2021-22 NBA Season Primer

I can smell it in the air — it's going to be the best season in NBA history.

The lasting image of the 2020 NBA Finals came barely over a year ago. A bone-tired Jimmy Butler rests his head in his arms over a barricade outlining a pseudo-professional basketball court at Disney World. It was, by all accounts, the perfect encapsulation of the series. Without Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic, Butler, audaciously, posted a triple-double to top the stalwart Los Angeles Lakers to stave off Miami’s elimination. One game later, the Lakers left as champions.

Among the major US professional sports leagues, the breadth of top-level talent level of the NBA is rivaled only by its WNBA counterpart. Even the most valorous individual performances, like Butler’s, are not enough. Another season came to pass and the race to the top revealed itself, in all its glory, when the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks squared off in one of the most memorable Finals to date (and not just because it was quite literally the most recent).

Starting the second season removed from Butler’s heroics, just a year has elapsed yet a whole lot has changed. The NBA is as talent-rich as it has ever been. Stadiums will be filled again. The season is commencing at its normal 82-game length. I’m bursting at the seams with excitement.

Nothing quells the ecstasy of the NBA season opener quite like a detour through online NBA discourse, a cesspool of ill-informed pot shots and insults. Step away from the toxicity. Let me entertain you and, perhaps, inform you about how I see this season unfurling. It goes without saying that I don’t know everything. It’s fair to say I know very little, actually. I welcome the conversation. Light a lavender candle and curl up under a weighted blanket with some hot cocoa.

In alphabetical order, I take you through each team’s most intriguing player (excluding rookies and shoo-in All-Stars), lingering questions, and a record prediction.

Atlanta Hawks (Win Total Line, via FanDuel: 47.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: De’Andre Hunter. The twitchy wing has been hampered by injuries, but he can be a linchpin for the Hawks on both ends. He doesn’t possess the same shooting prowess as Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, or Danilo Gallinari, but he is the most switchable defender of the bunch. If he can shoot above 35% from 3, he is a viable starter that rounds out Atlanta’s deep rotation.

Burning Question: Is the Nate McMillan effect real? Following a sub-.500 start, Lloyd Pierce was fired and McMillan’s presence was felt immediately. The Hawks were arguably the hottest team in basketball after the All-Star break, posting a 25-11 record. In the playoffs, they stormed past the Knicks and No.1-seed Sixers before putting up a fight against the eventual champions. This is a deep, stable team with players who know their role. It remains to be seen if that’s enough to surge past the others in the East who improved their rosters.

Record Prediction: Under, 46-36, 6th in the East

Boston Celtics (46.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Robert Williams. The Celtics clearly see Time Lord as part of their core after dishing him a multi-year, eight-figure contract. Williams is a shrewd, athletic center who can facilitate offense from the elbow. It’s a rare skillset that could be unleashed for a team reliant on him realizing his potential. He may level off into an average center, but the sky is the limit for Boston depending on Williams’ ascension.

Burning Question: Do they have the the depth to make a playoff run? The Celtics should be closer to home-court advantage this year than the play-in tournament where they landed last year. Boston was knocked out of the playoffs with a whimper and their expectations are reasonably higher. Behind Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Robert Williams, is Dennis Schroder their fifth starter? Can Payton Pritchard reliably handle back-up point guard duty? Do Enes Kanter and Al Horford have anything left to offer beyond experience? Is Aaron Nesmith going to make a sophomore leap?

Record Prediction: Over, 48-34, 4th in the East

Brooklyn Nets (55.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Patty Mills. It’s easy to ignore depth when Brooklyn has two of the greatest scorers ever in Kevin Durant and James Harden in its lineup. But to have perhaps the best depth in the league, too? That’s unfair. In Kyrie Irving’s absence, Mills, signed away from the Spurs, is the prototype veteran stabilizer who can keep the backcourt afloat. Harden will likely dominate ball-handling duties, but Mills has sufficient defensive chops and offensive IQ to operate in his own right.

Burning Question: Can they still walk to the Finals without Kyrie Irving? Short answer, yes. Long answer, only if last year’s issues don’t plague them again. With the mileage this roster has, predicting health is a black box. But without Kyrie, any injury impediment to Durant or Harden relegates Brooklyn to a run-of-the-mill contender. Not a bad place to be, eh?

Record Prediction: Over, 57-25, 2nd in the East

Charlotte Hornets (38.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Gordon Hayward. Where Hayward goes, so do the Hornets. Unfortunately, Hayward is frequently in street clothes. Charlotte is bouncy and fun, but that doesn’t always translate to winning. Hayward, a premier offensive creator, is the fulcrum of what the Hornets want to do. Without his steadiness, the Hornets are a fringe play-in team with a bottom-10 offense.

Burning Question: Is there progression a mirage? No one can blame a team for ceasing an opportunity. Unfortunately, that may be all last season’s play-in ousting was for the Hornets. The Raptors were dislocated in Tampa, the Pacers’ coaching staff caused a player revolt, the Bulls and Celtics underperformed. Charlotte is still in prove-it territory.

Record Prediction: Under, 37-45, 11th in the East

Chicago Bulls (43.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Lonzo Ball. The Bulls’ flashy offseason additions may help them run a few teams out of the gym with a high-flying offense. What’s more intriguing is their defensive commitment, and that starts with signing Ball. The Bulls finished 11th in defensive rating last season. Now, the newly-acquired Ball and Alex Caruso comprise one of staunchest backcourt duos in the league. Good luck, point guards.

Burning Question: How will the Bulls’ new pieces fit together? The aforementioned blurb affirms Chicago’s strength on the defensive end. Offensively, the Bulls may struggle at first to perfect spacing. They were 29th in points per possession last season. DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Ball won’t average out their shot selection closer to the rim. With Ball’s passing and Lavine’s growth as a playmaker, that problem can be resolved in time.

Record Prediction: Over, 45-37, 7th in the East

Cleveland Cavaliers (27.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Darius Garland. The 21-year-old may be the sole bright spot in John Beilein’s short tenure as the Cavs’ head coach. To overcome a small stature, Garland’s offensive bag of tricks is resplendent. He’s a sniper with lots of room to grow as a playmaker. If all goes well, Evan Mobley’s role as a facilitator in the high post could open up Garland even more off the ball and keep defenses on their toes.

Burning Question: Is Collin Sexton a part of this core? The hindrance to Garland’s development is the presence of Sexton. A 24-point-per-game scorer is usually not a net negative, but Cleveland’s reluctance to extend him is evidence that he may not be viewed as a piece of the future. Garland and Sexton wouldn’t be the first duo of short guards to find success, but it seems unlikely that one emerges over the other to fit the Cavs’ timeline.

Record Prediction: Under, 24-58, 14th in the East

Dallas Mavericks (48.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Kristaps Porzingis. What is this, the third season he’s been this team’s X-factor? Given Dallas’ proclivity to make the playoffs, Porzingis may not inherently be all that important. But he’s a still a 7-foot-3 sharpshooter who averages 20 points a game. Jason Kidd appears more willing to let Porzingis operate at the ‘4’, which could give him the confidence back he desperately needs.

Burning Question: Can they make it to the second round of the Playoffs? This question is inextricably linked to the Porzingis question. He has the offensive skillset, but the consistency is nowhere to be found. If he is not a liability being drawn out of the paint on defense and can clash down low, it’s a wrap. But it might not be smart money to bet on that.

Record Prediction: Under, 47-35, 6th in the West

Denver Nuggets (47.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Michael Porter Jr. With Jamal Murray sidelined from a torn ACL, who else could it be? MPJ is thrust into Murray’s role as a playmaker. His white-hot shooting should dip with increased usage, but 25-plus points per game is well within the realm of possibility for Porter. It’s almost a necessity.

Burning Question: Can the Nuggets’ backcourt stabilize? Without Murray, a bevy of ball handlers will begin Denver’s sets. It is difficult, though, to rely on Will Barton, Monte Morris, and Facundo Campazzo to fill that void. Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, and Porter are a menacing trio, but the treads could wear down by playoff time without backcourt help.

Record Prediction: Over, 50-32, 4th in the West

Detroit Pistons (25.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Saddiq Bey. As a rookie, Bey was primarily relegated to relocating off-ball for 3s. He did that well en route to a historic rookie shooting campaign. In summer league and preseason, Bey displayed his willingness to open his bag as a shot-creator taking defenders off the dribble and driving downhill. His athleticism won’t shine, but Bey has the canny ability to grow into a multi-faceted wing. It just may involve some growing pains.

Burning Question: Will Killian Hayes’ shooting improve? Detroit’s highest-drafted rookie last year has the most goodwill to earn amongst fans. He’s an acute defender with wicked passing chops, but he is prone to turnovers and is yet to find a rhythm to his shot. Hayes needs to shoot above 33% from beyond the arc and near 50% at the rim to remain a starter. If he is behind the curve on Detroit’s timeline, his days in the Motor City may not be long.

Record Prediction: Over, 28-54, 13th in the East

Golden State Warriors (47.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Jordan Poole. The 3rd-year guard from Michigan is one of the offseason’s hottest commodities. He never lacked confidence, but that is being translated to efficient shot-making. Some speculate a jump near CJ McCollum territory, a lofty albeit achievable ceiling for Poole. With uncertainty around Klay Thompson’s ability upon return, Poole’s ascendence is the Warriors’ best shot at returning to a title.

Burning Question: How close can they get to the 2015 Warriors? If Thompson is even 75% of what he once was, Golden State is a Finals contender. If not, all eyes turn to Poole. If Poole falters, well, it’s time to start throwing darts. Are James Wiseman, Moses Moody, or Jonathan Kuminga capable of contention-level contributions? Are Andre Iguodala or Nemanja Bjelica still reliable veterans?

Record Prediction: Over, 48-34, 5th in the West

Houston Rockets (25.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Kevin Porter Jr. There is a reason the price tag on KPJ was cheap, and the Rockets have dealt with it perfectly and let him flourish. A 50-point performance last season demonstrated how high his ceiling can go. He is a shifty ball-handler who can get to the rim with ease. His defense can be lazy and his 3-point shooting needs refinement, but he has the tools to grow.

Burning Question: Is the Rockets’ core currently on this roster? Houston was lauded for it’s four-player, first-round draft haul this offseason. Not all will pan out nor is that the expectation, but the odds of hitting on foundational contributors is increased. The notion that Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Josh Cristopher, and Usman Garuba fit neatly with other building blocks in Porter and Christian Wood is misguided. If anything, it’s a hopeful asset play (and I hate describing it as “assets”).

Record Prediction: Under, 24-58, 14th in the West

Indiana Pacers (42.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Myles Turner. After a season to figure out, we still do not have a legitimate answer as to whether Turner and Domantas Sabonis are a formidable front court duo. Turner is a glitzy rim protector who can reasonably navigate around the rim on offense with an over-reliance on 3s above the break. He is solid, but do Pacers fans even like him?

Burning Question: What is their plan? They are too good to tank. They aren’t close to home-court advantage in the playoffs. For fans of the purity of basketball, not much else could be asked for. Beyond that, at some point, the reckoning will come for Indiana. Whether it’s in the form of Ben Simmons or Bradley Beal, they need another star to move forward or they need to tear it down.

Record Prediction: Under, 41-41, 9th in the East

Los Angeles Clippers (45.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Reggie Jackson. Even jaded Pistons fans knew that Jackson could be a fourth-quarter offensive killer. Without Kawhi Leonard, Jackson proved his mettle in a valiant playoff run scoring over 20 a game. Armed with a new contract and still absent Leonard, Jackson needs to prove he can be second fiddle on a playoff contender for a whole season.

Burning Question: Who will replace Kawhi Leonard’s offense? The gravity of Leonard cannot be replicated, and neither should the points he scores and creates for others. But there is a still massive void that should largely be assumed by Jackson and Paul George. And Los Angeles is likely banking on Terance Mann and Luke Kennard to be dependable spark plugs.

Record Prediction: Under, 44-38, 7th in the West

Los Angeles Lakers (52.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Talen Horton-Tucker. For a team bereft of young talent, Horton-Tucker is a vital complementary piece to the Lakers’ Big 3. His shooting is unrefined, but he has the length to attack the rim and switch on defense. Clearly, Los Angeles believes in his growth after signing the 20-year-old to a contract extension.

Burning Question: Will LeBron James and Russell Westbrook mesh? The old refrain that “there’s only one ball” is obsolete. The two vets can obviously make it work, but easier said than done. Westbrook and James didn’t earn their money off of cutting and spot-up shooting. Both are capable, though. They are two of the most quick-witted and reflexive offensive players in the league, which could nullify any long-range woes.

Record Prediction: Over, 54-28, 2nd in the West

Memphis Grizzlies (41.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Desmond Bane. Admittedly, it’s hard to think of someone outside of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as the franchise’s growth is wholly dependent on them reaching their potentials. But Bane is no slouch. He entered the league as one the best 3-point shooters, and took to initiating offense in their summer league games. Adding a capable wing like Bane to the core could be massive for Memphis.

Burning Question: Can Ja and JJJ become one of the league’s preeminent young duos? JJJ didn’t get a fair shake in an injury-riddled 2020-21 campaign. He is a long-range threat that neatly complements Morant’s aggressiveness. Clearly, the Grizzlies see the two as their core, with JJJ inking a four-year deal before the rookie extension deadline. The two have shared less than 200 possessions per Cleaning the Glass and have to prove their chemistry before being heralded among the league’s best.

Record Prediction: Under, 41-41, 9th in the West

Miami Heat (48.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Tyler Herro. A sixth man should never be the deal-breaker on a championship roster, but it sort of feels that way with Herro. He has scored at will in the preseason, and will need to take the next step to give life to Miami’s second unit. It’s barren out there, especially if Victor Oladipo is unproductive.

Burning Question: Is their depth too shallow? This question reveals why Herro is essential to the Heat. The starters are locked in with Kyle Lowry, PJ Tucker, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo. Then there’s Herro and … Oladipo? Markieff Morris? Is it Max Strus season? It’s looking like it’ll have to be.

Record Prediction: Over, 51-31, 3rd in the East

Milwaukee Bucks (54.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Donte DiVincenzo. DiVincenzo looks like a potential trade piece for Milwaukee. After all, he essentially was one last year before the trade with the Kings was nixed. The Bucks re-signed Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton as cheaper wing options that can shoot deep and fly high. But DiVincenzo is still the best of the bunch and tracking his progress is valuable to Milwaukee one way or another.

Burning Question: How high can Giannis Antetokounmpo go? The clips of Antetokounmpo releasing a fluid jumper in the preseason set Twitter ablaze. He posted historic numbers en route to winning the Championship. He already has two MVP notches in his belt. Seriously, if this jumper is legit? We are going to have to start a dialogue.

Record Prediction: Over, 59-23, 1st in the East

Minnesota Timberwolves (35.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has a bunch of fun, valuable pieces, but they are still on the fringes of the play-in tournament. A second-year breakout for Edwards is in the cards and can turn the fortunes of this downtrodden franchise. He went nuclear towards the end of last season, and has shown a propensity for harming the rim. What’s not to love?

Burning Question: Can Chris Finch make this a play-in team? The Timberwolves have the offensive personnel, but they are turnstiles on defense. The preseason showed a new-look scheme for Minnesota, playing at the level of the screen and X-ing out with their rangy wings to recover on help defense. If Finch can orchestrate a semi-competent defense, this is a play-in team.

Record Prediction: Over, 38-44, 10th in the West

New Orleans Pelicans (38.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With Zion Williamson’s health in flux, the Pelicans need offense from someone beyond Brandon Ingram and Devonte Graham. Alexander-Walker appears poised to step into that role. His defense, anchored by a 6-foot-9 wingspan, is already up to snuff. He has shown flashes with 20-plus point games, but still lacks consistency.

Burning Question: Will Zion be healthy? If not, we can change the channel on New Orleans. After mismanaging their offseason cap room, the Pelicans hardly have a playoff supporting cast with Zion healthy. Ingram can continue to drop 30 points in a 20-point loss. Zion is the only thing keeping this franchise afloat.

Record Prediction: Under, 36-46, 11th in the West

New York Knicks (41.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Kemba Walker. The marriage with Boston didn’t go smoothly for Walker, but that can largely be attributed to injuries. That’s part of the game, though. If Walker is healthy, he can blitz a defense and space a clunky Knicks roster. Sorry, one can only handle watching so many Julius Randle post-ups.

Burning Question: Can the shored-up backcourt vault this team into the second round? With Walker and Evan Fournier in the fold, the Knicks got experience and efficient shot-making. For a team that likes to rock fight, having different tools at your disposal should be helpful. It just needs to be consistent.

Record Prediction: Over, 43-39, 8th in the East

Oklahoma City Thunder (22.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Aleksej Pokusevski. Whenever the Thunder become contenders, it seems Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Tre Mann, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are the foundational pieces they might maintain (BIG might). Given the criteria used here, that leaves Pokusevski as the no-doubt intrigue of this team. His range of outcomes is worst player in the league to 7-foot playmaker. It doesn’t get more fascinating than that.

Burning Question: Paolo Banchero or Chet Holmgren? Oklahoma City has the worst roster in basketball. It’s fun, but boy is it tough. Barring another lottery collapse, Thunder fans need only to concern themselves with which talented big man fits them the best.

Record Prediction: Under, 16-66, 15th in the West

Orlando Magic (22.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Chuma Okeke. Admittedly, Okeke wasn’t on the radar before reading a Zach Lowe piece about him. He has been limited from injuries, but he is strong, athletic, and smart. Okeke can operate as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, and if he can start garnering more attention on drives he can pass, too. With a glut of unproven wings, Okeke has a real opportunity to stand out.

Burning Question: Which young roster pieces will be prioritized? Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner are obviously among the team’s top priorities to feature this season. Beyond that? It’s a Special of the Night crew. Mo Bamba’s freakish length was on display this preseason. Jonathan Isaac can be a core player when he returns. Markelle Fultz could realize his No.1 overall potential. RJ Hampton, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter, and Okeke are also young pieces worth an investment. Not all will pan out, but some of them have to, right?

Record Prediction: Under, 19-63, 15th in the East

Philadelphia 76ers (50.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Tyrese Maxey. The burden placed on Maxey is admittedly getting blown out of proportion. The void left by Ben Simmons is most impactful defensively, and a 6-foot-1 combo guard won’t fill it. But Maxey can be a ball of fire on offense and tenacious enough on defense to warrant a bigger role.

Burning Question: Is this team still a contender without Ben Simmons? Joel Embiid was arguably the league’s best player last year. But even superstars need help. Tobias Harris isn’t enough of a driving threat to be a Robin. Role players like Seth Curry, Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, and Andre Drummond can make up a Finals composition. But on its face, it doesn’t look dynamic enough to get there.

Record Prediction: Under, 48-34, 5th in the East

Phoenix Suns (51.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: DeAndre Ayton. With nine figures on the line, I could become an X-factor too. Ayton surely has many suitors, but millions are still at stake depending on his performance this season. He is a defensive anchor, a rebounding vacuum, and an efficient low-post technician. He needs to prove he can do it consistently beyond one season.

Burning Question: Will continuity bring the Suns to back-to-back Finals? Phoenix better hope so. With Ayton’s return on the fence and Chris Paul yet to find a reverse-aging serum, this might be the Suns’ best chance at winning the Finals.

Record Prediction: Over, 52-30, 3rd in the West

Portland Trail Blazers (44.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Larry Nance Jr. Hey Damian Lillard, we heard you’re unhappy. May I interest you in Cody Zeller, Ben McLemore, or Tony Snell? Oh, well, I guess that leaves us with Nance. In reality, Nance fits well with Portland. He is a floor-spacer that is flexible defensively. It’s a band-aid on a breaking dam, but it’s something.

Burning Question: Has Chauncey Billups introduced some semblance of a defensive game plan? If not, it is rinse and repeat for the Trailblazers: a bottom-half playoff seed and eventual first-round exit. Portland should still have one of the most potent offenses in the league, but the formula is getting tired and falling short.

Record Prediction: Under, 42-40, 8th in the West

Sacramento Kings (36.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Tyrese Haliburton. The Iowa State product was the biggest non-surprise from last year’s rookie class. Haliburton looked comfortable in an aggressive offense, relieving some of the weight on De’Aaron Fox’s shoulders. With the seemingly imminent departure of Buddy Hield, Haliburton will need to make an even bigger impact off the ball.

Burning Question: How numbered are Buddy Hield and Luke Walton’s days in Sacramento? Fox and Haliburton have to be in the rotation, which relegates Hield to the bench. Rookie Davion Mitchell is also an NBA-ready defensive hound that should see playing time. In the interest of both parties, Hield should be dealt before the deadline and it still won’t be enough of a haul to warrant Walton’s return.

Record Prediction: Under, 34-48, 12th in the West

San Antonio Spurs (29.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Keldon Johnson. It’s nearly a 3-way tie between Johnson, Dejounte Murray, and Derrick White, but Johnson seems to have the most unknown about his game. In turn, Johnson has the highest ceiling as a defender and mid-range specialist. For San Antonio to feel comfortable about the next phase of the franchise, promise from Johnson is a great stepping stone.

Burning Question: Which young pieces step up in DeMar DeRozan’s absence? In wake of his sign-and-trade to Chicago, DeRozan leaves behind a 29.1% usage rate, ranking in the 96th percentile of the NBA. The aforementioned trio needs to make massive offensive strides to be competitive on a nightly basis.

Record Prediction: Under, 28-54, 13th in the West

Toronto Raptors (36.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: OG Anunoby. He has already generated DPOY buzz and is routinely matched up against the opponent’s best player. Offensively, Anunoby averaged 16 points a game on 40-percent 3-point shooting and still has another gear in him as a ball-handler.

Burning Question: Will they be a must-see LeaguePass team? They won’t shake up the standings, but the Raptors lineup is fun and switchable. Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Pascal Siakam are all lengthy and energetic presences. Chris Boucher is an electric shot-blocker. Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. can fling it from beyond the arc.

Record Prediction: Over, 38-44, 10th in the East

Utah Jazz (53.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Rudy Gay. It’s tough to reconcile having an All-Star caliber player in Rudy Gobert who is also under consistent fire in the playoffs. Introduce Gay. The Jazz brought Gay in as a spacing, veteran shooter that can play a small-ball ‘5’. Utah’s strength is its consistency, but Gay adds an interesting wrinkle that opponents have to account for.

Burning Question: Have they learned from last year’s missteps? Playoff woes have plagued this team for years, but last season seemed different as the West’s top seed. Until it wasn’t. This team has the ingredients necessary to win it all, but it can’t get over the hump in the playoffs. What gives?

Record Prediction: Over, 58-24, 1st in the West

Washington Wizards (34.5)

Player I’m Most Intrigued By: Spencer Dinwiddie. The 6-foot-6 wing is a wild card as he sat out almost all of last season with a torn ACL. Given how far Washington is from a ring, Bradley Beal should be on his way out of town, leaving Dinwiddie to fill the go-to scoring role. Is he capable of following through?

Burning Question: Is Bradley Beal a Wizard by the season’s end? If Beal wants a ring, it would be beneficial for both sides to look for a deal. The Wizards have a lot of nice pieces, but they need a core built through the draft to be respectable.

Record Prediction: Under, 34-48, 12th in the West

*In Fergie's voice*: Let's play some basketball!