Last update 31 March, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Oklahoma City Thunder
Again, highest aspirations season which occurs in Oklahoma. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and company will want to return to the NBA Finals and get the first ring in recent history. For it, They have maintained the block last season. The only important men has left the team Kevin Martin, that has towards Minnesota. For this reason, a step is envisaged both Jeremy Lamb as Reggie Jackson, who will be the leaders of the second unit Scott Brooks. The only arrivals to consider are the rookie center Steven Adams and Ryan Gomes of the eaves, although it is not expected to have an important role in the team. one more year, Durant and Westbrook will be those who will pull the wagon team to try to return the team to the finals, where we already were in the 2011/12.
The starting lineup, Failing that recovers Westbrook (He will miss the first month of competition) It will be formed by Jackson, Sefolosha, over, Ibaka y Perkins.
Forecast: 1º
Denver Nuggets
Summer changes within the Nuggets. First of all, It surprised no continuity of George Karl, which he was chosen coach of the year last regular season. His place on the bench will occupy Brian Shaw, outdone disciple of Frank Vogel on Pacers to date, and will debut as coach. In the configuration of the template they have occurred remarkable high and low. The most striking case is that of Iguodala, Now a team like the Warriors, and Corey Brewer as important secondary and Kosta Koufos left the discipline of the team. To cover the losses, Nate Robinson arrived, revaluated after their playoffs with Bulls, Darrell Arthur, JJ Hickson y Randy Foye. Players with several years in the league and the team that will provide a good competitive level.
Our bet for the 5 Lawson is the owner, Foye, Gallinari, Faried, Hickson.
Forecast: 2º
Minnesota Timberwolves
Adelman follows the front of a team led by Kevin Love, who has already overcome the problems in his hand. It has come to be important people like Kevin Martin and Corey Brewer, and also they have maintained the important block last year with the renewal of Nikola Pekovic. Draftearon a Shabazz Muhammad, talented but troubled player to focus solely on basketball, there Gorgui Dieng, African pivot that NCAA champion proclaimed with Louisville. The main objective of the team will be going into playoffs, To do this you need to avoid injuries, problem that has stoked the Wolves the last two seasons in the NBA. They have a deep bench where we find good players like Barea, Shved, Brewer, Derrick Williams, Dante Cunningham and the two rookies above, so Adelman can do extensive rotation.
The quintet will be comprised Ricky, Martin, Budinger, Love y Pekovic. Count on
Forecast: 3º
Portland Trail Blazers
Season continuity in Portland, with a young team that should continue to improve and will continue led by Terry Stotts from the bench. Lillard and Aldridge will be the leaders of the team again. A) Yes, They have done with Mo Williams services, Robin Lopez and Dorell Wright, besides CJ McCollum who came from the draft. To them must be added the improvement expected of men like Meyers Leonard and Thomas Robinson. Output chapter only highlights the absence of JJ Hickson, The former starting center equipment, In addition to high performance. It is expected that the team should take a step forward and improve the results of last season.
The quintet will equal that of last season except for the aforementioned Hickson, although they will have more minutes of rest. Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge, Leonard.
Forecast: 4º
Utah Jazz
The Jazz live a season of transition, after losing their best players. Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Mo Williams and Randy Foye left the Energy Solutions Arena. Besides, veteran players have come from those who do not expect much, last year of contract, with the aim of freeing cap space next summer to qualify for good players to rebuild. They do not expect great things from Biedrins, Jefferson, Rush John Lucas III. Since the draft was entrusted the leadership of the team Trey Burke, Based from Michigan, where he did a great university championship last season, leading his team to the final. The draft also French pivot Rudy Gobert came. Hayward, Favors and Kanter must step forward to become team leaders and strive to make a decent season as possible.
The quintet believe that will be formed by Burke, Hayward, Marvin Williams, Favors, edges,
Forecast: 5º
