Contenders and Pretenders: Making sense of the NBA’s crowded field

Notable Exclusions

The following teams missed the cut because, while they figure to make the playoffs, they have almost no potential to truly contend for a title. This lack of gray area leads to their respective exclusions.

Notable Exclusions: Boston Celtics

While some will argue that the Boston Celtics are better off with Kemba Walker at point guard rather than Kyrie Irving, this swap is clearly a downgrade when it comes to talent level. Despite Irving’s chemistry issues in Boston, he is clearly superior to Walker, who is an All-NBA talent in his own right.

The thing that truly disqualifies Boston from contender consideration is Al Horford‘s departure. Horford was arguably the most important player in Brad Stevens’ attack, setting the tone at both ends of the floor with his solid, unselfish style of play. His absence is a void most players would be unable to fill, but Enes Kanter is a curious fit on such a defensive-minded team.

Kanter is an atrocious defender and simply cannot stretch the floor in the same way that Horford can. Chemistry issues aside, this is a roster that is demonstrably worse than it was last season.