Jun 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders and number one overall draft pick Karl-Anthony Towns pose with his new jersey at Mayo Clinic Square. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
11. Phoenix Suns
I’m a big fan of Jeff Hornacek and a firm believer in the idea that he’s going to get the most he can out of the Suns roster. Unfortunately, the Phoenix front office has made a series of questionable personnel maneuvers and look to be pulling the rug out from under him.
Adding Tyson Chandler will help the front line defense, but this isn’t the Chandler that helped the Mavericks to the NBA title in 2011. They’ll probably win some basketball games, but I see the Suns on the outside looking in come playoff time.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
I really dislike the Lakers. As a writer for a Utah Jazz blog, this should come as no surprise. With that being said, Lakers fans should be excited about their team’s future. Although questions remain, i.e. Kobe Bryant‘s future, the No-Pass Bass signing, Nick Young‘s status following the arrival of Lou Williams and Byron Scott‘s unorthodox ideas, L.A. looks to be moving in the right direction.
Many believe that D’Angelo Russell will develop into an elite-level point guard and the return of Julius Randle could be a boon for the frontcourt. While I don’t expect Roy Hibbert to return to All-Star form, he should provide a much-needed defensive presence.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
It’s going to take time, but the combination of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine could (should?) propel the T-Wolves into playoff contention in the years ahead. Unlike Denver’s Melo Drama, the Kevin Love story probably has a happy ending for Minnesota.
Until that comes to pass, the Wolves will experience their fair share of growing pains. Nonetheless, I expect Flip Saunders’ crew to be one of the more entertaining teams in the NBA.
14. Sacramento Kings
On paper, the Kings have the look of a team on the rise. With DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay leading the charge, intriguing young players like Ben McLemore and Willie Cauley-Stein in the fold and a veteran head coach in George Karl at the helm, one could easily trick themselves into believing in the squad.
Alas, basketball games aren’t played out on paper. The Kings have front office issues, coaching issues and a roster populated by flawed players. The Cousins-Karl saga threatens to be a drama of epic proportions and an anchor (or a noose) around the neck of the franchise.
15. Denver Nuggets
Following Ty Lawson’s continued troubles and inevitable trade, the underachieving Nuggets have hit rock bottom. Sorry Nuggets fans, you deserve a lot better. Thankfully, Emmanuel Mudiay could become your first legitimate franchise player since Carmelo Anthony and Mike Malone is a quality NBA coach.
While you’re waiting for the point guard to develop, you can probably kill time with highlights of Alex English, Fat Lever, Kiki Vandeweghe and Dikembe Mutombo on YouTube. You also still have the Broncos. Good times all around.
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