(11-13-2019, 08:37 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: We talk a lot about how it is too early to judge this or that. With the Exception of Portland and Phoenix, the top 9 in the WC are exactly who most of us thought the top 9 would be. Even the order is pretty close. I would have had Portland in the top 5 and LAL just outside of it. I've presumed we'd be in the top 8 and SAS and Minn would finish 8/9 in some order. Absent major injuries, Portland probably ousts one of the current top 9. Do we see anyone else jumping into the group?
1. LAL 8-2
2. Utah 8-3
3. Hou 7-3
4. Den 7-3
5. LAC 7-3
6. Dal 6-4
7. Pho 6-4
8. Minn 6-4
9. SAS 5-5
11. Port 4-7
While I love Dallas start, I think we have to be a bit careful. They only played 3 teams so far that are in play-off positions and lost against 2 of them. They also lost against two teams that are not in play-off position. I think we will know where we are around new years, after that tough end of november-december set of games will be finished.
Regarding Portland - it is becoming clear they lost a lot this offseason. They have no depth at four, especially since their only guy (Collins, who is actually a five playing a four) is injured for most of the season. I would say that this will be their position on the table, if they don't make a trade for a Love/Griffin type of player.
Alarm bells are clearly ringing with some teams at this point. Portland I mentioned. There is Orlando (already rumors for DeRozan), Detroit (will they make a desperate move or break it up?), Chicago (tank one more year or move one of their young "I think I am a star but still need a lot of work to get their or never will be" for a real star?).
On the other hand Charlotte and Cleveland are in play-off picture at the moment, despite we probably all saw them in bottom 5 teams. Phoenix of course exceeded all expectations. Baynes is a monster and I think they might actually look worse when Ayton returns to take his minutes.
(11-13-2019, 08:51 AM)Hypermav Wrote: I think the Pelicans will be out of it before Zion returns but they will be better and could be a spoiler down the stretch.
I think the question regarding them is, will they move their couple of expiring veterans (Reddick, Favors) and go full youth movement or will they try to be full competitive to leave a nice image and be attractive for a big FA sigining. Although there is none available in 2020