemore, Derrick Williams
(Kings): Paul Millsap
Logic: Teams either have unavailable cap or a wing that they do not want to get rid of, so it actually makes it a bit difficult to get the Hawks what they need if they're actually trading a PF for a SG or SF. Green is balling out in the first three games of the season, and he's probably the best easy to acquire/most-available small forward in the league. He'll certainly make the Hawks better. Hopefully he isn't too African (Oooooooh! Too soon?)...The C's get youth and athleticism in McLemore and D-Will (his contract expires)...and the Kings add a solid power forward to pound the inside with Boogie or they can have plenty of high-low action as well. Millsap is versatile enough to space the floor and hit the mid-range or occasional three.
Where Will They Be Come June: JL - The Hawks should definitely be good enough to make the playoffs, but the real question is: will they do anything once they get there? To put it nicely, no. No, they won't. They're stuck in mediocrity even with the addition of Horford. I think they'll maybe, just maybe have a chance at an upset depending on their matchup, but I really don't see them getting past the first round.
AT - Falling short in the first round of the playoffs. They'll continue to be a tough team to play every night, but if Jeff Teague doesn't make the leap to being the Tony Parker of the team, and there is no Manu (some super-scoring 6th man extraordinaire or wing potential-all-star) found in a trade, they'll continue to be a first-round exit playoff team.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Intrigue: AT - Playing with Expectations - Michael Jordan actually has a good product, and this one is built to last (Unlike that fluke year of Larry Brown, Stephen Jackson, & Gerald Wallace. Remember that?). He's got a good coach in Steve Clifford, a solid core of Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker, and Lance Stephenson, and depth with youth (Kidd-Gilchrist, Zeller, Biyombo, Vonleh, Hairston, Henderson, etc.) and veterans (Neal, Williams, Maxiell) to compliment their stars. They're not only expected to make the playoffs this season, but with the addition of Lance Stephenson and a strong draft, they're expected to be a legitimate threat to the top 2 teams in the East. They were a surprisingly good defensive team anchored by...Al Jefferson! and I expect them to be even better this year with Stephenson. Stephenson and his frenetic game should also make their offense better as well as with the addition of their new "stretch-4," Marvin Williams. I'm interested in the development of Zeller, Vonleh, and Biyombo. I think of the three Vonleh has the most upside and when he gets healthy and can contribute, the Bobcats may be even better than expected. Plus they can always upgrade what they think is necessary. They have good assets.
JL - Return to the Hive! - Let me just start out by saying that I LOVE the name change back to the Hornets. I really am. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Muggsy Bogues. He's actually my favorite player of all time if you didn't know. More on that in a little bit. But anywho, Muggsy made a name for himself on the Charlotte Hornets, so I'm a fan of the comeback. Even if the Hornets end up doing poorly on the season in terms of wins or their post season finish, to me, the Hornets already won this season. They've won because they're not the Bobcats, but the Hornets. Let that sink in for a moment and just appreciate that. The Charlotte Bobcats only made the playoffs twice in their ten year history. The Bobcats only had a 0.364 win percentage, and the Bobcats hold the record for the lowest win percentage in a single season (albeit, it came during a lockout shortened season, it's still the lowest). So, now we can forget about all those things and they can return to greatness as the Hornets. The Hornets brought us Grandmama. That in itself is already better than anything that the Bobcats ever did.
Player to Watch: AT - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - In order for the
JL - Lance Stephenson - I'm gonna be honest, I'm a fan of Lance. Say all you want about the guy, but I love his competitive spirit. The guy would do anything to win. Yes, anything. I know most people aren't a fan of his little antics, but hey, I love a guy who has that fire. Someone who would do anything to win. You know who else would do anything to win? Kobe, Rondo, John Wall, and Boogie. Those are the types of guys that I love to watch. There's just something about them that draws me to them. Lance isn't necessarily at the same level as those guys, but he's pretty damn good. The guy led the NBA in triple-doubles last season, and is a very creative playmaker. Lance was paid a lot of money to leave Indiana to join the Hornets, but if he can be the player that the Hornets need him to be, the move will have had been a steal.
Personal Take: AT - Hugo the Hornet Dopest Mascot in the Game - Peep the kicks.
JL - Muggsy! - So, where was I? Oh, yeah. I love, love, love Muggsy Bogues. Watching him steal the ball, throw crazy assists, and getting buckets was amazing considering he was only 5'3". Being a relatively small person myself, it was pretty inspiring to watch. I remember using the Hornets all the time in NBA Shootout and the early versions of NBA Live because I loved using Muggsy. He also played for my beloved Golden State Warriors, and what's even better is that the man was in Space Jam! How cool is that, right? The return of the Charlotte Hornets brings back whatever few memories I have of Muggsy, Larry Johnson, Glen Rice and Alonzo. I guess David Wesley was cool too. Also, one of my other favorite players ever, Baron Davis, started his career there so that's great.
Where Will They Be Come June: AT - They'll be better in the regular season and MJ's gamble on crazy Lance will pay off. They'll be in a tough 7-game first round battle with the team in the conference ranked right in front of them, and the winner of that series will be a toss up. They do have one of the youngest rosters in the league so the development of guys like Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, and Kidd-Gilchrist will be something to watch. There's also still a ton of room for improvement for guys like Kemba and Lance as well.
JL - I do like the outlook for this team, but I'm gonna stick with the safe call of a second round appearance for this team. The addition of Lance is nice, but the separation between the two top teams in the East and the rest of the field is just too much.
13. Phoenix Suns
Intrigue: JL - Three Musketeers - During the offseason, the Suns signed Sacramento point guard, Isaiah Thomas. Thomas is a good player who overachieved as the 60th pick in the 20011 draft. Last season, he averaged 20 points per game, but is he even going to start? It's going to be interesting how the Suns deal with their rotation and the management of their minutes. Obviously, Dragic, Bledsoe and Thomas all want to start or play crunch time minutes, but that's not going to happen. I'm not entirely sure it's going to work with a three guard set. It's just that all three of the guys aforementioned aren't exactly capable of guarding 3's. Maybe against smaller teams, but I'd say that all the best players in this league play the small forward position (Lebron, KD, Paul George was up and coming before the injury, etc.). Dragic is the tallest of the three, and the dude is only 6'3" so I really don't know. The Suns should be able to build off their success from last season though, so I'm not gonna sleep on them either.
AT - More Fast Breaks? More Threes? - I'm all for it. The Suns were a huge surprise team last season and if it weren't for the conference they played in, they would have been in the playoffs. Not only were they a good team, they were also one of the most fun teams in the league to watch. They played at a fast pace, but were efficient and calculated in their attack as well. Coach Hornacek plays a large part in controlling the pace, and the motors of Dragic and Bledsoe, and now Isaiah Thomas ensure everything is run smoothly. They really want to play the three point guard lineup and they want to continue to run teams off the court. It was successful last year so upping the tempo with the same core last year can only mean a better product and more fun.
Player to Watch: JL - Isaiah Thomas - For all the reasons that I mentioned above, Isaiah Thomas is going to have to make big contributions to make this thing work. He was their big offseason move, and it's going to need to work out. I do like the guy though. I watched him drop 46, I think, in an SF pro-am game. The way he plays reminds me a bit of a poor man's Allen Iverson. Yes, I'm aware of how good Allen Iverson was. No, it's not blasphemy. Isaiah Thomas is an extremely small NBA player. He's definitely not anywhere near as athletic as Iverson was, but just the way they play is a bit similar to me. Always on the attack and capable of hitting threes or big shots. Thomas also isn't as good of a defender, and also doesn't play with the same flare and fire that made Iverson who he was. So, no, I'm not saying he's Iverson, but he does have bits of his game that are reminiscent of him. If Thomas proves to be the extra boost off the bench that the Suns lacked at points in the season, then the Suns could potentially be a dangerous team to play come postseason.
AT - Markieff Morris - There's a lot riding on him since he is taking over the role Channing Frye once had. Frye had a renaissance year last season and with his deadly three point shooting, he was able to spread the floor on offense for guys like Dragic and Bledsoe to attack the rim, and allow guys like Gerald Green to cut and crash the paint for oops and offensive putbacks. Frye also provided veteran leadership which was crucial in building a solid chemistry for a young team. Morris isn't necessarily the same player, but when given opportunities last season, he put up decent numbers and showed what he is capable of (better rebounder and post-up game than Frye, more mid-range than long range). He can be a starting 4 in this league and with more responsibility hopefully he can impress and live up to heavy expectations.
Personal Take: JL - Changing of the Guard - When I think of the Phoenix Suns as an organization, I automatically think of Stephen J. Nash. With his inevitable retirement, I figured now would be the time to talk about his amazing career. Nash was one of the last few true point guards in the league. There's still Rondo, Paul, and Rubio, but an era is coming to an end. Guys like Stockton, Kidd, and now Nash are out of the league. It's a sad time for the NBA... I'm honestly going to miss watching the guy play. If you're a high school basketball player, Steve Nash is definitely a guy that you want to emulate. No, not Westbrook, Rose, or even Steph Curry. Steve Nash. The way he played the game was amazing to watch. The guy was fundamentally sound and always played his ass off every night. He always saw everything on the court. Yes, I do mean everything. Nash was one of the few who excelled under D'Antoni and was at the head of one of the most potent offenses the NBA has ever seen. I think it's safe to say that Nash changed the way that basketball is played and his impact on the game especially at the point guard position is going to only add to his already impressive legacy. Those one footed, off balance runners that you see Curry shoot? That's Steve Nash. Every time Tony Parker dribbles all the way through the baseline and hits a turn around jumper or floater? That's Steve Nash. And that no look pass or behind the back pass that everyone tries to throw at their local rec center? THAT'S STEVE NASH! There's not going to be another player like Steve Nash anytime soon or anytime ever. The guy's Canadian, a two-time MVP, a class act, and had one of the best personalities of any NBA player that the league has seen. I wish he could've won a title before retiring, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles I guess. Thanks for everything, Steve.
AT - Good Riddance Steve Nash - As everybody knows, Steve Nash's basketball-playing days are probably over :( so I'm going to use this space to say thank you to Steve Nash for being one of the most awesome point guards I ever got to watch in my young life. Thanks for the finger licking, long hair waving, soccer-style playing demeanor you always represented. Thanks for looking like a human rights activist more than a basketball player. You at least made us second guess that the dude playing in the rec with flip flops and jeans may actually ball out. Thanks for all the humor especially spoofs with my favorite point guard of all-time. Thanks for the unorthodox beautiful basketball and orchestrating the 7-seconds or less offense. Thanks for the pick and rolls, scoop floaters, probing the paint, and one-legged fadeaway jumpers. Thanks for the bounce passes, behind-the-back passes, skip passes and every single pass that led to a beautiful assist or an Amar'e bash. Thanks for the heart and dedication to giving it your all every single night.
It's unfortunate he wasn't able to do much after his Suns days because his body broke down and getting old sucks, but at least we got two MVP seasons from him, a ton of fun Suns and Mavericks teams to remember, and a career-worth of highlights to reminisce over. Although he never won a title, he still has a place in NBA history as one of the best point guards to ever play the game, and he did it in a fun, unforgettable fashion. Take it away Paul Brogan!
Where Will They Be Come June: JL - I don't entirely agree with Anson on this one, but I don't disagree either. I think the Suns are capable of making the playoffs and are going to be one of the five teams fighting for one of the last few spots in a stacked Western Conference. They might make the playoffs, they might not. We'll see.
AT - Facing the same unfortunate fate of last season and missing the playoffs despite being a 45-win team. The eight teams that made it last year I think will be the same eight again in the playoffs this year. The three-point guard monster they run works, but I just think something is missing. I think they need better interior guys (Gasol was their guy last year...) and until they get one (or are willing to split with a Morris brother), they'll be coming up short.
12. Toronto Raptors
Intrigue: AT - A New Era - The Raptors were a pleasant surprise for everybody last season smashing expectations with a franchise best 48-34 record en route to an Atlantic division title. It was year one of GM Masai Ujiri's regime and the first year of success in the post-Chris Bosh era. I believe the Raptors ascended a year earlier than expected and they'll be even better this season. DeRozan is much better than I expected, and Valanciunas and T-Ross will only get better. Kyle Lowry is also an excellent point guard to have leading the squad. There's a lot of excitement for the team and a new winning culture has formed in Toronto. The future is very bright and they may soon have days reminiscent of the VC-days and maybe even better. Get me some more lint rollers. Cue the Drake music!
JL - Year Two - Last year, the Raptors made the leap from a young team to a playoff team. This year, I'm expecting another leap. They brought back Lowry and DeMar became an all-star last year. I think this season, their other players are going to be better which only makes their team better. I was expecting more from Valenciunas, but that's okay. Hopefully he grows more this year. Terrence Ross had a 51 point explosion and some top ten plays, but that was about it. It's year two of real basketball and a winning culture in Toronto, and I'm expecting big things for them.
Player to Watch: AT - Kyle Lowry - Still highly underrated, still overlooked, that won't be the case anymore after this season. I'll let the great Jonathan Abrams give you the rest.
JL - Terrence Ross - Is the guy going to be a star? He's not a bad defender, and he's capable of knocking down a three or two each game, but is he ever going to be known as anything more than a highflyer? If he can emulate what Gerald Green did last year, it'll be a big step forward for the young man and will help the Raptors tons. The Raptors are going to need a big season from him if they're going to upset anyone in the playoffs.
Personal Take: AT - Quick trade: Amir Johnson, Terrence Ross, Landry Fields to ATL for Al Horford and Jon Jenkins...That's all I got, I don't really like it, but it could work for both teams more in favor of the Raptors...but how about we reminisce on the greatest Raptor of all-time. ALL-TIME:
He's still chugging along in Memphis Yall. Vinsanity was the best.
JL - I think the Raptors' mascot might be my favorite in the league. He's definitely cooler than the Pelicans' mascot, and he's also cooler than the mascot the Warriors currently have (curse you, Clay Bennet!). I just like the color scheme and the fact that he's a dinosaur. Umm... yeah. That's about it.
Fun fact: Charles Barkley can't pronounce Jonas Valenciunas.
Where Will They Be Come June: AT - They'll get past the first round this year, but with a couple moves or one significant move, The 6 (T. Dot?) may actually play spoiler to the bigger picture we're all expecting, and possibly get to the ECF. They'll most likely fall short to the top seed in the East, but their future is bright with DeMar DeRozan going from good to perennial all-star, Ross on the rise, and Kyle Lowry always playing with a chip on his shoulder. Their backcourt is set, and with cap space available in the offseason, they may be able to add a significant upgrade over Amir Johnson in the frontcourt to pair with Valanciunas.
JL - I think the Raptors are in a similar position to the Wizards. They're going to make it to the second round, but I'm not sure they're going any further than that. There is a slim chance that the do though. If that happens, the whole city of Toronto will be in bedlam. The Raptors are coming, but they're not good enough to be real contenders just yet. They're probably a piece or two away from that. Maybe that kid from Brazil could help.
11. Washington Wizards
Intrigue: JL - The KD Watch - The Wizards were good last season. They made the playoffs, and made it as far as the second round. I thought they were good enough to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, but that's only because Indiana and New York collapsed, Rose was out, and the only other team was Miami. This year, the teams in the East are better, Rose is back, and there's some uncertainty about whether or not the Wizards' season was a fluke. If the Wizards continue to improve and make leaps year by year, there's a really good chance that Kevin Durant will go back home to the DMV. It's just a matter of time before Durant hits the market, and when he does, I expect the Wizards to be one of his top choices. But then again, that's only if Durant is even out on the market. If he wins one or two with Westbrook in the next couple of years, there's a good chance he stays, but we never know. The NBA landscape could be vastly different in two years time, but stay on the look out.
AT - Taking the Leap - The Eastern Conference is a terrible conference of two elite teams, a middle pact of decent teams (maybe 5 of them?) good enough to be slightly over .500, and the rest are just bad (1 of these teams actually makes the playoffs!). The Wizards fall in that middle of the pact of decent teams, but if I had to choose the best team amongst that middle of the pact, it would be them. They're a legitimate threat to challenge the finite assumption that we all have of the ECF being between the Bulls and Cavs, and they're also a threat to challenge the assumption of future battles for Eastern supremacy being exclusively between the Bulls and Cavs. This team is built to contend this year with a mix of good veterans (Pierce, Gortat, Nene, Humphries, Blair, Gooden, and Andre Miller. Who?), a young superstar (Wall), a budding all-star (Beal), and a collection of younger guys ready to contribute (Temple, Webster, Porter Jr., etc.). I think John Wall coming off his first taste of the playoffs will have his best season and be hungry for more. He'll be more mature and ready for the pressure this time around. The rest of the guys will fall in line with his leadership (and it doesn't hurt to have Paul Pierce's influence). They'll be a top team in the East this year and presumably for the future if things go according to plan. It won't be a surprise to see them every year, crashing the party we all had hoped for and expected.
Player to Watch: JL - Paul Pierce - You already know that John Wall and Bradley Beal are going to be good, but the real question is: how will Paul Pierce hold up? Last season in Brooklyn, Pierce had the worst season of his career, statistically. In spite of all that, he a difference when it mattered - in the playoffs. If the future Hall-of-Famer can do the same for this team and give them a reliable third option offensively, the Wizards are going to be a very dangerous team come playoff time.
AT - Bradley Beal - If you are looking for the next all-star/potential superstar shooting guard in the league, this is your guy. The comparisons to the next Ray Allen coming out of college had me a bit skeptical, but I am a complete buyer of that now. He can stroke it just like Jesus (Shuttlesworth) and the way he works off the ball, coming off screens is identical. I'm probably biased of my affinity for him due to watching his 2nd best game of last season live, which ended with his game-winning lay-up and resulted in this tweet by your's truly:
...BUT still he is Robin to John Wall's Batman, the sidekick to possibly the best backcourt in the league (I think Steph and Klay may beg to differ), and he's coming off a pretty good sophomore campaign (the numbers are pretty much identical to Klay's 2nd season). He was a high draft pick in a "loaded" draft and this is YEAR THREE. The leap is coming. Unfortunately we have to wait till probably the end of this month/early December to see it happen.
Personal Take: JL - Gilbert Report - Before last season, the last time the Wizards were in the playoffs was when a guy named Gilbert Arenas was around. Since then, a lot has changed for the Wizards, but let's take some time and appreciate the man that was once known as Agent Zero:
AT - Playing the Odds of Kevin Durant's Future in DC - I'm going to go with 2 to 1. Yes it is that high, and this is what I believe (Of course I have ZERO inside information. All theories are influenced by information presented by the media or just strong personal feelings):
1. Roc Nation and his brand will have a huge influence on the decision - If you don't think he's just like all the other stars in the game today that look for every opportunity to garner themselves more money and popularity outside the realms of basketball then you are crazy. There have been signs that point to KD changing since he's signed with Jay-Z. People are also beginning to recognize ingenuity in the decisions he makes. What would make the splashiest headline for a marketing ploy? How can he not become a villain in his decision and still sell products? It hasn't been necessarily the greatest year of marketing for KD, but if he wants the biggest pay off and to look good while doing it, the decision that seems best would be based on how...
2. He defines himself as loyal (see lame self-given nickname: "The Servant") - He has shown that throughout his career. He's unwilling to blame his coach for lack of creativity in playcalling when the offense has been stagnant in crunch time especially in the postseason for the last 4 years. He doesn't criticize Russ for taking 30 shots a game and being reckless when they play together and would rather let him do his thing. He blames himself. There may be doubts about his motives when it comes to marketing, but when it comes to his teammates and coaches, I believe he shows genuine love and respect (Rewatch his MVP speech for the 409059549 time and act like it still doesn't make you want to cry). He has been the ultimate cheerleader for a team that currently resembles the Philadelphia Sixers, and unlike most superstars with injuries, he's been at every single game the team has played this year even when they have been unbearable to watch. Where was Kobe last year if the games weren't in LA??
We've also seen he is loyal to his brand, Nike (I mean it would have taken a huge set of balls for him to make the leap to UA. Nike ended up paying him around the same, and he keeps the reputation and all the creative themes Nike had made for him). Most importantly though, his loyalties tie strongest to his family, and where he came from. We all know about his mom, his brother, Aunt Pearl, Coach Chucky, Seat Pleasant, Maryland, his summers playing in the Goodman League, everything DC etc. He always makes sure he represents DC wherever he goes. So when considering how he can be the most loyal and still market himself...
3. There are only 2 teams with a chance to sign him: The Thunder and The Wizards - From a marketing standpoint, he either stays with one team his entire career, which is impressive in the modern era, and they can sell the unfinished business or playing for a dynasty card, or he can return home, which means everything we have seen LBJ this summer and possibly more. He has proven he doesn't need the big markets to shine either. Houston, LA, New York aren't destinations that will make as much noise as him staying in OKC or going home.
From a basketball standpoint, both teams will cater exactly what he wants and needs. They'll not only be good/great basketball teams but most of the core of the rosters will be young. The Wiz in 2016 will still have Wall (26, age in 2 years*), Beal (23*), Porter Jr. (23*), and an aging Gortat (32*), but will have plenty of cap space to not only add KD (28*) entering his early prime, but also another big like Roy Hibbert (29*, former Georgetown Hoya, DC!) or Joakim Noah (31*). While the Thunder will still have Russ (27*), Ibaka (27*), Lamb (24*), Adams (23*), Jones (25*), McGary (24*) and possibly Reggie Jackson (26*) all not even in the primes of their careers.
Many things can happen within the next two NBA seasons and many scenarios can alter the future decision of the 2nd best basketball player on the planet, but after everything I can think of, DC and OKC make the most sense. He wins on and off the court and that is why I'm sticking to 2 to 1. Flip a coin, Thunder or Wizards.
Where Will They Be Come June: JL - If I had to pick a team to make it out of the Eastern Conference that wasn't Chicago or Cleveland, I'd go with the Wizards. The Wizards made it to the second round last year and are an extremely promising team. I wouldn't be surprised if they managed to pull off an upset and beat the Bulls or Cavs in a seven-game series.
AT - They're set up for a juicy conference semis matchup against the Cavs, and once and for all we can determine which backcourt is the best in the league, or at least the best amongst the two teams. Remember men lie, women lie,
For those that have been chugging along with us for the previews, we're almost at the finish line. We apologize for the long process. Stay posted for parts 5 and 6 set to come out sometime early next week and as always, thanks for reading.
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