This 2019-20 NBA season will be one for the ages. The 2019 offseason may have been one of the best in league’s history with eight 2019 All-Stars changing teams, making the league more balanced. Plus, they are at least two All-Star recovering from injuries which put their new teams in a strange situation. There is no clear cut favorite to take the title, but it’s never too early to think about NBA Power Rankings.
These rankings are based on offseason moves as each franchise heads into a new year. As an analyst, there are many things to consider, like chemistry, injuries, and just the ability to play solid team basketball. With that said, this is simply my opinion at this time; not standings etched in stone.
Here are our NBA Power Rankings: Post-Free Agency Edition:
30. Cleveland Cavaliers
What have the Cavs done over the summer to suggest they won’t be vying for the No. 1 pick next season? If the rumors are true that they’re shopping Kevin Love, then another season of tanking is in order.
29. Memphis Grizzlies
The rebuild is officially on in Memphis. With the trade of Mike Conley, the Grizzlies can now focus on the new. However, wins will be scarce this season.
28. Charlotte Hornets
What’s going on down south? Michael Jordan has no clue either. The Hornets lowballed Kemba Walker, and yet they continue to pay hefty contracts to players who will never wear an All-Star uniform. Go figure.
27. Oklahoma City Thunder
What just happened here? Russell Westbrook is gone along with Paul George, replacing that tandem with Chris Paul and picks.
26. Dallas Mavericks
Kristaps Porzingis has been labeled the next Dirk Nowitzki, so it’s only fitting he takes the mantle. But is he ready? The Mavs have a young nucleus, but do they have the necessary experience to win the close games?
25. Sacramento Kings
The Kings’ backcourt could be as good as any in the league. They’re young, eager, and just want to win. It’s the rest of the roster the Sacramento has to make adjustments to.
24. Atlanta Hawks
Can Trae Young do more? He’s leading this young team along with PF John Collins, and for them to make a move up the standings, both players will have to take on that leadership role for 82 games.
23. Washington Wizards
A team to be on the lookout for if they can stay healthy. What’s mind-boggling is that there are rumors that the Wizards may have Bradley Beal on the trade block. Just goes to show why they can’t stay consistent on the floor.
22. Chicago Bulls
Sooner or later, they will get things right in the Windy City. When will Zach LaVine take that next step to star status? The Bulls are on track to make strides in 2019.
21. New York Knicks
The Knicks will be competitive in 2019. But, will that amount to more wins? Despite their influx of frontcourt players, they are deep and they’re still in the Eastern Conference. It’s a crowded team, but also one with experience.
20. Phoenix Suns
One season, it will all come together, and 2019 could be that year. With the addition of Ricky Rubio, the Suns finally have a backcourt that can cause problems. Now it’s all about hoping the youth can catch up with the potential.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves continue to disappoint and it won’t be shocking if one or two of their starters make it past the trade deadline.
18. New Orleans Pelicans
The loss of Davis will sting, but you can count his playoff appearances on two fingers since entering the league. The young core they have now will be fun to watch.
17. Miami Heat
The addition of Jimmy Butler gives them a face, but does that translate into wins? Defense will not be an issue but scoring the ball may be a major concern.
16. San Antonio Spurs
DeMar DeRozan should be energized this coming season after seeing his former team walk away as champs. Gregg Popovich has his work cut out for him.
15. Orlando Magic
The Magic snuck into the playoffs last season, but how long can they continue to count on D.J. Augustine as a lead guard? The development of Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier has been fun to watch.
14. Detroit Pistons
Can the powerful frontcourt of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond find a way to make an impact? The Pistons added some firepower, but is it enough?
13. Toronto Raptors
Talk about a heartbreaking offseason. The Raptors win the championship then lose a top-3 player in the process. They will run it back, but is Kyle Lowry ready to hear the whispers again?
12. Golden State Warriors
This will be the season we see what Stephen Curry is made of without Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson by his side. He is now the leader of a new Big 3… with D’Angelo Russell and Draymond Green.
11. Brooklyn Nets
No need to count Kevin Durant. This now becomes the Kyrie Irving show and the Nets may regret this. But, this is still the East, so the playoffs are a lock for this new-look squad.
10. Utah Jazz
The Jazz are banking on defense to win and hoping Donovan Mitchell can take the next step as the role of leader. With a true point guard in Mike Conley, the Jazz could pose a real threat.
9. Boston Celtics
The Kyrie Irving for Kemba Walker swap adds no excitement. Losing Al Horford and gaining Enes Kanter is not that special. The Celtics are in the same position they were last year, and the year before.
8. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are going to score some points this year and they will be much improved on the defensive end. Philadelphia and Milwaukee should not be so quick to claim that East throne in 2019.
7. Denver Nuggets
Despite the Lakers and Clippers having high title hopes, the Nuggets are one of the top teams out West. They have the experience now, they just need to put the pieces together.
6. Portland Trail Blazers
If they can just stay healthy, the Blazers are a problem. The backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are the real deal. Their success hinges on the health of Jusuf Nurkic.
5. Houston Rockets
James Harden and Russell Westbrook are back together. They’re now the most feared backcourt in the NBA, but it’s up to the role players to determine how far they will go.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Everyone is praising the Clippers for adding Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but putting them as the top team is a bit extreme. Good defense, but they need more.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
With Kawhi Leonard out West, the Bucks are hoping last season was not a fluke. The team has revamped their bench while signing key players to make sure they can run it back.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have added the right pieces after the Anthony Davis trade. Adding Danny Green and signing DeMarcus Cousins makes the Lakers more of a threat than the Clippers.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
Jimmy Butler leaving was the best move that could have happened for the 76ers. Their bench got stronger, plus they were able to add the necessary frontcourt help they needed.
The post NBA Power Rankings: Post-Free Agency Edition appeared first on ClutchPoints.
