NBA Power Stinkings (Eastern Conference - November 2026)

As it currently stands, picking which teams qualify as the worst in the East is difficult, because there are a number of squads you would expect to be doing better yet are playing below their talent level.

1. ORLANDO MAGIC (2-6)

I have to put the Magic at the top, even though they don't have the worst record, because they're expected to at least have a mediocre one.  It isn't their fault, I guess, with their best player being injured, you know, again.  In fact Banchero is injured so regularly that, you'd think they'd come up with some type of viable contingency plan by now.  If said contingency plan revolves around putting the onus on Bane or Wagner, well yeah, there you go, 2 and 6.

Remember back in the old days, when your star player went down, and the team was expected to suck?  Now injuries are so common, someone or even someones being hurt is no longer a viable excuse.

As a coaching staff or braintrust or whatever, you have to find a way to win regardless.  Just look at the Thunder for instance - two of their big three down, but they're still winning.

2. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (3-7)

For now, let's stick with teams that were expected to be better than their current showing.  Are we supposed to believe Knueppel is so good that this deep roster just deadass sucks without him?

I still say this squad could benefit from a traditional PG, a theory that double sucks because there's a shortage of them to begin with, and even if a quality one were available, it'd be hard to believe he'd actually want to play for Charlotte.  Maybe call CP3 out of retirement?  But yeah, they could also benefit from someone like, say, the Beard, who can pass but also score a lot.

The way they got their asses bust by the Celtics last night wasn't encouraging at all.  In fact, it was discouraging, making me lose the high faith I had in this squad.

NAZ REID

Wasted talent on a non-contender

3. NEW JERSEY NETS (2-6)

Since the start of the season, I haven't heard anything about the Nets.  That's the kind of obscurity that occurs when you suck and also like don't even have a popular draft pick on the roster.  And on that note, you have to give them credit for at least having won a couple of games thus far.  Record-wise, they're almost as good as Heat.

4. MIAMI HEAT (3-6)

Even though the Heat have arguably been more disappointing than any other team in the conference, I didn't want to put them at the top because, when you really think about it, an adjustment period was to be expected.  I'm sure I even intimated that in the past, that Bam was going to have to adjust from being an alpha to a sidekick more or less.

Another thing about Adebayo, which I've been saying or implying for years, is that out of all like 7-footers and shit, he perhaps has the best control when it comes to running the point.  So now that they have Giannis in the middle, idk why they're still afraid to run that experiment.

And speaking of Giannis, Doc Rivers more or less dissed him the other day, basically saying that he's not a team player.  And I mean when you really think about it, like yeah, all of his (offensive) highlights are like bumrushing the basket, just dunking on dudes.

But as Rivers also sorta implied, when you have that ability, which no other player (besides maybe Wemby) currently does, like why not use it?  Giannis is arguably a top 3 player.  So the team has to adjust to his style, not vice versa.

DAVION MITCHELL

Most underrated player in the league?

5. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (1-8)

Now, we're at a couple of teams that were expected to suck and thus far, are not exceeding those expectations.  But one thing you have to say about the Bucks is that at least they play hard.

JAIME JAQUEZ

The Heat really shoulda figured out a way to retain him

MYLES TURNER

Not quite sure why he's still on this squad

KEL'EL WARE

Physically unable to play long minutes?

6. CHICAGO BULLS (1-7)

I haven't really been following the Bulls hard, like why even be compelled to do so?  The stars of this rookie class are less fortunate than last year's, as they all more or less ended up on garbage squads.  But nonetheless, you would think Chicago would be able to play better than this.  I feel sorry for fans in this city, like how long they've been having to endure the bullsh*t.

7. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (4-5)

Dudes are breaking my heart.  And I think the lesson learned is that, despite the plethora of young talent, they really do need the vets, such as Trae Young, to represent.  As for AD, he's among the best of best but of course is super unreliable.

AJ DYBANTSA

Hasn't been impressing and may be incompatible alongside Young

8. INDIANA PACERS (3-6)

Surprise-surprise, Haliburton is once again in a hospice or some shit.  I would rank this braintrust perhaps amongst the worst three in the league, first for appearing as if they intentionally embraced a losing culture last season (after having a cinderella showing in 2024-25) and second for retaining so much faith in Tyrese, who by the looks of things is not fit enough to have a long career as a superstar.  He may need to be load managed to like Kawhi proportions, but the rest of the roster isn't inspiring enough to make one believe that's a viable option to win it all.

9. NEW YORK KNICKS (4-4)

Since the Knicks are reigning champs, we have to give them the benefit of the doubt, even after a slow start.  But the way Brunson is always in the media on some other shit is starting to piss me off.

Unlike you're the rare type that actually flourishes with that tabloid-like attention, like say Dennis Rodman, it's a distraction to get caught up in all that shit.  Just look at Travis Kelce for instance.  Also, once you get to this team's bench, they're like too smallish.

MIKALBRIDGES

Should be traded, if possible and please, not for another small G

KAT

Potential MVP, if not for Wemby and Luka(?)

JAMES WISEMAN

Getting no burn, damn

10. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (5-4)

Mediocrity isn't acceptable for a starting lineup of this caliber.  But one thing you have to appreciate about their makeup is, even if, say, Allen is down (which he tends to be a lot), they still have enough size and versatility to win.  But the one time I did see Jarrett play, he looked like a stud.  Also, the Beard seems to be slowing down a bit which, all things considered, may be a good thing, especially if he can learn to be more of a defensive presence.

JAMES HARDEN

Pink sneakers... and a fat ass?

11. TORONTO RAPTORS (5-4)

The Raptors won yesterday without Barnes or Leonard (or Quickley).  It was against the Bucks, but still.  You have to appreciate a team that can show out even without its two biggest stars.  Last season, despite getting bounced in the First Round, Toronto showed the makings of a winning culture.  And as also illustrated with the Blazers, that's at least something that can be built upon, even if you don't have the most impressive roster.

12. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (8-2)

I don't want to use the word overtalented in reference to this squad, because they complement each other pretty well.  But the Sixer who has arguably made the biggest sacrifice, all things considered, is Jaylen Brown.  Also, all of the depth and youth is concentrated at the 1-3, and it's only a matter of time before that becomes more of a blaring issue.  Eventually, dudes are gonna have to find someone else who can viably play the 5, whether Embiid is healthy or not.

VJ EDGECOMBE

A potential allstar, if he had more name recognition

JOEL EMBIID

Only 32, but moves like he's the oldest person in the league

13. DETROIT PISTONS (6-2)

The Pistons do what the Pistons do - win during the regular season.  But you have to give them extra credit for having this type of record, despite Jalen Duren only playing a couple of games.  It sucks that, relatively speaking, he's being underpaid.  But all pieces considered, maybe he is more or less expendable, as implied by the braintrust.

14. ATLANTA HAWKS (6-4)

I still don't see the Hawks as contenders, and there are conference rivals with better records, but you have to give credit where credit is due.  Out of all the younger teams in the East, virtually all of which have more popular players, they are the overachievers and have also maintained their impressive momentum from last season.  I would argue that they have a greater size issue than even Philly.  But dudes are like all over the place, arguably the most energetic team in the NBA.  They even beat the Wizards last night without Jalen Johnson.

15. BOSTON CELTICS (7-2)

I have to be honest and say that, whereas it eventually dawned on me that Boston had a formidable roster even devoid of Brown, I wasn't expecting them to overachieve like this.  It's an early season, but still, when you talk about a winning culture, few organizations trump the Celtics.  They're definitely, as it currently stands, contenders, and Mitchell Robinson isn't even playign that well.

I would still argue they don't necessarily have the star power to win it all.  But again, they definitelly have the culture, i.e. confidence.

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.

Unc vs. Neph

Neph is a feisty one, having the advantage of being more energetic and optimistic about life.  He believes, for instance, that despite being weaker and less intelligent, he can actually win.

And for a second there, neph surprises you.  In the back of your mind you're thinking 'oh sh*t, what if he actually wins? I can't let a small boy beat me.'  But inevitably unc prevails, and you're just hoping that neph doesn't come to tears upon losing, because after all, it is a game.

If the Spurs make any moves this offseason, it has to be along the lines of acquiring a true PF or perhaps even a C and, if the latter, then move Wemby to the 4.  In crunch time, against a team like the Knicks, grizzled vets like Olynyk and Barnes, who are more or less there for show or 'locker room presence', aren't going to cut it.  Also, taking nothing away from Champagnie, who gets his fair share of rebounds(?), but he's like ultra 3-and-D, like no consistent threat in the post at all.

Now that we're in the Wemby Era, it's inevitable that teams are going to have to start valuing bigs again.  The problem is that, there's not even a lot of quality big men out there to begin with.

If you took every big in the NBA and suddenly made them free agents, there still wouldn't be enough to send one truly starter-worthy - against someone like Victor on top of that - to every team.  Part of the reason is because professional basketball has been valuing jumpshooting so much over the past few years that dudes have forgotten how to post up.  Look at someone like Mobley for instance.

ONE C + FOUR WINGS

San Antonio has an interesting makeup.  This is the only championship-level team I've ever truly seen or can remember that features a dominant C basically surrounded by a bunch of wings.  You may consider Champagnie a 4 or Fox a 1.  But fundamentally, let's say Wemby is surrounded by four SG/SFs.

The closest to this I can think of, off the top of my head, is the Shaq + Kobe Lakers.  And btw, shoutout to O'Neal, who I totally forgot to mention in that recent post where I was talking about generational players.  Dude was so dominant that teams would rather foul than let him get off a shot.

Like the present-day Spurs, that iteration of LAL would play a lot with the C holding down the middle and every other player, even the 4, on the perimeter.  But one major difference is that Lakers' squad having been mad tall.

In 2000, when they won their first championship, their shortest starter was Ron Harper, who's 6'6", and you could tell is like average NBA size and big for a PG.  Meanwhile De'Aaron Fox, who's listed at 6'3", actually looks smallish on the court.  And even later in the Shaq + Kobe years, yes, Fisher isn't tall, but he's built like a linebacker.  In fact, he's more muscular than anyone currently on San Antonio.

I'm not writing the Spurs off but just saying that, until Wemby puts on more weight, if they're going to continue to play this style maybe they need to get a bit bigger.  And you know, I'm not saying that with 100% conviction because apparently, even at their current size they're better than every other team besides the Knicks.

But again, unc versus neph.  All those bumps and pushes and shit, they're out there making contact with Anunoby and KAT and Robinson and Hart, and after awhile, that shit starts to wear you down.  Even Bridges, you know, don't sleep on those stringy niggas.  And I guess what I'm saying in summation is something along the lines of yes, if the Spurs players on average were like five years older, they'd be a better match for NYK.

THE SCAPEGOAT

Recently, I was talking about how Stephon Castle has never truly received the flowers he deserves.  And sure enough, it seemed like a couple of days ago, I came across some article singling him out for underperforming or whatever.  And again, what do you expect him to really do against unc, who are not just playing a regular game but locked in to win a championship?  As spectators, we're focused most on the player with the ball.  But what about all the contact that's made before he even gets the ball into his hands?

GIANNIS, ANYONE?

It's funny how the rhetoric around Giannis has shifted in recent weeks.  He went from being the most-covetable free agent in years, a superstar many thought would never hit the market, to now, when he's actually available, interest in him being "tepid".  But I could definitely picture him with the Spurs, as another wing basically.  People always say that he's "ball dominant", but I don't really see it like that, if there's other viable options to bring it up or whatever.

Another interesting prospect is Anthony Edwards.  Remember how he advertised himself to San Antonio earlier in the playoffs.  He's also bigger than just about anyone on the Spurs besides Kornet and Wemby, like he'd definitely be their biggest wing.  But would even that make a difference against unc?  And all things considered, Giannis needs to keep his ass home anyway.  This was the last season of tanking(?), now making it more understandable why the Bucks wanted to lose.

CONCLUSION

I already predicted, even while the WCF was still ongoing, that the Spurs aren't likely to beat the Knicks, so it's not like if I reiterated that point now I'm bragging.  But going as far as saying that NYK is the better team, well, they do have a clearly better bench, I guess.  But what it looks like more than anything is that they're just stronger.  And furthermore, that strength may be more attributable to age more than anything else.

Let Giannis Play

Sometime last year - I believe circa the end of last season or the beginning of this one - I started to really get pissed off about "load management".  It was Kawhi who sorta brought that standard to the forefront, and now things have totally gotten out of control, to the point where some NBA games have become virtually unwatchable.

For instance, I recently peeping this match between the Grizzlies who were competing against, if I remember correctly, the Warriors.  The most-popular player on the court was Draymond "Dino" Green.  Granted, Dray is an A-lister but not necessarily for on-court production.  That's not to say that he isn't a good or entertaining basketball player, even at this age.  But when Green makes headlines, it's usually for spazzing, not like willing his team to a victory.

So besides Draymond and a few C-listers - like Zach Edey, Santi Aldama and Podziemski - the rest of the players were basically scabs.  Mind you, I'm not dissing anyone.  My philosophy is that every NBA player is more or less as good as the next one.  You can't beat a champion unless you prove yourself worthy to get in the ring with him to begin with.  But that said, you'd have to be like a diehard NBA fan to want to pay to watch those dudes.

In a worst-case scenario, you actually bought season tickets or paid the price of admission well in advance, anticipating that at least two or three stars would be on the court and preferably both teams in a state of competitiveness.  And those are the people I feel most sorry for - the paying fans who are truly getting gypped by load management, these suspect "season-ending" injuries, the proliferation of NBAers whose bodies aren't strong enough for multiple seasons, etc.

MONETARY CONSIDERATIONS VS. FANS

The NBA business model, if a team actually wants to win games, is naturally against fans in a way.  And I'm not talking solely about tanking for draft position.  But now that we're on that subject anyway, let me say that it's pathetic that the best strategy a team full of professional, multi-million dollar athletes (besides high-paid executives) can come up with is 'let's wait to next year, hopefully get a high draft pick and rely on a youngster whose never played an NBA game in his life'.  Like someone isn't doing their job correctly, because half the time draft picks don't even pan out as anticipated.

And besides tanking, there's also the incentive to rest dudes so that they won't get injured, in this current tender age of the NBA.  That's what's apparently happening with Giannis.  Usually this is done to minimize the risk of a healthy-yet-tender player getting hurt before the playoffs.  But in Giannis's case, what's making it interesting is the Bucks already being out of the postseason chase, yet Giannis not being lazy or sheisty to rest, even though he has the opportunity.

F*CK THE BUCKS

So by this point, outside of Milwaukee being able to offer him more money, there really doesn't seem to be much of a reason for Giannis to stick around.  You can't count on this braintrust to turn the situation around and assembly another championship-level team, like LAL did with Kobe.

If Giannis plays and reinjures himself this season, it won't matter either way to the team's current fortune.  But what it could affect is his value in a forthcoming trade.  So it's like they're (over)protecting his health, saving him for a future trade.  Or at least that's what I want to believe.  I'd hate to think they're shitting on fans here and now by looking forward to maybe being better next (regular) season.  Only the truly low organizations, like the Jazz, would do some shit like that.

The idea of the Bucks getting a high draft pick and then trading it for a star to pair with Giannis, I don't really support that.  Remember, it was this blog that incepted the Dame trade.  And I learned a bitter lesson with that one, that you should never, ever count on a injury-prone star, regardless of how good he is.  So if Milwaukee does decide to go that draft-trade route, they better get someone(s) really sturdy - I'm thinking an Anunoby type and maybe a Josh Hart also.  Giannis is exactly a spring chicken himself, so they should continue with the trend established earlier this season (before he came back), of building a roster that can compete without him.

Meanwhile, even though the Bucks suck and aren't even going to make the Play-Ins(!), Giannis wants to suit up for the rest of this season.  He truly is a man of the people, you know, including his loyalty to Milwaukee and all.  But concerning that commitment, if they really do force him to sit even though he wants to play, that should be the straw that breaks the camel's back.  He should no longer feel if he demands a trade that he's somehow selling out or breaking his word, because once an organizations shits on its own fans, I mean you can't really sink any lower than that.

It's one thing to put the future over today, if you actually know the future.  'Hey, I'm getting paid tomorrow, so I'm going to starve today but eat well once I get my money'.  But it's another thing when you decide to suffer today in anticipation of a probable future.  In other words, rest Giannis or not, there's no guarantee the Bucks are going to be any better in 2026-27 than they are now.  Draft picks aren't always reliable, and neither is the health of established stars.

SHOUTOUT TO CAM THOMAS

Cam is, by all accounts, a gifted scorer.  But it was revealed, many moons ago, that he would never be a true alpha in this league.

That was a few years back when the Cam Thomas hype train was at its peak.  Remember that dude averaged 20+ points for a couple of seasons.  So there he was, in Golden State, facing the ultimate test - playing against an inspired Steph.  I don't think they had any direct beef or anything, but the implication was this being Thomas's chance to really prove himself.  And he was doing his thing, going blow-for-blow with the Dubs for most of the game.  So it was like 'oh shit, maybe this dude really is legit, not just prospering because he's on a bad team, like he's out here in Cali, bringing it to Steph'.

But then once that became obvious, that he was trying to show up an all-time great, Curry turned it up a notch in the 4th and humbled him on a crunch-time iso play.  I think he may have even done that "night-night" shit afterwards - like that's how testy the unspoken Thomas vs. Curry motif of the game had become.  You have a young upstart who's trying to prove he's just as good as the old great, and you have the old great out to show, um no, he isn't.  That's the game that broke Cam's career, in a manner of speaking.  That's when it was proven that he's an exceptional albeit "inefficient scorer" as opposed to someone who can win games.  It was sorta like what Lebron did to Lenny Cooke.

THE BET THAT BACKFIRED?

More recently, Thomas betted on himself by not taking an extension with the Nets.  That can be risky sometimes, like when Dennis Schroder shot himself in the foot a few years back.  I disagreed when Dennis made that decision, but I was feeling Cam, in a way.  Schroder was/is a role player, but Thomas was a borderline allstar just last season.

In hindsight, even though the Nets offering him $15/mil a year was kinda insulting, you know, it was only a two-year contract.  But Cam, betting on himself, rather played this season for a mere $6mil, after averaging 24ppg just last year.

Someone shoulda told him that you need to be wise or at least know your worth before getting into contract disputes with your employer, as the Nets proceeded to actually limit his minutes this season, even going as far as to bring him off the bench if I remember correctly.  Was that actually a compliment to Cam, i.e. cutting his minutes, since Brooklyn is supposed to be tanking?  Maybe.  But in the Nets' defense in terms of not offering him more dough, if any team has smarted in recent years due to putting too much faith in high scorers, its Brooklyn.

I felt really good about Thomas going to Milwaukee, that he would get a chance to prove himself on a team that was at least semi-competitive at the time, but I also understood it was a make-or-break type of situation.  And now, it's like he was waived so late in the season that can't even sign with a playoff team.  And to make matters worse, the Bucks gave his roster spot to like some totally no-name dude, like a G-leaguer or some shit.

It's hard to imagine that this is the end of Cam Thomas' career.  Maybe by the time all is said and done, it'll turn into some type of amazing redemption story, of a player who was once undervalued ultimately leaving his mark.  But in the meantime, he doesn't seem to be someone who organizations particularly like.  Is it those tight, homoerotic shorts he used to wear?  I don't know.

CONCLUSION

I don't really know the profitability of being a NBA season ticket holder these days.  So if you are and actually intend to attend games, better to be a fan of a supeream like the Knicks, i.e. one with 3 or more stars, thus making it nearly impossible (though not unheard of in this day and age) for all to be hurt or resting simultaneously.

My solution - offer some kind of waiver where dudes can get their money back or a discount or some shit if stars aren't playing, and that includes fans who pay for streaming.  I'm not trying to be an A-hole, but who really wants to see the Bucks without Giannis, especially now that they're not winning or even in the playoff chase anymore?

NBA Power Stinking (Early Feb. 2026 Review)

Since I skipped last month's Power Stinkings, I wanted to try to wait 'til the All-Star Break - the de facto midpoint of the season - to get this latest post off.  But instead it's like, let's get this last one done before the trade deadline, so I can at least make another bold prediction or two before a number of teams more or less seal their fates for this year.

1.  SACREMENTO KINGS (13-36)

The Kings very much deserve to be at the top of the Power Stinkings.  For one, they now have a worst record than even the Wizards or Pelicans.  Second is that their roster, on paper, is or was more talented and deep than half the other squads out there.  So it's obvious their issues aren't just relegated to the players but rather how this organization is being run or whatever.

I feel sorta bad for DeAndre Hunter getting traded into this mess. He went from being stuck on a middling squad to a brief stint with a contender to now being employed by one of the most ass-backwards franchises out there.

And speaking of trades, let's hope that Westbrook is able to find his way outta there also, preferably to a contender.  He's a real interesting case, inarguably one of the most-talented to ever play the game - but so good that he doesnt' work well with others.  If basketball were a solo game, the ScapeGOAT would've won a number of rings by now.

2.  NEW ORLEAND PELICANS (13-38)

Similar to the Kings, the reason the Pelicans don't deserve any love is because, you know, this isn't supposed to be a tanking year.  At the start of last season, New Orleans had arguably the (second) best starting five in the league (on paper), and they also entered this current one with promise.  How quickly it all has dissolved, and you don't even hear about Zion Williamson anymore.

In order for Zion to get his previous standing back of being almost the most-exalted player in the NBA, he'll have to absolutely dominate, which it appears he never will.  It would have served him better if, from the beginning of his career, he would have been allowed to play more along the lines of a traditional PF instead being forced into a point-forward, wannabe-Lebron type.  Now, he's even less-appealing trade bait than a couple of rookies on the team.

Remember when Zion and Ja were considered to be the most-promising young players in the league?  Things can change fast in the modern-day, injury-ridden NBA.

3.  WASHINGTON WIZARDS (13-35)

The Wizards trading for Trae Young and then deciding to like rest him for the season, I don't know if I agree with that.  That's that betrayal-of-fans' shit I've been talking about.  Niggas is paying the price of admission, so give them a good show, even if you are garbage.  I'm not saying that the current roster isn't entertaining, but it wouldn't hurt for this team to field, you know, a player with like name recognition.

I feel sorry for a vet of Khris Middleton's caliber being stuck on this squad, but that's the kinda shit that sometimes happens when you demand to be overpaid into perpetuity.  The good news though is that is #1 Khris is making over $30mil even though his team sucks, and #2 he'll probably be brought out, which will create a real interesting scenario in terms of what team he lands on.  Maybe, if Giannis sticks around, he can even end up back on the Bukcs.

4.  BROOKLYN NETS (13-35)

The Nets suck, but at least expectations were low entering this season, so it's not like anyone is surprised or disappointed.  What doubly sucks is Porter Jr. not even making the All-Star team.  People like to say 'anyone can score 20 points playing for a garbage team'.  Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of players on these types of squads never achieve that average, which, you know, is one of the reasons why such squads suck to begin with.

5.  UTAH JAZZ (15-35)

It's been a long time since I've heard anything, good or bad, about the Jazz, and the sad thing is that the braintrust probably wants it that way.  Last season they tanked in an attempt to land Cooper Flagg, and now you see why you're never supposed to tank no matter what, because a losing culture can persist just like a winning one.

6.  MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (18-29)

The Grizzlies are another interesting case of a geniunely bad team, i.e. one who, as far as we know, entered this season at least expecting to make the Playoffs.  This Ja Morant situation as metastasized into a shitstorm, i.e the team's star player who, depsite not being what he used to, they need him in order to win yet are forced to move on for personal reasons. Everyone involved is tired of losing type shit.

I blame it on the braintrust, because the squad they had a few years back - with the likes of Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones and Xavier Tillman and what's his name and even the more recently-bounced Desmond Bane - like those dudes seemed like they really, you know, loved each other type shit.  That's the kinda chemistery that money can't buy, and, even if dudes never did reach the promised land, the braintrust should have tried a lot harder not to allow that kind of dynamic to be broken up.  You can't have a core of like American whiteboys and Europeans and expect shit to get crunk on the sideline.

So now, who knows when this team will become relevant again.  No disrepect to the likes of Zach Edey, Santi Aldama or even Jackson Jr., but no fan is going to break their neck to watch this team play.  And that, dear reader, is the power of a Morant.

7.  MILWAUKEE BUCKS (18-29)

The person I feel most sorry for in this sitatuion is actually Myles Turner.  Remember that he spent a deadass decade with the Pacers, more or less stabbed the franchise in the back to play with Giannis, and now is more or less forced to play without Giannis.  And man, do the Bucks suck without him.

Giannis is arguably the best player in the NBA (depending on the construction of your team), who's style could mesh with any roster.  Every team these days prefer the fast, semi-organized style, and it's like Giannis was built for these times.  And sorry if I can't spell his last name type shit.

The point being made, going back to the acquisition of Turner, is that if Milwaukee does give dude up, you know, we don't want to hear no rebuild type shit.  Giannis is a generational talent, so wheover they get back in return, unless he's traded for draft picks, needs to make an immediate impact.  Meanwhile, the prevailing word on the streets is that he will in fact be traded for draft picks.  So once again, it's a sad day in the career of Myles Turner, as far as the potential of him finally winning a ring is concerned.  And that's why sometimes, you know what I'm saying?  Stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to.

8.  INDIANA PACERS (13-36)

The thing about the Pacers, yes, record-wise these dudes suck ass and arguably deserve to top the Power Stinkings.  But last season, when they made the deadass Finals, their core consisted of Siakim, Turner and Haliburton.  Tyrese is hurt, and Myles bounced as a free agent.  And the point being made is that would you expect any team, after losing two of their three best players yet getting nothing in return, to actually stay competitive?

That answer is definitely no, if you're the 2025-26 Indiana Pacers.  So now it's like, when is it going to be safe to start calling these dudes flukes again?  That playoff run from last season was truly some fairytale shit, never-ever to happen again anytime soon. 

9.  DALLAS MAVERICKS (19-30)

You know a team is lucky (in the Adam Silver-sense of the word) when they suck but still are one of the most must-watch in the league.  And the reason we must watch, dear reader, is because of Cooper Flagg, who finally though not delayedly(?), is coming into his own.  And you have to admit that for a whiteboy, he's relatively entertaining.

But dude won't be a rookie forever, and eventually, to maintain this type of popularity, you have to start winning.  Just as Morant or Williamson.  I know dudes still sell a shitload of jersey, but you know what I mean.

It seems like Dallas' braintrust (as well as the media) finally got incepted, slowly but surely accepting what I've been saying all along, that dude shouldn't be forced to play out of position.  Now, they're even saying that they should rebuilt around him, and why not?

This curent iteration isn't going to win shit, and better to start now before Flagg turns into a Giannis or a diva who demands victory.  I'm also looking forward to Kyrie coming back, but it's very much possible that his style won't mesh with Cooper's.  This is going ot be interesting, because what other team is even willing to pay top dollar for the likes of Davis or Irving these days?

10.  PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (23-27)

I haven't really been following the Blazers, as it's rare these days I read beyond the headlines, and, you know, they seldom make headlines.  Most recenlty, what I heard is that they've been performing unexpectedly well.  But oh shit, I just checked the standings, and they're on a five-game losing streak.  So I guess it's like back-to-earth in Portlant.

One bit of good news is that they've sent someone, Deni Avidja, to the All-Star Game, like the first Blazer to acheive that accolade since the days of Dame.  And at the very least, it looks like Portland will make the Play-Ins - young, hungry but not quite OKC-ish.

11.  ATLANTA HAWKS (24-27)

Age factors aside, this current iteration of the Hawks being able to get rid of Young and replacing him with McCollum sounds like good business to me.  The only downside is that maybe Trae had more of a lockerroom presence, you know, like morale type shit.  'Hey guys, y'all play better without me, but still, go out there and kick ass'.  But by this point, he was no longer needed on the court, and McCollum is by far one of the better 2-guards in the league.

Whether or not that'll expeditiously translate into winning is another matter.  Team sports can be a funny beast, and sometimes,when dudes are like unexpectedly winning, you need to just leave shit alone rather than making changes.  'Our star player was hurt, but now he's healthy, yet the team is winning without him'.  Then leave his ass on the bench.  Like you see what happened in OKC.

'We just acquired a borderline allstar and need to get him into the mix immediately'.  No you don't, not if niggas is winning.  But that said, I'm totally expecting (or hoping) that this team will mesh post-Trae, and CJ, finally being (on a quality team) in the Eastern Conference, will represent.

12.  CHICAGO BULLS (24-26)

The Bulls started the season as one of the hottest teams in the league, have since come back down to earth big time, and now seem to be sorta balancing out between those two opposites.  I agree that they're one of the squads who should be mnost aggressive in seeking an upgrade, but outside of maybe Josh "the Snub" Giddey and another-maybe Vucevic, like who else does on this roster does other squads really want anyway?  Coby White has made a name for himself, and so has Buzelis, who's but a youngster.  But who's going to trade a top-level superstar for those guys?  Chicago would more realistically be in the Morant (as opposed to Giannis) sweepstakes, though you obviously wouldn't want to force Giddey out of the point.

13.  ORLANDO MAGIC (25-23)

I'm still holding to my contention that the Desmond Bane trade was overrated (by pundits).  Remeber when niggas was like 'oh, the Magic are contenders now. They got Desmond Bane!'  LMAO.  Fuk was you talking about?

Currenlty, they don't appear to be any better than they were the last couple of seasons - perhaps even worse.  And as I've been saying for years, dudes need to focus more on the post, though I guess now, theoretically they're just one player away.  But knowing this braintrust, they'll probably go after a six-foot G rather than the C they need.  And speaking of which, it'd be interesting if Morant could make his way over to reunite with Desmond, though without Orlando losing any of their big three in return.

14.  MIAMI HEAT (27-24)

Even though it's hard at times, I still believe in the Heat and am glad to see that they've established a winning record.  This team has a balanced roster, coupled with an exceptional brainstrust and winning culture, so sky's the limit.  

15.  LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (23-25)

Let me repeat that Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in NBA history.  He'll make the Hall of Fame and all that kinda shit, but the reason Kawhi is not recognized for how great he truly is is due to personality and familial issues.

That said, don't sleep on the Clippers.  Since the onset of the season they got rid of some dead weight (no offense to anyone), which they could afford since the roster was overstacked to begin with.

I'm also happy to hear that John Collins, one of the most undervalued players in the league, has apparently found his fit next to Leonard and the Beard.  Speaking of which, I honestly thought that Harden would be washed up by now.  But I guess it's more like, you know, he's one of those chucks who just needs the right supporting cast.

NBA Power Stinkings (December 2025)

1. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (6-16)

The Clippers are the most intriguing team in the league, like if someone were to write a book.  First, they came into the season more or less being accused of cooking the books.  The idea of overpaying Kawhi Leonard may seem laughable now, but a few seasons back there were apparently people who believed that his health wouldn't be as inconsistent as it has become.

LAC also entered the league with arguably the most stacked, albeit aged, roster in the league, replete with at least three future HOFers.  And that's why, even though they don't have the very worst record, the Clips still managed to top this month's Power Stinkings.

And now, just a couple of days ago, they unceremoniously and unexpectedly cut Chris Paul.  This is despite the fact that "the Neck", after a long and illustrious career, already asserting he'd be retiring at the end of the season.  Beyond that, it's safe to say that he's the greatest player in LAC's history.

Dude must've been a real pain in the ass for them to just sack him lack that, while generating national headlines in the process.  The good news is that now, he may end up on an actual contender.  The bad news is that he'll probably do some dumb shit and pick the Knicks.

As for the Beard, I'm sure I already stated at the beginning of this season that it's time for the Clips to move on already.  Being able to occassionally drop 40+ pts isn't as big as news as it used to be, and it's more or less expected when you're a former MVP.

I'd like to think that if I were a team exec, I wouldn't overpay an aged star regardless of how much name recognition he has.  Or at least, move James to the 2 and start breaking in a younger point, though in the 'positionless' NBA it's like everyone now has the license to chuck.

2. SACREMENTO KINGS (5-17)

While we're on the subject of teams whose record should be a lot better based on their rosters, there's at least one future HOFer on the Kings and maybe, by the time all is said and done, three or four more(!).  Yet this team sucks ass, and you have to wonder if this were another organization (with a winning cultgure) with the same roster yet, if things would be different.

I recently came across a headline stating that Keegan Murray is now the man in Sacramento.  This may be the first time I ever actually mentioned his name in this blog.  I don't know much about him except he's supposed to be a really good shooter and defender.  He's also younger than the rest of the core.  If someone like that, with C-list name recognition, is able to overshadow Westbrook, DeRozan and LaVine, yeah, that says a lot.

But I think it's safe to say that Sabonis remains the best all-around player on this squad, and finally the Kings are ready to shop him, maybe, according to reports.  It'll be really interesting to see where he ends up.  While everyone is panting over Giannis, Domantas' style, which to my understanding doesn't demand him controlling the ball, may be preferable based on a roster's makeup.

3. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (3-19)

Back when Zion was being drafted, I was the only pundit who was like 'wait a minute' - and it wasn't even so much about his injury history.  No one really knew back then that he would miss more games in the NBA than he would play(!).  But I was like yeah, the guy is really popular and athletic, but it isn't like he actually dominated in college.  And now we see, even when he is healthy, it ain't like the Pelicans are unstoppable.  With Williamson on the court, thorughout his entire year, they've been more like an average or even below-average team.

Ultimately, the issue with the likes of Harden or Zion, these superstars whose skillsets may be better served with another roster than the one they're currently one, is that oh dip, they're making a shit ton of money which, when it comes to on-court success, they're not actually worth.  So all things considered, it may be more probable that Zion, if he is finally traded, ends up on a team that won't suddenly become contenders with his addition.  No braintrust in their right mind would actually belive they could win a championship with a player this inconsistent (healthwise) as a center piece.

4. INDIANA PACERS (4-18)

I don't think I've watched the Pacers yet this season, and there really isn't anything compelling me to do so now.  It really sucks, you know, considering where these guys were at just a few months ago.  They went from having the most-clutch star in the NBA - if not professional sports altogether - to now being must-not watch type shit.  But to my understanding, they still have enough pride to at least put up a fight.

5. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (6-16)

I was recently watching this video which indirectly made a convincing argument for the Hornets to part ways with LaMelo Ball.  The one fact I remember the most is that in six seasons as the team's alpha, they still have yet to make the playoffs and by the looks of things are headed home early this season also.

The idea of Ball landing on a different squad is an interesting prospect, depending on where he lands.  But you have to ask - how many teams actually need one of these ball-chucking PGs?  It ain't like he's Jamal Murray type shit.

6. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (3-17)

I feel good about the Wizards.  McCollum + Middleton, if healthy, is one of the best (scoring) 2-3 combinations in the league.  That said, I don't know any of the young guys besides Alex Sarr, and even him, like I don't know how he looks or what position he plays.

The good thing about hitting rock bottom is there's no way to go but up.  If Washington can figure things out, this iteration may never be contenders, but ideally they won't be pushovers either. 

7. DALLAS MAVERICKS (8-15)

If not for the Clippers, I think it's safe to say that the Mavs would hold the distinction as most disappointing squad.  No one was expecting them to lie at the top of the standings after losing Luka and subsequently Kyrie.  Speaking of which, the braintrust should have definitely had a better contigency plan in place, after letting Doncic go, than depending on Irving's health.  Anyhow, this is a team with a deep frontline, replete with a no.1 pick and somewhat of a winning culture, so no one was expecting them to be this bad.

Speaking of which, I have finally come across the word "bust" in the mainstream media in relation to Cooper, as in 'is Flagg a bust?'  I wouldn't go that far, but readers of this blog know that I did state Dallas was gambling, so to speak, in selecting him number one.  Like who takes an American whiteboy with the top pick?

Having the top pick in a draft with a player who's unaminously considered as the best in the class can't be easy, not now, in the 21st century when players and indeed the system itself is less reliable.  On one hand, you may be thinking, 'I'm going to do what my heart tells me, not go with the flow'.  But on the other, you know what I'm saying?  How could they not have chosen Flagg?

That said, maybe he'll end up being a later bloomer, like Cunningham.

8. BROOKLYN NETS (5-16)

If you dig through this blog, you'll see that a few years back I stated that Micheal Porter Jr., if finally healthy, may one day be MVP.  Yes, I seriously said that.

Since then, we've both come to our senses.  Michael is like 'wait a minute, not only am I talented, but I'm also like the tallest dude on the court'.  And as for me, my expectations of his potential have been tempered a bit, but still, you know what I'm saying?  If only he was able to go wild like this on a team that actually wins.  Maybe they should think about shipping his biege ass out to the Jazz(?).

9. UTAH JAZZ (7-13)

I haven't heard much abotu the Jazz except that maybe they'll shop Markkannen, or they'll try to retool around him come trade deadline.  In the grand scheme of things, neither of those courses are likely to turn this season around.

When Ainge went ot Utah, I was giddy (pun intended?).  I was looking forward to Danny working his guru magic and turning this ass-backwards franchise around.  Instead, after like two or three seasons, there hasn't been any progress whatsoever.

Having a bunch of tall whiteboys is cool.  It's novel, in a way.  But it'd help to have at least one electric Black player beside them.  And also, win games type shit.

10. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (9-13)

I sorta forgot about the Blazers for a second there.  That's a result of the cursed combination of being a less-popular franchise that isn't even like .500 type shit.

When these guys had a winning record, they were the talk of the town.  But now it's back to like, if you asked someone to name all 30 NBA teams, Portland would be one of the last ones they remember.

Imagine if Dame were actually healthy?  Yeah, I know that's a big wish, but he may exactly what a young squad like this needs.

Also, shoutout to Jrue Holiday.  When I did peep the Blazers a couple of weeks ago, he was doing his thing, as usual.  Speaking of trade deadline, he should one of the most sought after players, not some big star that you have to go out of your way to accomodate.  Jrue knows how to make an impact without disrupting a team's chemistry.

11. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (9-13)

So I was wathcing this YouTube video the other day that was saying something like both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson have fallen off, and the Grizzlies may actually be a better team without them (or at least without Ja).  Meanwhile, besides for Zach Edey and Pippen Jr. (is he still around?), oh yeah, and that dude Aldama, I can't even name anyone else on this roster off the top of my head.  In any event, that has to be a hard pill to swallow, i.e. a team performing better without their star than with him.

Ja may also be stuck in the unenviable position of no longer possessing the energy to be a superstar yet being paid so much that he has to be one.  It's obviously time for him to be traded.  But if so, due to his salary he isn't likely to find himself, if his skills have actually declined, in a situation where he'll like vault a roster to the championship level.  But at this point, I am hoping for a quick change of scenery.

12. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

So finally, moreso than any other time in history, it feels like Giannis may be on the cusp of getting traded.  The game after that news broke, he suffers a (fake?) injury in the 1st Quarter, yet the medicore Bucks go on to defeat the best team in the East.

Man, if he does forces himself out, I feel sorry for these dudes, as they obviously want to keep him.  Or maybe they're preparing for the inevitable by playing hard, so that the star player who will come in his stead will at least be entering the right type of culture.

13. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (11-11)

The Wariors have been here before, being led by Steph Curry yet struggling to even maintain a .500 record.  But I still contend, out of every player in the NBA, that Steph is the last dude you want to face in the playoffs.  However, his era is clearly coming to an end, as it has been more or less for seasons now.  But now it's becomign more like one of those, do we really want to see dude eventually bow out limping type shit?

14. PHILADELPHIA SIXERS (11-9)

The Sixers' record isn't really that good, but they're the only team in the NBA to have established and maintain a winning record with their two most popular players being more or less nonfactors.  But generally speaking, this organization is not known to overachieve like, say, the Heat.  So it'll be interesting if all of the load management or whatever does lead to a healthy Embiid and/or George come playoff time, because dudes will likely need them.  Like when's the last time Joel has been at full strength during the postseason?

15. CHICAGO BULLS (9-12)

TF happened?  Just a couple weeks ago, dudes were like the feel-good story of the league.  If not for the Jordan Era, the Bulls would be like one of the worst organizations in NBA history.  But the reason I put them on the mid-stink level, rather than casting them into the sewer is because maybe, just maybe they can reclaim some of that magic from a month ago.

If I Could Send One Player to Any Team (Atlantic Division)

 Now that the season is winding down, I want to go into full fantasy mode and play a game of 'if I could send a player to any team'.  In other words, if there's one player I could send to any team in the name of instantly making them a contender or champion, all contract considerations be damned, who would that be?

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - NIKOLA JOKIC

I probably said at least three years ago that, due to injury, Joel Embiid needs to retire.  I no longer feel that way.  But due to health issues, he's a classic example of why some max players aren't worth the percentage of the salary cap they consume.

So in the name of having mercy on Maxey and co., I would give them the only C who's unanimously better than Embiid - Nikola Jokic.  But even Rudolph wouldn't be able to solve all of Philly's problem, as they doubled-embiided themselves by adding Paul George for whatever reason.

BROOKLYN NETS - KEVIN DURANT

It feels like a punishment recommending that any star player goes to Brooklyu.  The Nets are rebuilding in such a way that it's hard to tell when, if ever, the process will be complete.  They made a number of notable mistakes in the past when it came to starchasing.  So I guess now, the best thing to do is just stand pat.

But the reason I'm recommending Durant is on some finish-what-you-started type shit.  Remember it was he who initiated (with Kyrie) and then led that disastrous Big 3 that Brooklyn recently put together.  Then, instead of accepting his administrative shortcomings, KD started lambasting teammates as if they weren't good enough to be on the same team with him.  Damn.  But he didn't get away with that shit at all, as the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns were arguably the worst NBA superteam in history.

TORONTO RAPTORS - STEPH CURRY

Like the Sixers, another organization I sorta forgot exists is the Toronto Raptors.  And also like the Sixers, another organization that seldom seems to perform up to the talent of its rosters.

The Raptors recently acquired Brandon Ingram - a major trade that totally slipped under the radar.  That can be huge, if both Ingram and Barnes stay healthy.

If I wanted to instantly turn this team around, I'd send them someone like Steph.  Toronto isn't particularly strong in their backcourt, and they need someone marketable who knows how to win.

NEW YORK KNICKS - GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Remember that this is "all contract considerations be damned".  This is if I could send anyone to the Knicks  with their current roster remaining more or less intact.  Having Anunoby would be somewhat redundant if Giannis was around, unless there's an injury.  But most of the other guys would still be needed.

KAT likes to shoot from the perimeter and isn't known as a defensive force.  Giannis, on the other hand, loves to drive and is an exceptional, even if waning, defender.  I would say that, all things considered, he's definitely a better defender than Mitchell Robinson.

This would be really fantastical, if, say, NYK were able to get Giannis for Anunoby + Robinson.  I would totally feel sorry for the latter two if something like that happened.

BOSTON CELTICS - GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Imagine if the Celtics were able to trade Porzingis straight up for Giannis?  That's the fantasy that I'm envisioning.

I wouldn't feel sorry for Porzingis because he already has a championship, and his health, simply put, is a liability.  When Kristaps is strong, he's one of the best players in the NBA, no debate imo.  But the consistency of his strength isn't ideal on a team trying to win another championship with him as a centerpiece.

Please Don't Do Anything Stupid (NY Knicks Edition)

I know I've been talking a lot of shit about the Knicks lately.  But in their defense, it should be noted that superteams rarely win championships in their first season together.

Moreover, it's arguable whether or not this iteration of the Knicks is actually a superteam.  The way I define a superteam is as:

• a squad whose core is made up of three perennial all-star level players, or
• a squad with two perennial all-stars buttressed by exceptional role players.

I've been saying for awhile that Mikal Bridges is one of the most-underrated players in the NBA.  That's something I picked up on when the Suns devalued him for KD, and dude was like a borderline all-star during his brief stint with the Nets.  But I don't know if Bridges + KAT + Brunson, would meet that first definition of a superteam.

As for that second, if we were the take it that the Knicks true core is rather made up of KAT + Brunson, yes, they're surrounded by some quality players, but the bench isn't deep enough to qualify as a superteam.  With that second definiton, I'm thinking more along the lines of those types of rosters that the Lakers surrounded Shaq + Kobe with back in the day, you know, during their last two championships.  During their first championship, history tends to forget that had Glen Rice by their side and therefore qualified as a straight-up superteam.

The funny thing is, this past season, the only squad that had a straight-up superteam was the Suns.  Bradley Beal has sorta fallen off of late, you know, if you're looking for a scapegoat.  I've been saying since his days in Washington that he was more or less overrated, and now, that's sorta been proven, though to my understanding injury is a major factor.  But anyway, as you know, Phoenix, with that stacked core, didn't even make the Play-Ins.  There's a lesson to be learnt there somewhere.

After the Suns, if I were forced to name another superteam, second on the list would the Knicks.  Talent-wise, NYK has the best starting five in the league.  They fared much better than Pheonix but went on to disappoint nonetheless.

But the point is, now I sorta agree with Jalen Brunson.  For what it's worth, NYK did make progress this season.  They were the only team to have two players start in the All-Star Game.  And they made it all the way to ECF, even if they had some notable 'luck' along the way.

The bottom line is, their current roster deserves at least one more chance.  What the Knicks should be focused on is edifying their bench and, if any player must go, trading Mitchell Robinson for another defensive big who's healthier.  But, once agian this is the Knicks we're talking about, not an organization that's necessarily known for its intelligence when it comes to roster construction.  So instead, we're met with rumors of them rather focusing on trading for Giannis, KD or, oh my goodness, Jason Kidd.  As for the latter, I don't know exactly how that deal would look, but I hope they aren't actually stupid enough to give up a valued rotation player for a coach who, as if the one that just departed, never won a championship.

Now let me be honest and say I can totally picture a frontline composed of KAT + Giannis.  Giaanis is exactly the type of frontcourt runningmate someone like Karl needs.  We already tried Rudy Gobert, but the lack of speed between the both of them wasn't ideal.  Then there's Mitchell Robinson - tall, lanky, quick and defense-first, someone who, in theory, should fit better next to KAT, who himself is more or less like a lumbering big.  But damn, those injuries.  It's like even when Robinson is healthy, he's isn't.

The problem though with trading for Giannis is, who are they going to give up?  The Knicks already gutted their roster last offseason, and whereas they've added guys like Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet and PJ Tucker(?), I think you know what I mean.

Then on the other side of the equation is, who exactly would the Bucks take back in return?  If Giannis goes, I think it's safe to say that would be start of a rebuild rather than Milwaukee still trying to win with the oft-injured Dame as their best player.  That experiment did not work out at all... because of injuries.  It's always sad to see a team fail just because its stars' bodies are banged up, you know, like back in the days when Grant Hill teamed up with Tracy McGrady.  It's like we'll never actually know how good they could have been.

That said, it's hard to imagine the Bucks, say, taking back Brigdes and Anunoby for Giannis.  A  two-for-one deal like would be more or less fair.  But again, there wouldn't be much sense sending Mikal and OG to a team that's rebuilding.  And for the Knicks, that would literally be one step forward, two steps backwards, sorta like they did in trading Randall + DiVincenzo for KAT, though that trade, transaction-wise, was more understandable.

And speaking of not making sense, I don't even know why the Knicks would consider going after KD.  It may sound like I do a lot of Durant bashing, but let me clarify that if I could meet any player in the NBA, it'd probably be KD.  He's someone I actually admire, like personality-wise.  He's also an offensive powerhouse, albeit one not known for defense at all these days.  Unfortunately for Kevin, his mind is stuck in a past where you could go out and grab two other all-stars and boom, a championship.  And even after witnessing the failure of the 2025 Suns, the Knicks are exactly the type of franchise who would comply with some dumb shit like that, you know, assembling a core of three superstars who none of them can play defense.  But I guess the logic would be that the best defense is a good offense, supporting players be damned.

CONCLUSION

The Knicks played well enough this season and were entertaining enough that fans deserve a runback.  Or if they must make additions and subtractions, let it be on some guru shit, like the Thunder did last offseason.

There comes a point where someone needs to sit James Dolan and them down and be like 'look, we need to choose a path and stick to it'.  Even the Trailblazers are on that shit these days.  Yeah, it's cool having more money than you can spend and the ability to shuffle superstars at will.  But there comes a point, even last offseason with NYK, where constantly making big transactions proves counterproductive.  Again, note the Suns.

The Knicks did take a stand bringing in Jalen Brunson a couple of seasons ago, and they followed up by acquiring the services of KAT last year.  Now, since they've made those decision, they need to focus more on acquiring players that will mitigate their weaknesses rather than engaging in perpetual starchasing.

In theory, being backed by Bridges, Anunoby and Hart, all of whom appear to be above-average defensively, should work.  If anything, NYK is over-talented.  But trading dudes to get another superstar does not, all things considered, sound like a viable short-term solution.

2025 NBA Playoff Ruminations (June 5)

Not all of my predictions are correct; no one's is.  But when it comes to foretelling a roster's fortune, you're probably better off reading this blog than resorting to mainstream outlets, some of whom are unable to figure shit out until months after I've already said it, besides sometimes outright biting my shit, you know, without a shoutout or nothing.

For instance, I'm the first pundit that I know of who was like, why TF did the Knicks trade for KAT?  I made that statement all the way back when the transaction first occurred, i.e. October 2024.  I'm not saying it was a bad move, but I did say it was hasty one, considering they had just acquired Miles Bridges, in another trade in which they sent out a few rotation players, like a couple of days prior.  Based on the Knicks playing style in 2023-24, Bridges was a better selection than KAT.  Yet with KAT, as I anticipated, Miles never really got to show his true potential.

And that's the reason why NYK is arguably the most-frustrating braintrust in the NBA.  They can do something spectacular, like acquiring Jalen Brunson back when he was underrated, and then follow up a season later by starchasing instead of properly using their noodle.

'Well, we got further this season than we did last season, so at least that's progress'.  No one wants to hear that shit, Jalen. Why?  Because the Knicks didn't lose in the 2024 Playoffs because of lack of talent.  They lost because of injury, in fact being the most injury-laden team in NBA Playoffs history that I've ever seen.  But within the timespan of just two months, they totally forgot about that and went about more or less retooling the roster.  Well now, they had the talent + health for the most part, but lack the compatibility, i.e. the roster being poorly and overly built.

So now all of a sudden, KAT is the scapegoat.  Well at least he was, until they fired Thibs yesterday, finally.  Meanwhile, NYK prolly would've gotten swept out of the ECF if not for Karl's performance in Game 3.

I was also the first person, while every other pundit was giddy with excitement, who was like Lebron + Luka is not going to work out.  You'd never know it looking at their current makeup, but back in the days the Lakers were like really-really smart when it came to roster construction.  That was back when the likes of Pat Riley and Phil Jackson and what's his name, that original owner dude, were still around.  Now, in the Lebron era, like there's a reason why I always say that GM Lebron is to be feared on an organizational level.  His presence may result in a quick championship, but good luck to your roster in the years that follow.

In defense of these less-than-analytical mainstream reporters, I think there's an advantage, when you're trying to make predictions, to not actually watching NBA games.  When you watch games regularly, it's easy to form biases or favorites based on personal reasons, or something like that.  It's more easy to get caught up in hoopla when you're consuming all the marketing and hype rather than actually using your own noodle.  Like I can imagine the Knicks' braintrust just sitting around watching games all day.  'Hey, that guy KAT is really good, a double-double machine.  Let's get him, compatibility be damned'.  

That said, guru I may be, I'm not a betting man when it comes to the NBA, nor do I advocate such behavior, as in the grand scheme of things, predictions don't really mean shit if games are rigged.  But apparently, to be a long-term beneficiary of rigging, you have to be like a top-notch veteran.  And even these days, you know, I would say Lebron more or less fell out of the powers-that-be's graces a long time ago.  It's rather the Lakers' brand, so to speak, that's keeping him afloat.  And just forget about KD and them.  Like the mainstream is rightfully saying, there's a new day in the NBA, though I've also said that a long time ago, that professional athletics favors the young, and if the league doesn't rig for certain stars the youngsters would inevitably takeover, especially in this day and age of neverending injuries.

GIANNIS TO BOSTON?

My biggest fear when it comes to Giannis (please don't ask me to spell his last name) is that he ends up being a KD, a superstar bouncing around to different teams yet not winning shit.  Remember when Durant went to the Dubs back in the day - that was arguably the most-controversial free agency decision ever.  But it was also hella smart, because it doesn't look like he's going to win anymore championships beyond that.  Like there aren't any surefire squads in the NBA these days like the Dubs in their prime, except maybe OKC, who obviously doesn't need any roster additions.

Practically any team he goes to, except maybe some of those at the very bottom, will instantly become a contender.  Giannis can go to the Magic and, oh shit, they're contenders, like deadass.

But what I suggest, more than anything, is that he needs to go to an organization with a winning culture, and there aren't many of those.  The only two I can think of off the top of my head are the Celtics and Warriors.

I was reading an article a couple of days ago, I believe on Yahoo, that suggested Giannis stay in the East, since the Eastern Conference is easier, so to speak.  So on that note, I'd like to recommend the Celtics.  They're saying that Jayson Tatum may not come back next season.  But if Giannis comes to town, I'm sure that would expedite his return.

The problem is, who will Boston be willing to give up to get him?  This team needs it role players, even Jrue Holiday if Giannis shows up, since they're homeys type shit.  But you know, that's rich peoples' problems, not mine.

INDIANA PACERS vs OKC THUNDER

Of course I'm predicting the Thunder, as I have all season.  Imo, the only team with a roster that was able to beat them was the Nuggets, who they've already overcome.  That may have been the true Finals' series, so to speak.

But at the same time, I'm not going to completely count the Pacers out, because they're obviously on some miracle shit.  Like Steph Curry is a miracle-ass nigga, which is why you can never count Golden State out (unless he's hurt).  Meanwhile, Indiana has Tyrese "Steph of the East" Haliburton.  So this should be interesting, whether or not OKC can shut them down, like they did Minnesota.

Perhaps the bigger challenge, all things considered, will be the Pacers trying to stop the Thunder.  But they should've gotten some preparation in the regard facing the Knicks, who are apparently one of the better offensive teams in the league, even if they did disappoint.

2025 NBA Playoffs Ruminations (April 28)

DETROIT PISTONS VS. NEW YORK KNICKS

I have a lot to say about the Knicks but will just note that this team sorta lives and dies by KAT.  He's the one, not Brunson, who has that ability to set the entire tone.  And that's the way it should be since he is, after all, "the center".  When the onus is rather on guards to ramp up bigs, like sometimes that shit doesn't work.

The Knicks are almost a perfectly-balanced team.  The problem is that they're over-talented, and therefore Bridges is better off serving as a role or supportive player rather than a key one.  Meanwhile, he's actually one of the best all-around players in the league.  If he can finally and consistently make that adjustment - like Bruce Banner fighting with his brain instead of using the Hulk - then taking for granted KAT + Brunson stays healthy, then the sky's the limit for this squad, because they have one of the best perimeter-defense cores.

Indeed, that Shroder play against Brunson was dirty or in the very least excessive, the way he rolled on his ankle.  None of us knows what goes on between these guys on the court, like low blows and things niggas saying things under their breath and shit like that.  But when you're compelled to try to take out the other team's leader by intentionally hurting him, that's like admitting that they're better.  And it's because of shit like that, I would presume, that the refs didn't call that last foul on Hardaway.

ORLANDO MAGIC VS. BOSTON CELTICS

At the end of the day, you know, the win is the most important thing.  You see niggas feening, intentionally hurting opponents, and then their home crowds roar as they take advantage of the subsequent mismatch.  The point is that even if you win, it's not always something to feel good about.

Using that loose example, that's sorta how I feel about the Celtics right now.  Yeah, you won the game, but damn, is it really a cause for celebration?  Was it really supposed to be that hard against the Magic?  Either Orlando is much better than their seeding indicates - which may be the case - or the Celtics are missing something.  Brown + Tatum have this sorta forever young feel about them, but this isn't a youth squad.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

The Lebron + Luka Lakers have finally earned my respect.  LBJ, after all these years, has finally conceded the point, though it took a Steph-like teammate for him to do so.  The problem though is that instead of sliding down to the 4 where he belongs, he still prefers to operate from the perimeter.

The Wolves won Game 4 not due to being better but rather having the youth and athleticism advantage (a common issue against the Lakers during the Lebron era).  They ran a set play at a pivotal juncture with like a minute left whereas, despite having four better-suited players on the floor, instead it was DiVincenzo who ended up driving into the lane - with no backup - and being summarily dismissed.  That's sorta what I was saying before.  These guys are getting by on their length and athleticism, not strategy, but they won't have those type of advantages if they reach subsequent rounds, except maybe if they once again find themselves against an older team.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (1) VS. INDIANA PACERS (3)

The way Myles Turner banged it on Giannis, that was a statement dunk.  No one in their right mind would ever argue that Turner is the better player, but he is on the better team and let the world know that.

The Bucks are going to face some really tough decisions this offseason.  The only keepers on their roster, besides Giannis, are Porter Jr. and Trent.  The first time, they built a champion around Giannis by surrounding him with more of a traditional roster.  Now, they may decide to take the athleticism approach, kinda how Atlanta should be doing with Trae Young (hint hint).

I'm sorry that the Dame experiment didn't work out, because I did advocate it before anyone else did.  But the Bucks' braintrust, it's sorta like they get ahead of themselves sometimes.  You know what I mean?  Like why acquire Lillard while losing Holiday in the process?

As for the Pacers, those dudes were red hot.  Like I can see them giving a team like the Celtics legitimate headaches.

2024-2025 Offseason Grades (Central Division)

CHICAGO BULLS: B+

I was really hoping that Zach LaVine found his way to LAL.  That didn't happen, but the good thing about Chicago's situation is that now, at least they're a one-alpha team.

LaVine may not be a franchise player in the truest sense of the word, in terms of being able to consistently will a team to victory.  But, he isn't a scrub either.  And the pairing of him and DeRozan was always a questionable strategy, given that the Bulls didn't necessarily surround them with complementary role players, or at least those who were able to stay healthy.

I also like the acquisition of Josh Giddey, because he can fill the role that Lonzo Ball was supposed to.  He may not as good of a defender as Lonzo, but he is a better all-around offensive player.

Also, the way the Bulls' roster is currently made up is such that they can tank without looking like they're intentionally doing so.  You know what I'm saying?  Like they have a respectable roster, but perhaps one not good enough to make the playoffs.

That said, Chicago actually has one of the better braintrusts as far as garbage teams go.  I think what this roster, as is, may need to get to the next level, if they haven't gotten one already, is a speedy, athletic big who focuses primarily on defense and rebounding, not built like Drummond but one you can rationalize starting alongside Vucevic, since he apparently isn't going anywhere anytime soon either.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: A-

The Cavs are literally running it back with their same roster from last season and may be the only team in the league doing so.  That type of commitment demands some level of applause in this day and age.  That's more or less how champions were built back in the days.

That said, I agree with pundits who argue or notice that there's compatibility issues between Garland and Mitchell.  Donovan is a 2 who plays more like a 1 and furthermore is ball dominant.  In other words, if he decides to chuck, there's really no need to force him not to.  Forcing Mitchell, against his will, to share the ball with the other Gs and wings may do this roster more harm than good.

One solution is perhaps to bring Darius off the bench and rather start a G alongside Mitchell who's more defense oriented.  But then, the issue will become if Garland is as effective as a sixth man than he is as a starter.

Either way, at this moment there really isn't much reason to believe that Cleveland is on the verge of winning a championship.  But the ex-factor, once again, is Evan Mobley.  He's the type of player who, if Joel Embiid is unable to find his form, no other team in the East possesses.

DETROIT PISTONS: C-

The Pistons seem to have finally forsaken their youth movement by acquiring a handful of vets, most notably Tobias Harris, over the offseason.  I've been arguing for years that more veterans need to go to young teams like this.  However, I was thinking more along the lines of those who can make more of a difference, not only in terms of winning but also like ticket sales.  Meanwhile, Detroit's youth-laden roster from last season was more exciting, on paper, than their current one (even though they kept most of those young guys).

A little progress is better than no progress.  But the question is, has progress actually been made?

The problem with considering Cade Cunningham a franchise player is first of all, the Pistons are now paying him so much money that if they did decide to part ways, he'd be hard to trade.  You know, first it's like what team actually needs his skillset, and then it's like, what would they be willing to give up in return?  I know I may be projecting too far into the future, but that's the kind of issues Detroit, unless it overachieves, is likely to face.

Obviously no perennial all-star, i.e. the type of player they likely need to actually move the needle, is eager to join the Pistons.  So all things considered, it'd probably be better off if they didn't have any max player and engaged in a full rebuild sooner than later.  Or put another way, if Cade isn't a franchise player (which, imo, he has never proven to be, despite the stats), then they're going to look real stupid the longer they hold onto him.

INDIANA PACERS: B

I criticized the Pacers a lot during the playoffs and don't want to go there again.  If certain other teams in the East are healthy, I doubt that Indiana will make the conference finals again.  But that said, logic will dictate that after the success of last season, the right thing would be to run it back, with an upgrade or two.

That upgrade is expected to come in the form of James Wiseman, which isn't a completely bad gamble, since Myles Turner's style of play can be frustrating at times.  Wiseman was drafted onto the Warriors, a team which, as perennial contenders (up until recently), wasn't necessarily the best environment for young, developing, insecure players.  Since then, he's played for the Pistons and never quite panned out to be the phenom some were predicting when he was in high school.

But maybe, things will be different in Indiana.  Unlike Detroit, this is a team that actually wins games.  And unlike Golden State, even though the Pacers are theoretically contenders, there shouldn't be a whole of pressure or expectations unrealistically placed on Wiseman's shoulders, you know, to instantly prove a champion.  It's like either he finally represents in a definitive way, or he doesn't.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS: B-

I enjoy reminding the world that I was the first pundit to suggest the pairing of Giannis + Dame.  The problem is that, due to injuries, we never got to see their full (postseason) potential.  I think it's safe to say that if nothing else, if Giannis was healthy then the Bucks would have gotten past the first round of the playoffs.

I'm sorta a pessimist when it comes to injuries.  Sometimes, players get hurt really bad and make what seem like miraculous comebacks.  Other times, you're expecting them to return to form, and they never do.  Or let me say that my strategy is that, once a star player proves injury-prone, to always have a viable backup plan, just in case.

The Bucks, though they've made some quality additions, do not appear as if they have done so, nor do they necessarily look better than they did last season.  Besides Dame and Giannis, this squad is banking on a handful of aged starters, one of whom has an even worse injury history.  So I don't feel inspired, and obviously neither does any other pundit, since I have yet to see anyone mention Milwaukee as contenders this upcoming season.

But of course, in theory Giannis + Dame can be the best big/small combination in the league.  Maybe what the Bucks should think about doing is going all out and perhaps assembling what looks more like a win-now roster around them.  They're in a tough spot in terms of facing decisions because when you look at their top-six players, they're definitely contenders if healthy (and maybe a bit younger).

CONCLUSION

The Cavs should be the best team in the Central Division and, if they're able to be more innovative, perhaps even contenders.  They're the only team in the East who, as of now, has a starting five that consists of twin towers, not to mention a perennial allstar 2guard.

But of course, you can't sleep on the Pacers after the showing they had last season.  They now should be fully accustomed to the presence of Pascal Siakim.  But after how they performed last playoffs, injuries and all, I'm not convinced.  But, the same thing can be said for the Cavs.

Where Do We Go From Here? (OKC Thunder Edition)

At first, I didn't have any plans of writing an article like this about the Thunder.  That's because there isn't anything wrong with their roster per se, as in rotation players who I've noticed during the Playoffs that need to be replaced.  OKC has one of the easier rosters to fix, as the team is talented with a clear identity and apparently is on the rise.  So all they need to do is make the right addition.

SIZE MATTERS

The reason why the Thunder couldn't best with the Mavs and likely wouldn't have prevailed against the Timberwolves anyway is because this team looks like is built to beat the Warriors.  I've been arguing for years that size matters in the NBA, even when the mainstream turned against traditional bigs.

I've also been saying that it wasn't wise for teams to try to build their own versions of the Splash Brothers or to go out of their way to try to beat the Dubs at their own game, especially not now, in the 2020s as their dynasty is coming to an end.

Steph + Klay are an anomaly, not the new norm.  They helped change the NBA by encouraging more three-pointers.  But you see who else has won championships in recent years.

The Lakers did it during the bubble with Lebron + AD.  The Bucks won in 2021 with Giannis + Lopez up front.  The Nuggets prevailed last year with the biggest frontline in the NBA.  And if Minnesota takes it this year, as I believe they will, they have twin towers, buttressed by long-ass athletes like Naz Reid.

And wait until Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama are on the same team.  Then people will understand what I meant years ago when I said that the future of the NBA will be teams with five Giannises.  Last season, the Thunder didn't even have a recognizable C, and this season, it felt as if Chet was the only true bigman on their roster.  That's how little this braintrust has come to respect size.

But again, I'm not lambasting OKC, because the progress they've made has shown true growth, the type of which most NBA rosters can only dream of.  Even with a rookie manning the middle, they went from 10th place in the West in 2022-23 to 1st place in 2023-24.  In other words, this is the young team that has shown the most development in recent years.  And come next season, they'll still be relatively young.

ENTER CLINT CAPELA

What actually prompted me to write this post was reading that Clint Capela may be on the trade block this summer.  Back in January, I already stated how he would be an ideal fit on the Thunder.

Capela, currently being 30, may seem a bit aged for OKC.  But his style of play, which relies heavily on rebounds and alley-oops as opposed to needing the ball in his hands, would be perfect for this team.  He's a true bigman, one who doesn't shoot three-pointers and won't need to on the Thunder.  Also, OKC could use a recognizable and experienced vet in their rotation.  Capela has a youthful, energetic playing style that hopefully a team in a better position than the Hawks can capitalize on while he's still vibrant.

And no, I'm not writing Atlanta off for next season.  But it's obvious, to me at least, that they're currently in a rebuild.  And it's not really fair to drag a vet like Capela - who played for the Rockets back when they were contenders during the late-2010s - along for that ride.  After a promising start, the Hawks have underachieved during the Trae Young era and need to like move on type shit.

My second hope is that if the Thunder do go about acquiring Clint, they'll be able to do so without giving up any of their playoff-rotation pieces.  I'm a big advocate of quality roster retention, because familiarity and trust can win games.

For instance, imo the downfall of the Grizzlies didn't began with Ja Morant's antics.  It was when they lost key players like Kyle Anderson in 2022 and Tyus Jones in 2023 that set the stage for their forgettable 2024.  And let's not also forget Xavier Tilman, who was traded earlier this year and isn't even getting playoff burn on the Celtics, despite Porzingis being hurt.

Neither Anderson or Jones are big names in the NBA.  But it would have been more beneficial for the Grizzlies to have Jones this past season than Marcus Smart (who he was traded for), as Tyus had established a standard of overachieving on Memphis and was part of the brethren-like culture their roster managed to build.

CONCLUSION

It may be disappointing to some of us that the Thunder didn't make it pass the 2nd Round after finishing first in the West.  They were also my sentimental favorites entering into the Playoffs.  But their future looks like a lot brighter than many of their rivals, including the Nuggets and Pelicans.  That's because OKC isn't plagued by injuries (fingers crossed), an aging roster or incompatible players.  All they need is a certain key addition (Clint Capela) to take them to the next level.  And to note, the Thunder also have one of the lowest payrolls in the NBA.  That means they may well be able to afford Capela without giving up any key players.

Philly Still the Best Team in the East

The NBA season is going to officially start in three weeks, meaning that between now and then I have to write my 2023-24 predictions.  And I can already tell that this time around, it's going to difficult for a number of reasons.

As it currently stands, I'm sorta leaning towards predicting the Warriors as the 2024 champions.  That's not to say that I actually believe they're the best team in the NBA, and I'm not convinced that Chris Paul will prove as valuable to the Dubs as Jordan Poole did.  But what they do have is Steph Curry and a longer continuity than any other contender.

This past week, there's been a couple of monumental acquisitions in the East.  The Bucks got Dame, and the Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday.  Both of those moves sound really exciting on paper, but the caveat is that neither were acquired as free agents.  Instead, there were players who also had to leave both of those teams to make those acquisitions possible.  So that's why, as exciting as it is to finally have Giannis + Lillard, I'm not getting all gassed up and shit.  The Bucks may now have the best two-man combination in the East, if not the entire NBA, but Philly is deeper, even if the Beard were to bounce.

THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Dame is one of only two players, besides LBJ, Steph and sometimes Doncic, who I would say is a viable offense in and of himself.  In other words, you can rationalize constructing a roster around Lillard consisting of like only role and utility players, though with one drawback, that being his inconsistent health.  A couple of those years Dame played with McCollum and Nurkic, the way I see that iteration of the Blazers didn't make the Finals not because they weren't good enough per se but rather they just happened to coexist in the Warriors Dynasty.

Since that combination didn't work out, i.e. Dame alongside another high-scoring G, then what I wanted to see was him rather team up with one who's like all-defense.  I thought it was going to happen when Payton II went to Portland, but it didn't work out that way.  Now that the potential once again existed, for whatever reason the Bucks decided to ship Holiday out, as opposed to, say, Middleton.  Who knows why they did so.  Maybe the owners like Khris better or something like that, or maybe they have their own vision of what Dame + Giannis is supposed to look like.  It's an exciting trade nonetheless, but one that makes you wonder what type of starting five they're going to roll out.

I'm presuming it's going to be something like Dame + Khris + Giannis + Porter + Lopez.  With that backcourt chucking up shots, and the frontcourt focused on rebounding/defense, they could make a case for best starting five in the league.  But then, who's coming off the bench?

Arguably, the best bench player the Bucks currently have, if they use that lineup, would be Jae Crowder, who more ideally would be a starter himself.  I thought Jevon Carter was still around, a G who, in theory, may fit well alongside Dame, but he's now with the Bulls.  They also have Malik Beasley, who isn't a scrub, but.  I guess it would probably make sense, all things considered, the start Crowder and let Porter come off the bench.  Either way, this is an interesting squad up to about the 7th man.  But considering all of the above, I'm not in the rush to jump on the bandwagon and proclaim them the best in the East.

THE BOSTON CELTICS

My heart almost stopped for a second when I learned that the Celtics traded Robert Williams III, furthermore to the Blazers, a team that may now even really need him like that.  I can imagine how some Boston fans may feel.  The other day I was reading an article on NBC which claimed that Holiday + White + Brown + Tatum + Porzingis + Horford is the best six-man combination in the league.  And yes, the Celts really did need a G like Jrue, i.e. a non-chuck who is a +defender and clearly above-average offensive player.  But his effectiveness is likely to minimized by playing alongside Tatum, who's a chuck, as well as Brown, who's developed a chuckin habit also.  And even though Porzingis + Horford is nothing to sneeze at, who are they going to use in games where they're being tortured (inside) by an opposing big?

THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Even if Harden were to be traded, the Sixers arguable have the deepest roster in the East, and like it's not even really that close.  So if he rather sticks around, then they definitely have the deepest roster, even if other teams' starting five may be more formidable.

The simple-minded think that starters win championships.  That's not exactly true, especially in today's age of the tender, load management, mental health, diva NBA player.

By the looks of things, the entire 2023-24 Sixers roster, from 1-12, will have some type of above-average name recognition.  In other words, if you were to look at the rosters of most NBA team, once you get to like the 7th of 8th man, you're not likely to know who dudes are unless you really watch a lot of NBA games.  But Philly has an entire roster of guys that you know can play, i.e. have at least have heard of before.  They have more rotation-level bigs (Embiid + Bamba + Dedmon + Montrezl) than they are likely to have playing time for, and idk if any other team in the association can currently make that claim.  Besides that Tyrese Maxey may be the most-underrated player in the NBA, and Oubre Jr. can play a Harden-like role, i.e. chuck, if the situation demands, so on and so forth.  They obviously have a level of flexibility that neither Boston or Milwaukee can boast of.

For almost like an entire decade now, Philly has had one of the best braintrusts when it comes to roster construction.  Yet this offseason, they still managed to outdo themselves.  But you know, with Lillard and others bouncing around and with the Beard demanding a trade, and all the other headlines it's like no one is recognizing the Sixers' genius.  So now, the onus is really on Nick Nurse to figure out how to beat teams like the Celtics, Bucks or Nuggets who may have a more talented starting lineup.  At least, unlike other coaches, he actually has the pieces to do so.

CONCLUSION

That brings me to my conclusive point, which is my belief that the reason the Sixers have yet to make to the Finals, esp a couple of those seasons when they really should have, is because of image issues.  Look, you already the deepest roster in the East and arguable the best team in the NBA.  So now, the challenge becomes image rehabilitation.  No Joel getting into petty squabbles, talking shit to the media or, you know, coming on the court like a wrestler or some dumb shit.  No more trade demands from the Beard.  And yes, fuck it, he may also consider getting a shave also.  After all, promotion in the world of business, if that's your goal, isn't always only about talent.  If that was solely the case, then I'm sure Philly would've already made it to the Finals a couple of times in the past 5-6 years.