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Ideal 2015-16 NBA Starting Lineups: Brooklyn Nets

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NBA Starting Lineups: Brooklyn Nets
31 Mar

The Brooklyn Nets are going to look a lot different for the upcoming 2015-16 NBA season. The team cut ties with star point guard Deron Williams, traded away young center Mason Plumlee and let key reserve Mirza Teletovic leave in free agency. Through it all, the Nets are sure to have a new starting five and a totally different take on where they’re headed this year, and beyond.

Sometimes NBA GM’s need a little help piecing their rosters and/or starting units together, and that’s where we come in, as we continue our run in “ideal starting lineups”. This time it’s the Nets, and we think we have the perfect solution with their currently constructed roster that could maximize their win potential:

Starting 5: Jarrett Jack (PG), Joe Johnson (SG), Bojan Bogdanovic (SF), Thaddeus Young (PF), Brook Lopez (C)

The Nets had to get rid of Deron Williams. He wasn’t a good fit anymore and he had a bad attitude. More specifically, he stopped playing defense and his shot was all over the place. Jack isn’t much better in either regard, but perhaps he was a little more consistent. Jack tends to fall apart late in games, though, so there’s not much to fall in love with at the point in Brooklyn right now. He’s definitely better than Shane Larkin, who is regrettably going to get solid minutes on this squad. If I’m the Nets, I don’t settle on Jack and try to swing a trade to upgrade at the point. That being said, Jack is the best they’ve got, so he’s starting no matter what.

I don’t buy the “bench Joe Johnson” hype. It sounds like the Nets want to cut his minutes back and decrease his workload in an effort to keep him fresh and efficient. Maybe it works, but for me, they just don’t have a strong enough starting unit to be able to afford to do that. They need Iso Joe out there, as he’s a great source of points, he can create and he keeps defenses guessing. Perhaps just cut his minutes down and go from there.

I’m not a huge fan of Bojan, but he’s somewhat underrated overall and spaces the floor pretty well with his outside shooting. He’s the best small forward the Nets have unless they’re using Johnson here, so the logic is simple. He leaves something to be desired on defense, but he gives solid effort, so he’s not a total waste there.

Power forward is when this lineup starts picking up, as Young was extended and is looked at as part of Brooklyn’s future. He can defend and is an athletic, versatile big man who can shoot a bit, too. He’s not overly efficient and can have rough stretches, but he’s a really solid four to have and absolutely belongs in this starting lineup.

The key is Brook Lopez. The Nets re-signed him to be their franchise player and the offense is going to run through him this year, probably even more than it did a year ago. His main issue is a rough health history, weak rebounding and absolutely atrocious defense. He can block shots, but he doesn’t actually stop anyone. He’s a terrific scorer, though, so he’s going to help the Nets a ton in that department. If this team stays afloat, he’ll be pretty much the only reason why.

Key Bench: Shane Larkin (PG), Wayne Ellington (SG), Markel Brown (SG), Andrea Bargnani (PF)

As “meh” as the Nets starting unit looks, their bench is even worse. Larkin is barely passable as a backup these days, as he’s too small to create inside or get to the rim consistently and nice steal numbers confuse people to think he’s a plus defender when he really isn’t. That being said, he’s a gadget guy who can provide random offense and snatch some steals. Hopefully the Nets don’t have to use him too much.

Ellington may end up starting, but this second unit badly needs some outside shooting and scoring, which he can provide. He’s not a great defender and doesn’t do anything on a high level other than score, but he can fill up the bucket when he’s on fire. He could be a serviceable starter if they go that route, but I’d love him off the bench. The same goes for Brown, although for different reasons. He has a raw offensive game, but contributes all over the place and can help on defense. He could end up carving a bigger role and being a gem to watch if he can keep improving.

Last and potentially least is Bargnani, who absolutely can still fill it up as a scorer but offers little else. He’ll randomly chip in big rebound and shot-blocking efforts, but usually is a very suspect performer in both areas – especially considering how tall and long he is. Health is a problem for him, but if he can stay on the court he should be a very nice bench scorer.

Overall, it doesn’t look amazing for the Nets heading into the 2015-16 NBA season. Their starting unit is a little sapped and if they’re serious about winning, they’ll want to move Joe Johnson and/or try to upgrade over Jack at the point. They don’t have a ton of young talent to develop, so they could be stuck in a rut if Young/Lopez don’t live up to their contracts. With the current roster, though, there isn’t a whole lot of optimism and it’s highly likely the Nets slip out of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

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Shaq and Scottie Pippen Debate: All-Time Bulls vs. All-Time Lakers

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Shaq and Scottie Pippen Debate
31 Mar

Shaquille O’Neal and Scottie Pippen just won the internet. Or Shaq did. Or Pippen did. You’ll have to decide. The beauty isn’t in which way you lean, though. It’s in the delivery of both formers NBA great delivering jab after jab. What started as a debate over which hypothetical “All-Time” team would win between the Lakers and the Bulls, ended in a potentially not so light hearted take on each man’s roles during their respective careers.

It started with Shaq posting a photo with the arguable five best Lakers going up against the arguable five best Bulls, with O’Neal suggesting his All-Time Lakers would win “by fifty”. Pippen didn’t like that too much and, well, it just got crazy from there.

The point isn’t really about two has-beens arguing about who was better. It’s about Shaq’s original hypothetical. Which team would really win, and would the line really be a ridiculous 50?

50 Points?

A 50-point win going up against a team led by Michael Jordan just might be blasphemy. But Jordan also had some help in this fantasy lineup, with Derrick Rose, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman chipping in. The team Shaq shows for the Lakers is quite formidable on the surface, but even if you agree the Lakers would win this showdown, it’s pretty hard to believe it’d be by 50, or even 20. Heck, they might still not win at all.

The Right Five

And here’s the real kicker – is either starting five even how it should be? I’m not sure we can argue against Chicago’s first three guys. Rose, Pippen and MJ are on this team, no matter how you look at it. But Rodman and Horace Grant make up the rest of the Bulls and it’s arguable, if we’re using any players from past or present, that Pau Gasol or Joakim Noah might be the better pick to fill out this starting five.

The same goes for the Lakers. As great as this rendition of their All-Time team looks, would it possibly be even better if you maximized each player at a different position to give yourself the best possible roster? After all, Lakers greats like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain and James Worthy are left out. Could this roster be shaken up a bit to include one or more of them? That all depends who is putting the roster together and how they rank each Laker, individually.

Another beef I have with the way this argument is constructed is that even with a hypothetical, we probably should keep it somewhat realistic – especially if we’re declaring who would win in an actual matchup. With that in consideration, in what world would Shaq share the floor routinely with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? That’s two traditional centers and that’s not normally how teams role. Think about it. If we’re using them both, what stops us from using Wilt as a third center? If you conducted a random Lakers ranking, would Shaq, Wilt and Kareem not be close to the top-five?

With all of this considered, it’s possible the Lakers starting five and Bulls starting five aren’t what they should be. Because of that, it might be a joke of a debate to begin with.

Winner, Winner

Analyzing hypotheticals is a joke itself, of course, so why not pick a winner as these teams are constructed? Only a fool would ever count out a Michael Jordan team. And only a complete idiot would say that team would lose by 50. The Lakers have far more impressive star power in this showdown, however, so even by the smallest of margins, they’d be the pick.

Think the Bulls would win? Let us hear the argument in the comments below!

Does Ty Lawson Make Rockets a Title Contender?

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Ty Lawson Make Rockets a Title Contender
31 Mar

The Houston Rockets needed a point guard upgrade. James Harden admitted as much following a loss in the Western Conference Finals and on Sunday night, the Rockets admitted it by making a bold move. That bold move was trading for disgruntled Denver Nuggets star point guard Ty Lawson. While the move naturally can be labeled as an upgrade, one has to wonder if it’s enough to make the Rockets a legit title contender in a very busy NBA summer.

Great Trade

For one, let’s not forget about the Denver Nuggets here. They fell into rebuilding mode almost by accident the past two years and with the drafting of Emmanuel Mudiay this summer, they’re clearly headed in a direction where talent and youth wins out over actual production right now. Their squad is largely about development and they knew going into the summer they’d want to make deals and shed some contracts. A second DUI in the past year made Lawson, a guy they already appeared to be done with, extremely expendable. Mudiay being ready to take over was the icing on the cake and in this trade the Nuggets also got four role players and two draft picks. They gave up Lawson for “nothing”, but they actually got some solid depth and assets for a guy they would have otherwise cut.

For Houston, they did a great job getting rid of two draft picks they probably didn’t need anyways. This is a very good team that made it to the Western Conference Finals a year ago, so they won’t be needing next year’s first round pick (which should be a mid-rounder at the absolute best) or a random second round pick. They gave up role players that they largely don’t need or didn’t even want. From a “giving up” perspective, they won this deal and got a very good, balanced point guard that could be the missing link between them and a trip to the NBA Finals.

Lawson 2.0?

I think the biggest aspect of this trade is who do they get in Lawson? He’s clearly been troubled with the drinking (he has set up a rehab trip, though) and he’s going to need mentoring at the least to stay clean and keep himself in a good place. For what it’s worth, Lawson has already been quoted as being “really happy” with the trade. He’s back in an environment where he’s going to be a big part of the solution, but all the pressure of winning isn’t on him. With the Nuggets, he was constantly the team’s source of scoring, whether as a shooter or passer. In Houston, he can focus more on taking what the defense gives him, giving his all on the other end, and finding open teammates. Harden creates a ton in the offense, while Harden, Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza all help shoulder the scoring load.

From a mental standpoint, it’s very possible the Rockets are getting a new and improved Lawson. He’s not going to be hating his life professionally and if he can get his mind right away from the court, he could be ready for one of his better seasons to date. Lawson is still very much in his prime at 27 years old and by the numbers is coming off of a great 2014-15 NBA season. That’s tremendous value for the Rockets on the surface.

Title Contenders?

And here’s the big one. Were the Rockets legit title contenders a year ago? I don’t think they were, as they still lacked the defense they needed from top to bottom, didn’t get enough out of the four spot and ran into the best team in the league in the WCF. To be frank, the Clippers let one get away and this team probably shouldn’t have even made it out of the second round. That being said, they showed tremendous resilience a year ago and with superstars, solid coaching and quality depth already there, they do seem to have the beginnings of a title contender. Beginnings need to be in bold in a sense, because they were this tough of a team without the pesky Patrick Beverley or big man Donatas Motiejunas around to help out.

Getting them both back for next year was a great step in the right direction, but losing versatile forward Josh Smith was arguably a pretty big blow (signed with Clippers). That, combined with massive off-seasons by the Spurs and Clippers and the Thunder also getting healthy, and Houston was looking at the four or five seed – at best.

That has absolutely changed with this move, as Lawson is a very strong two-way player that can shoot, drive, create and defend. His percentages have dropped ever since his rookie season, but if he’s not the focal point of the offense and can play within himself more, I think that reverts and he’s a highly efficient player. Not only do the Rockets get stronger in the starting unit, but Beverley shifts to the bench and can focus his relentless defense on special assignments in a situational role. Beverley is less necessary overall, though, considering Lawson is a more than capable defender and a vastly superior offensive player.

Ultimately, the Rockets just got better. Like, a lot better. Precisely how much better is difficult to gauge, though, because the Western Conference is insanely loaded. The Memphis Grizzlies might be the sixth best team (perhaps right behind Houston), but they could easily piece everything together and win it all next year. Or that could be the Rockets, who have the star power and depth now to make another deep run. Last year they made a nasty run with several guys on the shelf and no point guard. This year those guys are healthy and now Lawson is leading the offense. They may not be locked in as the NBA Finals favorite, but they surely got better and they definitely have a chance to go further than they did a year ago. In the ultra competitive West, a chance is often all it takes.

Think the Rockets will win it all or this Lawson trade means nothing? Tell us in the comments below!

8 Star NFL Free Agents That Are Still Looking For Homes

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8 Star NFL Free Agents
31 Mar

NFL training camps are here in under two weeks, and before you know it the preseason is bleeding into the 2015 NFL regular season. The countdown has begun for some of the top free agents still on the open market to find the right team to continue their careers with.

The first big question is who is left out there that could actually have something positive to give to an NFL team. The second thought is which teams could they sign with? The days of waiting on a name as big as Brett Favre are gone, but there are still some solid veterans out there that could possibly help a team. Let’s break down the top eight and gauge where they might land (if anywhere) before the new NFL season begins:

Michael Vick (Quarterback) Last team: New York Jets

Vick admitted he wasn’t “prepared” to take over as a starter last year and he’s definitely showing signs of decline at age 35, but he also is still incredibly mobile and has a cannon. Vick’s injury and efficiency woes have never gone away, but he’d make for a quality backup and a decent stop-gap starter for a team playing for a future franchise passer. A team like the Buffalo Bills that has not even one decent passer, would make a good amount of sense.

Ahmad Bradshaw (Running Back) Last team: Indianapolis Colts

Bradshaw beats out Chris Johnson as the top free agent rusher available, simply because he’s been a more stable back over the past two years. He’s not as healthy, though, which is why he’s still a free agent, while Bradshaw also was handed a one-game ban due to marijuana possession. Bradshaw has been an injury risk for most of his career, but he’s been medically cleared already for 2015 and despite being 29 years old, has fresher legs than one would think. He was fantastic with the Colts last year and in an ideal specialist role, could have a lot left to offer. He could be a perfect fit as New England’s passing down back, while numerous teams should show interest in the coming weeks. Running back-needy teams like the

Reggie Wayne (Wide Receiver) Last team: Indianapolis Colts

Wayne looked to be on his way to retirement after last season, as the Colts let him walk and replaced him with Andre Johnson and a rookie. He won’t be back in Indy and no longer has the speed to make plays on the outside, but he is still a great hands guy who runs solid routes. That could give him value in the right situation, provided he’s okay with being the second, third or even the fourth guy in an offense. No clear suitors have yet emerged, but Wayne has made it known that he wants to play and apparently some teams have expressed interest.

Wes Welker (Wide Receiver) Last team: Denver Broncos

It’s certainly open for debate if the shifty slot machine is done. He’s 34 years old and has a history with concussions, while his role and numbers saw a steep drop in 2014. Of course, the Broncos did seem to be moving on from him before 2014 even began, however, and it’s still possible he could be plenty effective out of the slot in the right system. Where that might end up being, though, is anyone’s guess. The Dolphins are still the only team that has brought him in for a visit and they appear completely set at the wide receiver position.

Jermaine Gresham (Tight End) Last team: Cincinnati Bengals

Gresham is pretty much a “what you see is what you get” player, but he’s a stout run-blocker and a very effective possession receiver. He has the size and athleticism to be a terror in the red-zone, too, but his touchdown potential was never stretched out in the pros. A bad back has kept him from signing with anyone and it may stay that way, but he’s still in his prime and is a solid two-way player. Anyone needing tight end help will give him a call before the preseason is up – if he’s even answering calls, that is.

Fred Davis (Tight End) Last team: New England Patriots

Davis flamed out with the Patriots and Redskins in recent years due to various injuries, but at 29 years old he could still give the NFL one more go. Foot issues have hampered him considerably, but he used to be a nice size/athleticism guy who had a ton of upside. If he has his health back, teams with tight end needs like the Browns, Packers and Falcons could show interest.

Jake Long (Left Tackle) Last team: St. Louis Rams

Long’s best days and good health may be well behind him, but he was once a strong starting left tackle and at just 26 years old, his career may not be over just yet. Health has been his main obstacle, and Long is reportedly “taking his time” while rehabbing a second shredded knee. He seems ready to stage a comeback, though, and his top suitors might be the Giants and Broncos. Denver has some serious issues on their line with Ryan Clady going down, so they could end up being the front-runner before it’s all said and done.

Evan Mathis (Guard) Last team: Philadelphia Eagles

A former All-Pro offensive guard, Mathis was a beast with the Eagles for years but he and Philly cut ties earlier this summer. Now a free agent, Mathis is clearly going to take his time to both find the perfect suitor and also to likely keep himself out of training camp for as long as possible to rest his 33-year old body. He’s aging, but he’s still highly effective and will probably want to join someone who will both pay him and can give him a shot at competing for a title. The Miami Dolphins have loosely been tied to Mathis, while the Falcons, Rams and Patriots could all probably make good use of him, as well.

Think another NFL free agent belongs on our list? Let us hear who it is in the comments below!

One Fantasy Football Sleeper From Every NFL Team

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One Fantasy Football Sleeper From Every NFL Team
31 Mar

It’s mid-July and sports fans are more about the MLB All-Star game than the NFL. But that’s how fantasy football titles are lost – getting complacent. It’s high time we hit our electronic devices and start our research that will inevitably push us to that coveted league title.

There’s only one way to get there, and that’s to over-analyze everything that makes sense. Today we’re taking a quick pit stop at every NFL team and noting their top fantasy sleeper. That can’t possibly mean that all 32 of our picks will pan out, but the process of elimination and the uncovering of gems has to start somewhere. For us, today, it starts by plucking one interesting sleeper from each NFL roster. Let’s begin:

Note: People have different definitions of “sleeper”. For this article’s purpose, our listed sleepers have not had true breakout season to this point.

New England Patriots – Jonas Gray (Running Back)

You could list every Patriots running back not named LeGarrette Blount as a sleeper. Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are gone and given New England’s history of switching from running back to running back, it seems things are somewhat wide open for the offensive backfield. Gray stands out as a potential sleeper, given that he had a couple huge games in 2014.

New York Jets – Geno Smith (Quarterback)

Smith is getting another crack at the starting job in New York and this time things just might click. The Jets traded for wide receiver Brandon Marshall and suddenly Smith has enough weapons (on paper) to finally make some positive things happen. He’s struggled to this point, but is said to already have great chemistry with Marshall. He’s a risk, but there is still a decent amount of upside here.

Miami Dolphins – Jay Ajayi (Running Back)

Ajayi is an injury risk, but he proved in college that he could be an insanely productive running back despite carrying a heavy load. He won’t have to man a huge load right away as a rookie with Lamar Miller around, but he could help out early on in his first season and will always be one Miller injury or benching away from a mammoth-sized role.

Buffalo Bills – Tyrod Taylor (Quarterback)

Taylor is my pick for fantasy sleeper in Buffalo, but he needs to win the quarterback job first. The reality is E.J. Manuel is still super raw and Matt Cassel is just not very good. Taylor has spent the last couple of years learning behind Joe Flacco and no one seems to know much about him. He has loads of talent around him in Buffalo, though, so if he wins the starting gig he could be a name to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Martavis Bryant (Wide Receiver)

Bryant technically busted out as a rookie last year, but he only appeared in 10 games and was limited to 26 receptions. Bryant is slated for a massive increase in targets in year two and is without a doubt the Steelers sleeper to nab in fantasy football drafts.

Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Eifert (Tight End)

With Jermaine Gresham gone, Eifert is expected to step up into a huge role in his third season in the league. He may have been gearing up for that in 2014, but a dislocated elbow robbed him of his season early on. Now 100%, Eifert’s size and athleticism make him an interesting fantasy tight end option and a great pick for streaming fans.

Baltimore Ravens – Breshad Perriman (Wide Receiver)

Torrey Smith is gone and someone will have to pick up the slack in Baltimore’s receiving corps. Enter explosive rookie Breshad Perriman, who has raw ability and could be a deep ball threat from day one.

Cleveland Browns – Duke Johnson (Running Back)

Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West may initially factor into Cleveland’s running game, but the explosive Johnson is the best talent the Browns have on offense right now and it’d be a shock if he doesn’t have a prominent role right out of the gates. He should be the starter at some point in 2015, too, giving him monster upside as a rookie.

Indianapolis Colts – Donte Moncrief (Wide Receiver)

Indy doesn’t have many sleepers, but second-year wide receiver Donte Moncrief certainly qualifies. Veteran receiver Andre Johnson enters and could steal some targets, but the Colts are expected to use more 3-4 wide receiver sets than ever, giving Moncrief some interesting upside.

Houston Texans – Jaelen Strong (Wide Receiver)

Cecil Shorts III is the only receiver really standing in Strong’s way as a rookie, as he could compete to be the second receiver next to stud, DeAndre Hopkins. Strong was a very solid college talent and though he isn’t the most explosive athlete, he has the goods to emerge as a consistent threat as a rookie in Houston.

Tennessee Titans – David Cobb (Running Back)

Bishop Sankey was bad as a rookie in 2014 and Shonn Greene is gone, so the door figures to be wide open for Johnson to be a major sleeper in his first season with the Titans. A more disciplined runner than Sankey, Johnson should compete for a role behind Sankey from day one and it may not be long before he’s Tennessee’s lead back.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Allen Robinson (Wide Receiver)

T.J. Yeldon is definitely a big sleeper with the Jags, but after seeing Toby Gerhart struggle as a sleeper behind Jacksonville’s shaky offensive line, we may want to pump the breaks just a tad. That shifts things to the passing game, as Allen Robinson has the size and athleticism to be a beast for a bad team that should have to throw a ton.

Denver Broncos – Cody Latimer (Wide Receiver)

Denver’s running game is ever fluid, so you could easily throw a dart and pick a running back to be a sleeper behind expected starter C.J. Anderson. Latimer is the better bet, though, as he’s an explosive talent ready to carve out a role in his second season. The Broncos lost two solid weapons in Wes Welker and Julius Thomas, so Latimer could fill in early as a legit fantasy threat.

San Diego Chargers – LaDarius Green (Tight End)

Green was on the sleeper radar a year ago, but then the ageless Antonio Gates went nuts with a career year (12 touchdowns). Gates is out of the picture for at least the first four games of 2015, though (suspension), leaving Green ripe for the taking in fantasy drafts. He’s a size/speed freak who the Chargers love, so there is tons of upside to be had in taking Green late in drafts.

Kansas City Chiefs – Travis Kelce (Tight End)

Kelce kind of broke out in 2014, but with reports surfacing that the Chiefs “held him back” last year, there’s reason to get excited about how big of a leap he can make in 2015. He’s definitely on the TE1 path again and could vie for the top overall spot. You don’t have to pay a steep price for his potentially elite production, though.

Oakland Raiders – Derek Carr (Quarterback)

The Raiders have tons of potential fantasy sleepers, but Carr is my favorite. Carr put up over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns as a rookie in 2014, and that was with trash weapons and a inconsistent play. He is said to be in much better command of the offense going into 2015 and he also gets upgrades at wide receiver via Amari Cooper and Micharl Crabtree. He could be in for a huge second season.

Dallas Cowboys – Joseph Randle (Running Back)

Darren McFadden is the guy getting all the hype, but it’s the stable Randle that is in the lead to be the new starting Cowboys running back. After seeing what DeMarco Murray did in that role a year ago, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about what Randle could do in fantasy circles.

Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Ertz (Tight End)

Ertz was a sleeper last year and fizzled in the middle of the year, but a huge 15-catch game late in the year showed us all why we got excited about him in the first place. With Jeremy Maclin gone, more targets could be headed Ertz’s way. That should make for a bigger role and way more production, naturally making him one of the top sleepers at the tight end position.

New York Giants – Rueben Randle (Wide Receiver)

Randle was another guy who was pegged as a sleeper last year, but Odell Beckham Jr. was the guy in New York that ultimately wowed people. That should be the case again in 2015, but the reports on Randle this summer have again been glowing, lending the possibility that he indeed busts out this season.

Washington Redskins – Matt Jones (Running Back)

Alfred Morris is plenty solid out of Washington’s backfield, so there is no guarantee Jones will make a huge impact in his first season with the team. That being said, he’s the only thing that looks like a true sleeper for the Redskins and is arguably the most talented running back on the team. The coaching staff loves him, too, so if he gets his hands on any kind of a role he’ll be a name to watch.

Green Bay Packers – Davante Adams (Wide Receiver)

With the Packers still getting very little out of the tight end position, they seem content rolling with more 3-4 wide receiver sets. That’s good news for Adams, who looked great as a rookie in 2014 and could be in for an even bigger 2015 season.

Detroit Lions – Ameer Abdullah (Running Back)

Abdullah was drafted to replace the departed Reggie Bush, so he’s already on high alert to breakout as a rookie. He has Joique Bell to contend with, but Bell reported to camp out of shape and doesn’t give off the feel of a feature back. All of that points to Abdullah being a guy to watch in 2015.

Chicago Bears – Kevin White (Wide Receiver)

Brandon Marshall is gone and White was brought in to replace him as Chicago’s #2 receiver across from Alshon Jeffery. As long as he locks down that role, the upside is clear for a rookie with ridiculous size and explosiveness.

Minnesota Vikings – Charles Johnson (Wide Receiver)

Minnesota’s top sleeper comes at wide receiver, as Charles Johnson busted out marginally last year in Norv Turner’s vertical system. With Teddy Bridgewater improved and Johnson having a more concrete role to start the year, he could be in for monster stats this season.

Carolina Panthers – Cameron Artis-Payne (Running Back)

Jonathan Stewart hasn’t made it through a season without an injury in over three years. Naturally, fantasy owners need to put Artis-Payne on their watch list, as he’s a very talented, compact runner that figures to be the next man up if Stewart goes down yet again.

New Orleans Saints – Josh Hill (Tight End)

Jimmy Graham is gone, so the tight end production in New Orleans has to go somewhere. Hill probably will never be a top-five threat like Graham was, but he’s plenty talented and should be in line for a big role right away. He’s at worst a TE2 in this offense and could chase TE1 numbers if all goes well.

Atlanta Falcons – Tevin Coleman (Running Back)

Devonta Freeman is the tentative starting tailback in Atlanta, but the Falcons drafted Coleman to be the guy and he’s undoubtedly the more tantalizing talent. If the Falcons are to operate a more run-balanced offense as their moves suggest, Coleman could be one of the top sleepers to monitor.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Tight End)

ASJ had his rookie year hindered by injuries and poor quarterback play, but so far this summer has looked “unstoppable” and also got a quarterback upgrade when the Bucs drafted Jameis Winston. Seferian-Jenkins should start in 2015 and is obviously on the list of potential breakout sleepers when you factor in his size, athleticism and potential role.

Seattle Seahawks – Thomas Rawls (Running Back)

When a team makes it to two straight Super Bowls, they’re not going to have many holes to allow for true fantasy football sleepers. That’s the case here, as Rawls is really the only guy that classifies as a sleeper and it’d be in the “deep” fashion. He’d need a Marshawn Lynch injury to every pay off, but the coaches appear to love him. He’s a thick runner with a nice burst and could make for a nice Dynasty league stash.

San Francisco 49ers – Carlos Hyde (Running Back)

Reggie Bush provides a minor cloud over Hyde’s fantasy value in 2015, as does a lingering leg injury. However, Hyde projects to be a potential monster at full strength, as he has a punishing running style and also brings solid hands and a nice wiggle to his game. With Frank Gore gone and Bush always an injury risk, Hyde could be looking at a huge sophomore campaign.

Arizona Cardinals – David Johnson (Running Back)

Andre Ellington is the lead back in Arizona right now but it seemed last year that he didn’t have the build or inside running ability to handle a featured load. A combination of injuries and ineffectiveness led to an ugly 3.3 yards per carry average and at worst, rookie rusher David Johnson could share the load with him in 2015. At best, Ellington slides down to a change of pace runner and Johnson is every bit the sleeper he appears to be.

St. Louis Rams – Tavon Austin (Wide Receiver)

This is year three of the Rams saying they finally know how to use the shifty slot receiver. Austin may not have lived up to expectations to this point, but he really is too talented to not be used more in the Rams’ offense. Landing a competent passer in Nick Foles under center can’t hurt Austin’s chances, and if he’s going to blow up this would be the time to do so. He’s no lock, but there are worse tries at the WR3 spot in fantasy leagues this year.

Think there is a better sleeper on some of these squads? Let us hear it in the comments below!

Ideal NBA Starting Lineups For 2015-16: Atlanta Hawks

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Ideal Starting Lineups For Atlanta Hawks
31 Mar

The sports world has a lot of time on it’s hands. The NFL is still two weeks away from waking up, baseball is currently on All-Star break and NBA summer league is almost ready to wrap things up. Naturally, all we can really do is look ahead and project, predict and guess what may be coming our way.

With NBA rosters starting to take form for the 2015-16 NBA season, that’s precisely what we’re setting out to do as we take a stop at each pro basketball squad and carve out the ideal starting lineup for each team – in our image, of course. Ever wonder if a team could maximize it’s potential if they just started the right guys and had the right guys in the right roles? We sure have, and if you ask us, plenty of teams already have the talent in place to make a serious playoff run or at least improve considerably next year.

It isn’t until just now that they had the perfect lineup to make it happen, of course. Join us on our team-by-team journey leading into next year, starting with the Atlanta Hawks:

Ideal Starting 5

PG: Jeff Teague

Teague remains a top shelf point guard who defends at a very high level and can also get his own shot and create for others very easily. Consistency is an issue for Teague, but he’s still a very solid lead guard that can take over games at times and knows how to play within Atlanta’s offense.

SG: Thabo Sefalosha

With DeMarre Carroll now in Toronto, the Hawks’ biggest question for 2015-16 is who will start alongside Kyle Korver on the wing. It’s got to be Thabo, who allows little (if any) drop-off defensively. Sefalosha is a fantastic iso and team defender and while he doesn’t offer much offensively, he’s certainly capable of hitting the open three. Sefalosha has played on several good teams and has solid playoff experience, so he’ll be a bigger boost than some may think.

SF: Kyle Korver

Korver is a weak iso defender but he can be masked in Atlanta’s elite team system on that end and we all know he’s on the floor for his offense. One of the best spacers in the game, Korver knows how to get his own shot off of screens and can be a total game-changer when he’s on. Korver crumbled in the playoffs last year due to defense and injuries, but as long as he’s healthy he’ll remain a key piece in ATL’s offense.

PF: Paul Millsap

Millsap could have left in free agency but instead he returned to the Hawks and should play a big hand in keeping them near the top of the Eastern Conference. He’s not really the traditional four, as he’s a little under-sized and has more of a perimeter game, but he’s a fantastic offensive threat that also gives great effort on the defensive end. His versatility is here you’ll see his value the most, as Millsap can score inside and out and is a serious matchup problem for most power forwards.

C: Al Horford

Horford’s health was key for Atlanta a year ago and they clearly come and go with him. Horford is a very solid source of offense inside the paint and from the mid-range game, but he really offers value as a defender. Horford doesn’t give up easy points around the basket and even at times can be a stiff rim protector with his shot-blocking.

Key Bench: Dennis Schroder, Shelvin Mack, Tim Hardaway Jr., Kent Bazemore, Tiago Splitter and Mike Scott

Atlanta’s starting five really isn’t up for debate. They need Thabo to replace Carroll as a strong defensive presence and as long as he can give them just something on offense, the Hawks really might not miss a beat overall. With their starting five looking strong, their roster rounds out with scoring threats in Schroder, Mack, Hardaway, Baze and Scott. Splitter is an underrated depth addition, as he can spell Horford in stretches as a solid paint defender and rim protector.

Atlanta’s roster still looks quite strong from top to bottom, but if they’re going to succeed two very key things need to happen. For one, they need to not fall in love with Schroder as much as they did last year. Teague sets a better tempo within the offense, has better awareness and is by far the better defender. More specifically, Schroder’s awareness is terrible in penetration, as he usually has tunnel vision when trying to score. In fact, his inability to create under pressure almost lost Atlanta a key playoff game, had Horford not rescued a missed shot with under a second left.

On top of better utilizing their point guards, the Hawks need to stick with their system at all costs in 2015-16. They seemed to try to adapt to the opposition too much during their playoff run – specifically against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals – and it led to them deviating from what they do best. They need to stick to their guns and use better in-game management to maximize their ability on both ends.

The Hawks are not a consistently explosive team and they lack even one true All-Star. They do have three very strong players in their starting lineup, an ace in the hole in an outside shooter in Korver and a very solid bench. If they play this roster right, they could be right back where they were a year ago – competing to reach the NBA Finals.

Posted in NBA

5 Sleeper NFL Teams That Could Win the 2015 Super Bowl

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5 Sleeper NFL Teams That Could Win the 2015 Super Bowl
31 Mar

NFL training camps are just around the corner, and before you know it, the 2015 NFL regular season will be here. We have just over a month to fully prepare for the new NFL season, which includes nailing down any preseason predictions we might have. Everyone knows who the top teams are and who has the best odds to win the 2015 Super Bowl, but we often see sleeper teams come out of nowhere to make a crazy run.

Could we be in for a crazy run like that in 2015? Let’s take a look at five teams that may not look like Super Bowl contenders at first glance, but could end up surprising us all by year’s end:

Miami Dolphins (40/1 odds)

Miami is one of the more interesting sleeper teams entering 2015, as we already saw Ryan Tannehill and co. make major strides on offense and then the team went out and got disruptive defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to anchor a rising defense. If Miami is suddenly as balanced as they appear to be on paper, they could be a legit threat to storm New England’s castle and steal the AFC East crown. Regardless, they’re going to be a playoff contender in 2015 and once in, they could do some serious damage.

New York Giants (32/1 odds)

It seems all the Giants need to do is make the playoffs and they’d be a threat to win it all. They haven’t been doing that lately, but Odell Beckham Jr.’s crazy rise as a rookie last year has this offense carrying monster upside into the new season. It’s a make or break season for Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin, but there is enough here to believe in the Giants if they can make the post-season tourney. They’ll have tyo navigate a tough NFC East first, of course.

Kansas City Chiefs (40/1 odds)

Justin Houston just agreed to a monster deal to stay in KC for the next six years, so it’s fair to say a good Chiefs defense could be elite in 2015. They were already bordering on that status, as they allowed under 18 points per game and had a very stingy defense in all regards. They could be even better in 2015 and if Alex Smith can take the offense to new heights, this could be a special unit.

Cincinnati Bengals (40/1 odds)

Andy Dalton and co. keep doing it right during the regular season, as they’re either winning division titles or doing enough to sneak into the playoffs. They’ve done the latter in every season Dalton has been under center and one has to think they’ll eventually round the corner. This year just might be that year, as they’ve added some nice pieces on defense and have some solid young talent in Tyler Eifert and Jeremy Hill that could push the offense over the top. Their division is a war zone, but if they can maneuver it like they did in 2014, they’ll at least be back in the playoff mix for a shot to make a deep run.

Carolina Panthers (45/1 odds)

Carolina oddly ranks the lowest on our sleeper picks if you’re going off of the oddsmakers’ 2015 Super Bowl odds. We tend to like the Panthers, though, especially with a healthy Cam Newton leading the way. It hasn’t always been pretty, but Newton has done enough to get the Panthers to two straight NFC South division titles and last year they got to the divisional round for the second consecutive season. With an improving quarterback, a solid running game and an elite defense in tow, Carolina should be a team to watch for 2015.

Think another sleeper team belongs on our list? Tell us who it is in the comments below!

Posted in NFL

5 NBA Free Agents That Could Still Make a Difference

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NBA Free Agents That Could Still Make a Difference
31 Mar

NBA free agency has largely come and gone, with all the big names already officially signing their new deals. The DeAndre Jordan fiasco is still right in the back of our minds, but with each passing day we get further away from the stars that control the free agency tides, and closer to the role players that could end up being the finishing pieces of a championship squad.

There are still a few players hanging out on the open market that could help the right team in a big way for the 2015-16 NBA season. Let’s take a look at who they are and where they could possibly sign before the summer is up:

J.R. Smith, G/F, Cleveland Cavaliers

Smith has always been a bit of a headcase, but he seemed to do a solid job of staying out of trouble in Cleveland and played a helping hand in the Cavs almost winning their first ever title. Smith is still a free agent because he’s reportedly looking for a three-year deal and more money, but thus far hasn’t been made a huge priority by the Cavs. That doesn’t mean Cleveland doesn’t want to retain the deep threat (they reportedly do), but if they wait too long he could be scooped up by another contender looking for some outside shooting.

Ray Allen, SG, Miami Heat

Allen chose to sit out of the 2014-15 NBA season ultimately, but even at 40 years old, has never retired. He’s supposedly kept himself in great shape and could still be gearing up to join a title contender for one more run at a championship. Latching on with the Cavaliers probably makes the most sense, but he’s also had loose ties to the Clippers, where he could reunite with Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce. He probably stays retired, but if he returns he’d provide terrific value as deadly three-point shooter off the bench.

Josh Smith, F, Houston Rockets

Smoove is without a doubt one of the most versatile forwards in the game, as he has the skill-set and athleticism to play outside at the three, or bang down low as a four. He showed he can be a team player as a role player on the Rockets last year, but he may be seeking a larger role in free agency. Money probably isn’t a big factor, though, since he’s getting paid a ton from his former deal with the Detroit Pistons. He could wait it out to hunt down a big role with a non-contender, or he could latch on with the Rockets, Clippers or Kings, all of which have shown serious interest.

Kevin Seraphin, F/C, Washington Wizards

Seraphin isn’t a huge name, but he’s one of the more interesting guys still available due to his size, strength and scoring ability. He has some serious untapped potential after pretty much wasting away on the bench in Washington to start his career. He displayed a strong inside presence briefly in the playoffs last year, and we can clearly see he brings major upside to the table as a potential double-double machine. The big reason why he’s still available is due to his desire to get paid for a starting role, but so far that hasn’t worked out. Dallas seems to be on his list if the fit is right, but with the Mavs traded for Zaza Pachulia, it might not be the ideal situation. We probably can expect him to leave the Wiz, but where he ends up is anyone’s guess. The Clippers have also expressed interest, but that was before DeAndre Jordan returned to the team.

JaVale McGee, C, Philadelphia 76ers

McGee has some of the worst awareness you’ll find from an NBA player, but he’s a towering menace that can block shots and get rebounds, so he has serious value. He’s also just 27 years old and is one of the more athletic centers in the league, so some coaching staff out there has to be thinking the right system could still potentially turn him into a beast. That’s probably a pipe dream, but he can be a shot-blocking specialist in a limited role and bring value to the right team in spurts. He’s been tied to the Clippers, Kings, Celtics and Mavericks, and he really could go anywhere. With Dallas needing center help the most, don’t be shocked if he’s a Mav by the end of the summer.

Think there’s a better NBA free agent out there that deserves to be on our list? Tell us in the comments below!

Which NBA Summer League Players Could Be Studs in 2015-16?

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NBA Summer League Players
31 Mar

While everyone is understandably talking about NBA free agency, a lot of excitement is brewing in 2015 NBA summer leagues. Three leagues – in Orlando, Utah and Las Vegas – are showcasing some of the top young prospects and some just might be displaying the beginnings of a special career.

A lot of players come in and perform well at summer league, but one thing we have our eye on is the very special talents that not only look good here, but could be ready for a huge leap in the Association. Let’s take a look at some guys that have crushed it thus far in the summer games and what their roles could look like for the 2015-16 NBA season:

Marcus Smart, PG, Boston Celtics

Smart was a hyped rookie with the Celtics a year ago, but didn’t really take the league by storm. While a defensive force and a solid spot-up shooter, Smart’s raw scoring ability didn’t quickly translate to the highest level and his point guard smarts were touch and go. It’s only summer league, but it does look like he’s made major progress after averaging over 24 points and 7.5 assists per game in his first two outings. It’s a small sample size, but it could be a sign Smart is ready to take over Boston’s offense, both as a play-maker and a scorer. That’s good news for a Boston team that to this point really lacked a go-to scoring presence.

Mario Hezonja, G/F, Orlando Magic

New Magic head coach Scott Skiles doesn’t normally like to give rookies a ton of minutes. He opted against it with Joe Alexander and Tobias Harris in Milwaukee and he could do the same as he tries to figure out how to use his new Magic squad. That’s potentially awful news for the versatile and athletic Hezonja, but it’s also possible Hezonja is just too good for Skiles to fade in year one. The rookie has displayed elite athleticism and clutch shooting early in summer league, while averaging a solid 13 points per game. The rest of his game is a work in progress, but Hezonja has the ability to help out offensively right now. If Skiles thinks he needs a jolt in offense, Hezonja could be a name to watch.

Justise Winslow, G/F, Miami Heat

Winslow hasn’t exactly dominated in summer league, but he’s shown his versatility and NBA-ready skill-set by averaging 11.5 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal per game. He’s potentially a stat-stuffer at the next level, but more importantly he’s a willing and capable defender that could be an electric spark off the bench for the Heat. Winslow is looking at a bench role as a rookie but with Dwyane Wade always banged up, we could see a lot of him in his first NBA season.

Aaron Gordon, PF, Orlando Magic

Gordon may be the best performer at summer league this year, as he dominated the competition to the tune of 21 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He left the action early after proving he was a man amongst boys and could have played himself into a prominent role with the Magic as he gears up for his second NBA season. The aging Channing Frye is currently listed as Orlando’s starting power forward, but he’s been regressing and doesn’t offer the defensive toughness or overall upside the young, athletic Gordon does. Gordon’s improved offensive game helps him a ton, too, as it’s possible he could give the Magic the offensive spark Frye can, while also helping out on the defensive end. If that’s the case, coach Skiles won’t have any choice but to let the budding star continue to grow as a member of the Magic’s starting five.

Frank Kaminsky, F/C, Charlotte Hornets

Frank “The Tank” was made a top-10 pick by Michael Jordan and co. this year because they viewed him as a franchise cornerstone. If the early going in summer league is any indication, they might be right. Kaminsky’s lack of strength and power had him struggling down low a bit and he needs to work on his defense, but he ended up putting up solid overall averages of 14 points, 8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He has some work to do, but it looks like Kaminsky’s college skill-set could translate quickly to the NBA level.

Myles Turner, F/C, Indiana Pacers

The Pacers won’t be completely relying on the rookie Turner down low this year, as they brought in Jordan Hill to either start over him or right alongside him. For now Turner looks like a likely starter to get his NBA career rolling and summer league definitely supports that idea. Turner was a beast in three games, where he put up averages of 18 points, 8 rebounds and a whopping four blocks per game. With Roy Hibbert gone, the Pacers are changing their offensive scheme and with Turner they might still have a solid rim protector that is also a more than competent low post scoring presence.

Jahlil Okafor, C, Philadelphia 76ers

Few have the upside of Okafor coming out of this summer league, who hasn’t exactly dominated in his three appearances but looked plenty good enough to think he could have a fantastic rookie run. Okafor showed his scoring prowess right away, as he’s put up over 14 points per game, combined with 8 boards and 1.3 steals per contest. Okafor needs some work on the defensive side, but his footwork and touch around the basket are good enough right now to make him a force in year one with the Sixers. Considering Philly really has no one else to shoulder the scoring load, he could be in for a huge first season.

Think another player in summer league was better and will kill it during the 2015-16 NBA season? Tell us who in the comments below!

2015-16 NBA Power Rankings: Where Each Team Stands After Free Agency

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2015-16 NBA Power Rankings
31 Mar

The first huge tide has passed in free agency and for all intents and purposes, the huge change that we all thought would be coming has arrived. We still have to wait for some small deals to fall into place and there could still be trades on the horizon. There is even talk of the Clippers trying to convince DeAndre Jordan in changing his mind and staying in Los Angeles, so it’s possible some of the big moves we’ve seen could go back the other way.

For now, though, we have to take all of the signings and trades at face value and start looking ahead to the new 2015-16 NBA season. Summer league action is already underway and before we know it, next year will be this year. Let’s do our summer work as we break down every team’s current standing in our 2015-16 NBA Power Rankings:

30. Philadelphia 76ers

Jahlil Okafor is a terrific pick for the rebuilding Sixers, but they still don’t have stability at the point, shooting guard or small forward. Talent-wise, they’re without a doubt still the worst team in the NBA.

29. New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony being healthy will do the Knicks wonders, while additions like Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo could help, as well. None of that is enough, though, and another tank session could be in order.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota has loads of talent. It’s just all young and largely inexperienced. Ricky Rubio and Kevin Martin are strong on the wing and rookie big man Karl-Anthony Towns should pay off right away. They won’t be a playoff team, but they could be better in a hurry.

27. Denver Nuggets

Denver still has enough talent to be competitive in the West, while new coach Mike Malone could get them to play some defense. The only problem is Ty Lawson and others could be on the move, so we don’t know what they’ll look like at the start of the season.

26. Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant’s swan song may not be all that horrific, as D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass make up a much better surrounding roster than he’s had the past two years. The playoffs are still light years away, unfortunately.

25. Orlando Magic

Scott Skiles is a strong hire that should get a young Magic squad to play team defense. Aaron Gordon could make a huge leap and Orlando drafted well again this year. It’s a slow process, but this rebuild is going exactly according to plan.

24. Sacramento Kings

The Kings have added some serious talent via Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli and rookie big man Willie Cauley-Stein, but the moves are still all over the map. Are they still trading Boogie? Because if so, this is right where they belong.

23. Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte took a major step back last year and while Frank Kaminsky and Nicolas Batum could be great additions, we might not see the results right away.

22. Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard has the Blazers all to himself and that could be a horrifying thing. Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez and LaMarcus Aldridge are all gone.

21. Detroit Pistons

Detroit is trying to get faster but losing Greg Monroe hurts. They’re going to have to shoot the lights out to win this year.

20. Indiana Pacers

Paul George will be back at full strength and Monta Ellis helps the offense come back to life, but what about the defense? David West and Roy Hibbert are both gone, too, which could leave Indy in trouble down low.

19. Phoenix Suns

Tyson Chandler was a solid get down low, but the Suns are still betting the farm on their two-point guard lineup working.

18. Boston Celtics

Boston was a classic over-achiever last year and probably didn’t do enough to see a major leap this season. The only way they make it back to the playoffs is if their young talent keeps improving.

17. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets brought back Thaddeus Young and Brook Lopez, so the whole rebuild idea has been put on hold. As currently constructed, they’re just good enough to make the playoffs, but any kind of run is probably a pipe dream.

16. Utah Jazz

Rudy Gobert transforms the Jazz into a defensive stalwart. If they can wake up on offense, a playoff trip could be in order for the 2015-16 season.

15. Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee is building up and adding Greg Monroe helps them a ton down low. They won’t make much noise this coming season but in 2-3 years people could have a very different perspective on these Bucks.

14. Miami Heat

Miami has a sick starting five on paper, but does it all come together to make a championship contender or one that can simply make the playoffs?

13. Toronto Raptors

Toronto lost Amir Johnson but got stronger on the perimeter by adding DeMarre Carroll. They aren’t as good as they look on paper, but they’re still one of the East’s better squads.

12. Washington Wizards

Paul Pierce left but a team that almost got to the Eastern Conference Finals is still largely intact.

11. Dallas Mavericks

Landing DeAndre Jordan is pretty big for them, as they might be stuck at this spot even with him.

10. New Orleans Pelicans

Alvin Gentry should get the Pelicans running and with one of the best young talents in the league in Anthony Davis, this is a team on the rise (and one to watch).

9. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks arguably missed their window last year and things only get tougher from here, as Kyle Korver’s health is in decline and DeMarre Carroll fled to Canada.

8. Chicago Bulls

Chicago made a coaching change and held onto their key free agents, which should give them a shot at making a push in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose being healthy for a full year could be the ticket, but if the Bulls are ever going to be a legit contender that vaunted defense will have to return.

7. Memphis Grizzlies

Marc Gasol is back in the saddle and the Grizzlies as we know them march on. Their defense is enough to keep them in contention, but we saw last year that they badly need some extra offense to make a serious push. Until they make a big move to get that, they’ll be just short.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC missed the playoffs last year due to injuries, so if healthy they’ll storm back as a serious threat in the league’s toughest conference. No one will hand them the title or a playoff spot, though, so they’ll have to earn that, just like they’ll have to earn a higher spot in our NBA power rankings.

5. Houston Rockets

Houston edged out the Clippers last year but they seem to have plateaued a bit. They kept their key roles players and should be healthier next year, but is their current rendition good enough to top the Clippers again or get past the Thunder, Spurs and/or Warriors? I’m not sold yet.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

With DeAndre Jordan’s mind not quite right yet, I’m holding off any declaration on the fate of the Clippers. If he stays, they’re a top-five team thanks to additions like Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson. If he does indeed bolt for Dallas in the end, they’re in serious trouble.

3. Golden State Warriors

The defending champs would hold the top spot for many, but power rankings are more about the combination of current and overall strength. Golden State lost depth by trading away David Lee and otherwise brings the same team to the table next year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James isn’t officially a Cav yet (he opted out), but once Tristan Thompson gets paid, he certainly will be. Cleveland added Mo Williams, held onto Iman Shumpert and Kevin Love and will probably make one more move to be even stronger than they were a year ago. With Kyrie Irving also coming back at 100%, they’ll be the top pick from out East.

1. San Antonio Spurs

They won the title two years ago and just brought in LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. The Cavaliers are the sexy pick and they might be the right one, but in terms of championship talent and big moves, San Antonio owns all going into next year.

Think our NBA Power Rankings are jacked up? Let us see your order in the comments below!