16. Atlanta Hawks
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 23Fantasy MVP = PF Paul Millsap (quietly kept Hawks afloat after Al Horford went down for the year)
The Hawks deserve a lot of credit for hanging in there and competing after Al Horford tore his pectoral. After not cashing in big last summer, Jeff Teague took a step forward as a Mike Conley-lite kind of player, and they hit gold with Kyle Korver. An upgrade at small forward is sorely needed, and with their cap space and roster flexibility, consider them a dark horse in the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes.
15. Charlotte HORNETS
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 28Fantasy MVP = Al Jefferson (has finally found a home in Charlotte)
Other than Cleveland, the biggest winner in the draft lottery was the Hornets. With Detroit slipping one spot down to ninth in the lottery, they had to forfeit their first round pick to Charlotte. This is a massive development for an up and coming team fresh off a surprise playoff appearance. It’s even better news considering their own pick was already shipped to the Bulls. Charlotte won’t find an elite rim-protecting center at pick eight, but look for them to add some 3-point shooting. Doug McDermott makes a ton of sense here, unless Michael Jordan has flashbacks to drafting another elite Caucasian college player high in the draft (2006, Adam Morrison). Either way, the future finally looks bright for the Hornets.
14. Chicago Bulls
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 2Fantasy MVP = PF/C Joakim Noah (finally got his due for his defensive prowess this season)
Dreams of a championship run immediately turned to tanking when Derrick Rose was lost because of a torn meniscus. Unfortunately for Bulls fans, Chicago couldn’t even successfully tank, and ended up fourth in the Eastern Conference. Things aren’t all bad though, as they have the cap space to add a max contract. Chicago will be one of the first teams mentioned when Kevin Love or Carmelo Anthony are discussed. In addition to cap space, the Bulls boast two first round picks at 16 and 19 (you’ll know where that came from if you were paying attention reading about the previous team). We don’t expect Chicago to use both of those picks, with the odds of them using one or both in a sign in trade or to move up in the draft or more likely.
13. Toronto Raptors
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 20Fantasy MVP = PG Kyle Lowry (most notable All-Star snub this year)
The young Raptors roared to life after ball-hogging Rudy Gay was sent to Sacramento, but it’s not a guarantee that they bring the same core back next season. Kyle Lowry, who was a monster all season and the catalyst for Toronto’s post-Rudy success, is a free agent. Fortunately for the Raptors, the number of teams that will be looking to spend big money on a point guard is low, so they shouldn’t have to break the bank to keep him. Don’t expect Toronto to make any huge splashes in free agency (because you know, they play in Toronto), as it makes the most sense for them to bring their core back and let them develop for another season.
12. Dallas Mavericks
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 11Fantasy MVP = PF Dirk Nowitzki (massive bounce back year after injury plagued 2012-13)
Since winning the 2010-11 title, Dallas has whiffed on landing major free agents, and instead settled for short-term, non-cap clogging contracts. This year that strategy paid off with a spiriting playoff appearance against San Antonio. We should expect the Mavericks to make their usual run at the top free agents, before settling for solid cheap veterans to fill out their roster when they inevitably whiff.
11. Memphis Grizzlies
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 9Fantasy MVP = PG Mike Conley (steady contributor all season, especially when Marc Gasol was injured)
Memphis pushed Oklahoma City to the brink in round 1, but an untimely Zach Randolph suspension derailed their hopes of winning a Game 7. We wrote that their lack of perimeter scoring would be their undoing, and that is exactly what happened. Adding a 2 or 3 that can score and stretch the floor is of utmost importance.
10. Golden State Warriors
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 10Fantasy MVP = PG Stephen Curry (has he finally put health concerns to rest?)
We’re not sure how switching from one color analyst to another will make a difference barring a major roster shakeup. Golden State is very interested in Kevin Love, but without draft picks to offer and no desire to move Klay Thompson, we don’t see that happening. Regardless of whether or not they are successful in adding Love, moving David Lee to provide better floor spacing is a priority.
9. Houston Rockets
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 4Fantasy MVP = SG James Harden (not as consistent as last year, but still productive)
Reportedly, Houston is doing everything in it’s power to construct it’s own Big 3. James Harden and Dwight Howard proved to be an effective duo, and either Anthony or Love make sense as possible additions. Houston could’ve very easily won every game of their first round series against Portland, so unless they add a max-level player, they shouldn’t blow anything up.
8. Brooklyn Nets
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 7Fantasy MVP = SF Paul Pierce (surprisingly valuable in his first season away from Boston)
A disappointing season from start to finish doesn’t leave much reason for optimism. They don’t own their first round pick for the next five years, which is insane. They’ll likely lose both Paul Pierce (to another team) and Kevin Garnett (to retirement), but are too far over the salary cap to replace them with elite talent. Swinging a trade would be the only way Brooklyn could do anything, but there aren’t any particularly desirable assets the Nets own. At least Brook Lopez will be back, but there’s no guarantee he returns to his previous All-Star form after a second surgery on his foot. We wouldn’t be shocked at all if the 2017 and 2018 first round picks owed to the Celtics are both in the lottery.
7. Washington Wizards
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 15Fantasy MVP = PG John Wall (the top point guard in the East)
This year’s winner of “team that gave it’s fan base the most hope for the future”, Washington is poised to make a jump to an elite level next season. John Wall made the leap to a legit franchise player, and it doesn’t look like Bradley Beal is that far behind him. Wall and Beal could be the top backcourt in the NBA by this time next season. Bringing back Marcin Gortat is vital to Washington’s chances of remaining relevant, but we fully expect that to happen. Their first round pick is headed to Phoenix, and with little cap space any improvement next year will have to come from within.
6. Portland Trail Blazers
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 12Fantasy MVP = PF LaMarcus Aldridge (showed in playoffs he can carry a title contending team)
Portland made solid strides this season in winning their first playoff series in fourteen years, and the roster is young enough to still develop more. Having a bench that consists of more than just Mo Williams would be a good start to improving their chances of advancing further in the ridiculous Western Conference.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
No Credentials Pre-Season Rank = 5Fantasy MVP = PF Blake Griffin (holy free throw percentage Batman!)
The Clippers had numerous things to feel great about this year (Blake Griffin becoming a legitimate MVP candidate, officially dominating L.A. with the demise of the Lakers), but their insane owner washed most of that away. Due to the likely drawn out legal proceedings that will be necessary to resolve the Clippers ownership situation, they are the hardest team to forecast going into the off-season. Our best guess is there will be no significant player additions, but the same core along with Doc Rivers will return for 2014-15.
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