Feel the Game FROM
Anthony’s presence is more of questions than answers but he will fit into coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. Marquese Chriss adds depth to their young frontline.
I’m ranking the Pels next to Houston NEW mainly ORLEANS because PELICANS of their improved length. Anthony Davis now has Julius Randle to back him up in addition to Nikola Mirotic, Alexis Ajinca and the two Okafors, Emeka and Jahlil. Elfrid Payton at the point will compensate for Rajon Rondo’s loss and backstop Jrue Holiday.
Crown him or frown on him, Russell OKLAHOMA Westbrook CITY get THUNDER things done for the Thunder. They improved on their bigs with the entry of Nerlens Noel and Dennis Schroeder is an upgrade on Raymond Felton. Andre Roberson is healthy and, of course, retaining Paul George is their biggest achievement. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Because of coach Gregg Popovich, I’m not counting out this team yet. The Kawhi Leonard drama is finally over and the Spurs can move on without him, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. DeMar DeRozan could be the new face of the franchise. Old by NBA standards, 38-year Pau Gasol is still productive in limited minutes so the frontline of LaMarcus Aldridge, Jakob Poetl, Joffrey Lauvergne, Davis Bertans, Rudy Gay, and Dante Cunningham should produce. San Antonio for me has one of the league’s deepest frontcourt.
LA LAKERS- It’s been a while the NBA postseason had missed the Lake Show and yes, we’ll finally see them in the playoffs. This time, LeBron James has a much With better support crew than last year. He won’t be wasting his time in LA to wait and see what happens as reportedly, the complex blend of characters was his choice. Hold your horses Laker Nation, the LeBrakers won’t get past the second round of the playoffs.
DENVER NUGGETS- Isaiah Thomas could find redemption in Denver and Michael Porter Jr. just might be this year’s rookie surprise. Nikola Jokic is their only true double-double center but Paul Millsap and Trey Lyles can also provide the muscle and points down low. Another scoring option is Will Barton.
Utah and Portland are two teams that can also contend. I could be wrong on rankings on this list but more or less, barring any serious injuries, these teams will make Golden State take Tylenol as often and as needed./