2019-20 Pre-Season NBA Tiers

Because ranking these teams is a fool's errand.

The air is chilled, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and your fantasy football team stinks.

It's not just fall. It's NBA season.

Preseason rankings of the 30 teams are abound, and they're the types of articles I'm a sucker for. If not clickbait, it's an adequate gauge to prime expectations for the season. But in the most wide open title race in five years, a listicle is simply not representative of the 2019-2020 NBA landscape. I tried to rank them, but more teams have claims to being better than they were last year.

So be gone, numbers! It is time to introduce my tiers (with listed teams in no particular order) for this upcoming NBA season.

The Title Contenders!

Los Angeles Clippers

Yes, you become a title contender by adding Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, two of the best scoring perimeter defenders in the league. That status is solidified further by maintaining the key depth from last season's feisty playoff squad. The Clippers will be a defensive nightmare to match up against. They will make you pay on offense with sweet pick-and-rolls by Lou Will and Montrezl Harrell, and of course from at-will buckets from Leonard and George. My glaring concern: who on this team can guard Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, or Rudy Gobert when they come to town? Surely not Ivica Zubac or Harrell. Small ball isn't a change of pace, it will be a way of life.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers made offseason headlines for a lot of the wrong reasons, but I'm not necessarily put off by the moves they made outside of Anthony Davis. LeBron and AD already comprise one of the greatest duos in NBA history, and they're surrounded by shooters — that's a recipe for success with LeBron. Even last season, the Lakers were fourth in the West until LeBron was injured. They are not Clippers deep, but I don't think that will matter.

Milwaukee Bucks

Losing Malcolm Brogdon was criminal, but Milwaukee added more shooters in Wes Matthews and Kyle Korver who will have acres to operate with Giannis Antetokounmpo sucking in defenders. What is most scary about the Bucks is that Giannis can be even better than last year's MVP campaign, especially if he adds a consistent spot-up 3 to his arsenal. The balanced Bucks know how far they can make it. Sure, the depth isn't too flashy, enough to question how they'll hold up in the regular season. But Milwaukee is a mortal lock for at least the Eastern Conference Finals.

Houston Rockets

No, I really I have no concerns about how Russell Westbrook and James Harden fit together. Superstars figure it out, especially on teams run by Mike D'Antoni and Daryl Morey. The star backcourt, plus PJ Tucker, Clint Capela, and Eric Gordon, can make a deep playoff run. They almost knocked off the full strength Warriors in multiple seasons. The only question for me: Is Russell Westbrook really going to be that much better than Chris Paul?

The Title Contenders?

Denver Nuggets

Denver reminds of the 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks, but with an actual chance to win a Championship. Mike Malone's problem is having so much talent that it's too difficult to create the right rotations. In the playoffs, depth is a curse. It may have been first year jitters, but that curse showed up last year against the Spurs and Blazers. Another year under their belts will certainly help. With Bradley Beal no longer a trade option, Jamal Murray playing to his contract will be crucial.

Philadelphia 76ers

Let's state the obvious, their size and defense will be awesome. The Sixers possess Monstars-like length, making life difficult for slashing teams who could be driving from the wings right into Joel Embiid. This team's identity will be clear from day one. Unfortunately, that also means Philly's ability to shoot will be on display early. Josh Richardson and Tobias Harris are efficient scorers, but they are hardly shot creators. Ben Simmons' inability to shoot is a thorn in Embiid's side amongst a crowded paint. If only they had Marke...

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are one of the best two-way teams in the league. Mike Conley was the perfect addition to aid shooters like Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic. Mitchell's usage rate was among the highest in the league and taking pressure off him will help his development. My issue with Utah may not be popular, but their depth is humdrum. The group of Royce O'Neale, Dante Exum, Ed Davis is an offensive liability, and Jeff Green isn't saving that.

Golden State Warriors

This team is as as fragile as any in the league, but they're still the Warriors. People forget just how prolific Steph Curry can be. And if he's not on the floor, D'Angelo Russell will almost certainly be leading the charge. Klay Thompson could be back before it's too late. Oh, and Draymond is still Draymond. I am interested to see if Willie Cauley-Stein can take a leap. It may be too late for WCS, but he is the bounciest rim-runner on the Warriors with the best backcourt of his career. But the defense could be historically bad, and their depth is suspect. Even if peak Klay is back, making them a surefire contender is an uncomfortable position to have.

The Portland Trailblazers Tier

Portland Trailblazers

I am befuddled how to rank this team. They lost their two best perimeter defenders and added an unpredictable Hassan Whiteside. Teams can feast on Dame Lillard, CJ McCollum, and Rodney Hood. Losing Seth Curry off the bench hurts. But they still have two of the best bucket-getters in the league in their backcourt. I wouldn't be surprised with any seed between 3-10.

They're Good, but it's the East

Boston Celtics

Kyrie Irving is addition by subtraction for the Celtics. Kemba Walker doesn't have the ball-handling or vision that Kyrie does, but he is a smart player with a solid shooting stroke despite hovering around league averages. Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis are worrisome at the the '5', and will make it difficult for Boston to repeat as a top-5 defense. But they still have "stretch 6" Marcus Smart (his words), and Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown. In other words, the floor is pretty high.

Toronto Raptors

Yes, this team is still good even without Kawhi. Toronto has made the playoffs for six consecutive seasons, and this is not the worst iteration of those teams. After signing a max rookie-scale extension, Pascal Siakam is obviously the guy up north. The Raptors also get OG Anunoby back, and having playoff Fred VanVleet all season would be revelatory.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are the epitome of high floor, low ceiling. They essentially have the same roster with Kyrie Irving instead of D'Angelo Russell. But they aren't sneaking up on anyone this time around. They have solid wing depth and will always have a high flyer in the paint with DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen staggering minutes. Playoffs again for you, Brooklyn. This year is largely to bide time for Kevin Durant's arrival.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are by no means a playoff lock, especially if Victor Oladipo is out longer than expected. I would, however, bet against that possibility. Malcolm Brogdon might have been the best non-All Star addition in the offseason and the Pacers pose a formidable front court. Stars are what take you to the next level, though, and I don't see who is taking shots in clutch situations without Oladipo.

Playoffs! I think?

Orlando Magic

The Magic are this season's all-potential team. Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon had great preseasons, showing the ability to exploit mismatches on offense and guard any position. They will be sound on defense, especially with the addition of Al-Farouq Aminu, but they hardly beefed up their shooting prowess. I don't think you're gonna see that improve because of Markelle Fultz.

Miami Heat

The Heat have the offensive and defensive pieces to make the playoffs, but can they put it all together? Of course, a lot of that falls on the leadership and consistency of Jimmy Butler. But it remains to be seen if Bam Adebayo, Kelly Olynyk, and Meyers Leonard can contain the paint. Miami drafted Tyler Herro to help the most inefficient shooting team in the league last year, and his ability to contribute early will be more than welcome.

Detroit Pistons

A .500 team got better, but their win projections in Vegas have plummeted. Making the playoffs again is contingent on the health of Blake Griffin, with next steps by Luke Kennard and Bruce Brown to take the team beyond that. Derrick Rose adds a scoring punch off the bench, and will keep the minutes battle with Reggie Jackson close. This team simply couldn't hit shots at an efficient clip in 2018-19, and consistency again will be something to keep an eye on.

San Antonio Spurs

At this point, the Spurs are in this tier because they're given the benefit of the doubt. This team is largely the same as last year's plus the defense of Dejounte Murray, who was hurt all of last season. They have solid shooting, but they are still the most reluctant 3-point shooting team, despite finishing among the best 3-point efficiency teams. Maybe that's just the Gregg Popovich way.

The Spurs' Playoff Reign is Over?

Sacramento Kings

Maybe it's my affinity for consistently mediocre franchises, but the Kings' roster should be in the playoff hunt at least until March. This team has the offensive pieces to succeed, and inserting Bagley in the starting lineup will give them another boost. A contract dispute with walking bucket Buddy Hield is unfortunate, though, and hopefully won't affect the progress this team has made. The Kings also leave a lot to be desired defensively. In the Western conference, that is an issue that needs to be solved fast.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans become even more of a playoff long shot with Zion sidelined to start the season, but the pieces are there. Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday comprise one of the highest IQ backcourts in the league. A change of scenery might do well for Brandon Ingram and Derrick Favors. And once Zion is back fully healthy, get out your popcorn.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs' offseason acquisitions don't jump off the page, but they complement the Luka-Kristaps duo well. Delon Wright and Seth Curry bring defense and 3-point shooting. Re-signing Dwight Powell gives them an athletic rim-runner. But it's still all about Luka and Kristaps, who could rival LeBron and AD for the highest scoring duo. Who is that third guy though?

*Insert Kombucha Girl Video* Tier

Oklahoma City Thunder

I am on the "Thunder actually have a decent roster" bandwagon. Not the playoff bandwagon, though. Steven Adams will get so many rebounds with Westbrook gone that his arms will permanently remain upright. Despite playoff struggles against the Warriors, Danilo Gallinari was lights out from everywhere on the court last year. Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could quietly be one of the most efficient backcourts in the league. The depth, though, is suspect.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls' offseason moves weren't flashy, but they picked up high IQ guys in Tomas Satoransky, Thaddeus Young, and Luke Kornet, and drafted Coby White. This team has No. 8 seed buzz, which won't happen but isn't implausible. Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr are healthy and promising. Otto Porter Jr. will have a full season with the team. And Zach Lavine, especially if he curbs his proclivity for the midrange jumper, is on his way to being an All-Star in the East.

Minnesota Timberwolves

If there is anything to take from the T-Wolves in this tier, it's that I think KAT is that good. Not adding a point guard this offseason was a miss, but I think we can see Towns operate with the ball in his hands more than we have seen in the past. The additions of Jake Layman and No. 6 pick Jarrett Culver can beef up shooting and perimeter defense. But besides Towns, this lineup is largely question marks on unprovens and retreads.

They'll Lose a Lot, But They'll Look Great Doing It

Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young and John Collins are already one of the most exciting duos in the league. Kevin Huerter had a solid rookie campaign. Cam Reddish could be even better. Do-it-all wing Deandre Hunter will space the floor. The only thing working against them is youth, and Allen Crabbe, Evan Turner, Jabari Parker, and Vince Carter aren't turning the tide. Onward and Upward!

Phoenix Suns

The Suns were historically atrocious on defense last season, but it's hard to blame players sagging on defense when they're knowingly on a hapless team. This team certainly improved with the additions of Ricky Rubio, Cameron Johnson, and Aron Baynes, if that says anything. I am excited to see Devin Booker create more off ball, and maybe even let Rubio and DeAndre Ayton work in the pick-and-roll. They have talent, but with Robert Sarver at the helm this team will continue to lose.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies aren't going to win many games, but they have the foundation in place to get there. The Adventures of Ja and Jaren will double as a high-flying pick-and-roll duo and a slapstick comedy show. Brandon Clarke will be America's favorite recurring guest. Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala will leave after season one. Why Jonas Valanciunas is even in this show is beyond me.

I Mean, if I Have to

New York Knicks

There is certainly reason for more optimism this year, the same way you upgrade your iPhone knowing it will be screwed up in the future so you'll need to get another phone (the new phone in this case being Giannis). The Knicks got more buckets with RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Wayne Ellington. The defense is still middling, even with Mitchell Robinson commanding the paint. It's a two-year ticking clock until 2021 free agency, where hopefully the success of James Dolan's band has forced him to sell his stake in the team.

Cleveland Cavaliers

I have no doubt that John Beilein can implement a high-caliber NBA offense for his young cornerstones in Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. But will coaching young millionaires differ greatly from young college kids? Time will tell. For now, Beilein has inherited one of last season's worst shooting teams and a historically poor defensive team. Trading Kevin Love won't make it better, as he fits the system perfectly.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards will be bad this year, but at least they'll be bad with Bradley Beal, who signed a 2-year, $72 million extension on Oct. 17. Rui Hachimura should be able to contribute quickly on the offensive end, defense not so much. Thomas Bryant was also a bright spot as last season wound down, and he's been shooting efficiently in the preseason. Yes, I believe this all to be true, but it's pretty hard to write it with a straight face.

Charlotte Hornets

Even in year 37 for Marvin Williams, the Hornets will be disappointing. Not only are they devoid of premier talent, but their future is equally as bleak. Terry Rozier is the go-to player. The Celtics' backup point guard last season as your go-to player is not a good sign. Maybe Miles Bridges will have some more highlight reel dunks. Watch at your own risk.