By Jonah Drew

Dallas Mavericks: 54-28

The Dallas Mavericks have the best backcourt in basketball, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have aggregate offensive creation at a level that I’m not really sure we have seen in the history of the league. Obviously, they are the engine of this team, but the backbone is actually the center play, whether it is Gafford or Lively. After Nico Harrison made the move for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, they went 21-9 the rest of the way. They took this momentum all the way to the NBA Finals where they ran into a buzzsaw in the Boston Celtics headed into this year. I believe they actually upgraded this past offseason too, outside of losing Derrick Jones Jr., they largely retained their NBA Finals roster. They notably added Klay Thompson, who will of course provide floor spacing and elite C&S 3 Point Shooting. They also made probably my favorite addition on the offseason, signing Naji Marshall away from New Orleans. Naji can do it all, he is an elite defender, great playmaker, great penetrator, and improving 3 point shooter, all at 6’7. In conclusion, this team has a clear, sustainable offensive formula to boast a Top 10 offense. They also have great defense personnel on the inside to counteract the lackluster defense in the back court.

Houston Rockets: 44-38

The Rockets are probably the team I’m most excited to see in the upcoming 2024-25 season. They have taken a quantity over quality approach with this rebuild. Not that the quality is anything to scoff at, but they have a laundry list of young pieces to carry them into the future. Rookie Reed Sheppard, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Jae’sean Tate, and Alperen Sengun. Sheppard, Green, Whitmore, and Sengun all have potential to blossom into real stars, and probability wise it is more likely one of them does then not. They also have current skills that will help them compete in the short term. On top of that, they roster a slew of veterans that can impact winning, Fred Vanvleet, the notorious Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams and Aaron Holiday. In Houston, the future is as bright as the sun, but the present still looks pretty.

Memphis Grizzlies: 47-35

2023-24 was a lost season for Memphis, with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Vince Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke all missing significant time. It felt like at times it was the Memphis Hustle out there and not the Memphis Grizzlies, leading to a 27 win season. Don’t let that cloud your memory though, as we are not far removed from a second place Western conference finish for Memphis and with largely the same core, they will be looking to return to contention. Ja, while slightly overrated in my opinion, is an elite downhill driver and is prone to create advantages elsewhere. Desmond Bane is highly underrated and is a serviceable second option. The frontcourt of Edey and JJJ will be dominant on the interior, boasting supreme size, rim protection, and touch around the rim. Overall, this Grizzlies team will be back with a vengeance next season.

New Orleans Pelicans: 38-42

This Pelicans team actually had a pretty solid season last year. They won nearly 50 games but in a tough west, they earned the 8 seed and were quickly bounced by OKC in the first round. This team feels like one that will regress to me, BI and CJ McCollum are just not winning players, they both rely on tough mid range shots which are naturally inefficient. Zion has to stay healthy, but if he does he could be a star. The saving graces of this team are on the wings, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones are both elite role players who bring significant 2 way impact. This team has a wide variety of outcomes, but I think they end up on the lower end.

San Antonio Spurs: 32-50

Last year, the Spurs hit the lottery, landing the Alien, Victor Wembanyama. He really is elite, boasting absurd potential especially on the defensive end. Outside of him though, this roster is pretty bleak. Devin Vassell and Steph Castle should be solid complementary pieces but they really are nothing special at least yet. Chris Paul was the perfect fit though, he brings the playmaking that served Victor Wembanyama so well last season. As of now, this team is Wemby and not much else. Although I would love to see that change because the world needs Wembanyama playoff hoops.

Sources

Basketball Reference

ESPN