The NBA’s really good, but not really great teams
13. Chicago Bulls
I don’t think it should be overlooked or forgotten that at nearly the midway point of the regular season that the Chicago Bulls had the best record in the Eastern Conference. If Lonzo Ball is healthy to start the season, this team should be really good once again.
12. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks made somewhat of an unlikely run to the Western Conference Finals a year ago. Though, they did take what could end up being a significant step back after losing Jalen Brunson in free agency. Short of trading for another guard or difference-making wing, the Mavs likely won’t be as good as they were last season. And that’s not a knock on Luka Doncic by any means.
11. Denver Nuggets
The hope for the Denver Nuggets is that some health will return the good fortunes of what this team was just a couple of years ago. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. will hopefully be back healthy this season and that should catapult this team back into contention in the Western Conference.