19. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are basically what they were last season, after the NBA Trade Deadline. They're a borderline playoff team that has some solid talent but not the top-tier difference-makers that are going to make much noise in the Eastern Conference. They're very much one of these teams that remain a superstar away from being a real player. The question is, when are they going to pounce on the opportunity to land one?
Mikal Bridges is a good supporting piece but he hasn't taken the leap in his development that perhaps some believed he would this season. And that's fine. That was not something the Nets needed. Cam Johnson has also been fine after signing a big extension during the offseason. Cam Thomas has been an unexpected surprise, but it would be foolish for the Nets to believe he's going to lead the team to the promised land.
For now, the Nets are in a waiting period until they can find the right No. 1 option to lead them down a new path as a franchise. The good news is that they certainly have the assets to pull off a big deal. When will that come, though?