Co-Written by Grayson Obey & Spencer Wood
Welcome back, those who know ball! The NBA is back, just as we are so back. As we look ahead to another season of spectacular basketball, we took a look around the league to recap where they’re at, what moves they’ve made, what their preseason O/U win totals are, and if we think they’ll go over or under. Keep reading as we take you on a recap of the best league on the planet:
The Eastern Conference:
Milwaukee Bucks
Key Additions:
- Damian Lillard (Trade), Robin Lopez (FA), Malik Beasley (FA), Andre Jackson Jr (Draft), Chris Livingston (Draft), Cameron Payne (FA), Ty Ty Washington Jr. (FA), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Extension), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Re-signed), Jae Crowder (Re-signed), A.J. Green (Re-signed), Khris Middleton (Re-signed), Brook Lopez (Re-signed)
Key Losses:
- Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, Jevon Carter
ESPN Projected Record:
- 54-28 (Ball Father Project: O
Our Take:
- Giannis Antentokounmpo expressed a desire to continue to compete for championships, and the Bucks created a path forward, by adding superstar Damian Lillard. Both players are the best version of themselves with great spacing, and the gravity both players have will greatly complement each other. The trade also incentivized Giannis to sign a 3-year extension. They sacrifice defense with this move by moving Jrue Holiday, and the impact their role-players like Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, and Jordan Nwora can provide will be key to getting this team deep into the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
Key Additions:
- Jrue Holiday (Trade), Jaylen Brown (Richest contract extension ever), Kristaps Porzingis (Trade), Dalano Banton (FA), Oshae Brissett (FA), Svi Mykhailiuk (FA), Neemias Queta (FA), Lamar Stevens (FA), Jordan Walsh (Draft)
Key Losses:
- Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, Danilo Gallinari, Blake Griffin, Julian Champagnie
ESPN Projected Record:
- 55-27 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- A team identity disbanded, and with it, several members of the Celtics that have become faces of the franchise over the last few seasons. With the notable departures of Smart, Williams III, and G. Williams, the Celtics will look to replace a large part of their defensive identity with their acquisition of All-NBA caliber defender Jrue Holiday, and regain post presence with Kristaps “The Unicorn” Porzingis. There are some question marks at the center position with Porzingis and Al Horford causing some worry in regard to health and defensive prowess available at the cup when the postseason swings around. We expect this team to take some time to gel, which might lead to a regular season we’re not accustomed to from Boston, at least at the beginning. Don’t let this distract you from what they are capable of, however, as this team will certainly be in championship conversations as we near April.
New York Knicks
Key Additions:
- Donte DiVincenzo (FA), Josh Hart (Extension), Ryan Arcidiacono (FA), Duane Washington Jr. (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Obi Toppin, Derrick Rose, Isaiah Roby
ESPN Projected Record:
- 46-36 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- It was a relatively quiet offseason for the New York Knicks, who have not been able to win many free agent or trade destination battles as of late. The additions of Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo will certainly help shore up the depth of the team, but this team has yet to show us that they are ready to make the extra leap in the postseason (barring their statement win against the Cavaliers in the playoffs last season). What may lead to some breathing room in a powerful Eastern Conference is further acquisitions prior to the trade deadline to help bring in some additional firepower alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Currently, there are rumors heating up about a potential Joel Embid trade package in New York, so we might see just the earth-shaking move the Big Apple needs to compete. This Knicks team will be competent, gritty, and hungry to make some noise this year, but expectations are not that much higher than last year’s squad.
Philadelphia 76ers
Key Additions:
- Patrick Beverly (FA), Mo Bamba (FA), Kelly Oubre Jr. (FA), Paul Reed (Re-signed), Danny Green (FA)
Key Losses:
- Jalen McDaniels, Georges Niang, Shake Milton, Dewayne Dedmon, Montrezl Harrell
ESPN Projected Record:
- 47-35 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- This offseason was anything short of tumultuous for Philadelphia, after James Harden vowed to never be a part of an organization that 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey was a part of. Harden has made it clear he wants out via trade, and Philadelphia must be careful to keep a competitive team around reigning MVP Joel Embiid if they decide to do so. Embiid has made it crystal clear he expects to compete for championships every year, and tearing down and trading Harden for assets or cap space risks an Embiid trade request. They’ll expect big things out of 4th year guard Tyrese Maxey in the meantime. Can the 76ers hold things together, or are they on the brink of total collapse?
Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Additions:
- Max Strus (Sign & Trade), Georges Niang (FA), Emoni Bates (Draft), Caris LeVert (Re-Signed), Tristan Thompson (FA), Ty Jerome (FA), Damian Jones (Trade)
Key Losses:
- Cedi Osman, Danny Green, Robin Lopez, Lamar Stevens
ESPN Projected Record:
- 50-32 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- After making a big splash last season acquiring Donovan Mitchell and falling short in the playoffs, Cleveland sought to stockpile wings to patch the one glaring hole in last years roster construction. They resigned Caris Levert, and brought in sharpshooters Max Strus and Georges Niang, along with a high-upside prospect in Emoni Bates via the draft. Another season under Evan Mobley’s belt gives Cleveland another good chance at a deep run in the playoffs.
Miami Heat
Key Additions:
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Draft), Thomas Bryant (FA), R.J. Hampton (FA), Josh Richardson (FA), Cole Swider (FA), Kevin Love (Re-signed), Orlando Robinson (Extension), Jamal Cain (Extension), Dru Smith (FA)
Key Losses:
- Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Udonis Haslem, Victor Oladipo, Omer Yurtseven, Cody Zeller
ESPN Projected Record:
- 46-36 (Ball Father Project: U
Our Take:
- Miami lost out on the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, and also lost key rotation pieces in last year’s Finals run in Gabe Vincent and Max Strus. To repeat that kind of success this year, look to see more from recent 1st round draft picks Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr, and a motivated Tyler Herro, after a summer filled with trade rumors. To doubt the Miami Heat has shown to be a great mistake in the past. Look for them to develop more blue-chip rotation players from within and be playing their best basketball as the season ends.
Atlanta Hawks
Key Additions:
- Kobe Bufkin (Draft), Mouhamed Gueye (Draft), Seth Lundy (Draft), Wesley Matthews (FA), Patty Mills (Trade), DeJounte Murray (Extension), Onyeka Okongwu (Extension)
Key Losses:
- John Collins, Aaron Holiday
ESPN Projected Record:
- 41-41 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- After spending eons in trade rumors, Atlanta finally moved John Collins, and subsequently made space for their plethora of young wings (Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and Saddiq Bey) to see an increase in minutes. The season outcome will inevitably be decided by how Trae Young and DeJounte Murray can mesh in the backcourt.
Indiana Pacers
Key Additions:
- Tyrese Haliburton (Extension), Bruce Brown Jr. (FA), Obi Toppin (Trade), Jarace Walker (Draft), Ben Sheppard (Draft), Isaiah Wong (Draft), Oscar Tshiebwe (Draft), Aaron Nesmith (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Chris Duarte, George Hill, Oshae Brissett
ESPN Projected Record:
- 38-44 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- Most importantly in Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton was locked to a long term deal. With the addition of Bruce Brown and the upside of Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers will look to trade Buddy Hield, who could bring in more valuable assets to a young team filled with high-level prospects already. The potential for a resurgence from newly acquired Obi Toppin and rookie Jarace Walker will make the Pacers fun to watch, and a sneaky pick for the playoff tournament
Brooklyn Nets
Key Additions:
- Cam Johnson (Extension), Dennis Smith (FA), Lonnie Walker IV (FA), Harry Giles (FA), Trendon Watford (FA), Noah Clowney (Draft), Dariq Whitehead (Draft), Jalen Wilson (Draft)
Key Losses:
- Seth Curry, Joe Harris, Patty Mills, Yuta Watanabe, Edmond Sumner, Dru Smith
ESPN Projected Record:
- 39-43 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- Brooklyn’s ceiling will be heavily dictated by polarizing star Ben Simmons, who’s been plagued by injuries and struggled to play with confidence since the 2021 playoffs, but by all accounts appears to be in great shape and high spirits. They’ve committed to Mikal Bridges and his best friend, Cam Johnson, who signed a long term with a large contract extension as well. They’ve filled out an intriguing team around them, with a reshaped younger core rotation.
Orlando Magic
Key Additions:
- Anthony Black (Draft), Jett Howard (Draft), Joe Ingles (FA), Moritz Wagner (Re-signed), Cole Anthony (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Bol Bol, Michael Carter-Williams, Jay Scrubb
ESPN Projected Record:
- 38-44 (Ball Father Project: U
Our Take:
- The Magic look to build off of their blue-chip franchise pieces in Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, with the hope that another year under their belts will bring improvement to the teams record. They doubled down on Wagner’s, with the re-signing of Moritz Wagner and brought in Joe Ingles via free agency. The Orlando Wolverines track continues too, bringing in Michigan guard Jett Howard in the draft lottery along with Anthony Black.
Chicago Bulls
Key Additions:
- Jevon Carter (FA), Torrey Craig (FA), Ayo Dosunmu (Extension), Nikola Vucevic (Extension), Coby White (Extension), Julian Phillips (Draft)
Key Losses:
- Pat Beverley, Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr.
ESPN Projected Record:
- 37-45 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
Chicago seems destined to run back a team led by Demar DeRozan and Zach Lavine. They brought back Vucevic, and added solid rotation pieces in Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig. The pressure is really on this group to succeed now or risk a total teardown. All eyes around the Windy City are on Patrick Williams this season as well, who couldn’t agree on a rookie contract extension this summer.
Toronto Raptors
Key Additions:
- Dennis Schroder (FA), Jalen McDaniels (FA), Gradey Dick (Draft), Markquis Nowell (Draft), Jakob Poeltl (Re-signed), Ron Harper Jr. (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Fred VanVleet, Dalano Banton, Will Barton, Jeff Dowtin
ESPN Projected Record:
- 36-46 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- After being near the center of trade rumors for the end of last season and throughout the summer, the Raptors return this season largely the same as last year, retaining both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. They’ve subbed in Dennis Schroder after letting Fred VanVleet walk. It’s clear Toronto wants to build around Scottie Barnes, and in his 3rd year, they’ll look to see to what level he can expand his game to.
Detroit Pistons
Key Additions:
- Joe Harris (Trade), Monte Morris (Trade), Ausar Thompson (Draft), Marcus Sasser (Draft), Isaiah Stewart (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Rodney McGruder, Cory Joseph, Hamidou Diallo, Eugene Omoruyi, R.J. Hampton
ESPN Projected Record:
- 26-56 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- After former #1 pick Cade Cunningham went down for the season with a shin injury only 12 games into the season, last years Pistons season was quickly lost, and Detroit saw it’s second worst season in franchise history. Things seem better for this season, with a new coach in Monty Williams and a healthy Cunningham. The Pistons brought in quality vets, and their 5th pick, Ausar Thompson, looks to be ready to make a huge impact from day 1. This season will all be about if Cade Cunningham can prove to be the star piece many believe he can be. If Detroit seems destined to miss the playoffs once again this year, don’t be surprised to see them as bigger sellers near the deadline.
Charlotte Hornets
Key Additions:
- Brandon Miller (Draft), Nick Smith Jr. (Draft), Amari Bailey (Draft), Leaky Black (Draft), Frank Ntilikina (FA), Edmond Sumner (FA), LaMelo Ball (Extension), Theo Maledon (Extension), P.J. Washington (Extension), Miles Bridges (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Dennis Smith, Kelly Oubre Jr., Kai Jones, Svi Mykhailiuk
ESPN Projected Record:
- 30-52 (Ball Father Projection: U)
Our Take:
- Lottery luck blessed the Hornets with Brandon Miller, and they saw Nick Smith Jr slide to them late in the first. LaMelo Ball was signed to a max extension, and they retained key rotation pieces in Theo Maledon and P.J. Washington. Beyond this, there’s not much positive to say; Michael Jordan sold the team, and the offseason was surrounded by bad press thanks again to Miles Bridge as well as Kai Jones
Washington Wizards
Key Additions:
- Jordan Poole (Trade), Tyus Jones (Trade), Kyle Kuzma (Re-signed), Deni Advija (Extension), Danilo Gallinari (Trade), Mike Muscala (Trade), Jared Butler (FA), Ryan Rollins (Trade), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Trade), Landry Shamet (Trade), Bilal Coulibaly (Draft), Eugene Omoruyi (FA)
Key Losses:
- Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, Monte Morris, Jordan Goodwin, Isaiah Todd, Kendrick Nunn
ESPN Projected Record:
- 24-58 (Ball Father Projection: U)
Our Take:
- After years of comfortably coasting through the middle of the league standings, the Wizards finally blew it up, shipping Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis in deals that left them a haul of future picks, along with key future starting pieces in Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones. They also resigned Kyle Kuzma and Deni Advija, and drafted Victor Wembanyama’s Mets 92 teammate in wing Bilal Coulibaly. The haul will kickstart a Wizards rebuild with eyes on the future.
The Western Conference:
Denver Nuggets
Key Additions:
- Julian Strawther (Draft), Jalen Pickett (Draft), Reggie Jackson (Re-signed), DeAndre Jordan (Re-signed)
Key Losses:
- Bruce Brown, Jeff Green
ESPN Projected Record:
- 54-28 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- Denver certainly didn’t shake things up much after their 2023 NBA Title run. They retained veterans (Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan), but saw one of their key pieces from last years run, Bruce Brown, leave in free agency. This will open the door for emerging sophomore Christian Braun to step into a more impactful role from the jump.
Phoenix Suns
Key Additions:
- Bradley Beal (Trade), Jusuf Nurkic (Trade), Josh Okogie (Re-signed), Grayson Allen (Trade), Bol Bol (FA), Drew Eubanks (FA), Eric Gordon (FA), Nassir Little (FA), Chimezie Metu (FA), Yuta Watanaba (FA), Damion Lee (Re-signed), Keita Bates-Diop (FA)
Key Losses:
- Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, Cameron Payne, Torrey Craig, Jock Landale, Bismack Biyombo, Landry Shamet, T.J. Warren
ESPN Projected Record:
- 51-31 (Ball Father Projection: O)
Our Take:
- Bradley Beal. Devin Booker. Kevin Durant. Let’s paint a picture for a moment on what teams could afford to allow Bradley Beal to be guarded by their 3rd defensive option. The spacing this team is capable of is mesmerizing, and we will be sure to see a high-powered offense in the desert as the season moves along. Did we forget to mention they have Jusuf Nurkic lurking in the post? With depth being a major concern for this team as they pay their big three, Phoenix surprisingly made a splash in some of their acquisitions to help round-out their roster. Additions such as Yuta Watanabe, Drew Eubanks, Keita Bates-Diop, Eric Gordon, Bol Bol, and more make this one of the more fascinating teams to follow as the season progresses. One thing to keep an eye on is the team’s defensive identity moving forward, and especially as they approach the trade deadline and playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
Key Additions:
- Rui Hachimura (Re-signed), D’Angelo Russell (Re-signed), Austin Reaves (Re-signed), Gabe Vincent (FA), Jalen Hood-Schifino (Draft), Cam Reddish (FA), Taurean Prince (FA), Christian Wood (FA)
Key Losses:
- Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker IV, Troy Brown Jr., Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley
ESPN Projected Record:
- 46-36 (Ball Father Projection: O)
Our Take:
- The Lakers brought in a breadth of new faces and re-signed a few key players this offseason. The tandem of Anthony Davis and LeBron James will look to be another dominant duo out west, this time with much higher preseason expectations due to an improved roster. The late additions of both Hachimura and Russell last season had injected new life into the guard and forward positions that was sorely missing since the 2020 Lakers championship run, and that isn’t to mention their extension of fan-favorite Austin Reaves or acquisition of other new role-players. This season will test the Lakers squad against their new rivals in Denver, as well as the new face Celtics and Bucks out East.
Golden State Warriors
Key Additions:
- Chris Paul (Trade), Draymond Green (Re-signed), Brandin Podziemski (Draft), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Draft), Cory Joseph (FA), Dario Saric (FA)
Key Losses:
- Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo, Andre Iguodala, Ty Jerome
ESPN Projected Record:
- 47-35 (Ball Father Projection: U)
Our Take:
- While the Warriors will always be hard to bet against, one has to see their offseason as a little hectic, to say the least. A breakup between young star Jordan Poole and the Warriors organization led to a trade for future HOF player and veteran Chris Paul, who looks to be slotted into their starting lineup. However, the Warriors will not have Poole’s 20 PPG available with Chris Paul, so question marks begin to emerge on where they will look for the missing production on the team. While we believe this team will still be dangerous in the playoffs, they don’t seem likely to make as much regular season noise as some of the top teams in either conference. As we begin to learn more about Chris Paul and his role on offense, this picture may just become crystal clear, however.
Memphis Grizzlies
Key Additions:
- Desmond Bane (Extension), Marcus Smart (Trade), Derrick Rose (FA), G.G. Jackson (Draft)
Key Losses:
- Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones, Steven Adams (Season-ending surgery)
ESPN Projected Record:
- 44-38 (Ball Father Projection: O)
Our Take:
- While the Grizzlies will be without star PG Ja Morant for the first 25 games due to suspension, they made sure to find some great talent to replace him during the stretch. The additions of Rose and Smart will keep the PG spot alive while the young Grizzlies seek to deepen a playoff run this season when Ja rejoins the team. However, they will still face adversity out west, especially without the talents of Dillon Brooks, top-backup Tyus Jones, and recently-injured Steven Adams. This team has had success without Ja in the past, and we think they’ll be able to make things work.
LA Clippers
Key Additions:
- Russell Westbrook (Re-signed), Kenyon Martin Jr. (Trade), Mason Plumlee (Re-signed), Kobe Brown (Draft), Jordan Miller (Draft)
Key Losses:
– Eric Gordon, Jason Preston
ESPN Projected Record:
- 45-37 (Ball Father Projection: U)
Our Take:
- The Clippers had a slow offseason, with their major moves being the re-signing of Russell Westbrook for a small deal, bringing back Plumlee, and trading two 2nd round picks for Rockets Forward Kenyon Martin Jr. The team raises many eyes and questions due to the league’s new rules on resting players, which was seemingly instituted and directed mainly at the All-Star Clipper duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who have played 38 total games together last season, and only 62 of 164 home games in their LA careers. Leonard, who is perhaps the face of the load management conflict, issued a statement that said that the new rules will not make him play more than what he believes he can. There are a lot of questions surrounding this team, and it will certainly be a group we will be watching closely.
Sacramento Kings
Key Additions:
- Harrison Barnes (Extension), Domantas Sabonis (Extension), Chris Duarte (Trade), JaVale McGee (FA), Trey Lyles (Re-signed), Alex Len (Re-signed), Sasha Vezenkov (FA), Colby Jones (Draft), Jalen Slawson (Draft)
Key Losses:
- Richaun Holmes, Terence Davis, Chimezie Metu, Neemias Queta
ESPN Projected Record:
- 47-35 (Ball Father Projection: O)
Our Take:
- Light the Beam! The Sacramento Kings will seek to run it back this year with their historic offensive production, and will hopefully avoid another run-in with the Splash Bros in the postseason. The team managed to add several assets while protecting what is already theirs, which is exemplified by their acquisition of EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov (someone who may be a Noah Lyles fan), extension of star big-man Domantas Sabonis, and trade for solid backup guard Chris Duarte. This team will certainly take the league by storm as when their opening game rolls around, and we might just be in a new era of the Sacramento Kings.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Key Additions:
- Davis Bertans (Via Trade), Cason Wallace (Draft), Keyontae Johnson (Draft), Vasilije Micic (Draft), Olivier Sarr (Re-signed), Lindy Waters III (Re-signed)
Key Losses:
- Dario Saric, Jared Butler, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
ESPN Projected Record:
- 45-37 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- It may finally be time for OKC to really make some noise in the Western Conference. The team didn’t make many moves in the off-season, with their primary move being moving Victor Oladipo’s contract off the books, and gaining some picks in return for receiving (and immediately waiving) Kevin Porter Jr. The team will be just fine without many moves, as the tandem of Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, and recent #10 pick Cason Wallace will be a terror for teams in the season (and future!) to come. We believe this team will shatter expectations similarly to how the Kings took the league by surprise last year, and they will certainly be one of the most entertaining rosters to watch go to work.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Additions:
- Leonard Miller (Draft), Jaylen Clark (Draft), Troy Brown Jr. (FA), Shake Milton (FA), Daishen Nix (FA), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Re-signed), Anthony Edwards (Extension), Luka Garza (Extension), Naz Reid (Extension), Jaden McDaniels (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Taurean Prince, Austin Rivers, Matt Ryan, Jaylen Nowell
ESPN Projected Record:
- 43-39 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- The Timberwolves locked themselves into several large contracts for the future this offseason, most notably resigning superstar Anthony Edwards to a max deal, and extending Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. There is very real optimism that Anthony Edwards is ready to make another leap and become one of the best players in the league, especially after an impressive summer with Team USA. Time will tell though if the pairing of twin towers Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns can gel on the court and bring success to Minnesota.
New Orleans Pelicans
Key Additions:
- Herb Jones (Extension), Cody Zeller (FA), Jordan Hawkins (Draft), Matt Ryan (FA)
Key Losses:
- Jaxson Hayes, Josh Richardson, Willy Hernangomez
ESPN Projected Record:
- 42-40 (Ball Father Project: O)
Our Take:
- A quiet offseason for the Pelicans and their moves, but one question rises above them all: How much will we see of Zion Williamson? The All-Star caliber forward has has been nagged by several injuries in his young career, but recent offseason updates about Zion looking healthy and spending much more time in New Orleans for training bodes well for the Pelicans and their fans. Outside of this, locking down a potential All-Defensive player in Herb Jones for the next few years on an inexpensive deal was a highlight for the team, as was bringing in veteran center Cody Zeller to fill the void left by Jaxson Hayes. Jordan Hawkins, who is fresh off an NCAA Championship win with the UConn Huskies, will seek to find his role develop as a talented shooter on a talented offensive team. If this team remains healthy, they could make a serious case for being one of the West’s most formidable teams.
Dallas Mavericks
Key Additions:
- Kyrie Irving (Re-signed), Grant Williams (Sign & Trade), Dereck Lively II (Draft), Dwight Powell (Re-Signed), Richaun Holmes (Trade), Derrick Jones Jr. (FA), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Draft), Seth Curry (FA), Greg Brown III (FA), Derrick Jones (FA), Josh Green (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Christian Wood, Davis Bertans, JaVale McGee, Reggie Bullock
ESPN Projected Record:
- 43-39 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- The Dallas Mavericks made a potentially risky investment by re-signing star PG Kyie Irving to a 3-year deal with a player option in year 3. The interest for Irving seemed low in the offseason, but the Mavericks made sure to protect their asset they traded for last season and locked him in for the next few years alongside league icon Luka Doncic. Some additions on the perimeter with Seth Curry, the post with Dereck Lively II (and potentially Grant Williams in a small-ball lineup), and a wing in draftee Olivier-Maxence Prosper will certainly help Irving and Doncic put together a competent season. While the team might have some firepower, their defensive prowess still remains to be proven, as it was Dallas’ fatal flaw last year (beyond the less-than-ideal roster). They will have a tough road ahead against some of the giants in the west, but we all know both Kyrie and Luka have what it takes to give their opponents the business.
Utah Jazz
Key Additions:
- John Collins (Trade), Keyonte George (Draft), Taylor Hendricks (Draft), Brice Sensabaugh (Draft), Omer Yurtseven (FA), Josh Christopher (FA), Jordan Clarkson (Extension), Johnny Juzang (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Rudy Gay, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Udoka Azubuike
ESPN Projected Record:
- 37-45 (Ball Father Project: U
Our Take:
- After selling off Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last season, Utah surprised many with their fast start, thanks to the surprise leap of Lauri Markannen. They drafted well this season, adding forward Taylor Hendricks, along with John Collins via trade, to fill out their forward depth. They also added Keyonte George, who will likely see a chance to crack the starting rotation, battling against Kris Dunn and Talen Horton-Tucker. Depending on the growth of All-Rookie Big Walker Kessler, we could see Utah take a jump up the standings from last year’s finish.
San Antonio Spurs
Key Additions:
- Victor Wembanyama (Draft), Cedi Osman (Trade), Sidy Cissoko (Draft), Julian Champagnie (Extension), Tre Jones (Extension), Zach Collins (Extension), Sandro Mamukelashvili (FA), Devin Vassell (Extension)
Key Losses:
- Keita Bates-Diop, Khem Birch, Gorgui Dieng, Romeo Langford
ESPN Projected Record:
- 27-55 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- Spirits are surely high in San Antonio, after landing French phenom Victor Wembanyama. Through summer league and preseason, he’s been as advertised – wowing with his unique combination of otherworldly length and high-IQ creation. Despite the high praise, it’s reasonable to expect the rookie to struggle at times as he makes his adjustment to an 82-game NBA season. The Spurs made good work to lock in some of their core for the early years of Wembanyama’s rookie contract, with the extensions of Devin Vassell and Zach Collins.
Houston Rockets
Key Additions:
- Fred VanVleet (FA), Dillon Brooks (FA), Jock Landale (FA), Jeff Green (FA), Reggie Bullock (FA), Aaron Holiday (FA), Amen Thompson (Draft), Cam Whitmore (Draft)
Key Losses:
- Kevin Porter Jr., Kenyon Martin Jr., Ty Ty Washington, Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher, Dashien Nix
ESPN Projected Record:
- 29-53 (Ball Father Project: O
Our Take:
- Houston made big splashes this offseason, starting with the hiring of Ime Udoka, who brought in established veteran free agents Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jock Landale, and Jeff Green. They also saw the addition of two highly touted draft picks, in Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. The Rockets went from a team desperate for veteran presence throughout the roster to one filled with players with proven track records. Ultimately, this Rockets team’s ceiling will be dictated by 3rd-year cornerstones Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Portland Trail Blazers
Key Additions:
- Scoot Henderson (Draft), Kris Murray (Draft), Deandre Ayton (Trade), Robert Williams III (Trade), Malcolm Brogdon (Trade), Matisse Thybulle (Re-signed), Jerami Grant (Re-signed), Toumani Camara (Draft), Rayan Rupert (Draft), Ish Wainwright (FA)
Key Losses:
- Damian Lillard, Drew Eubanks, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, Kevin Knox II, Jusuf Nurkic, Cam Reddish, Trendon Watford, Justise Winslow
ESPN Projected Record:
- 24-58 (Ball Father Project: U)
Our Take:
- With the Damian Lillard era ending in dramatic fashion in Portland, the Trailblazers will now be able to focus their attention on Scoot Henderson’s development as well as gaining additional assets to begin stocking their future war chest. While this team has had some exciting additions already in Williams, Ayton, and a Murray brother, youth and inexperience permeates the majority of the roster. We think the Blazers may have another bottom-10 season ahead as they will march towards another lottery pick to complement their new regime. Keep an eye out for potential moves involving Brogdon and Williams, as this Blazers team might have a few more tricks up their sleeve prior to the trade deadline.
Spencer Wood 