Does this NBA season have the potential to be the greatest season since the 2015-16 Season?

An overview on the NBA season so far along with every teams’ successes and failures.

Does+this+NBA+season+have+the+potential+to+be+the+greatest+season+since+the+2015-16+Season%3F

Ramiz Haddad, General Editor

Every NBA fan knows how great the 2015-16 NBA season was and how truly unforgettable it shaped out to be. Whether it was the eventual regular season featuring the greatest regular season team ever, the 73-9 Golden State Warriors led by Unanimous MVP Stephen Curry. Or the even more eventful postseason, featuring multiple 3-1 lead comebacks including the first ever to take place in the finals by the Cleveland Cavaliers led by the Finals MVP Lebron James. Not to mention what is widely considered the greatest dunk contest of all time where Zach LaVine won for the second consecutive season in a controversial head-to-head match against Aaron Gordon. And who could forget Kobe Bryant’s famous farewell game where he became the oldest NBA player to drop 60 points in a single game? So, to make the argument that the 2022-23 NBA season has the potential to be the greatest season since then while just being at the all-star break is crazy right? Well, let’s take a deeper look.

So far, this season has been extremely eventful, scoring outbursts are occurring constantly all while 30 and 40-point games are becoming the norm. We have already seen legendary performances such as Donavan Mitchell’s 71-point overtime performance to come back from down 21 points (which is tied for the 7th highest scoring performance by an individual ever) and even Luka Doncic’s 60, 21, 10 performance where he became the first NBA player ever to have a 60, 20, 10 triple-double. Along with this, arguably the most unbreakable NBA record ever, previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has been broken this season by none other than Lebron James, who is currently averaging 30+ points per game at the age of 38. 

Additionally, we have just experienced one of the most eventful trade deadlines of all time. Big names such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Russell Westbrook are all being traded to new franchises. In total, 20 different trades occurred along with multiple buyouts and signings (More on specific trades down below).

As for the playoff race, the East is stacked with teams like the Boston Celtics who currently hold the best record in the league, and teams like the Milwaukee Bucks who are currently sitting on an 11-game win streak putting them just below the Celtics as the second best team in the entire league record-wise. The Western Conference on the other hand is wide open. Currently, there is just a three-game differential between the 5th seed and the 12th seed meaning that it is any team to take. When it comes to the teams outside of the playoff picture, they have nothing to worry about, with names like Victor Wembanyana, the most talked about prospect among NBA scouts and executives since LeBron James in 2003, who is 7’2 and can do absolutely everything, or even Scoot Henderson, the generational talent who has the potential to become a superstar in today’s league. But enough with that, let’s get into the specifics. 

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics: (1st)

The Boston Celtics have definitely come into the season with a chip on their shoulder. After just falling short of a championship last season after losing 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics’ young core has proven to be the most promising team in the NBA. The Celtics are currently the favorites to win the 2023 NBA championship and have been sitting at the number one seed for the majority of the season. Led by superstar Jayson Tatum who is having an MVP-caliber season and All-Star Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have been dominating the league despite both Robert Williams III and Marcus Smart (the Celtics’ defensive anchors) missing a good portion of the season due to injuries. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers for Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Nik Stauskas, and a 2023 first-round pick.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Justin Jackson and two second-round picks.  

Milwaukee Bucks: (2nd)

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently on an 11-game win streak led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, All-Star Jrue Holiday, and former All-Star Khris Middleton. The Bucks have the second-best odds of winning the 2023 NBA championship and with Khris Middleton coming back completely healthy, the Milwaukee Bucks have been looking unstoppable. This team’s defense had been insane with Brook Lopez protecting the rim averaging over two blocks a game, former Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jrue Holiday who is arguably the best defensive guard in the league. The Bucks are definitely a team to fear out East and it is clear why.  

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Joe Ingles in free agency.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Jae Crowder from Phoenix Suns for three second-round picks, Jordan Nwora, George Hill, and Serge Ibaka

Philadelphia 76ers: (3rd)

Has trusting the process paid off so far? Well, after a rocky start to the season, the 76ers have been playing great basketball thanks to Joel Embiid who is currently leading the league in points per game at 33.2 a night, and James Harden who was acquired in a trade last season with the nets. With rising star Tyrese Maxey performing well, you get the sense that even when James Harden’s contract expires, the 76ers are in good hands for years to come allowing them to both compete now and for years to come.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired De’Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies for the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2022 draft. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Jalen McDaniels from the Charlotte Hornets for Svi Mykhailiuk, Knicks 2024 second-round pick (via Trail Blazers), 2029 Trail Blazers second-round pick. 

Cleveland Cavaliers: (4th)

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ post-Lebron rebuild has been unbelievably successful helping the Cavs become a legitimate contender. The Cavs currently have former All-Stars Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen along with rising star Evan Mobley who have all been amazing this year. But what is different from last season? Well, the Cavs definitely pulled off the biggest trade during the offseason bringing in All-Star starter Donovan Mitchell who dropped 71 points in a game earlier this season. This team is built for the future while also contending for a playoff push this year which is crazy to think about given that they completely missed the playoffs last season after a loss in the play-in tournament. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 pick swap, and the 2029 first-round pick.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Danny Green from free agency after being bought out.

Brooklyn Nets: (5th)

The Brooklyn Nets have definitely had the most buzz this season so far. After having a great start to the season led by Superstar Kevin Durant and All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, the Nets looked like real contenders, sitting at the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. That was until Kevin Durant’s injuries and Kyrie Irving’s constant controversy led to the Nets’ downfall with both players wanting out resulting in two blockbuster trades. But the Nets didn’t just get nothing in return, they managed to get a few starting caliber players including former Suns player Mikal Bridges along with great draft compensation overall making this young team set for the future. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Royce O’Neale from the Utah Jazz for a 2023 first-round pick. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029), and a 2028 first-round pick-swap from the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren.

Acquired Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks for Kyrie Irving, Markieff Morris

New York Knicks (6th)

The New York Knicks have been promising so far this season, currently led by All-Star Julius Randle, rising Star R.J Barrett, and Jalen Brunson. Although the Knicks had a slow start, they have really pulled it together placing them just within the playoffs as the 6th seed. The Knicks have looked great after the offseason edition of Jalen Brunson who was clearly a borderline All-Star this year. I think it is now safe to say that the New York Knicks are finally the better New York team in the NBA. 

Notable off-season moves: Signed Jalen Brunson through free agency.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers for Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, Ryan Arciadono, and a 2023 first-round pick (lottery protected).

Miami Heat: (7th)

The Miami Heat so far this season has definitely been one of the more disappointing teams in the Eastern Conference this year. After finishing as the 1 seed just last season, the Miami Heat are all the way down to the 7th seed currently placing them in the play-in tournament range. The window for the Heat to make a championship run is narrowing down as both Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry continue to play past their prime. The Miami Heat do still have some young pieces though including former 6th man of the year Tyler Herro and Defensive beast Bam Adebayo.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Nikola Jovic through the NBA Draft. 

Notable trade deadline moves: N/A

Atlanta Hawks: (8th)

The Atlanta Hawks have also been one of the more disappointing teams in the Eastern Conference. After making a big offseason move to bring in former All-Star Dejounte Murray to pair alongside their young Star Trae Young, the duo hasn’t seemed to work out too well. The Atlanta Hawks are currently sitting in the play-in range at the 8th seed, the exact position they finished off in last season. Why is this? Well, for some reason the Hawks are having major issues closing out games. We have seen the Hawks blow big leads this year in games that they should have easily closed out. The good news is that this core is still very young, meaning that they will become better at closing out games as time goes on and as they build more experience.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale from the San Antonio Spurs for Danilo Gallinari, 2023 first-round pick (via Charlotte from New York, protected), 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Saddiq Bey in a four-team trade. 

Toronto Raptors: (9th)

The Toronto Raptors are the 9th seed, which may come as a shocker to most given that they were just the 5th seed last season. But a lot of this is due to their Star player Pascal Siakam missing a good chunk of the season with an injury. A lot of trade talks began regarding Raptors player O.G Anunoby however the Raptors decided to keep him around keeping their roster intact. The Raptors are aiming to make an end-of-the-season push in order to solidify a playoff spot which is easily capable when you have a young talent like last year’s Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.  

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Otto Porter Jr. through free agency.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs for Khem Birch, 2024 first-round pick (protected 1-6), 2023 second-round pick, and 2025 second-round pick. 

Washington Wizards: (10th)

What are the Washington Wizards doing? Are they trying to tank or are they trying to compete? A lot of questions can be asked about the Washington Wizards and how they are sitting at the 10th seed despite having a lot of talent. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porziņģis are leading this team currently with Kyle Kuzma who is developing into a great young player. The Wizards are currently fighting for a play-in spot in order to compete for a chance at the playoff.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Monte Morris and Will Barton from the Nuggets for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Kendrick Nunn, 2023 second-round pick(via Chicago), 2029 second-round pick, and 2028 second-round pick-swap from the Lakers for Rui Hachimura. 

Chicago Bulls: (11th)

The Chicago Bulls have straight out fallen apart. The Bulls made a decision to surround Zach Lavine with great veterans such as All-star DeMar DeRozan and former All-Star Nikola Vucevic to open their championship window. But after placing 6th last year in their conference, they are now sitting at the 11th seed which places them outside of even the play-in tournament. It doesn’t help that their starting point guard Lonzo Ball has been out with an injury. In fact, the Bulls may be deciding to start over and focus on the future as they have been shopping around Zach Lavine through the entirety of the trade deadline.   

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic through free agency.

Notable trade deadline moves: N/A

Indiana Pacers: (12th)

The Indiana Pacers’ future looks bright yet they are currently the 12th seed. After a decent start to this season the Pacers were sitting at 19-17 going into the new calendar year. Tyrese Haliburton has developed into a young star even after being selected as an All-Star this year while rookie Bennedict Mathurin has been dominant, finishing top three in the Rookie of the Year talks every week. The Pacers have some nice pieces such as Buddy Hield and Myles Turner who were both rumored in some Lakers trade talks however the Pacers seem to be wanting to keep this core together which hasn’t been working too well. The Pacers are currently well below .500 and it’s starting to look like another year outside of the playoffs for them. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Nik Stauskas, and a 2023 first-round pick from the Boston Celtics for Malcolm Brogdon. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired George Hill, Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, and two future second-round picks in a three-team trade. 

Orlando Magic: (13th)

The Orlando Magic definitely drafted the best player in the draft with Paolo Banchero. Paolo is the clear winner as of right now for Rookie of the Year and was even in talks of becoming an All-Star as a rookie. Another positive is that Markelle Fultz, the former first pick in the draft has been having a decent season and is averaging the most points per game since coming into the league at 13 ppg. However, it is clear to see that this team is not ready and that they need way more time and players before becoming real competitors. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired the Highest 2028 second-round pick from Lakers or Wizards (owed to Lakers) for the 35th pick in the draft Max Christie. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Patrick Beverley and a future second-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers for Mo Bamba.

Charlotte Hornets: (14th)

The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the most unlucky teams in the league this season. With Star player LaMelo Ball sitting out a huge chunk of the regular season due to injuries and Miles Bridges being unable to play for…other reasons, the Hornets have hit rock bottom. The future is completely unknown for this team with them currently being the 14th seed out East. The only good thing about being the 14th seed is having a high draft pick so, let’s hope they draft well during this offseason. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired 2023 first-round pick (from Denver via Oklahoma City and New York), 2023 second-round pick (via New York), 2023 second-round pick (via Utah), 2023 second-round pick (most favorable of Dallas/Miami), and 2024 second-round pick (via New York) from the Detroit Pistons for Jalen Duren (No. 13 pick) and  Kemba Walker.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Reggie Jackson from the Los Angeles Clippers for Mason Plumlee.

Detroit Pistons: (15th)

The Detroit Pistons have been awful this year currently sitting at just 15 wins placing them dead last in their conference. A lot of this has to do with their Star player Cade Cunningham being out with an injury. They have a decent young core with Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and former second pick in the draft James Wiseman who they recently acquired. The Pistons may be terrible now, but the future looks bright especially with the possibility of bringing in a future Star in the upcoming draft. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Jalen Duren (No. 13 pick) and Kemba Walker from the Charlotte Hornets for 2023 first-round pick (from Denver via Oklahoma City and New York), 2023 second-round pick (via New York), 2023 second-round pick (via Utah), 2023 second-round pick (most favorable of Dallas/Miami), and 2024 second-round pick (via New York)

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired James Wiseman for Sadiq Bey in a four team trade. 

Western Conference: 

Denver Nuggets: (1st)

The Nuggets have been playing great team basketball this year resulting in them having the best record out West with 41 total wins so far. Nikola Jokic is basically doing everything for them averaging a near 25-point triple-double making him the current favorite to win the MVP award. Winning the MVP for Jokic would make him the first NBA player to win three straight since Larry Bird all the way back in 1983-86. Jamal Murray has made a great recovery from his previous injury allowing him to play great basketball again along with other players like Aaron Gordon who have really stepped it up this year. This team is a real contender to win the Championship and it is very clear why.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith from the Washington Wizards for Monte Morris and Will Barton. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Thomas Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers for Davon Reed, 2025, 2026, and 2029 second-round picks.

Memphis Grizzlies: (2nd)

The Memphis Grizzlies have been playing amazing basketball so far this season and even have themselves two All-Stars. Ja Morant has been outstanding along with Jarren Jackson Jr who is currently a favorite to win the defensive player of the year award due to his amazing ability to protect the rim. Along with this, Desmond Bane has really stepped it up this year making the Grizzlies a clear threat in the league this season. This team is built for the future but is ready to compete from now making them one of the main contenders in the West so far. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired David Roddy (No. 23 pick) and Danny Green from the Philadelphia 76ers for De’Anthony Melton. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Luke Kennard in a three-team trade. 

Sacramento Kings: (3rd)

The Sacramento Kings have been the most surprising team in the entire league so far this season, placing them at the 3 seed out West. The Kings have proven that they are ready to compete this season and are on pace to put an end to their 16-year playoff drought that has kept them out of contention for so many years. The Sacramento Kings are one of the only teams with two All-Stars with both Domantas Sabonis and De’aaron Fox playing amazing basketball proving that despite Tyrese Haliburton developing into a great player, they definitely won the trade that took place last season. The Kings continue to be slept on and although a lot of fans may believe that their success this year is a fluke, the Kings continue to prove otherwise.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Kevin Huerter from the Atlanta Hawks for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless, and Future first-round pick

Notable trade deadline moves: N/A

Los Angeles Clippers: (4th)

The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the more active teams this trade deadline bringing in great players such as Russell Westbrook, Bones Hyland, and Mason Plumlee. Although Superstar Kawhi Leonard was forced to miss a portion of this season due to injuries, the Clippers have shown that they can compete with the best teams out West. With Paul George playing great and even being an All-star this year along with a lot of other players such as Zubac stepping up in big moments this season, it is clear to see why the Clippers are sitting at the 4 seed in the Western Conference. 

Notable off-season moves: Signed John Wall from free agency. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Mason Plumlee from the Charlotte Hornets for Reggie Jackson. Acquired Bones Hyland from the Denver Nuggets for a 2024 second-round pick and 2025 second-round pick. Signed Russel Westbrook from free agency. 

Phoenix Suns: (5th)

The Phoenix Suns have emerged as one of the favorites to win the title this season after completing the blockbuster trade bringing in Kevin Durant but before this trade, it wasn’t going too well for them. Devin Booker had missed a large part of this season due to an injury and Chris Paul just hasn’t been the same as the previous season which is expected due to his age. Despite this, the Suns have still proven to be a great contender this year as they finished with the best record in the league last season and are currently at the 5th seed this season prior to Kevin Durant playing for their organization.

Notable off-season moves: Signed Josh Okogie and Damion Lee from free agency. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren from the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029), and 2028 first-round pick-swap.

Dallas Mavericks: (6th)

Luka Doncic has finally got Star-level help. It’s not a secret that the Dallas Mavericks have been attempting to get a Star level player to pair with Luka and with the recent edition of All-Star starter Kyrie Irving it is clear to see why the Dallas Mavericks are a team to be feared during the second half of this season. Luka Doncic has been great this year leading the league in points per game and being one of the main contenders for the MVP award. The Mavericks are currently the 6th seed in a tight Western Conference which places them 2 games behind the 3rd seed spot and just 3 games ahead of the 11th seed.  

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Christian Wood from the Houston Rockets for Wendell Moore (No. 26 pick), Sterling Brown, Marquese Chriss, Boban Marjanovic, and Trey Burke.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris from the Brooklyn Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2029 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, and 2029 second-round pick.

New Orleans Pelicans: (7th)

The New Orleans Pelicans started off the season hot and even looked like a top contender however due to injuries, they have fallen down to the 7th seed in the Western Conference. With both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram missing large parts of the season, a lot of younger players have been asked to step up which has been great for their progression. Overall, when healthy the Pelicans are a scary team with the big three of All-Star starter Zion Williamson, upcoming Star Brandon Ingram, and veteran CJ McCollum. 

Notable off-season moves: Drafted Dyson Daniels (8th pick)

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Josh Richardson from the San Antonio Spurs for Devonte’ Graham and four second-round picks.

Minnesota Timberwolves: (8th)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been very disappointing this season. With the new addition of former All Star Rudy Gobert the Timberwolves were expected to have a great season with Karl Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards leading the way but after a slow start to the season, the Timberwolves are sitting at the 8th seed in the Western Conference. After getting rid of D’Angelo Russell who just hasn’t been the same for them recently, and as KAT finishes his recovery from his injury, the Timberwolves are set on making a push in the standings which is definitely possible due to the extremely close seeding out West.  

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler (No. 22 pick), Jarred Vanderbilt, 2023 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, and the 2029 first-round pick (protected).

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, lesser of Washington-Memphis second-round 2024 pick, and Utah second-round picks in 2025 and 2026 through a 3-team trade. 

Golden State Warriors: (9th)

The Golden State Warriors have been slightly disappointing this season given the fact that they just won the NBA championship last season. The Warriors are currently the 9th seed out West which for the most part can be explained by Star player Stephen Curry’s absence due to injuries. But there have been some positives this year too. Klay Thomson has been playing amazing basketball this year hitting big shots at big moments and even leading the team in scoring for a lot of the games that Curry is out. Along with this Jordan Poole has kept that momentum from last season’s playoffs and has been a great spark plug despite being very inconsistent at times. Overall, although the Warriors find themselves at the 9th seed out West currently, it’s safe to say that they won’t be there for long with them being just 3 games away from becoming a top 4 seed. 

Notable off-season moves: Signed Donte DiVincenzo from free agency. 

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Garry Payton II for James Wisman in a four-team trade. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: (10th)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference and that is completely fine. The Thunder are not in a rush to be good right now and that is okay due to the fact that they are the youngest team in the NBA and have collected the most first-round picks in the NBA. Along with this they have a great young core consisting of All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and up-and-coming player Josh Giddey. Along with this, Chet Holmgren the former 2nd pick in this past year’s draft hasn’t played a game yet this season due to injuries, so when he is back and healthy OKC will be a scary team as their extremely young core continues to develop. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Justin Jackson and two second-round picks from the Boston Celtics for Mike Muscala.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Dario Saric and a second-round pick from the Phoenix Suns for Darius Bazley.

Utah Jazz: (11th)

The Utah Jazz had the most shocking start to their season despite losing their two former All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the offseason. Although the Jazz is currently the 11th seed in the West right now, they actually started off as a top seed for a large portion of the season. Along with this, they have seen Lauri Markkanen progress into a star this year which currently makes him one of the front runners to get the Most Improved award. The future is promising for the Jazz as they have a large collection of first-round picks that can pay off in the future if they draft well.

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler (No. 22 pick), Jarred Vanderbilt, 2023 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, and 2029 first-round pick (protected) from the Minnesota Timberwolves for Rudy Gobert. 

Acquired Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 pick swap, and 2029 first-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Donovan Mitchell.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and 2027 first-round pick (protected 1-4) in a three-team trade. 

Portland Trail Blazers: (12th)

The Portland Trail Blazers are in a tough situation right now. All-Star player Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers are currently sitting at the 12th seed out West. Despite this, the Trail Blazers find themselves only 3 games behind the 5th seed meaning they can easily spike up. Shaden Sharp has looked great for them proving that he has a ton of potential. With Anfernee Simons still playing great basketball and acquiring Jerami Grant and Cam Reddish, the Trail Blazers have set themselves up for the end of the season. The Trail Blazers desperately need to make the most out of Damian Lillard since no one knows how much longer he will put up with Portland.   

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Jerami Grant and Ismael Kamagate (No. 46 pick) from the Detroit Pistons for Gabriele Procida (No. 36 pick), 2025 first-round pick (via Milwaukee), 2025 second-round pick, and 2026 second-round pick.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, Ryan Arciadono, and 2023 first-round pick (lottery protected) from the New York Knicks for Josh Hart.

Los Angeles Lakers: (13th)

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most questionable teams in the entire NBA season so far. With Anthony Davis missing a good chunk of the season due to injuries (which seems to be a reoccurring issue) and Russell Westbrook playing questionable basketball, the Lakers find themselves all the way down to the 13th seed out West. But the Lakers aren’t even close to being out of contention yet. With Anthony Davis coming back from his injury and Lebron James still playing exceptional basketball the Lakers are on pace to make a huge push in this last portion of the season which is completely possible with the extremely close seeding in the West and the recent trade deadline moves that the Lakers took part in. With D’Angelo Russell in and Russell Westbrook out, a fresh new start might just be what the Lakers need. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Utah Jazz for Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and 2027 first-round pick (protected 1-4).

Acquired Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic for Patrick Beverley and a future second-round pick. Acquired Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards for Kendrick Nunn, 2023 second-round pick(via Chicago), 2029 second-round pick, and 2028 second-round pick-swap. 

San Antonio Spurs: (14th)

It is clear that the San Antonio Spurs are set on tanking for a high draft pick this season. The Spurs are currently on a 15-game losing streak placing them as the 14th seed in the Western Conference. This team is 14 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers who are just 1 spot ahead of them in the standings. The Spurs have some nice talent with Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell progressing well this year along with Jeremy Sochan proving to have a decent future in this league. The Spurs have always been a team to contend and make pushes in the playoffs especially under the coaching of Gregg Popovich so it is very interesting to see this new approach by the young spurs roster. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Danilo Gallinari, 2023 first-round pick (via Charlotte from New York, protected), 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, and 2027 first-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired Devonte’ Graham and four second-round picks from the New Orleans Pelicans for Josh Richardson.

Houston Rockets: (15th)

Although the Houston Rockets have been absolutely horrible this year, they have successfully prepared themselves for the future by creating a great young core of players. With Rising Star Jalen Green and young talent, Kevin Porter Jr. the Rockets’ backcourt is set up nicely. Additionally, Alperen Sengun has looked amazing and is even a good contender to win the Most Improved Award this season. Even though the Rockets are basically completely out of the playoffs with just 13 total wins, it is clear to see that with a high lottery pick in this year’s draft, the Rockets will be great in years to come. 

Notable off-season moves: Acquired Wendell Moore (No. 26 pick), Sterling Brown, Marquese Chriss, Boban Marjanovic, and Trey Burke from the Dallas Mavericks for Christian Wood.

Notable trade deadline moves: Acquired John Wall, Danny Green, and picks TBD in a three-team trade.