22. Jazz

The Jazz didn't have its draft pick from the Rubio trade that ended up being disastrous as it turned into the 2nd pick. No team in the NBA was hit harder by injuries last year so the Jazz shouldn't be picking in the top 5 again. Its hard not to play the what If game with Zion Williamson on this team.
Key Additions (Entest Kanter, Thomas Robinson, Trey Burke)
Kanter went back to Utah for a 1 year deal and he could start as the PF with Gobert to help him out on defense. Robinson gives them even more depth down low. Trey Burke was signed on to be the starting PG after a much improved year in Milwaukee. He isnt much on defense, but he should score in the teens.
Biggest Question
How far can a team of good not great players make it in the west ?
Possible Trades
Kanter or Favors could be traded to a playoff team and pick up another expiring deal and some draft picks. They don't have any bad long term contracts on the team and need a star player.
Season Goals
Making the playoffs is the goal as nobody on the team is over 28. If they are going to make it to the 2nd round Mitchell, Hood and Kurkas have to score as Rudy will provide the defense.

Kemba Walker signed a massive 5 year deal to return to Charlotte and hopefully he wont regret it because he has no help around him.
Key Additions (Dennis Garland)
In a 5 player draft they had the 6th pick and took the young PG who is a good athlete just raw.
Biggest Question
Will they give Kemba some help or do they trade assets and tank this year ?
Possible Trades
At SF they have MKG, Isaac Bonga, Dewayne Bacon and Nicolas Batum so one or two of them needs to be moved. MKG is the perfect trade piece in the last year of a 13 million $ deal. They would love to move the big contracts of Batum and Zeller and if they include this years 6th overall pick that could happen. Marvin Williams is another expiring deal that could be traded.
Season Goals
They need to figure out if they are trying to win games and make the playoffs or lose and bring in another lottery pick.

The Blazers are still stuck in the middle and need to find a way to get some help for the big 2. They did pay Nurkic who has become of the best defenders and rebounders in the league and is only 25. Its put up or shut up time for Zach Collins who will start at PF.
Key Additions Tyreke Evans
He should be a nice upgrade at SF from anyone they have had in a several years
Biggest Question
What can they do to get some help and get out of the 1st round ?
Possible Trades
They need to get a 3rd star and with Deandre Jordan name coming up so much is Nurkic plus Harkless (expiring deal) good enough to get the deal done ?
Season Goals
To make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs

Jokic is back for a long-term deal so now the Nuggets just need to work on getting some help around him to make them a threat in the West for the next 5+ years.
Key Additions (Demarre Carroll, Kostas Antetokounmpo)
The SF position has been bad for years and now the Nuggets think they have the answer both short and long term. Kostas will start out in the G league and was drafted with the 10th pick. He has a lot of upside, but is a few years away from making a impact.
Biggest Question
Can the PG position be solved by either Emmanuel Mudiay or Lamar Peters both under 23 ?
Possible Trades
Do they think about trading Garry Harris if the season goes south ? He would be easy to find a team willing to take on his contract. They are several young guys in final year of contract they need to make a decision on. Paul Milsap at 34 also could be traded to a playoff team if need be at the deadline.
Season Goals
Make the playoffs and hope one of the young PG's step up

It might be time for the Raptors to hit the reset button with 72 milllion currently in cap space next year. Jonas Valanvinus was giving big $ to resign he has been very consistent and a great defender and rebounder. They are a old team and you can't blame them for taking one more last run at the east.
Key Additions (Chris Bosh, Joel Berry )
Bosh returns home and will be a fan favorite after spending the last few year in Boston. Berry was the 16th pick in the draft and has great potential, but is a 23 year old rookie.
Biggest Question
Is this the last chance for the raptors to win the east before they rebuild?
Possible Trades
I dont see a major move this team can make as so many guys are in the final year of contracts and they are a veteran team that will be in the playoffs.
Season Goals
To make it and win the NBA finals

The Cavs failed to make it to the NBA finals for the 2nd straight year so Lebron left during FA. The goods news is they resigned Mark Gasol and Kevin Love so they still have the pieces to make a run at the title. Isaiah is going to have to step up and score like he did in Boston his last year.
Key Additions (Pau Gasol, Kobi Simmons, Jerryd Bayless, Taj Gibson)
Pau turned 39 and will spend his last year playing with his brother and he will be needed on this team. Kobi was signed a FA and can score off the bench.
Biggest Question
How does this team do without Lebron ?
Possible Trades
We don't see a way of them blowing up the big 3 of Love, Thomas and Gasol so there isnt a major move to be made. They dont have young assets and Crowder and Osman are needed at SF.
Season Goals
Even without Lebron this is one of the most talented teams in the NBA so they are going to be a dangerous team. They need to make it back to the ECF and show the world they are more then just Lebron.

The Heat for a few years have been stuck not in the playoffs and with no draft picks or cap space. The first few months are huge for them as they are another team that needs to decide if they are rebuilding or contending. They are paying big $ for the future to Whiteside and Winslow, but they can easily trade those guys if they want to.
Key Additions (Marcus Morris, Wade Baldwin, Khavon Moore)
The 13 pick in the draft Moore could end up being the steal of the draft with A- potential. He is only 20 years old and 74 overall so will spend his time early on in the G league
Biggest Question
Figure out if you are buying or selling ?
Possible Trades
While most teams have there bad contracts coming off the books this year the Heat have several (johnson, Olynyk, Waiters) that last till next year. Tyler Johnson and Dragic both have 19 million each coming off the books so they could be traded. A lot of options here as the 3 players that come off next year are useful players that they could trade if need be.
Season Goals
A return to the playofs would be nice, but if they arent then they need to find a way to clear up some cap space and go after a high profile FA this summer. They still don't have the superstar or young guy capable of leading them past the top teams in the East.
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