May 8, 2019
11:47:28am
11:47:28am
OK, this article is more speculation than substance, but I would LOVE it if
Kyrie actually did choose the Nets.
There is a distinct possibility that we go into next year with the best teams looking something like this (Not necessarily in this order):
CHAMPIONSHIP TIER
Milwaukee - If they can resign Middleton and Brogdon, they will have (possibly) the best player in the NBA surrounded by a deep supporting cast.
Golden State - Let's assume Durant bolts, they still have Curry, Klay, Draymond and likely attract a couple of MLE guys to stay competitive.
Philadelphia - Let's assume Butler re-signs and Harris bolts - they are still a top three team in the East with a shot at the finals.
Houston - Paul will be a year older, but Morey has been very good at finding contributors to fill in around him and Harden.
Boston - For sake of argument, lets guess that Kyrie leaves and they trade for Davis anyway - They have Brown, Rozier, Horford, Davis, Smart, maybe Hayward gets healthy........is that a title contender? Probably not, but don't underestimate a motivated Davis.
Denver - If Harris and Murray continue to develop, and IF Michael Porter comes back from injury and can contribute, I think they join this tier.
LA Clippers - Kawahii comes to Clipperland to join Gallinari, Lou Williams, Harrell, SGA.....in a post-Durant GSW world, I think that can contend.
NOT CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL, BUT COULD UPSET ANY OF THE ABOVE IN A PLAYOFF SERIES
New York Knicks - Durant and Zion and a bunch of young guys isn't going to win you a championship, but could KD carry the Knicks over any of the East favorites? Yup.
Portland - Lillard and McCollum with a healthy Nurkic could give anybody above trouble.
Utah - Still not Championship material, but if they can add one more scorer, they will be super dangerous.
OKC - I think they're on the decline, but if George is healthy in the postseason, they will be tough.
Indiana - If Dipo comes back at 100%, they could be a top 3 team in the East.
Nets - Even with Kyrie, I think they are wayyyy outside the Champ Tier, but no one would want to face Kyrie, Russell, LeVert, and Dinwiddie in the playoffs.
So two years removed from an NBA where we would start the year knowing who was going to the finals, we will have up to 7 legitimate contenders and at least 6 teams who could take down just about anyone in the playoffs. I'm cheering for maximum chaos in the FA market this summer so it can happen!
There is a distinct possibility that we go into next year with the best teams looking something like this (Not necessarily in this order):
CHAMPIONSHIP TIER
Milwaukee - If they can resign Middleton and Brogdon, they will have (possibly) the best player in the NBA surrounded by a deep supporting cast.
Golden State - Let's assume Durant bolts, they still have Curry, Klay, Draymond and likely attract a couple of MLE guys to stay competitive.
Philadelphia - Let's assume Butler re-signs and Harris bolts - they are still a top three team in the East with a shot at the finals.
Houston - Paul will be a year older, but Morey has been very good at finding contributors to fill in around him and Harden.
Boston - For sake of argument, lets guess that Kyrie leaves and they trade for Davis anyway - They have Brown, Rozier, Horford, Davis, Smart, maybe Hayward gets healthy........is that a title contender? Probably not, but don't underestimate a motivated Davis.
Denver - If Harris and Murray continue to develop, and IF Michael Porter comes back from injury and can contribute, I think they join this tier.
LA Clippers - Kawahii comes to Clipperland to join Gallinari, Lou Williams, Harrell, SGA.....in a post-Durant GSW world, I think that can contend.
NOT CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL, BUT COULD UPSET ANY OF THE ABOVE IN A PLAYOFF SERIES
New York Knicks - Durant and Zion and a bunch of young guys isn't going to win you a championship, but could KD carry the Knicks over any of the East favorites? Yup.
Portland - Lillard and McCollum with a healthy Nurkic could give anybody above trouble.
Utah - Still not Championship material, but if they can add one more scorer, they will be super dangerous.
OKC - I think they're on the decline, but if George is healthy in the postseason, they will be tough.
Indiana - If Dipo comes back at 100%, they could be a top 3 team in the East.
Nets - Even with Kyrie, I think they are wayyyy outside the Champ Tier, but no one would want to face Kyrie, Russell, LeVert, and Dinwiddie in the playoffs.
So two years removed from an NBA where we would start the year knowing who was going to the finals, we will have up to 7 legitimate contenders and at least 6 teams who could take down just about anyone in the playoffs. I'm cheering for maximum chaos in the FA market this summer so it can happen!
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