So long, Mr. Buckets. Jimmy Butler has moved on to sandier pastures, joining the Miami Heat to finish out his NBA prime. While Butler’s regular season was a tad underwhelming in Philadelphia, the playoffs reminded everyone of his value. He’s a natural mid-range scorer who, when willing, can nail pull-up 3s. He’s also an underrated playmaker, shouldering point guard minutes during the Sixers’ postseason run.
Now the two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert is the top rim protector in basketball. While there are lingering concerns about how his game translates to postseason basketball, Gobert’s ability to engulf the paint and deter drives is second to none. He’s a unique interior presence and anchors Utah’s perennially elite defense. He’s also effective on the other end, averaging a cool 15.9 points on 66.9 percent shooting.
Despite struggles last season, Russell Westbrook remains an all-world talent at the point guard spot. He’s going to add spice to Houston’s analytical system, breaking down defenders, putting pressure on the rim and locating shooters on the perimeter. Even in a down shooting year, Westbrook averaged 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists on .428/.290/.656 shooting splits. He did his best to accommodate Paul George‘s breakout last season and should find a cozy fit in Mike D’Antoni‘s system.
The Nets, minus a questionable DeAndre Jordan contract, were big winners this summer. Kyrie Irving instantly elevates their ceiling, offering a more dynamic scorer and playmaker in D’Angelo Russell’s place. While Brooklyn will take a gap year in KD’s absence, Irving will still allow Brooklyn to contend for home-court advantage in the East. Amid Boston’s dysfunction last season, Irving averaged 23.8 points and a career-high 6.9 assists, posting shooting splits of .481/.401/.873.
Damian Lillard keeps on keeping on. The Blazers are here to stay, even if it doesn’t mean title contention. They’re a player in the loaded Western Conference, largely due to Lillard’s scheme-bending presence. He has unmeasurable range, thrives in the pick-and-roll and forces defenses to make difficult decisions every possession. He can operate on and off-ball, all while improving his own defensive prowess in recent seasons. His .444/.369/.912 shooting splits, on massive volume, are impressive.