5 NBA Teams to Watch

New Teammates in Minnesota!

Once again I'll be blabbing about five teams to watch in the NBA, even if they're not your team. I should be clear, I intentionally omitted the Cavs and the Death Stars, they're both too obvious a choice, plus they're both likely to mash through their conference playoffs. So here are five teams you should try to watch during the regular season. 

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - They were on my list last year, I'm not sure whether that's good or bad. One thing is for sure, their roster is very different from a year ago. There will definitely be two new starters, Jimmy Buckets and Jeff Teague. Coach Thibodeau may insert a third new face into the starting lineup if he chooses to go with Taj Gibson; Gorgui Dieng will probably get minutes too. Adding reliable veterans to their young athletic core could be the combination needed to finally unlock this team's potential.

There are many projections suggesting they will make the proverbial leap, I sure as hell hope so. The top teams out west can all score. What remains to be seen is, can these Wolves adopt and adapt, to Thibodeau's defense-first mentality? Two former Bulls will help bring that edge and some late game poise, to a franchise hungry for the playoffs. One subplot will be the growth of Andrew Wiggins on defense. He's far too athletic to be so mediocre on that side of the ball. The key ingredient to this recipe is Karl Anthony-Towns, the best player in the Association still on a rookie deal, his upside is limitless. I believe he's already a top 15 player and he's certainly a franchise cornerstone. Please Minnesota, show us that you're ready.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder - Last year Russy went zenith and returned to earth as a triple-double machine. He's also being recognized as the first real-life Marvel super hero, and now he has a son, so that's cool. This year he gets some serious help with the addition of Paul George—thanks Indiana for giving him away for nothing, because you were too narrow-minded to flip him to an eastern rival for a better package. Russy thanks you too. 

PG and Russy alone will increase OKC's win total. Mix in a little 3 & D from Patrick Patterson, who signed a team friendly deal and some added reps with Doug McDermott, and that's four perimeter/wing players with the potential to mesh well. Of course there's Steven Adams, the blue collar big, who could realistically wipe the floor with the ball-kickers of the NBA. Nobody wants a piece of Adams, he's for real tough. They also have the defense of Roberson to throw at teams and bench scoring from Kanter. They appear to have the pieces to host a first round series, let's hope so.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

3. Milwaukee Bucks - Two words, Giannis Antetokounmpo. I'm a big believer in his threat to the Eastern Conference. I realize that they have some holes in their lineup, but damn if he doesn't have the potential to be LeBron-like. I also think a full season with Kris Middleton will help create more space for Giannis on offense, Kris is a solid defender too. Should Thon Maker continue to develop his game, look out. The Bucks have an obvious penchant for the super long diamond-in-the-rough-type players, an advantage when playing in, or against a switch heavy defense. If they can get some reliable outside shooting they could threaten the eastern teams at the top. I'm in the camp that also thinks Brogdon can further blossom from last year's ROY campaign. I also hope Parker can come back in a contract year after injury. There's real reason to believe the Bucks can secure home court in the first round; they'll battle Toronto for the fourth seed.

4. Boston Celtics - One of the top coaches in the Association has been given perhaps the best bucket getter and the kid he coached in college who turned into an NBA all-star. Nice work Danny Ainge. The Celtics definitely acquired the top-end type of talented needed to truly challenge LeBron in the east. Not only did they sign free agent Gordon Hayward, whom I'm a big fan of, and trade for Kyrie (I'm still reeling), they also drafted Jayson Tatum and picked up a Morris twin. I'm not sure who will start for Boston, but it would be interesting to see a five man group that features Uncle Drew, Commissioner Gordon, Al Horford, Jaylen Brown and the rookie Tatum. Assuming Tatum is serviceable on defense, which they will need having lost Bradley and Crowder. The Celts could allow Marcus Smart to assert himself on the second unit with Marcus Morris. The cupboard looks pretty bare after that—Terry Rozier anyone? Could we get a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference finals? Only time will tell.  

5. Philadelphia 76ers - The process is processing, rooks on rooks on rooks, will the process manifest? Their collective talent is young and unproven to say the least. Embiid, Simmons and Fultz, plus Saric and McConnell sounds great, but they are also the great unknown. As much as I want to believe, there's not much to go on, unless you think 31 games from Embiid over three years actually means something. At this point he's more akin to Greg Oden, let's shelf the Hakeem Olajuwon talk please; his upside is not in question. Often times the best ability is availability and thus far he's proven to be a fragile tease.

Elder statesmen JJ Redick will help open up the lane with his three point prowess, we know what he's capable of. Do we know what Ben Simmons can do? Did he learn how to shoot while red-shirting? Can Fultz get his shots off against NBA talent? Will Joel Embiid Play in 70+ games? Are Saric and Covington actually their best young pieces? Can the Sixers make the playoffs? There are plenty of questions and boundless intrigue, with only one way to find out, play the season. We finally get to see the 76ers young talent on the floor together. Sam Hinkie's process could become validated.

Honorable Mention: Lonzo Ball and De'Aaron Fox - The Pacific is brimming with point guard plot lines. These two rookies will be competing in the same division, they'll also have to guard Curry and Dame. I have serious concerns about Lonzo's defense, but he possesses outstanding feel for the game with incredible vision. The Lakers will be way more fun to watch if the contagious passing they showcased during summer league persists into the regular season. Sacramento could be well served to just give Fox the keys to the car. Hell, give him all the run he can handle, he bleeds competitiveness. It's going to be entertaining watching these two young players battle each other. Also, Patrick Beverley may try to steal their lunch money now that he's a Clipper? Check back soon for even more NBA conversation, bold predictions and the forecast for standings.

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5 NBA Teams to Watch

Wolves ready to Howl

The 2016-17 NBA season should be FANtastic. There will be plenty of storylines and some amazing teams to watch for this year. Beyond the obvious two, the defending champs and the death star, there are some intriguing teams in the NBA, if not entertaining. You're probably thinking this is too soon, you're probably right. I am here furthering my confessed loved of hoops. Below is a list of the five teams I'm most interested in watching coming into the much hyped NBA season. Explanations are as given, along with two honorable mentions.  

1. Minnesota T'Wolves - Karl Anthony-Towns (the most un-tradable player in the NBA due to his potential and being on a rookie contract) is the main reason all Wolves fans should be drooling, perhaps even howling. If you watched him play last year than you know what I'm talking about. Kris Dunn will hopefully fleece Rubio and steal his milk money for good. Wiggins ascension is vital, please be working on that outside game. Lavine's bounce has been put on blast but none other than Dr. J. Will the two-time dunk champ push Wiggins, or maybe win a sixth man award if he comes off the bench? Personally I'm a fan of him starting. Please say adios to Rubio &/or Pekovic if the youth movement whips into shape via the new mastermind. Either that, or they help to solidify the second unit. How will the Wolves utilize Muhammad & Dieng? Then there's Thibodeau, one of the top 5 to 7 coaches in the NBA, taking over a talented young team craving the playoffs. Roster

2. Utah Jazz - Defense, youth, length, a good coach who is modern and intense, mad depth, coupled with a smart franchise, equals a continued rise in the Western Conference standings. They're basically made to defend the small ball spread pick and roll. Hayward, Favors, Gobert, Hood & Burks, plus a healthy Exum,  equal one of the best young rosters in the Association. How will Diaw and Joe Johnson mesh into the mix, along with George Hill and the rookie additions? One's thing's for sure, Utah will play hard, play D and their fans will always fill the arena. Dare I say they're a lock to make the playoffs? I believe they will. Roster

3. Milwaukee Bucks - Freakish upside & length easily sums up the Bucks future. The Greek Freak, aka Giannis, whom I saw last year and was utterly impressed by—he was the best player on the court at times when I watched him at Golden State. Jabari has offensive skills but will he transform into a defender. Or be traded before we see him gel in Milwaukee? Is Thon Maker for real? Is Malcolm Brogdon for real? J. Kidd re-upping and getting to truly put his fingerprints on the team should help them reestablish the magic that took them to the playoffs in his first year there. Will MCW be a switch-everything perimeter stopper or a Shaun Livingston 2.0 off the bench? The Bucks could compete in the East and I haven't even mentioned the highly coveted Kris Middleton, or the trade bait that is Greg Monroe. Plus they signed Dellavedova, I loved him in Cleveland. Roster

4. Charlotte Hornets - Kemba will be fully unleashed now that Lin is gone. I love me some Kemba. MKG will be back and is bound to play his brand of tough-nosed defense and all-out hustle. Hopefully his jumper has been getting smoother, if not a bit more trust-worthy. The Hornets brought most of the roster back and will try to build on their momentum from last year. Batum got paid, Belinelli was brought in, psycho T returns to Carolina, Hibbert replaces big Al, and Steve Clifford is easily a coach on the rise. Plus this is MJ's team. And the East is wide open, other than the fact the LeBron plays in the same conference. Roster 

5. New York Knicks - Come on. Melo, The Zinger, D. Rose & his old pal Noah, Brandon Jennings off the pine/starting, coupled with the acquisitions of Courtney Lee (whom I like) & Tony Wroten, make the Knicks an early season must-watch. Even if I'm tuning in just to see how it all works (it could also be a hot mess of a dumpster fire). Holliday showed flashes last year and O'Quinn will do some dirty work. Really I just want to see Wichita State 2.0 in the pros mixing it up with the Zinger. Maybe the Zen Master could unleash Ron Baker and Cleanthony Early, all those guys did was win at the collegiate level with hard work, determination and real basketball skills that translated into team ball. Oh yeah, I forgot, Phil doesn't think modern players have the proper skills, patience or acumen to succeed in the triangle. Guess what Zen Master? You don't have Jordan and Pippen or Shaq and Kobe and now the NBA allows zone-like defenses—maybe you need to update your Windows '96. Jeff Hornacek coaching in the Big Apple with a former foe as his boss should also be fun to keep an eye on. Two important questions: Will Melo waive his no trade clause to join LeBron? And when will the Knicks realize their highest paid players could have competed for a championship in 2010-11? It's time to start playing the youngsters and build around Porzingis. Roster

Westbrook Snarl

Honorable Mention 
OKC Thunder - Two words: Russel Westbrook! Please basketball gods, keep Russ in a Thunder jersey so I can witness him ripping the NBA a new one. He'll be a triple-double machine, resembling something like an unstoppable mutant X-men alien.

Boston Celtics - They have the best young coach in the NBA (Brad Stevens). They have the most daring and draft stashing master GM (Danny Ainge). And they landed the second best free agent of the summer (Al Horford).



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