East

1. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are the most complete team in the East in terms of depth. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA, and Khris Middleton has developed into a great co-star. Eric Bledsoe is a underrated defender at the point, and Brook Lopez is a solid three and D post. They have veterans on the bench in Wesley Matthews, Ersan Ilyasova, Kyle Korver, and George Hill. Donte DiVincenzo and Pat Connaughton are young guards who can contribute as well. Mike Budenholzer is a good coach who knows how to get the best of his players. The Bucks should be a favorite coming out of the East if they stay healthy.

2. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have one of the most potent one two punches in the NBA in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Simmons is a unique athlete with great ball handling and distributing skills with a 6’10 frame. He is a good defender, attacks the rim, and could be a force if he finds a shot. Embiid is an imposing force on defense, and has the ability to score from the inside or outside along with his rebounding skills. They brought back three and D specialist Tobias Harris, and added another perimeter based scorer in Josh Richardson. The biggest addition is Al Horford, a former all-star who is a great leader and does all the little things that don’t show up in the box score. Horford is a great defender, rebounder, and has the ability to shoot from the outside. The biggest question mark for this team is the bench. They have some young talent with potential like Zhaire Smith and Shake Milton. They brought back veteran shooters in Mike Scott and James Ennis III as well. They are lacking in the bench aspect, and this is a make or break year for head coach Brett Brown.

3. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers hopes rest on the health of budding superstar Victor Oladipo. Victor has become a great scorer who can attack the rim, shoot from three, and defend at a high level as well. He is returning from a torn ACL, and it remains to be seen how the injury will affect his game. They added Malcolm Brogdon at the point guard position who is a superb athlete who is dangerous in the open floor. He plays with an edge on defense, and attacks the basket to score. T.J. Warren is another new face who gives them another perimeter threat. They have a nice one two punch in the post with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. Sabonis is a underrated passer, and has a solid mid range offensive game. Turner is a stand out athlete known for his shot blocking and leaping ability. They’ve improved their bench adding T.J. McConnell and Jeremy Lamb. In addition to their young talent in Aaron Holiday, Doug McDermott, and Goga Bitadze. Their season hinges on the health of Oladipo, and Nate McMillan will have to manage his minutes this season.

4. Boston Celtics
The Celtics lost Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in free agency, but made moves to change their roster. They added all-star point guard Kemba Walker who is a standout scorer who can get buckets from anywhere. They also added Enes Kanter at the center position who is a walking double double. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are young, developing talents who will look to take the next step. Gordon Hayward has to improve after a rocky start to his Celtic career. Marcus Smart will be the emotional leader of this team, and set the tone defensively. They are likely to lean on their youth to improve the bench in Robert Williams III, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, and Romeo Langford. Brad Stevens is a good coach, and has a young core to build on for the future.

5. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn was the talk of the offseason after adding arguably the best player in the NBA Kevin Durant. Durant will likely miss the season due to injury, and fans will have to wait for his impact. They also added superstar Kyrie Irving who is a ball handling phenom, great passer, and gifted scorer on the offensive end. Veteran and former all-star DeAndre Jordan will bring toughness, shot blocking, and rebounding to this young team. This team has multiple scoring threats in Joe Harris, Caris LeVert, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Jarrett Allen is a developing big man who is a great athlete, and already a force in terms of defense. Their bench was improved with the athletic wing Taurean Prince, and longtime shooter Garrett Temple. This team should be good enough to make the playoffs, but won’t be a full strength until Durant returns.

6. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are the defending NBA Champions, but will go into this season after losing star Kawhi Leonard. Kyle Lowry will likely be the focal point on offense, and has shown an ability to hit big shots along with being a pest on defense. Reigning Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam will have a bigger role on offense, and is a solid rim protector on defense. They should be solid at the post with do it all big men Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. They’ve beefed up their defense with the return of OG Anunoby, and additions of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Stanley Johnson. Norman Powell and Fred VanVleet are solid scorers who will get a larger share of touches this year. It remains to be seen how Nick Nurse can lead his team without a true superstar on the roster.

7. Miami Heat
The Heat were looking for the replacement of long time star Dwyane Wade, and found it with the addition of Jimmy Butler. Butler is a fierce competitor who is a stand out defender, and has developed into a consistent scorer inside or out. Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters are likely to be his co-stars on offense along with rookie shooter Tyler Herro. Justice Winslow and Bam Adebayo are athletic forwards who bring defensive prowess to the table. Derrick Jones Jr., Kelly Olynyk, James Johnson, and Meyers Leonard are likely to fill out their bench. Erik Spoelstra finally has another superstar to build around, but this team isn’t strong enough top to bottom to compete for a title.

8. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are filled with expensive contracts, and are built in the post unlike the rest of the NBA. Blake Griffin has become a consistent star on offense with a three point shot, and still uses his athleticism to finish in the post. Andre Drummond is a walking double double, and has become a feared rim protector over the years. Reggie Jackson is inconsistent, but when he is on can flat out score the rock. Tony Snell is likely to play a big role on the defensive end. They added former MVP Derrick Rose to improve their bench scoring. Their bench is filled out with Luke Kennard, Joe Johnson, Markieff Morris, and Thon Maker. The Pistons have improved their team, but aren’t built to compete in the modern NBA. Dwayne Casey is a good coach, and has a good enough roster to make the playoffs.

9. Orlando Magic
The Magic surprised the NBA by making the playoffs last year, and will look to repeat. They brought back big man Nikola Vucevic coming off a career year. Vucevic is good on the block, solid in the mid range, and a dependable rebounder. They have some stand out athletes who can run in transition in Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac. Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier are three and D players who will provide scoring help. Mo Bamba is a impressive athlete who can provide instant shot blocking off the bench. The point guard position is held by veteran D.J. Augustin, but there is hope former top draft pick Markelle Fultz can have a breakout year. Al-Farouq Aminu should provide defensive depth, and leadership off the bench as well. Steve Clifford has some talent to work with, but the Magic are likely to only compete for a playoff spot and nothing else.

10. Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal is the heart and soul of this team, and has become a dominant scorer in the NBA. It remains to be seen if Beal will be a Wizard long term as trade rumors continue to be attached to his name. Star point guard John Wall is still injured, and there is no timetable for his return. Thomas Bryant is an impressive athlete at center who is aggressive on the boards. They have high expectations for developing prospects Rui Hachimura and Tony Brown Jr. C.J. Miles and Davis Bertans are perimeter threats who will work to stretch the defense. Ian Mahimi and Justin Anderson are poised to improve the Wizards defense. The wild card for this team is former all-star Isaiah Thomas who when healthy is a walking bucket. If Thomas can find his mojo again he could have a big time offensive impact. The Wizards should compete for a playoff spot, but this team is lacking the depth of their adversaries. Scott Brooks could be given his walking papers if they miss the playoffs again.

11. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have an exciting young core who looks to run the East in the future. Trae Young showed flashes of greatness with his shooting ability, and improved vision to set up his teammates. John Collins is a athletic forward who can play above the rim, rebound, and contribute on offense. De’Andre Hunter can contribute on both sides of the ball, and will have a ton of eyes on him in his rookie year. Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish are underrated athletes who can shoot from distance. They added former top pick Jabari Parker who is a offensive threat when healthy. Their big men are young, and are works in progress in Alex Len, Damion Jones, and Bruno Fernando. It remains to be seen how many minutes veterans like Evan Turner, Allen Crabbe, Chandler Parsons, and Vince Carter will get. Lloyd Pierce has a blossoming roster to work with, and they should compete for a playoff spot. This is a team to watch for the future for sure.

12. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have a ton of young talent mixed in with a few veterans. Zach Lavine is a explosive athlete who has developed into their top scorer. They have two big men with unlimited potential in Wendall Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. Carter Jr. can play above the rim, and has shown natural defensive instincts. Markkanen is a new age forward with good ball handling, and a solid outside shooting stroke. Tomas Satoransky and Otto Porter Jr. are likely to lead this team on defense. They have some young bench pieces in Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine, Chandler Hutchison, and Daniel Gafford. Thaddeus Young is a solid rebounder and defender who will be the veteran leader for this team. There is excitement surrounding rookie guard Cobi White who is deadly in the open court, and possesses unique size at the point guard position. Jim Boylen is an experienced coach, but his roster is full of developing talent. They aren’t ready to compete for the playoffs just yet.

13. New York Knicks
The Knicks missed out on a lot of premium free agents, and had to change their pursuits quickly. They added forward Julius Randle who has developed into a fine young player. Randle has become a solid scorer in the post, mid-range, and even extended his shot to three point land. Randle is a bully on the inside who can rebound with the best of them. Mitchell Robinson has potential at center given his athleticism, and he has shown his ability to block shots. Dennis Smith Jr. is a unique athlete at the point, but needs to improve his passing and shooting. R.J. Barrett is their top draft pick who can attack the rim, defend, and is a smooth operator in distributing the rock. Like Smith, he needs to develop an outside shot in order to take the next step. Kevin Knox is a good three point shooter, but hasn’t shown much else so far in his NBA career. They added veterans to fill out their bench in Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis, Wayne Ellington, and Taj Gibson. Elfrid Payton should be a good contributor on defense coming off the bench. This is probably the best roster David Fizdale has had since becoming the Knicks head coach. However, they are far behind in terms of consistent contributors compared to the rest of the East.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers
This franchise is in shambles since the departure of Lebron James. There is optimism with the arrival of former Michigan coach John Beilein. Rookie Darius Garland flashed serious offensive skills in his short time at Vanderbilt. Collin Sexton is fierce competitor who plays hard, and can be a nuisance on defense. Cedi Osman is a underrated athlete who can score. Kevin Love is likely going to be their leader on offense, and if healthy can contribute on the boards as well. Tristan Thompson is another good defender who can also rebound. Larry Nance Jr. will bring energy off the bench, and Jordan Clarkson is their best scoring option for the reserves. It will be interesting to see how Sindarius Thornwell and Kevin Porter Jr. develop into the rotation for this team. The Cavaliers don’t have a good roster, and this will likely be a long first season for John Beilein.

15. Charlotte Hornets
This franchise has long been mismanaged, and will likely be in the dweller yet again. They lost their face of the franchise in Kemba Walker. They replaced him with Terry Rozier who showed flashes of greatness in the 2017 NBA playoffs. Rozier is a good athlete, defender, and will have a larger role on offense. Miles Bridges is another player who is good in transition, and has shown an ability to play above the rim. Malik Monk, Devonte Graham, and Dwayne Bacon are going to have bigger offensive roles this season. They do have solid vets in Cody Zeller, Marvin Williams, and Nicholas Batum who will be leaders in the locker room. P.J. Washington should get extended playing time in his rookie season as well. Overall, this roster is very bad compared to the rest of the East without a proven scorer. James Borrego is put in a tough spot trying lead this team to battle in 2019.

West

1. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have arguably the most complete roster in the NBA today. Nikola Jokic is a different style of big man with great passing ability, scoring inside and out, and a force on defense. Jamal Murray has become a big shot maker, and has impressive handles and improving passing skills. Gary Harris and Will Barton are other instant offense options to fill out the starting unit. Paul Millsap is a dependable veteran who can still score and contribute on the boards. They’ve improved their bench by adding athlete Jerami Grant alongside Mason Plumlee. Monte Morris is a pest on defense, Malik Beasley found his offensive game during last years playoffs, and Torrey Craig can guard multiple positions.  This team could take the next step if often injured highly touted prospects Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol can stay healthy. Mike Malone has a very deep roster to work with, and this young team can only get better.

2. Los Angeles Lakers
Lebron James is still one of the best players in the NBA today. He has a unbelievable basketball IQ, and is still a dominant scorer when needed. He has always been a great distributor, and finally has another co-star to play off of. They landed Anthony Davis who is a former all-star making his LA debut. Davis is rare athlete who can run in transition, and handle the ball with a 6’11 frame. Davis can score in the post, mid-range, and even knock down threes. Davis is a walking double double, and is underrated as a rim protector on defense. The Lakers have a bright young forward in Kyle Kuzma who has developed into a consistent scorer. Dwight Howard is still a good athlete, and will help in terms of rebounding and defense. Danny Green gives them a three point shooter, and lock down defender. Rajon Rondo is still a high level passer who can still defend at a high level. Their depth is the biggest question mark, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is likely to be their best bench scorer. Javale McGee, Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook, and Jared Dudley will fill out the rest of the bench. Alex Caruso who shined late last year could see extended minutes as well. Frank Vogel has a ton of pressure this season, but has experience coaching with expectations. The Lakers should be a top team as long as Lebron and Davis stay healthy.

3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are getting the band back together with Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Harden is probably the most dominant offensive player in the NBA today. He can get to the rim at anytime, draws a ton of foul shots, and has a deadly step back three game. Russell Westbrook will bring tempo to the offense, and has averaged a triple double the last few season. Westbrook is a great scorer, passer, rebounder, and can still be a threat on defense. It will be interesting to see how they play with both guys being ball dominant. Eric Gordon gives them a high level three and D player, and P.J. Tucker does all the little things. Clint Capela is a serious rim protector, and should provide some slams in transition. Their bench is somewhat thin with vets Tyson Chandler, Austin Rivers, and Gerald Green filling these roles. Thabo Sefolosha will add some defensive edge to the bench. This could be a make or break year for head coach Mike D’antoni with a talented roster.

4. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are much improved, but do have two injury prone superstars. They added Kawhi Leonard and Paul George which won the NBA offseason. Kawhi Leonard has become a monster on offense with a great mid range game, and always finding ways to get to the rim. He has improved his outside stroke, and still remains as one of the best defenders in the league. Paul George is a sniper from the outside, and like Leonard is a feared defender who can guard any position. George has experience playing the co-star role that could help their chemistry. Patrick Beverly and Montrezl Harrell will bring energy on defense and attitude on the court. Lou Williams is a walking bucket off the bench and will lead the charge scoring. They have veterance JaMychal Green and Maurice Harkless who will compete off the bench. Watch for the development of young players Landry Shamet and Ivica Zubac as well. This roster is loaded, and should be one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. Doc Rivers is a great coach, and should have plenty of weapons next year.

5. Utah Jazz
The Jazz added to their depth, and have become a more complete basketball team. Donovan Mitchell is a superstar who can score from anywhere on the offensive side. He is a above average defender as well with great athleticism. Rudy Gobert is a stand out defender who can block shots and rebound. Mike Conley gives them a proven force a point guard who can shoot, pass, and defend. Conley has long been an underrated force at the point guard position. Bojan Bogdanovic will give them a perimeter threat, and the ability to guard multiple positions. Joe Ingles does all the little things, and can flat out shoot it from distance. Their bench will be lead by veterans Ed Davis who can protect the rim, and three point shooting forward Jeff Green. Emmanuel Mudiay and Dante Exum were once highly touted prospects that need to produce in bigger roles this year. Quin Snyder has overachieved in his time at Utah, and now has his best roster to date going into next year.

6. Portland Trail Blazers
This team lives and dies by the production of their one two punch at the guard position. Damian Lillard has become a premium offensive talent who can score at the rim, and is deadly from the outside. He is a big shot maker who can take over the game in crunch time. C.J. McCollum improves each year, and has a similar offensive game as Lillard. McCollum has the ability to take over as the primary scorer is Damian is having an off game. Rodney Hood is a good two way player, and Zach Collins brings energy on defense and on the boards. Hassan Whiteside is their new center who can protect the rim, score in the post, and dominate when motivated. Their bench is going to be led by young talents such as Mario Hezonja, Kent Bazemore, and Anfernee Simmons. They will be even stronger if and when versatile big man Jusuf Nurkic returns from injury. Terry Stotts has done a fine job with the Trail Blazers, but will have a much more fierce West to deal with this year.

7. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors lost Kevin Durant, but will look to overcome that loss next year. Stephen Curry will take over the role as top scorer without KD. Curry is the best shooter of all time, and has become a deadly ball handler and passer. His one flaw has been coming up short in big NBA Finals games. Draymond Green is the heart and soul of this team giving them energy. Green is a great defender, and does all the little things along with being the central leader. Green should get more opportunities without Klay to start the year. D’Angelo Russell is a budding superstar joining his new team in the Bay. Russell can guard multiple positions, and has shown an ability to knock down shots from the outside. He is good and transition, but will need to learn how to play with Curry. Klay Thompson is likely going to be out with an injury until the all-star break which hurts this team early on. Kevon Looney is a dependable big man, and will lead the way on the boards. Willie Cauley-Stein is an athletic big who can defend at a high level when motivated. The rest of their bench is filled out with young talent like Alec Burks, Jacob Evans, and Eric Paschall. Alfonzo McKinnie should be an important figure especially on defense for Golden State. The Warriors are good enough to make the playoffs, but I feel this team will take a step back. However, Steve Kerr is a great coach, and when Klay Thompson returns the NBA should watch out.

8. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have one of the best coaches in the NBA in Gregg Popovich. Their scoring attack will be headlined by co-stars Demar Derozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. Both of these players can score inside or out, and should have more chemistry going into year two together. Athletic point guard Dejounte Murray is returning from injury, and should improve their ability to attack in transition. Derrick White and Bryn Forbes showed they can score off the bench as well. Jakob Poeltl will give them a low post and rebounding force. Their ability to produce bench points will be headlined by veterans Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, and Marco Belinelli. Trey Lyles, Lonnie Walker IV, and DeMarre Carroll could see big roles if an injury develops. The Spurs have a decent roster, but should over achieve with a great coach like Popovich. He just knows how to lead his team, and get the best out of them no matter how depleted his roster is.

9. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have a fun, young roster who will be led by new head coach Luke Walton. De’Aaron Fox has a quick first step, and has shown an ability to score inside or out. He is a underrated defender as well using his long arms to get steals. Marvin Bagley showed flashes of greatness with a good post game, and an improving defensive game as well. Buddy Hield has become a knockdown shooter, and Harrison Barnes gives them another versatile scoring option. Dewayne Dedmon will improve their defense, and Harry Giles will give them above the rim energy off the bench. Cory Jospeh and Bogdan Bogdanovic will likely lead the way in bench scoring. Trevor Ariza will be a good veteran leader, who can contribute on both sides of the ball. This Kings team is young, and has improved their overall depth from last year. I’m still not sold on Luke Walton as a head coach, but this team could make the playoffs this year.

10. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans traded away star Anthony Davis, and drafted a new one in Zion Williamson. Zion is a phenomenal athlete who can burst to the rim with ease. He is a good ball handler, and competes for rebounds as well. He is a solid defender, and has shown an improved jump shot in the preseason. Zion looks the part, but will have a ton of hype behind him coming into his rookie season. Lonzo Ball finds a new home in New Orleans, and looks to turn his career around. Ball is a underrated defender, and is known for his flashy passing ability. If he can become a more consistent shooter he can be the perfect co-star to Zion. Brandon Ingram has improved each year in his career in terms of offensive production. He is a smooth athlete who can score inside and out. Jrue Holiday is a former all-star who is another walking bucket with a quick first step. Derrick Favors is a proven defender and rebounder on the inside. Their bench scoring will be led by veteran J.J. Redick who is a sniper from the perimeter. Jahlil Okafor, rookie Jaxon Hayes, E’Twaun Moore, and rookie Nickeil Alexander-Walker will fill out the rest of the bench. This Pelicans team is much improved in terms of depth, and Alvin Gentry has plenty of talent to work with.

11. Dallas Mavericks
The era after Dirk Nowitzki begins for the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic looks like a bona fide star with incredible potential on offense. He is a great ball handler, passer, and gifted scorer on the inside or from three. Kristaps Porzingis will join the fold who has unique skills with a 7’3 frame. Porzinigis can score in the post, mid-range, and can shoot it from distance. He can handle the ball well, and has shown flashes of dominance on defense as well. The big question is can he stay healthy as he is yet to play a full NBA season. Defensive minded point guard Delon Wright will compliment Luka, while Dwight Powell and Justin Jackson will bring defensive energy to fill out the starting five. The bench scoring is likely to lean on Seth Curry and Tim Hardaway Jr. Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber will provide instant defense off the pine as well. Boban Marjanovic and J.J. Barea are veterans who will compete for minutes. Luka and Kristaps have potential to be great, but do not have depth like the rest of the West. Rick Carlisle is a well respected coach, but the Mavericks will likely miss the playoffs again this year.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl Anthony-Townes is the face of the franchise and backbone of this team. Townes is a gifted offensive player who is hard to move on the post. He has become more of a threat on the outside as well. Andrew Wiggins is his co-star, and has superstar talent but has been inconsistent. Robert Covington and Jake Layman should be three and D type contributors for the Wolves this year. Jarrett Culver will look to impress in his rookie season showing potential on both sides of the ball. Josh Okogie is a blossoming star on defense, and will bring energy off the bench. The rest of the bench will be filled out with vets like Jordan Bell, Gorgui Dieng, and Shabazz Napier. Ryan Saunders is a young coach with a young roster. The T’Wolves have some bright young prospects, but are far removed from being a real playoff contender.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder traded away their franchise cornerstones in Paul George and Russell Westrbook. Chris Paul looks to lead the team on offense, but is unlikely to be a member of the team long. Paul is great at drawing contact, and finishing at the rim despite his size. He has a high basketball IQ, and is unselfish in terms of sharing the rock. His biggest issues have come with staying healthy. Steven Adams is an imposing force on defense, improved his post game, and a walking double double. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a great athlete with impressive developing skills especially on defense. He should benefit from learning from a vet like Chris Paul. Andre Roberson and Danilo Gallinari are likely to be three and D threats for this club. Hamidou Diallo and Terrance Ferguson are developing players who will see extended minutes this year. Mike Muscala and Nerlens Noel will provide depth at the forward and center position. Billy Donovan has a significantly diminished roster to work with compared to previous years. This team is clearly in a rebuild, and could be ripped apart even further with future trades.

14. Phoenix Suns
The Suns have two young stars to build on in Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. Booker is a force on offense who can shoot it from anywhere. He has become a more diversified scorer, and doesn’t just rely on his three point stroke. Ayton is an impressive athlete who is smooth on the block. He has nice touch, and is improving as a defender every day. Ricky Rubio gives them a pass first point guard, who will be good in pick and roll situations. Dario Saric and Kelly Oubre Jr. are good athletes who can spread the defense with their three point shots. They bench is full of young talent like rookie Ty Jerome, Tyler Johnson, and Mikal Bridges. Aron Baynes is a brusier on the inside who should provide toughness. It will be intersting to see how big a role rookier Cameron Johnson plays this year. Monty Williams has experience coaching young teams, and will be more of a teacher this year. The Suns have young talent, but are far from being a force in the Western Conference. They are about three to five years from being real contenders in the West.

15. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are embracing the rebuild with a young roster coming into 2019. Rookie Ja Morant has a lot of hype, and has looked great in the preseason. He can score from anywhere, and is a unselfish passer with a good understanding of when to pass or attack. Morant has to improve as a defender, but should be a force on offense right away. Jaren Jackson is an impressive big man who’s rookie year was cut short by injuries. Jackson is a good athlete who can run in transition, and has shown an ability to protect the rim. He is a dependable post player, but has the ability to face up and shoot. Jonas Valanciunas is a nice compliment to Jackson as he competes on the boards, and brings toughness on the inside. Jonas can score around the rim, and played well in a bigger role last year. Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson can guard mulitple positions, and spread the defense on offense. Rookie Brandon Clarke, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones are likely to play large roles off the bench next year. Jae Crowder will bring his three and D type of play to the Grizzlies as well. They have Andre Iguodala on the roster, but he is likely to be traded or bought out. The Grizzlies will be a fun, energetic team to watch, but are not close to being competitive yet. Morant should be a shoe in for the Rookie of the Year race.

East Playoff Predictions

1st Round
8 Pistons vs 1 Bucks: Bucks in 5 games
5 Nets vs 4 Celtics: Celtics in 6 games
6 Raptors vs 3 Pacers: Raptors in 7 games
7 Heat vs 2 76ers: 76ers in 5 games

East Semifinals
4 Celtics vs 1 Bucks: Bucks in 6 games
6 Raptors vs 2 76ers: 76ers in 5 games

East Finals
2 76ers vs 1 Bucks: 76ers in 7 games

West Playoff Predictions

1st Round
8 Spurs vs 1 Nuggets: Nuggets in 5 games
5 Jazz vs 4 Clippers: Clippers in 6 games
6 Trail Blazers vs 3 Rockets: Rockets in 7 games
7 Warriors vs 2 Lakers: Warriors in 7 game

West Semifinals
4 Clippers vs 1 Nuggets: Clippers in 7 games
7 Warriors vs 3 Rockets: Warriors in 7 games

West Finals
7 Warriors vs 4 Clippers: Clippers in 7 games

NBA Finals
4 Clippers vs 2 76ers: 76ers in 6 games

NBA MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo
NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Paul George
NBA Most Improved Player of the Year: Terry Rozier
NBA Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams
NBA Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers