Dame is BACK. The Blazers are also back from the precipice — locked, loaded, and ready to make a run in the West. It is very early in the season and it’s unwise to draw sweeping conclusions from four games, but Lillard in superstar mode makes Portland a very real threat. Anfernee Simons has adjusted well to off-guard duties in the starting five and the addition of Jerami Grant looks like one of the offseason’s best moves.
The Warriors have stumbled ever so slightly out of the gates, but we’re talking about the defending champs here. This nucleus has won four rings now and there’s reason to believe they can add No. 5 before all is said and done. There’s some uncomfortable contract stuff looming in the offseason (looking at you, Draymond Green), but right now Golden State is fully in the contenders circle.
The Bucks are one of two undefeated teams left. They’ve only played two games (the least of any team in the NBA) and Khris Middleton’s absence is deeply felt, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in basketball. He alone raises the floor and ceiling of this Bucks team quite high. This roster has been to war together. They’re top-tier contenders.