20. Portland Trail Blazers
You have to credit the Portland Trail Blazers. This is a team that tried to improve the team during the offseason but only managed to add Jerami Grant to the team. If he pans out, the Blazers will be improved from last season.
Though, I’m not sure if this team has enough firepower (and staying power) to make a return to the playoffs this season. Damian Lillard should be enough to keep this team competitive throughout the season, though.
19. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks went all-in this offseason by adding Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. How much he’ll improve the team remains to be seen but at least on paper, he looks to be a great fit next to Trae Young.
The talent is there for the Hawks. They need to prove that they can put it all together. I’m not sure they can.