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With the major free agency moves already in the books, Noah Rubin, Zak Hanshew and Raphielle Johnson got together to weigh in on the early 2024-25 NBA power rankings.
Post Free Agency Power Rankings
The team was aligned at the top, as the Celtics and Thunder (the No. 1 seeds in 2023-24) finish atop our early power rankings. The new-look Knicks come in just behind the Wolves, while the reigning Western Conference champions Mavs round out the top-5.
Once considered the next dynasty after their 2022-23 championship run, the Nuggets are now outside the top-5 thanks to another brutal offseason in which Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was lost. Philly comes in at No. 6 thanks to the Big 3 of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, and the Milwaukee Bucks come in at No. 8 after standing pat in free agency.
The team agreed on Boston, OKC, Cleveland, Utah and the Lakers, but opinions varied on the Pacers and Kings. Indiana made an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but can the team find sustained success without an eventful free agency period? Sacramento made a spashy trade for DeMar DeRozan, but will it move the needle in a competitive Western Conference?
Q: Which five teams were the biggest risers in free agency?
Knicks. Losing Isaiah Hartenstein isn’t ideal, but adding Mikal Bridges gives them one of the best perimeter defenses in the league.
76ers. Replacing Tobias Harris with Paul George is a massive upgrade and gives them a talented trio on which to build this team.
Kings. It may not be the best “fit”, but DeMar DeRozan makes this team a lot more talented, especially since he is replacing Harrison Barnes.
Warriors. Losing Klay Thompson isn’t ideal, but adding Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson will help make up for it.
Mavericks. If Klay is able to play better than he did last season, Dallas should have a good chance of returning to the NBA Finals. -Rubin
Knicks. The Villanova band added another rockstar in Mikal Bridges, and re-signing OG Anunoby gives the Knicks one of the best starting fives in the NBA.
76ers. Who doesn’t love a good Big 3? PG should be the third option behind Tyrese…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-roundtable-early-2024-25-172336256.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-07-15 17:23:36
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