A 3rd of the way in which by the NBA season, the Japanese Convention appears to have a handful of worthy contenders, a few groups with main commerce deadline selections to make and a handful of groups tanking for Cooper Flagg.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (31-4): A+
The remainder of the NBA is fortunate that the season nonetheless has months remaining as a result of the Cavs are mowing down the competitors by a 3rd of the season. They’re a real title contender with the league’s greatest offense and seventh-best protection.
2. Boston Celtics (26-10): A-
The street to an NBA Championship nonetheless runs by Boston, even when they’re sleepwalking a bit in current weeks. Even when one other group’s greatest gamers outdueled Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a seven-game sequence, which is hard to think about, they may nonetheless simply lose as a result of Derrick White, Jrue Vacation and Kristaps Porzingis are all All-Star-level gamers in their very own proper.
3. New York Knicks (24-12): A-
You could possibly argue the Knicks have the perfect beginning 5 in your entire NBA – and solely the Celtics and Cavaliers would have an argument. And if Mikal Bridges retains enjoying like he’s been enjoying (21.8 PPG with 55.9-40.7-74.1 taking pictures splits in his previous 17 video games) we simply would possibly witness NBA Finals basketball in Madison Sq. Backyard in June.
4. Orlando Magic (21-16): A
An “A” for a group with 16 losses? Rattling proper! The Magic’s greatest participant, Paolo Banchero, has solely performed in 5 video games this season and their different All-Star stage participant, Franz Wagner, tore his indirect after 25 video games. But, Jalen Suggs and firm preserve grinding out wins.
5. Milwaukee Bucks (17-16): B-
After a 2-8 begin, the Bucks are in a grove and never solely are 15-8 since, however they received the in-season event. They’re not in the identical contender tier because the Cavs, Celtics and Knicks, however with Giannis Antetokounmpo, they’ll at all times have an opportunity in any seven-game sequence.
6. Miami Warmth (17-16): B-
Tyler Herro’s made a leap, however the remainder of the Warmth are both underperforming or being dragged down by the unhealthy vibes of the Jimmy Butler drama. Maybe a Butler commerce will yield some extra team-oriented gamers and lightweight a fireplace beneath the group.
7. Atlanta Hawks (18-18): B-
The Hawks have three forwards enjoying breakout seasons and are a fairly enjoyable watch. Nonetheless, they’re nonetheless trending in the direction of making Trae Younger the best play-in event participant ever.
8. Indiana Pacers (18-18): C
Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers have taken a step backwards after making the Japanese Convention Finals final season. That mentioned, they’ve had some spectacular wins over the Suns (twice), Warriors, Celtics and Warmth prior to now few weeks, so maybe they’re getting again on monitor.
9. Detroit Pistons (17-18): A-
Cade Cunningham is enjoying like an All-Star and the Pistons should be thrilled that they’re in line for a play-in spot. The one draw back to this season is Jaden Ivey’s nasty leg damage ruined a breakout season of his personal.
10. Chicago Bulls (16-19): B-
The Bulls sometimes catch hearth and knock off contenders just like the Celtics and Knicks, however finally want to ensure they miss the play-in event and provides themselves a shot at one of many prime draft prospects. Time to get off the hamster wheel of mediocrity.
11. Philadelphia 76ers (14-19): D+
After a 3-14 begin to the season, the 76ers have no less than regarded the a part of a playoff group of their previous 16 video games (11-5). Joel Embiid and Paul George each look unhealthy or somewhat washed, so Philly will want them each begin enjoying higher to have an opportunity to be the contender they aspire to be.
12. Brooklyn Nets (13-22): B+
Jordi Fernandez is doing such a formidable job in his first season as the pinnacle coach of the Nets that the entrance workplace has needed to begin buying and selling away good gamers (Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith) in order that they’re within the mix for Cooper Flagg. Anticipate Cameron Johnson and/or Cam Thomas to get shipped away in some unspecified time in the future in addition to each are too good to be on tanking groups.
13. Toronto Raptors (8-27): C
They’ve a few attention-grabbing items, however the Raptors are years away from being any good, so stacking losses is sensible. Nonetheless, you’d suppose that this assortment of seemingly proficient gamers could be somewhat higher.
14. Charlotte Hornets (7-27): D
It’s one other wasted season in Charlotte, a lot partly resulting from accidents – they’ve had 13 totally different gamers begin video games, together with 39-year-old Taj Gibson. Despite the fact that LaMelo Ball is placing up monster stats (29.8 PPG, 7.3 APG, 5.2 RPG), it is likely to be time to maneuver on from this period in the event that they get the fitting commerce provide.
15. Washington Wizards (6-27): C
The Wizards stink. However they’re making an attempt to stink, in order that they get a passing grade.
