Who Should Be Introduced Last? (Western Conference)

When a team's roster is being introduced at the beginning of games, it's an unofficial honor to have your name mentioned last, implying that your the squad's best/most-popular player.  But things aren't always that simple, because the best player and the most-popular player aren't always the same.  Also, there's other things to take into consideration, such as a player's tenure with the organization and what he's actually accomplished as a member of that team. We've already looked at the Eastern Conference and will now analyze the West, which I would say is a bit simpler, since Western Conference teams have more defined stars and less roster fluctuations.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Last-Called: Cooper Flagg

Backup: Kyrie Irving

I'm kinda conflicted about this one but guess Kyrie would understand if they gave it to Cooper.  Irving was the backup star when the Mavs reached the Finals a couple of seasons ago and was also an allstar as a Mav in 2025.  Meanwhile, Flagg more recently won ROY.  Kyrie has tenure and more accomplishments, but I think it's generally understood that Dallas is looking forward to Cooper being the star into the future.

DENVER NUGGETS

Last-Called: Nikola Jokic

Backup: Jamal Murray

There's a lot of people who call Jokic the best basketball player in the world, which I may agree with, if we're referring solely to offense.  And as for Murray, he's a perennial-borderline (and reigning) allstar, besides also being homegrown.  So, there isn't much to debate about here.  And while we're on the subject of Jokic, one thing I do have to give to him, amongst NBA stars, is that you don't regularly hear of dude being on the injured list.  So, last-call away.

GOLDEN STATES WARRIORS

Last-Called: Steph Curry

Backup: Draymond Green

Steph is the greatest shooter in NBA history, besides perhaps being the second or third most-popular player in the league and, even as he loses consistency, remains must-watch.  Meanwhile, Draymond is also homegrown and won those four championships right alongside Curry, as a integral part of the team.  Off the top of my head, I would say Golden State is the only organization that has two players that have been around longer than a decade.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Last-Called: Darius Garland

Backup: Brandon Ingram

Darius Garland has gone from being a debatable allstar a couple of seasons ago to now being an alpha by default.  Not many players experience that kind of luck, and hopefully he'll be able to capitalize on it.  And as for the backup, all things considered (such as Ingram's health), that's probably going to be a revolving door throughout the season.  If both Darius and Brandon are hurt, which they likely will be at some point, Bradley Beal can even end up being the last-called.  That's how unsettled this roster is looking at the moment

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Last-Called: Kevin Durant

Backup: Alperen Sengun

Oh my goodness.  As I said before, the Rockets are contenders.  But amongst the internal issues that can derail them, besides injuries, is dudes not being able to humble themselves and accept roles.

Similar to the Dallas situation, Sengun may not be the best or most popular player, but he is the one who appears to be leading the team into the future.  He may not have that Cooper Flagg level of favor, but I mean, if I owned this team, all things considered I'd probably make him last-called.  But since I don't, that's not likely going to happen.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Last-Called: Luka Doncic

Backup: Austin Reaves

One of the few absolute no-brainers on this list.  Doncic is the A-lister, while Reaves is the homegrown star.  Bronny, the actual son of Lebron, is more popular than Austin, the basketball son of Lebron.  But despite only being surpassed in popularity by Luka, Bronny's game isn't respectable enough to earn a last-calling

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Last-Called: Cameron Boozer

Backup: Cedric Coward

At first I put Jerami Grant as the backup because, even though he's a C-lister, he still perhaps has more name recognition than anyone else on this roster besides Boozer.  But with that said, an argument can also be made for Zach Edy, who has the advantage of being homegrown, or perhaps even those other dudes, Cedric Coward and them, who are recognized as up-and-comers.  And as for Cameron, he's lucked out in that even though the Grizzlies themselves have fallen off a cliff in terms of popularity, he's set to have more freedom to do what he wants than any other rookie.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Last-Called: Anthony Edwards

Backup: LaMelo Ball

One thing you have to give to Edwards, whether or not he ever leads the T-Wolves to a championship, is that he has lived up to the billing of being a #1 pick which, if you look at NBA history, isn't as common as think.  Besides that, he has made the team competitive.  Before he showed up, Minnesota used to have more-talented rosters, but it's like they could never achieve anything.

Based on tenure, maybe Gobert should be backup last-called, but I think it would have to go to Ball, who's like exponentially more popular.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Last-Called: Zion Williamson

Backup: Trey Murphy III

The most-popular players in the NBA are those who enter the league as stars already (often going back to high school), get drafted high (usually at #1) and then prove to actually be superstars in the league.  There's no substitute for that trajectory.  That's why, even if you try to argue that Steph or KD is better, they can never be as popular as Lebron. And that's why Kobe, who was drafted all the way down at #13, proceeded to become the most-famous basketball player in the world.

Meanwhile, Zion has never really done sh*t besides being named an allstar, once, but he's still benefiting from his pre-NBA fame.  Some people may label him a disappointment, but he's not a flatout bust.  The word I like to use is perhaps overrated, not as an insult but, you know what I mean.  He has yet to team-up with another A-lister so, as it currently stands, remains in indisputable last-called.

Meanwhile, I still don't know much about Trey Murphy, which is one of the curses of being stuck on a team like the Pelicans.  But I hear his name a lot, in terms of being coveted by other organizations.  So if he continues to represent and even more ideally progresses, he'll logically be the backup last-called.

PHOENIX SUNS

Last-Called: Devin Booker

Backup: Dillon Brooks

You have to give it Devin Booker that, despite being on the best scorers in the game, you never hear of him demanding a trade from the sluggishly-progressive Suns, even though it feels far-fetched to believe that Phoenix will make the Finals again during his career.  Determining a backup last-called isn't nearly as easy, but I'm going with Dillon Brooks, though it could be Jalen Green also.

OKC THUNDER

Last-Called: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Backup: Chet Holmgren

No debate, in terms of who's at the top of the last-called list, as Shai is the reigning MVP.  Choosing the backup though ain't that simple when Jalen Williams, arguably the second-best player on the squad, is available, though Chet is also arguably second-best, besides being on the court more.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Last-Called: Damian Lillard

Backup: Deni Avidja

We have to go with Lillard because, even though he didn't play the entirety of last season, he remains the greatest Trailblazer of the 21st century.  Morant is much more popular than Avidja, but Deni is a reigning allstar, while Ja is more or less fighting to keep his career alive and has yet to prove anything in Portland.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

Last-Called: Darius Acuff Jr.

Backup: Domantas Sabonis

The way the Kings are acting is as if a #5 pick, who has yet to accomplish anything really (except being picked number five), may actually get the last-call.  That's how lost in space this organization is, even though I'm not sleeping on dude.  And oh sh*t, I deadass forgot for a second that Zach LaVine is on this team.  And now that I am remembering, I don't think it'd be fair to just pop him up there.  He isn't as good as Sabonis but is more popular so may get the last-call, even over Acuff. 

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Last-Called: Victor Wembanyama

Backup: Stephon Castle

Wemby is a no-brainer but, the funny thing is if this were a couple of months ago, De'Aaron Fox would likely be the backup.  Now that would harder to rationalize, even if he is getting paid gazillions of dollars.  Like fukaround and introduce dude last, and he may even get booed in San Antonio. So it would have to be Castle.  It's arguable that Harper is just as good (if not better), but Stephon has won ROY as a Spur.

UTAH JAZZ

Last-Called: Lauri Markennen

Backup: Keyonte George

Utah is a traditionally white franchise(?), and whereas they won't be the whitest team in the NBA this coming season, I would think they still want to embrace that tradition.  Also, Lauri is really good, even if his reign as an allstar was brief.

As far as basketball in the United States goes, Jaren Jackson is the most-accomplished player on this roster and probably the most all-around popular.  But he has yet to do anything for the Jazz, and meanwhile, Keyonte George is trending.

Who Should Be Introduced Last? (Eastern Conference)

So today, I was envisioning the first time Jaylen Brown returns to Boston as an opposing player.  I'm presuming there's going to be a ridiculous amount of applause when he's introduced.

So then I was thinking, what order will he be announced in?  Will he be mentioned as the last Philly starter?  Perhaps you would think so, in anticipation of that applause.  But despite being one of the top-five players in the league, he's not even the most popular player on the Sixers.

That then got me thinking about who should be introduced last on every team in the NBA.  Generally speaking, it appears the unwritten rule being that the last starter introduced is the alpha, even if the visiting team gets no love from the announcer.

ATLANTA HAWKS

Last-Called: Jalen Johnson

Backup: CJ McCollum

Jalen Johnson is not only homegrown, i.e.being drafted by the Hawks, but he's also the team's only allstar.  So even though he doesn't have A-list name recognition, no one else in Atlanta does either, so he's "the last-called" by default.

If Jalen isn't around, then I think it has to go to CJ McCollum, who never has been and perhaps never will be an allstar, but you have to respect his talent and consistency.

BOSTON CELTICS

Last-Called: Jayson Tatum

Backup: Derrick White

Another no-brainer when it comes to the last-called.  But please, when Tatum is (inevitably) hurt, don't tell me that it's rather going to be PG13, unless he re-transforms to an allstar.  All things considered, I think that love should instead go to Derrick White.

BROOKLYN NETS

Last-Called: Michael Porter Jr.

Backup: Julius Randle

This is by default because, first of all, Porter Jr. has established himself as one of the best players in the league.  And second, no one else on the roster is really known besides Randle.

CHICAGO BULLS

Last-Called  Caleb Wilson

Backup: Josh Giddey

I really want to say Wilson but, all things considered, it may be Giddey instead.  Josh is good but clearly not enough to be an undisputed alpha.  So now, all eyes are on Caleb.  And I wouldn't be surprised if Chicago pushes it as hard as introducing him last, perhaps even from the jump, if they truly have that kind of confidence in him.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Last-Called: Kon Knueppel

Backup: Brandon Miller

This is the most difficult decision on this list, because the Hornets have two young, let's say homegrown stars.  But I guess we have to go with Knueppel because, besides being the more popular, he came realistically closer to winning ROY.  Whoever thought this guy would be given the keys to the car so soon?  It's yours to take, Kon.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Last-Called: Donovan Mitchell

Backup: James Harden

I know that the Beard is more popular, but it has to be Spider, dude.  Mobley should perhaps even get precedence over Harden, but I don't think that's going to happen.

DETROIT PISTONS

Last-Called: Cade Cunningham

Backup: Jalen Duren

So you're trying to tell me that the backup last-called is the same dude embroiled in a contract dispute?  Currently, I would venture to presume that he's the lowest paid second-to-last called in the NBA.

INDIANA PACERS

Last-Called: Tyrese Haliburton

Backup: Pascal Siakim

Another no-brainer, though Turner would be the backup if he was still around.

MIAMI HEAT

Last-Called: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Backup: Bam Adebayo

This was hard because, Bam is the perennial allstar with tenure.  But barring injury, there's no way Giannis is going to fail to live up to expectation.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Last-Called: Tyler Hero

Backup: Kel'el Ware?

For some reason I can't really explain, I'm looking forward to seeing Herro in Milwaukee.  And I know Myles Turner is more tenured than them both, but it's hard to envision him getting last call on the Bucks.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Last-Called: Jalen Brunson

Backup: Karl Anthony-Towns

Another no-brainer, as the team has two perennial allstars, with one being more popular than the other.

ORLANDO MAGIC

Last-Called: Paolo Banchero

Backup: Franz Wagner

Since Orlando personally maxed Wagner out, he has to be the backup behind the undisputed alpha, even though Bane may be the better player.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Last-Called: Tyrese Maxey

Backup: Lebron James

If you were to put the entire NBA, i.e. its 12 biggest stars, on the same team, Lebron would undoubtedly be the last-called.  But the funny thing is, he shouldn't be so on the Sixeers.

Factoring in tenure and accomplishments within the Philly organization, it should be Joel Embiid - if he weren't so hurt.  So then, by default, it goes to Tyrese Maxey, who's not only homegrown but also a reigning perennial allstar

And so it should be with the team in general.  I hope all of the talent is able to understand that Maxey is the man, just like Shaq had to defer to a D-Wade when he went to Miami.  There are now guys who may be better all-around players, but ask yourself this. Has  "the Process" been completed?

TORONTO RAPTORS

Last-Called: Kawhi Leonard

Backup: Scottie Barnes

It'll have to be Kawhi which, in a way, is a slap in the face to other players on the roster who may actually be loyal to Toronto.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Last-Called: AJ Dybantsa

Backup: Anthony Davis

It should perhaps go to the rookie because, not only is he the reigning number-one pick but also is symbolic of the transition the Wizards are going through.  And as for AD, he's the most-accomplished member of the roster, and, besides that, his emotions shouldn't be tested.

2026 NBA Offseason Grades (Southwest Division)

DALLAS MAVERICKS: B+

I think the Mavs have done a decent job beginning to quote/unquote build a team "around" Cooper Flagg.  The additions of Saldama and Risacher are noteworthy, even if not game changing, as this team now has more tall, skinny, rotation-worthy dudes than they even had in the Luka days.

As for Flagg, I'm still not 100% convinced of his greatness.  There are a number of rookies from last season who, if given the keys to car, I'm sure could have averaged just as many points.  But he's also a formidable rebounder, obviously.  And furthermore, it's more than apparent that the NBA actually wants him to succeed.  It kinda reminds me of how the Pelicans got Zion Williamson after AD bounced.  But even better, Cooper doesn't look like the perennially-injured type (fingers crossed).

Also, I doubt if he's going to be able to establish himself as an undisputed alpha with Kyrie around.  An undisputed alpha is someone who's inarguably better than his teammates, which isn't the case when comparing Cooper to Irving, unless the latter ends up (re-)injured which, all things considered, is bound to happen sooner or later. 

But in the meantime, that's actually my favorite move, or lack thereof, concerning Dallas's offseason, that they opted to keep "Fievel" around.  And whereas it doesn't look like they'll be reaching the Finals again anytime soon, I would say there's no more hope for the future, with this roster, than when Doncic was around.

HOUSTON ROCKETS: B+

Make no mistake about it - the Rockets are contenders.  I'm surprised by how much pundits are sleeping on this team.

But while on the subject, let me get this off my chest, why I don't think they'll actually win it all.  It's my belief - pure conjecture conspiracy-theory type shit - that the NBA doesn't want KD to win another championship, at least not as an alpha but maybe, you know what I'm saying, later in his career when he's more like a role player.

All the Rockets have to do is figure out how to play together with all of their pieces healthy, because there's only one ball to go around.  They had another quality offseason, adding Bogdanovic and Smart.  Injuries aside, they're just as deep, if not deeper, than San Antonio and OKC.

This is what I was talking about, the difference between a team like the Rockets and, say, the Suns.  Houston hasn't won a championship in over 30 years, but still, it's like dudes actually want to play for them, or something like that.

But that said, it eventually reaches a point that if you keep fielding superior rosters yet getting bounced in the 1st Round type shit, like it ain't a good look at all.  And if this team does flunk yet again which - they probably will, considering that the powers-that-be don't appear to be on their side - then what's next for KD?

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: B

The Grizzlies' lineup reminds me of that of the Heat - a noteworthy frontcourt, but something to be desired in the back.  And as for their frontcourt, as sizable as it may be, it's not actually intimidating, at least not yet.

Also, speaking of players the powers-that-be may not be too fond of - anyone remember Carlos Boozer?  You know, the guy who stabbed Cleveland (and by extension Lebron) in the back?  I'm just saying that, yeah.  I do find a bit odd that his son isn't getting more press, considering he was like the top-ranked college player or whatever.

What Memphis definitely loss of late, especially with the departure of Morant, is star power.  So unless they get to winning, which isn't particularly likely, at least not immediately, no one is really going to give AF about this squad.

But of course, none of us can see the future.  And you have to give to the Grizzlies for at least respectably rebounding from, just a few short years ago, being the top young up-and-coming team in the league, to losing all of the stars from that roster, to now being engaged in a noteworthy rebuild. 

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: B

I had a wise dude once tell me that 'people are always looking for external solutions to internal problems'.  And on that note, unlike most pundits, I agree with Dumars and co. opting to basically stand pat.

A couple of short years ago, the Pelicans entered the season with the most talented starting five in the league - Williamson + McCollum + Murray + Ingram + whoever they used for that final spot - probably Trey Murphy III, whose been a coveted player for years - besides boasting a deep bench.  Yet somehow, they still managed to finish at the bottom of the standings.  Granted, that lineup may have had compatibility issues.  But still, it's been pretty obvious, at least to me, that this organization's problem hasn't been lack of talent.

Zion's health of course deserves some of the blame.  But since he's been hobbled from day one, the braintrust should've found a way to at least try to compensate by now.  And as far as standing pat is concerned, if there's anything to criticize, it's their questionable (and expensive) commitment to Williamson.

Let dudes focus on at least trying to stay healthy and making the playoffs type shit.  Then, we can take it from there.  Rushing out and trading Murphy, for whoever, isn't likely the solution unless the objective is to rebuild.  And giving that New Orleans now has quite a few old dawgs on the roster, that doesn't seem like a viable option.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS: B+

As it currently stands, I agree with analysts who argue that the Spurs are the favorites entering next season because, unlike their main competitors (i.e. the Knicks and Thunder), at least they've upgraded.  

Tobias Harris may not have been the player they needed per se, given that his skillset/style is similar to Champagnie.  But the more the merrier, I guess.  And his presence will make it easier if the Spurs decided to move De'Aaron Fox to the bench, which is something I sorta advocate, especially come the postseason.

Tobias has his moments on occasion, but conventionally speaking, he isn't a gamechanger.  However, you have to give it to San Antonio for at least getting deeper.  They acquired a quality, starter-worthy rotation player while not losing anyone of note, at least not as far as I can see

CONCLUSION

The Southwest has two contenders, and it amazes how few pundits seem to be able to recognize that even if, at the end of the day, there's only one Wemby.  But ultimately, the division is balanced by a couple of bottom-feeders.  And in the middle lies the Mavs, who may also prove garbage but at least, unlike the Grizzlies and Pelicans, have more of a foreseeable future.  And as far as offseason moves in general, Southwest teams didn't really do much but still come out looking wiser than perhaps any other division.