With the 2019-2020 NBA season about to start, I’ve made a list of my power rankings with all 30 teams. These power rankings take into account a team’s players, potential, injury proneness, chemistry, and longevity.
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Eastern Conference
Philadelphia 76ers
Milwaukee Bucks
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors
Indiana Pacers
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Detroit Pistons
Chicago Bulls
Charlotte Hornets
Washington Wizards
New York Knicks
Atlanta Hawks
Washington Wizards
Western Conference
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Los Angeles Clippers
Houston Rockets
Golden State Warriors
Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Lakers
Portland Trailblazers
Utah Jazz
San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans Pelicans
Dallas Mavericks
Sacramento Kings
Minnesota Timberwolves
Phoenix Suns
Memphis Grizzlies
Oklahoma City Thunder
Overall, this coming season will be extremely exciting for basketball fans because of how many new good teams have formed from free agency signings. With so many good teams in both conferences, this year’s championship is up for grabs.
On July 11, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul, a 2024 first round pick, a 2026 first round pick, a 2021 swap, and a 2025 swap. Houston sacrificing its future and going all in on a championship in the next 1-2 years begs the question: Will Westbrook fit into the Rockets’ system and be the upgrade from Chris Paul they need to win a title?
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First, let’s compare the two players. Westbrook is 6-3, 200lb, while Paul is only 6-0, 175lb. Despite Chris Paul’s skill and playmaking ability, Westbrook is harder for defenses to handle, due to his ability to drive to the paint. Westbrook is also 4 years younger than Paul, and is one of the most athletic players in the league. For the past 3 seasons, Westbrook has averaged a triple-double, so he should be able to help the Rockets on both ends of the floor by providing more much-needed rebounds.
Although Westbrook averaged 7.3 more points, 6.5 more rebounds, and 2.5 more assists than Paul next season, the question is whether or not he will be able to maintain his statistics while integrating into the Rockets’ system. Paul and Westbrook have roughly the same field goal percentage, but the areas where Paul outshines Westbrook raise some concern.
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The Rockets’ system relies heavily on taking 3 pointers, even if they are a lower-percentage shot, over mid-range jumpers because the advantage of 3 pointers being worth more than 2 is greater than the disadvantage of having a lower chance of making the shot. Westbrook’s 3-point field goal percentage was 6.8% less than Paul’s last season, causing him to opt for mid-range jump shots which he struggled with as well. Westbrook also shot only 65.6% from the free-throw line, 20.6% worse than Paul. However, if Westbrook can focus on shooting 3 pointers, free throws, and his shot selection this offseason, he shouldn’t have too many problems fitting into the Rockets’ system, especially with James Harden running the offense.
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Was this trade ultimately worth it for the Rockets? Giving up the chance to draft new players and build up their team to gamble on a superstar bringing them a championship? A team in playoff contention giving up picks to strengthen their team immediately is not a bad strategy because it at least shows the General Manager cares about winning. And despite the Rockets already being a solid playoff team with Chris Paul, the Toronto Raptors proved that sometimes you have to take a big risk and change up one of your franchise players to win a ring. Hopefully Westbrook gives the Rockets’ the boost they need to become a championship team once again.
Coming into this year’s offseason, the big question on everyone’s minds was whether or not Kawhi Leonard would stay with the reigning champs.
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The Toronto Raptors certainly made a good case for Kawhi Leonard to resign. They welcomed him with open arms in hopes that he could finally bring them a banner. They developed a system around him with Lowry, Siakam, and VanVleet adapting their play-styles to support his monstrous offense. And most importantly, they proved that Kawhi could win it all with them. But Leonard decided it was time to move on.
After reports from Cris Carter, Chris Broussard, and a mysterious twitter user named RDAmbition that there was a 99% chance Kawhi would stay with the Raptors or go to the Lakers, ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski announced that Leonard had agreed to sign with the Clippers. Wojnarowski had claimed from the start that Kawhi was interested in the Clippers, and this confirmation left doubters and Lakers fans furious.
The second Woj bomb dropped soon after, announcing that Paul George would join Leonard on the Clippers in a trade that gave OKC four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick and two pick swaps.
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But as the Thunder entered rebuild-mode, the league entered a new era. With the Warriors facing a myriad of injuries and losing Kevin Durant, The Age of Superteams was now over. The NBA was now in the Age of Duos. Almost every contender, especially in the West, has two star players leading their team. Here’s how I would rank these duos and their ability to win.
Western Conference:
1. Clippers: Kawhi Leonard & Paul George
2. Rockets: James Harden & Russell Westbrook
3. Warriors: Steph Curry & Klay Thompson
4. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray
4. Lakers: Lebron James & Anthony Davis
5. Blazers: Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum
6. Pelicans: Jrue Holiday & Zion Williamson
Eastern Conference:
1. Sixers: Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons
2. Nets: Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving
3. Celtics: Kemba Walker & Jayson Taytum
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There are many questions and uncertainties going into next season. Whether Kawhi can make lightning strike twice and Paul George can bring the thunder to lead the Clippers to the first championship. Whether Russell Westbrook can work together with James Harden to give Houston the durability they need to make it through the playoffs. Whether Anthony Davis is the addition the Lakers need to become a playoff team. Whether the Pelicans’ young core is enough to survive the bloodbath of the West. And whether Knicks fans will ever see the light of day. Either way, this offseason has been one of the best yet, and next season is sure to be even more exciting.
The NBA Draft Lottery granted the New Orleans Pelicans their second ever #1 pick. In 2012, after a controversial failed attempt to trade their star player, Chris Paul, to the Lakers, the Pelicans received their first ever #1 pick. Now, after high-profile trade drama involving the Lakers and Anthony Davis that never resulted in a trade, the Pelicans have received another #1 pick.
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In an attempt to discourage teams from tanking, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver implemented new rules for this year’s lottery. The three times with the worst record now each have a 14% chance at the first pick, down from the previous 25% chance. The Pelicans managed to secure the #1 pick with only a 6% chance at getting it. With tanking no longer being a guaranteed shot at a good pick, Owners and GMs will have to balance losing games and selling tickets.
The New Orleans Pelicans have had trouble selling tickets even with MVP candidate Anthony Davis as their star. But with the chance to draft Zion Williamson, the two could form a powerful big-man lineup that people pay to see. Zion also has to option to play another year at Duke and try to get drafted by a different team next year. This would be devastating for the Pelicans, and they would have to reevaluate their game plan on who to draft. However, Zion would risk getting injured in college before making it to the league and would risk his value decreasing next season.
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With the third pick, the Knicks will likely draft Ja Morant or RJ Barrett and try to sign Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant this offseason. These three shooters with great ball handling skills could make the Knicks a powerhouse in the East.
With the third pick, the Knicks will likely draft Ja Morant or RJ Barrett and try to sign Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant this offseason. These three shooters with great ball handling skills could make the Knicks a powerhouse in the East.
In the West, the Lakers lose out with the fourth pick, leaving Lebron’s future success with the team questionable. With a new coaching staff, the Lakers hope to make the playoffs this year, but first other young players will have to step up.
With a strong draft class, the league can expect to see a lot of new talent next season. And with the decreased effectiveness of tanking, the competition is only going to get fiercer.
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