6. Brooklyn Nets (2018-2019 record: 42-40)
The Nets’ offseason was a busy one, acquiring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and their good friend DeAndre Jordan. With Durant gone for probably the whole season, this season is more to grow the team’s chemistry and see if Kyrie Irving will cause any problems once again.
On paper this team essentially swapped Irving for D’Angelo Russell, who seemed to fit the system perfectly, so it will be interesting to see how Irving takes over. Not only do the Nets have superstar talent, but they also have a lot of promising young players like Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Rodions Kurucs.
The Brooklyn Nets will be in a good spot regardless of what happens this season, with their young core still growing and having to fit Irving in the system. This team won’t be a top team in the league but should easily make the playoffs at sixth.
5. Toronto Raptors (2018-2019 record: 58-24)
The defending champions took a huge blow when losing their finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard. The Toronto Raptors without Kawhi are still a playoff-caliber team. Without Kawhi, the Raptors were 17-5 in the regular season. Of course, come playoff time, it is a different story…
But the Toronto Raptors still have the same core of veterans with Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam still has a lot to prove after winning Most Improved Player. With Kawhi gone, Siakam will now be the focal point of their offense, and if he plays more consistently, and the veterans don’t suddenly decline, I believe the Raptors can finish ahead of the Nets for fifth.
4. Boston Celtics (2018-2019 record: 49-33)
The Boston Celtics lost two big names this offseason, although the loss of Kyrie Irving was not surprising, and the Celtics were probably better off with him gone. One name no one expected to leave was Al Horford, who opted out of his contract and went to the Celtics’ biggest rivals.
What is so great about Al Horford is that he has superstar impact despite not being a superstar — his leadership is just a big part of his game. With that gone, it will be interesting to see how the new look Celtics will adjust.
The acquisition of Kemba Walker will play a big part in keeping the Celtics competing at a high level in the East. But he won’t be enough to keep the Celtics on top. Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will have to take a big step forward if the Celtics ever wish to be more than just a playoff team. And with Kyrie Irving gone, there is not a better time to take that step.