New Hierarchy

[TD 21]

Now that the dust has mostly settled (I'm going to guess Westbrook gets traded to the Heat) . . .

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks, 76ers, Lakers, Rockets

Tier 2: Jazz, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Warriors

Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Kings, Pelicans, Hawks, Mavericks, Magic, Pistons, Bulls

Tier 4: Thunder, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Wizards, Suns, Knicks, Cavaliers, Hornets

I tried to fuse regular season with playoff potential, with more weight given to the latter.

[FkLA]

Spurs are in Tier 1, tbh.

[Mr. Body]

Now that the dust has mostly settled (I'm going to guess Westbrook gets traded to the Heat) . . .

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks, 76ers, Lakers, Rockets

Tier 2: Jazz, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Warriors

Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Kings, Pelicans, Hawks, Mavericks, Magic, Pistons, Bulls

Tier 4: Thunder, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Wizards, Suns, Knicks, Cavaliers, Hornets

I tried to fuse regular season with playoff potential, with more weight given to the latter.

I see the Rox starting their decline. Did nothing this off-season and their performance in the POs was miserable. I don't believe in the Sixers. Not sure about the Lakers. Raptors will suck. Warriors could be Tier 2 or 3. Nuggets could be Tier 1. I'm really curious how the Spurs stack up. Their depth is excellent.

[ElNono]

I suppose Tier 1 are the actual contenders? If so, I don't know how I feel about the Lakers being there. No actual hate, I just think AD is massively overrated, Lebron's decline is real and Rondo is massively washed up.

[HarlemHeat37]

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks
Tier 2: Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, 76ers, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Raptors
Tier 4: Hawks, Mavs, Pistons, Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Wizards
Tier 5: Hornets, Bulls, Cavs, Knicks

[Robz4000]

Only Clippers and Bucks are Tier 1 tbh.

[jhfenton]

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks
Tier 2: Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, 76ers, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Raptors
Tier 4: Hawks, Mavs, Pistons, Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Wizards
Tier 5: Hornets, Bulls, Cavs, Knicks
This is more like it. Some of the 2nd tier are likely to move up, but the only teams that I'm confident are well-constructed contenders are the Clippers and Bucks.

[TD 21]

I don't disagree with a lot of this, especially the Clippers and Bucks potentially being in a tier of their own. I wouldn't even argue if you said the Clippers are alone in their own tier.

I'm not particularly high on the 76ers, Lakers or Rockets, but think they have enough star power + experience to where it's at least conceivable, which for now is enough for me.

[Mr. Body]

Bucks actively got worse, though, right? I have trouble believing in them, but then the Raptors are out of the picture. The East is honestly pretty sucky once again.

[ElNono]

Rockets and Warriors (even without Durant), still clearly a step above the Spurs, IMO. They just have less margin for an injury now.

[ElNono]

Bucks actively got worse, though, right? I have trouble believing in them, but then the Raptors are out of the picture. The East is honestly pretty sucky once again.

Bucks have no competition. With Kawhi moving to the West and Durant injured, nobody is really stopping them, IMO. ~75% of the East teams are going to be tanking this season, IMO.

[Dhbsr555]

To me ( if everyone stays healthy) this is by far the deepest roster we have ever had.

[HarlemHeat37]

I have the Bucks in tier 1 because their biggest challenger in the East got worse and Philly is a big question mark, plus they're a team that has already has the chemistry and continuity..I like Indiana IF Oladipo comes back healthy and in form, so we'll see if they can be a challenge..

Sixers and Lakers have the potential to become tier 1 teams, as well, but I don't see it with the latter..I'm not a fan of their moves..

Nobody else has a legit superstar other than GS(if Klay was back and healthy, I'd have them in their 1), so they would need a ton of luck and injuries to go their way to win a title(which is possible, look at the Raptors:lol )

[Fusternino]

Rockets in Tier 1?

[sasaint]

I suppose Tier 1 are the actual contenders? If so, I don't know how I feel about the Lakers being there. No actual hate, I just think AD is massively overrated, Lebron's decline is real and Rondo is massively washed up.

I don’t know whether AD is overrated or not, but we will find out this season. Otherwise, I agree with you. Spurs will have to be reckoned with.

[sasaint]

Rockets in Tier 1?


No.

[Seventyniner]

Offseason still has a lot of time left. Good lists for now but a ton can change in the next couple of weeks.

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs will be a great RS team, I wouldn't be surprised if they finish with a top 4 seed..depth doesn't matter as much in the playoffs, though, unfortunately..

[Mr. Body]

Spurs will be a great RS team, I wouldn't be surprised if they finish with a top 4 seed..depth doesn't matter as much in the playoffs, though, unfortunately..

If they play well, they can definitely beat the Nuggets and Trailblazers. The guard corps can be very good.

[DAF86]

Sixers don't belong to tier one. Also, Warriors will still be damn good.

[HarlemHeat37]

If they play well, they can definitely beat the Nuggets and Trailblazers. The guard corps can be very good.

Oh, definitely..the West is really deep again, but the Clippers are the only "great" team on paper, everybody else is very beatable..

[313]

If there was any time for Demar and LMA to nut up, this would be the year.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Bucks have no competition. With Kawhi moving to the West and Durant injured, nobody is really stopping them, IMO. ~75% of the East teams are going to be tanking this season, IMO.

You must have written that before the Celtics got Bertans. :D

This will be a season that tests whether Pop is still the best coach in the game. The Spurs have enough talent and toughness, I think, to contend for the WCF. Fitting all the new pieces and finding effective rotations will be everything. If Pop still has the passion for it, this should be a fun season for him.

[DAF86]

1-Clippers
2-Bucks
3-Warriors (when Thompson gets back)
4-Rockets
5-Lakers

Then could come the Spurs.

[Fuck-Kawhi]

Who do the Clippers have besides Kawuiter and PG? Should they really just automatically be considered the best?

[wildcardX]

Spurs will be a great RS team, I wouldn't be surprised if they finish with a top 4 seed..depth doesn't matter as much in the playoffs, though, unfortunately..

With more of a balance of power in the West I think depth will play a bigger role for teams this coming season. Less resting of players due to more tougher games, increased chance for injury for less deep teams or injury prone players, and risk of fatigue in the playoffs.

[DAF86]

Who do the Clippers have besides Kawuiter and PG? Should they really just automatically be considered the best?

They have the same team that won 48 games last season, and just added two 2way top 10 players.

Harrell, Lou Williams, Beverly, Gallinari, Alexander, etc, etc. They are deep as fuck. They aren't the Lakers.

[timtonymanu]

Overrating the Lakers a bit. But they do have a higher ceiling than last season. Still, I’m not convinced they’re gonna be a top 5 team next season.

[FkLA]

They have the same team that won 48 games last season, and just added two 2way top 10 players.

Harrell, Lou Williams, Beverly, Gallinari, Alexander, etc, etc. They are deep as fuck. They aren't the Lakers.

https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1147398587116118017

[SAGirl]

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks
Tier 2: Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, 76ers, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Raptors
Tier 4: Hawks, Mavs, Pistons, Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Wizards
Tier 5: Hornets, Bulls, Cavs, Knicks
Like this breakdown.

[SAGirl]

Rockets and Warriors (even without Durant), still clearly a step above the Spurs, IMO. They just have less margin for an injury now.
Maybe I am a prisoner of the moment but I tend to think Spurs will do well in the RS now that they have depth and Pop manages his oldest guys well.

Come the playoffs stars are supposed to take you home and that is where I have trouble with Demar and LMA. Still anything is possible. I don't think the other teams are all that much superior at this point so it's not like they can't get lucky. I do feel better about this team than I did last year and that's :tu

[DAF86]

https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1147398587116118017

Yeah, I totally forgot the Clippers had to give something up to get George. :lol

They're still deep as fuck, tbh.

[313]

Clippers are in a tier of their own. They should easily have the best defense in the league and eclipse 60 wins. Similar to the Toronto situation Kawhi is going to a team that would already be WC contender without him, and his presence will make them clear cut favorites. They have either more talent or more experience than any other contender at the moment.

Tier 2 would be the 76ers Bucks Rockets Post-Klay Warriors. Even though they might win the east, Bucks got worse overall imo. I think losing brogdan is being understated. If Simmons gets some kind of jump shot this season, I think the AL Horford addition could very well put them slightly over the Bucks next year...barring any other moves being made, injuries etc.

Tier 3 are the teams with potential that could make the jump...Jazz, Nuggets, Spurs, Lakers, Celtics, Pacers, Blazers (add heat if they get WB)

Nobody else matters.

If I had to pick a sleeper team that surprises each conference I'd say Nets in the East, Thunder in the West(if they dont blow it up and send WB to MIA).

[JeffDuncan]

They have the same team that won 48 games last season, and just added two 2way top 10 players.

Harrell, Lou Williams, Beverly, Gallinari, Alexander, etc, etc. They are deep as fuck. They aren't the Lakers.

Gallinari went to OKC.

Clips current roster:

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers/cap/

May not be totally up to date

[SAGirl]

Spurs will be a great RS team, I wouldn't be surprised if they finish with a top 4 seed..depth doesn't matter as much in the playoffs, though, unfortunately..
This. ^
They can get lucky though as you said in a different post.
Or someone could have a career year (hoping for one of the young guys to have a breakout season). One always has to hope as a fan.

[SAGirl]

If there was any time for Demar and LMA to nut up, this would be the year.
Agreed. I hope the Spurs stay healthy. Otherwise there's always going to be an excuse.

[SAGirl]

You must have written that before the Celtics got Bertans. :D

This will be a season that tests whether Pop is still the best coach in the game. The Spurs have enough talent and toughness, I think, to contend for the WCF. Fitting all the new pieces and finding effective rotations will be everything. If Pop still has the passion for it, this should be a fun season for him.
Agreed.

[SAGirl]

They have the same team that won 48 games last season, and just added two 2way top 10 players.

Harrell, Lou Williams, Beverly, Gallinari, Alexander, etc, etc. They are deep as fuck. They aren't the Lakers.
Gallo and Alexander are gone in the PG trade but the guys they added more than make up for the loss.

[HarlemHeat37]

With more of a balance of power in the West I think depth will play a bigger role for teams this coming season. Less resting of players due to more tougher games, increased chance for injury for less deep teams or injury prone players, and risk of fatigue in the playoffs.

+1 on your post regarding the Regular Season, depth will be massive, which is why I think the Spurs could get a top 4 seed..

Problem is the playoffs, where nothing has changed, it's virtually always required to have a superstar..

[HarlemHeat37]

Clippers have plenty of talent outside of Kawhi/George, they're essentially bringing back the same team with 2 collosal upgrades..

I think their defense will be overrated, though..Kawhi rarely plays defense anymore and George is declining on that end, as well..

[ElNono]

I don’t know whether AD is overrated or not, but we will find out this season. Otherwise, I agree with you. Spurs will have to be reckoned with.

I don't have the Spurs better than the Lakeshow right now, tbh... maybe just about the same tier...

[313]

+1 on your post regarding the Regular Season, depth will be massive, which is why I think the Spurs could get a top 4 seed..

Problem is the playoffs, where nothing has changed, it's virtually always required to have a superstar..
As much as we like Murray and White, it's almost unimaginable either turns into a superstar next year, or at any point their career tbh. So we're left holding out hope that LMA or Demar take it to another level, at this late stage in their career. Tough predicament.

[Dejounte]

As much as we like Murray and White, it's almost unimaginable either turns into a superstar next year, or at any point their career tbh. So we're left holding out hope that LMA or Demar take it to another level, at this late stage in their career. Tough predicament.

Why is it "unimaginable"?

[PennSpur]

Tier 1--Mil, LAC, maybe Hou
Tier 2--Hou if not Tier 1, Phi, LAL, GSW
Tier 3-Den Utah Bos

[ZeusWillJudge]

Clippers have plenty of talent outside of Kawhi/George, they're essentially bringing back the same team with 2 collosal upgrades..

I think their defense will be overrated, though..Kawhi rarely plays defense anymore and George is declining on that end, as well..


The Clippers amazed everyone because they had a bunch of young players, without superstars, and they excelled at playing together as a team. That dynamic is definitely changed.

The biggest name player they had was Gallinari, and he's gone in the trade. The best young talent they had was G-Alexander, and he's gone in the trade. Those two were responsible for 40 PPG.

You can't call that essentially the same team. They got two big talents, but lost two pretty big talents. And they still have to make the pieces work. The two superstars both require a LOT of touches. Those other guys who were important parts of a team last season are gong to have to be content being afterthoughts. We'll see, but I don't think you can automatically anoint that team as the WCF champs.

[gambit1990]

knew the bucks were fake this past season. could see philly or boston beating them.

tier 1: clips

[DC23]

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks
Tier 2: Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, 76ers, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Raptors
Tier 4: Hawks, Mavs, Pistons, Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Wizards
Tier 5: Hornets, Bulls, Cavs, Knicks

I like this but would break it down even further:

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks
Tier 2: Nuggets, Pacers, 76ers, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Tier 3: Warriors, Rockets, Celtics, Lakers
Tier 4: Nets, Heat, Raptors
Tier 5: Hawks, Mavs, Pistons, Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Wizards
Tier 6: Hornets, Bulls, Cavs, Knicks

- Rockets and Warriors will finish in the bottom half of the West 5-8. I don't consider either team to be a threat to advance to the WCF.
- I prefer the Bucks, Pacers, and 76ers all over the Celtics both from a talent and chemistry standpoint.
- Unless LBJ and Davis each play 65+ games and combine for 55+ each night, I too think they finish in 5-8 seeds.
- Spurs are borderline Tier 2/3. Depth, high IQ players, and coaching system are major factors.

[EricB]

Oh, definitely..the West is really deep again, but the Clippers are the only "great" team on paper, everybody else is very beatable..

The Clippers are beatable S well stop it.

[EricB]

As much as we like Murray and White, it's almost unimaginable either turns into a superstar next year, or at any point their career tbh. So we're left holding out hope that LMA or Demar take it to another level, at this late stage in their career. Tough predicament.


They dont need need to be superstars

[Russ]

This year's version of the Lakers is possibly the most overrated NBA team in history.

[GreekSpursfan]

If Giannis doesn't improve definitely his FT % and a little bit his outside shot, Bucks will stop in the ECF again but if he does those things they win it all imo. Bucks would've won it this season if Giannis made more his FTs. Clippers, Rockets and Jazz are all right there as well. We are a tier below the true contenders

[vavvi]

Spurs are in Tier 1, tbh.

Do you really believe in LMA and DDR?
Spurs have great depth but our stars aren't that good. We have zero top15 players.

I think Tier 2 is correct. We are a team like Denver with good depth but questionable star power.

[vavvi]

If Giannis doesn't improve definitely his FT % and a little bit his outside shot, Bucks will stop in the ECF again but if he does those things they win it all imo. Bucks would've won it this season if Giannis made more his FTs. Clippers, Rockets and Jazz are all right there as well. We are a tier below the true contenders

East is a trash can next season. There are basically only 2 teams so ECF are almost guaranteed for the Bucks barring an injury.

[cd021]

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks
Tier 2: Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, 76ers, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Raptors
Tier 4: Hawks, Mavs, Pistons, Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Wizards
Tier 5: Hornets, Bulls, Cavs, Knicks

Think GSW is definitely tier 3. No way they'll be able to stop anyone with that back court, they don't really have a starting 3 until Klay comes back in March, their big man depth isn't great either with Dray, Calley-Stein and Looney as the only real bigs they have.

[Texas_Ranger]

Curry gonna have to play 40 minutes a game if they'll wanna make the playoffs. With Klay out it won't be easy.

[cd021]

Do you really believe in LMA and DDR?
Spurs have great depth but our stars aren't that good. We have zero top15 players.

I think Tier 2 is correct. We are a team like Denver with good depth but questionable star power.

I think Aldridge is borderline top 15, he got consideration as an all-NBA player last season and make it the year before that.t Spurs are probably towards the top of tier 2 but not quite tier 1 but not all that far behind tier 1 teams. The Clippers definitely have two better stars, as does the Lakers, but all four come with question marks.

Kawhi- Needed load management to get through last season, playing only 60 games, and was apparently legitimately hurt from during the playoffs. Can he play enough games to get them a top seed can he make it through another 25 game playoff run in a deep west?

PG-13-Historically has had hot starts to seasons they drops off significantly. He's already had two shoulder surgeries or each rotator cuff each of the last two seasons.

Lebron- Has played 1437 games (39 minutes a game) at some point he's going to fall off a cliff production wise.
AD-Misses 15 games a year and has never had a season plus a full playoff run, can he hold up?

[cd021]

Now that the dust has mostly settled (I'm going to guess Westbrook gets traded to the Heat) . . .

Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks, 76ers, Lakers, Rockets

Tier 2: Jazz, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Warriors

Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Kings, Pelicans, Hawks, Mavericks, Magic, Pistons, Bulls

Tier 4: Thunder, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Wizards, Suns, Knicks, Cavaliers, Hornets

I tried to fuse regular season with playoff potential, with more weight given to the latter.


Tier 1: Clippers, Bucks, 76ers, Lakers

Tier 2: Jazz, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Rockets, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers,

Tier 3: Nets, Heat, Kings, Pelicans, Hawks, Mavericks, Magic, Pistons, Warriors, Bulls

Tier 4: Thunder, Grizzlies, Wizards, Suns, Knicks, Cavaliers, Hornets, Timberwolves



Changed Warriors to tier 3 and Rockets to tier 2.

GSW could be pretty bad defensively and meh offensively, if Curry rolls his ankle then they could be done early.

Rockets didn't get better and Paul's continued decline and locker room dynamics between Paul and Harden and Morrey seemingly trying to trade everyone could take their toll.

Otherwise, pretty much agree.

[acoelho1]

I think we could potentially be in tier 1 but will depend primarily on the jump that Murray and White make next season. I expect us to be a top 3 defense and there is no team out there that really scares me in the west. None have 3 all time shooters on the floor at one time like the Warriors did so we will be able to compete against any of them. We pretty much know what we are going to get with LMA and DDR although the latter should be better given it's his 2nd year in the Spurs system. You add in Morris and continued growth of Poelt and we got a pretty good team. I also expect Walker to beat out Forbes in the rotation. He's just too talented to leave on the bench.

[dbestpro]

George did not make OKC better when playing with another superstar. All the pressure and expectations are on the Clippers. The current roster that is left excelled when no one expected them to do well. It becomes another game when you are the team everyone is gunning for. Denver also falls into this category. They will be good, but I do not see them making a clear separation from Utah, Portland or even the Spurs.

Houston will make a significant free fall this season and will miss the playoffs. The Warriors will be a borderline playoff team, as well. Just too many missing parts.

The Lakers will be no better than an injured Warrior team. AD is not a guy who can lead you to a ring in today's NBA where his skills sets have been marginalized and James is very likely to get hurt again at his advanced age. James has always excelled because of his athleticism, and that now is in decline.

The Suns will be better than last year. The Thunder will be worse. Kings, Pelicans, Mavericks, and Memphis will show up and play have their moments. Minnesota most likely will under achieve, again.

[Biggems]

Celtics improved, Bucks got worse. I put the Celtics atop the East. I put Philly at 2, and then Milwaukee fighting it out with Indiana for the 3rd best team. Atlanta may surprise, as might Detroit.....Falling hard is Toronto and Charlotte, IMO.

[bic50]

The Clippers amazed everyone because they had a bunch of young players, without superstars, and they excelled at playing together as a team. That dynamic is definitely changed.

The biggest name player they had was Gallinari, and he's gone in the trade. The best young talent they had was G-Alexander, and he's gone in the trade. Those two were responsible for 40 PPG.

You can't call that essentially the same team. They got two big talents, but lost two pretty big talents. And they still have to make the pieces work. The two superstars both require a LOT of touches. Those other guys who were important parts of a team last season are gong to have to be content being afterthoughts. We'll see, but I don't think you can automatically anoint that team as the WCF champs.
If they just added kl then I agree. But adding pg next to him probably as a sidekick and they’re depth and defense and they’ll be hard t beat.

[Biggems]

Out West, the Rockets get the top seed, but are still not going to taste postseason success. The Spurs will be a top 4 seed if healthy. Denver will be very good. Portland and Utah should be improved. The LA Teams shoud be much better, maybe top 4 seeds. The Mavs, Grizzlies, Kings, and Suns are still trash. It will be hard to gauge the Pelicans and TPups as of right now. The Warriors will be fighting just to make the playoffs minus all the FAs and Klay's injury. OKC is probably about to enter rebuild mode, George leaving really castrated that beast.

[offset formation]

Rockets and Warriors (even without Durant), still clearly a step above the Spurs, IMO. They just have less margin for an injury now.

You think a Warriors team without Klay beats this Spurs team? No. They aren't. They will take it on the chin this year. At least until Klay comes back.

You think a Rockets team facing our defensive guard capability beats this spurs team? We can send wave after wave after Harden and make him beat you from deep. He cannot do that 4 times in a 7 game series.

[paperboy77]

Not sure about the Bucks running away with the east though. They lost a key player in Brogden and the Greek Freak got exposed. The guy can’t shoot and he will wear out in the POs due to his style of play. I think the Sixers would whoop that ass. Philly losing Butler is actually addition by subtraction. Although talented, the guy never actually does anything for you. He’s got the mentality that it’s all about him and puts himself on an island. Good riddance in my opinion.

GS today is definitely no where on the same planet as they were with KD. They are just another team now looking up at the top. Rockets shouldn’t scare anyone either.

Tier 1 to me are Clips, Sixers, Bucks, Utah and Portland. I think Whiteside will be huge for the Blazers plus upgraded their roster overall.

Spurs look like like they can do something but it boils down to the same shit for me. Pops shoddy coaching that’s become way too common and our stars that are weaker in the playoffs. Who’s gonna step up? Spurs are at the end of tier 2 or in tier 3.

[vavvi]

I think Aldridge is borderline top 15, he got consideration as an all-NBA player last season and make it the year before that.t Spurs are probably towards the top of tier 2 but not quite tier 1 but not all that far behind tier 1 teams. The Clippers definitely have two better stars, as does the Lakers, but all four come with question marks.

Kawhi- Needed load management to get through last season, playing only 60 games, and was apparently legitimately hurt from during the playoffs. Can he play enough games to get them a top seed can he make it through another 25 game playoff run in a deep west?

PG-13-Historically has had hot starts to seasons they drops off significantly. He's already had two shoulder surgeries or each rotator cuff each of the last two seasons.

Lebron- Has played 1437 games (39 minutes a game) at some point he's going to fall off a cliff production wise.
AD-Misses 15 games a year and has never had a season plus a full playoff run, can he hold up?

All fair.
I’m just really down on DDR. I think players like Harden are in another galaxy. And it’s almost impossible to win it all when DeMar is your go-to guy.

[widowmaker]

What if nephew starts limping on and off the plane like he did with the spurs are the clippers still tier 1?

[JeffDuncan]

What if nephew starts limping on and off the plane like he did with the spurs are the clippers still tier 1?

Depends on if they're winning games. "Limps taken on a boarding ramp" is not an NBA statistic.

[JeffDuncan]

Out West, the Rockets get the top seed, ...

It's going to be hard for the Rockets. Past their top 6 or 7 they're as thin as a coat of gold paint on a brick.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/houston-rockets/cap/

[Dex]

Lakers being highly overrated in this thread.

Yes, Lebron and Davis are a great duo...but they pretty much have scraps outside of that. It's basically the 2017 Pelicans with Lebron and a broken Boogie.

The West is deeper and scarier than ever this year. Lebron will coast in the regular season per par, Green will have his annual quarter-season slump, and they are one injury away from missing the playoffs again imo.

[FkLA]

Do you really believe in LMA and DDR?
Spurs have great depth but our stars aren't that good. We have zero top15 players.

I think Tier 2 is correct. We are a team like Denver with good depth but questionable star power.

Did the Spurs' star power compare to OKC or the Heatles in 2014? Did we have any Top 15 players then?

Spurs will never be the best on paper but paper doesn't account for the Spurs system and Pop's greatness. LMA and DD aren't as good as other duos around the league, but none of the other duos have the quality that LMA and DD have behind them at 3-10.

[vavvi]

Did the Spurs' star power compare to OKC or the Heatles in 2014? Did we have any Top 15 players then?

Spurs will never be the best on paper but paper doesn't account for the Spurs system and Pop's greatness. LMA and DD aren't as good as other duos around the league, but none of the other duos have the quality that LMA and DD have behind them at 3-10.

I think in 2014 we had a much better ratio of our top talent relatively to the league top talent. And for sure we had winning players with winning mentality and winning experience.
I'm a Pop and Spurs system guy all the way but again it's not Pop who will be closing games on the floor. I just don't see the team winning it all with DeMar as a top 2 player. He is a nice person but a flawed player which folds under pressure.

I like our additions this midseason and I'm happy Pop will have a competitive roster for maybe his last year. But I don't see us as contenders.

[monty4329]

Why is it "unimaginable"?

Because superstars are clearly identifiable when they are about 20 y.o.

They'll be elite players, very good players. They are not superstars. I might have forgotten some but in the last 10 years do you remember any superstar becoming such at, say, 25 while before being just good or very good? I don't.

[playbonner15]

Only Clippers and Bucks are Tier 1 tbh.

[playbonner15]

Spurs are Tier 1 if they make their inefficient midrange jumpers, Tier 3 and below if they bricking everything

[HarlemHeat37]

Think GSW is definitely tier 3. No way they'll be able to stop anyone with that back court, they don't really have a starting 3 until Klay comes back in March, their big man depth isn't great either with Dray, Calley-Stein and Looney as the only real bigs they have.

My GS assumption is that Klay is healthy by February..if he doesn't return, then ya, they're certainly far worse..

Curry/Klay/Draymond + a great system is still great, nothing has changed..losing an ancient Iguodala doesn't make much of a difference IMO..

[monty4329]

Not sure about the Bucks running away with the east though. They lost a key player in Brogden and the Greek Freak got exposed. The guy can’t shoot and he will wear out in the POs due to his style of play. I think the Sixers would whoop that ass. Philly losing Butler is actually addition by subtraction. Although talented, the guy never actually does anything for you. He’s got the mentality that it’s all about him and puts himself on an island. Good riddance in my opinion.



The Sixers experiment is very interesting. They are enormous. If they find some kind of gameplan and stay healthy, they might steamroll the East. I think there is a good chance Brown is gone by year's end if they have a slow start (his in-game management is often questionable, and the Van Gundy bros are lurking). RS might be a challenge, but I think they are perfect for the playoffs. And btw without the KL superlucky shot they would have already won the title.

[timtonymanu]

Lakers being highly overrated in this thread.

Yes, Lebron and Davis are a great duo...but they pretty much have scraps outside of that. It's basically the 2017 Pelicans with Lebron and a broken Boogie.

The West is deeper and scarier than ever this year. Lebron will coast in the regular season per par, Green will have his annual quarter-season slump, and they are one injury away from missing the playoffs again imo.

:tu people are so quick to crown the Lakers yet the Spurs roster looks more complete than theirs.

[Marcus Bryant]

Spurs success will depend on overall offensive efficiency, DeRozan becoming more assertive and one of the young guards taking a step up. Defense should be where it needs to be.

[monty4329]

Did the Spurs' star power compare to OKC or the Heatles in 2014? Did we have any Top 15 players then?

Spurs will never be the best on paper but paper doesn't account for the Spurs system and Pop's greatness. LMA and DD aren't as good as other duos around the league, but none of the other duos have the quality that LMA and DD have behind them at 3-10.

It was a different NBA then.

Yes SA bench is long (maybe even too long), and it means nothing come PO time.

[monty4329]

:tu people are so quick to crown the Lakers yet the Spurs roster looks more complete than theirs.

it does, but I wouldn't want to underestimate them. They signed good players that complement decently LBJ and AD. And they'll get a couple of good buyout guys for sure. I hate that, but they are much more a contender for the title than the Spurs. Hope to be wrong.

[John B]

Spurs is the dark horse nobody are talking about. We have the depth, motivation and Pop. If Pop has the passion, and by the signing PATFO has been doing, I am convinced Pop is up to win it all. If Clippers were the feel good, overachiever team last year, prepare to be blindsided by a better organization. I suspect hassling, up and down transition offense. This would be the most athletic Spurs team in the last 15 years. It would be hard to scout this team because of depth. I just wish we could move either Mills or Belli for Baynes as insurance Big, and I would say Spurs are stacked to the brim.

I can’t wait for the season to start.

[Biggems]

It's going to be hard for the Rockets. Past their top 6 or 7 they're as thin as a coat of gold paint on a brick.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/houston-rockets/cap/

Yes, but like all Mike D teams, they are both thin on depth and high on regular season wins.....his main guys play way too many minutes during the 82, that come playoff time, they wear down easier.

[Biggems]

Spurs is the dark horse nobody are talking about. We have the depth, motivation and Pop. If Pop has the passion, and by the signing PATFO has been doing, I am convinced Pop is up to win it all. If Clippers were the feel good, overachiever team last year, prepare to be blindsided by a better organization. I suspect hassling, up and down transition offense. This would be the most athletic Spurs team in the last 15 years. It would be hard to scout this team because of depth. I just wish we could move either Mills or Belli for Baynes as insurance Big, and I would say Spurs are stacked to the brim.

I can’t wait for the season to start.

If Metu is legit, we have our insurance big, but he is a huge? at this point. I would love to get Baynes back.

[Hyperhypo]

Spurs will finish ahead of the Lakers

[vavvi]

The Sixers experiment is very interesting. They are enormous. If they find some kind of gameplan and stay healthy, they might steamroll the East. I think there is a good chance Brown is gone by year's end if they have a slow start (his in-game management is often questionable, and the Van Gundy bros are lurking). RS might be a challenge, but I think they are perfect for the playoffs. And btw without the KL superlucky shot they would have already won the title.

It's either Sixers or Bucks in the East if Giannis improves further. They have an easy path to ECF barring injuries tbh.
In the west even first round will be tough for any team.

[vavvi]

:tu people are so quick to crown the Lakers yet the Spurs roster looks more complete than theirs.

I've always rooted against the Lakers, LBJ and AD but we shouldn't forget how good those two are. AD & Lebron are the best duo in the league talent-wise.
With buyout guys they will contend. Hope to be wrong.

[TD 21]

I still don't think what I'm saying is conveying. I'm not saying the 76ers, Lakers and Rockets, are the Clippers or even Bucks equals or that I'd pick them in a series over them (presuming full health on both sides). I'm saying, they at least have a puncher's chance.

Whereas the 2nd tier, sure a bunch of them could (and in some cases, more than likely will) easily end up with better regular season records than most of the 1st tier, but they don't have the same upside in the playoffs due to their lack of superstar(s).


- The Warriors went from Durant, Thompson and Iguodala as the primary wing defenders to McKinnie, Russell, Robinson. That's a colossal drop off. Also, they've piled up the mileage the past 5 years and abruptly went from perennially thinking championship to having to bust a gut just to get in. That can't be an easy transition.

- The Rockets and Lakers definitely have implosion potential, but if there's anyone in this generation who's earned the benefit of the doubt, it's James (having Davis obviously helps) and if there's anyone who has recently in the regular season, it's Harden.

[Keepin' it real]

If there was any time for Demar and LMA to nut up, this would be the year.

Yup, I think they've been holding back until the perfect time. That time is NOW!

[cd021]

My GS assumption is that Klay is healthy by February..if he doesn't return, then ya, they're certainly far worse..

Curry/Klay/Draymond + a great system is still great, nothing has changed..losing an ancient Iguodala doesn't make much of a difference IMO..

The problem is that if he comes back by the All Star break, that's about 56 games missed. Their season could be over by then and then they'll have to think about when and if they bring him back. Also am really iffy about their supporting cast, they have to integrate new players too.

[OldMan88]

With nephew playing in the West, we’ll find out how congenital his quad condition is as every defender will be taking pot shots at his leg.

[gambit1990]

knew the bucks were fake this past season. could see philly or boston beating them.

tier 1: clips
rockets have moved up, as have the bucks since they signed the freak's brother. i figure the freak's brother is raw but he's gotta have some frame on him.

[gambit1990]

don't see it happening but i wonder what okc could turn some of their draft picks into via trade if they felt like competing this season.

cp3, alexander, gallo, adams... not a scrub core. would easily be a PO team in the east.

[Seventyniner]

I want to know what kind of odds I can get on the Lakers missing the playoffs. If I see +600 or more I would take a decent wager. That team is one major injury, or maybe even less, from imploding.

[slick'81]

I want to know what kind of odds I can get on the Lakers missing the playoffs. If I see +600 or more I would take a decent wager. That team is one major injury, or maybe even less, from imploding.

+525

[Seventyniner]

+525

Hmm. Thanks for the info, glad to see my guess was pretty close. It's tempting.

[exstatic]

This year's version of the Lakers is possibly the most overrated NBA team in history.

Next to Nash, Dwight, Kobe version and Payton,Malone,Kobe,Shaq version.