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.

2026 NBA Offseason Grade (Southeast Division)

ATLANTA HAWKS: C-

The Hawks were the feel-good team of the East last season, holding the sole distinction of being the only squad to win two games against the Knicks in the postseason.  Even though no one was really expecting them to win the series, the energy was really positive - right up until Game 6, when dudes got their asses bust so thoroughly that it's amazing they didn't break out in tears on court.  Even the braintrust and owners shoulda been crying about that shit.

Usually, when you have a promising team lose like that, the offseason goal is to prepare themselves to face the same nemesis the next year.  And that's where Atlanta has totally failed.  What they needed to counteract a squad like NYK is size.  Yet by the looks of things, there isn't a single notable big on the entire roster.  I understand why maybe they didn't want to hold onto Kuminga or Risacher.  But damn, what was the backup plan while sacrificing that height?

The Hawks are also one of those teams who, unfortunately for them, are still stuck in the smallball era.  Their biggest offseason acquisition was Lu Dort, i.e. one of the many OKC players who got nephewed by Wemby.  Logic would dictate that his perimeter defense will help a bit against a wing-heavy team like NYK.  But as other squads in the conference have bulked up, you know, it's doesn't really look like Atlanta took a step forward.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS: A

I really like what the Hornets have done this offseason, moving past the streetball era.  When the best scorer on the roster gets ignored during the postseason, something has to change.

By the looks of things, the moves they've made, most notably getting rid of LaMelo Ball and taking in Naz Reid - hasn't really impressed pundits.  But the way I see it, that was borderline perfect, with dudes like Knueppel and Miller on the roster, deserving more shine than a player like Ball would allot.  All this team needs is the right kind of player(s) to run point, i.e. dudes that won't chuck, which now they apparently have.  They may not be contenders yet but are on the right path and should at least make the playoffs proper(?).

MIAMI HEAT: A-

The acquisition of Giannis felt really good for about two days, until Normal Powell decided to bounce, after Miami had already parted ways with Herro and Jacquez.  That shit sucked the air out of me for a moment.

But at the same time, it's like no excuses because, oh sh*t, Giannis and Bam are on the same team, buttressed by Wiggins, now giving the Heat the best frontcourt in the league, over Philly, OKC, NYK or whoever.  Or, something like that.  No other contender with a big frontcourt is better suited to defend both the post and the perimeter.

The rest of the roster may leave something to be desired, but it isn't that bad.  The acquisition of an inspired Klay Thompson will likely prove huge in some cases, and don't forget he and Wiggins were championship teammates in the past.  And the best thing about it is, if any braintrust can make it work, it's Miami, though you would imagine they may pickup another notable G during the season.

ORLANDO MAGIC: B

Okay, so when dudes went out an acquired Desmond Bane, even though they needed a big more, the logic was that the following season, i.e. this offseason, they would upgrade the frontcourt.  And well, if you consider Vucevic a difference maker, I mean he has averaged a double-double cumulatively throughout his career, though, as with his recent stint in Boston, it isn't likely he's going to be getting a lot of touches surrounded by the Magic's chucks.

Indeed, after committing to Bane, it's like they no longer even had the dough to chase a more noteworthy big.  But again, it ain't like Vucevic is a bum, as much as it was the Celtics not really valuing his presence.

Also, remember last season, the Magic took the Pistons to seven games, if I remember correctly, even though Franz Wagner was injured, and imo they would have won the series if he wasn't.  So I mean yeah, progress has been achieved, I guess, though the downside is that the braintrust, by committing so much money to Franz, having forced themselves into a position that their fate more or less lies in his iffy health.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS: A

This isn't purely an offseason grade but considering all the moves the Wizards have made since February.  Not only do they now, all of a sudden, have the best mix of young and veteran stars in the league.  But also, more than anything, the roster is actually compatible, with a number of options that can be mixed and matched, if the coaching staff is worth its salt.

Last season, too much of the onus was put on young, unproven players.  This coming season, opponents are going to have a hard time keeping up with them, while simultaneously counteracting the vets.  Dudes have like 10 rotation-worthy players, which is something most teams cannot boast of at all.

The only thing that can fuck it up - and why I didn't want to rush to give dudes an A+ - is (#1) if AD goes diva and demands a trade and (#2) if Trae Young chucks, as is tradition.  Young has averaged nearly 9 assists throughout his career but is still deemed as someone who doesn't pass the ball enough.  And as for AD, you know, as a 7-footer, he doesn't like to play inside.  But with Sarr and Ayton also on the roster, I guess we can just finally love Anthony for who he is, tho pairing those types is probably going to leave something to be desired in terms of perimeter defense.

CONCLUSION

In any event, you have to give it to the Wizards for recognizing that we're no longer in the smallball era.  There's other teams in the Southeast who, by the looks of things, it's going to take them awhile to really catch on. 

The Heat may appear as the only true contenders in the division, but don't sleep on the Magic, if healthy, despite their lack of depth.  The Wizards are also the sleeper team of the entire Eastern Conference - remember you heard it here first.  The Southeast may have only one A-list franchise, but I'm looking forward to at least 4 out of these 5 squads making the playoffs.