Sixers: Ranking Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and every NBA frontcourt
. . . Portland Trail Blazers. 21. team. 34
21. Josh Hart & Jerami Grant & Jusuf Nurkic, Blazers
The Blazers extended Damian Lillard and retooled the roster around him, all with the intention of reinserting themselves into the postseason picture. Jerami Grant was the big offseason swing, and he should pay immediate dividends. Portland has severe weak points on defense, but Grant’s length, instincts, and perimeter mobility will paper over a lot of issues. Josh Hart proved he’s capable of maintaining impressive efficiency numbers on a higher volume of shot attempts last season, but he should be more suitably deployed next to Lillard. Jusuf Nurkic needs to stay healthy, but he remains a steadfast rim protector and rebounder who makes unselfish, winning plays on the offensive end.
Memphis Grizzlies. 20. team. 211. . .
20. Dillon Brooks & Jaren Jackson Jr. & Steven Adams, Grizzlies
The Grizzlies made the jump to contention last season, in large part due to their league-best depth. That doesn’t mean the starting five isn’t great, though. Jaren Jackson Jr. made a compelling case for DPOY and should be right back in the award mix come 2023. Dillon Brooks’ confidence can get the best of him from time to time, but the Grizzlies need his shot-making on the wing. Steven Adams is limited in certain matchups, but his dominance on the glass and his underrated passing chops make him quite useful still.
. . . Orlando Magic. 19. team. 38
19. Franz Wagner & Paolo Banchero & Wendell Carter Jr., Magic
Orlando is fast approaching their transition from “fun rebuild” to winning team. The biggest swing factor is obviously Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick who — on paper — should provide the star-power and self-creation skills Orlando previously lacked. Banchero is a supersized playmaker with the ability to play every style of offense. Meanwhile, Franz Wagner flashed All-Star potential as a rookie, while Wendell Carter Jr. checks every box in the middle: he can protect the rim, move his feet in space, rebound at a high level, hit 3s, operate out of the post. He’s extremely well-rounded.