The NBA’s potential dark horses
18. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have done their best to retool around Damian Lillard in one offseason. Though, I’m not sure Jerami Grant is going to have as huge of an impact this season as perhaps management believes.
17. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks made the splash move of the offseason in acquiring Jalen Brunson in free agency. Though, I’m not really sure it’s a move that will drastically change the fortunes of the team this season in the Eastern Conference. If they can move Julius Randle, then this team will intrigue me.
16. Atlanta Hawks
Trading for Dejounte Murray is an intriguing move 100 percent. It should help raise the ceiling of this team’s backcourt and will completely change how this team plays on both ends of the floor. If they trade John Collins, which seems expected, it will set this team back a bit, however.
15. Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are one of the most intriguing teams in the Eastern Conference in my opinion. And that’s without the Kevin Durant what if. The Raptors are one of the deepest teams in the league and depending on how Scottie Barnes looks in year 2, this team could emerge as a huge dark horse contender.
14. New Orleans Pelicans
On paper, there’s no reason why the New Orleans Pelicans shouldn’t be a really good team. Zion Williamson is expected to be back healthy and CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram emerged as one of the best duos down the stretch last season.