FultzNationRISE
06-11-2023, 01:11 PM
I think it's actually pretty high.
Let's first provide the perpetual caveat that injuries can always change the equation. BUT:
Denver is the best overall team in the West again, without question. No impending free agents, and nobody even close to the end of their prime. Doesnt mean they cant get beat in the right matchup, maybe an in-sync Warriors could give them problems, or if the Lakers can manage to put half a squad around LeHung for once. But I'd put the odds of the Nuggets returning to the Finals at like 80%.
Miami's situation is interesting. Butler, Bam, Robinson and Martin are locked up. Haywood Highsmith and Nikola Jovic are promising. They have trade assets in Oladipo and Herro, and the 18th pick of the draft.
Set to be free agents are Strus, Gabe, Love, and Zeller. All of whom been nice in their roles at times in this playoff run. Love and Zeller will probably be easiest to keep and that gives them a nice front court overall.
With their combination of guys coming back, young prospects, and the assets they have for a trade with Godfather Pat pulling the strings... I think they're in as good a position to get better as any East team. They might **** around and add Damian Lillard. Or another wing with size, maybe a John Collins. Hell if Kawhi is hurt again before the trade deadline maybe the Clippers move Paul George.
Milwaukee meanwhile could have trouble just bringing Lopez back given their cap situation. Boston and Philly dont really have an obvious avenues for meaningful roster improvement.
Again, setting aside injuries, I would put Miami's chances of repeating in the East as high as 70%. This isnt just a "one year all in" situation for them, their roster construction is actually very healthy. I think they're gonna be an even better team next year.
Let's first provide the perpetual caveat that injuries can always change the equation. BUT:
Denver is the best overall team in the West again, without question. No impending free agents, and nobody even close to the end of their prime. Doesnt mean they cant get beat in the right matchup, maybe an in-sync Warriors could give them problems, or if the Lakers can manage to put half a squad around LeHung for once. But I'd put the odds of the Nuggets returning to the Finals at like 80%.
Miami's situation is interesting. Butler, Bam, Robinson and Martin are locked up. Haywood Highsmith and Nikola Jovic are promising. They have trade assets in Oladipo and Herro, and the 18th pick of the draft.
Set to be free agents are Strus, Gabe, Love, and Zeller. All of whom been nice in their roles at times in this playoff run. Love and Zeller will probably be easiest to keep and that gives them a nice front court overall.
With their combination of guys coming back, young prospects, and the assets they have for a trade with Godfather Pat pulling the strings... I think they're in as good a position to get better as any East team. They might **** around and add Damian Lillard. Or another wing with size, maybe a John Collins. Hell if Kawhi is hurt again before the trade deadline maybe the Clippers move Paul George.
Milwaukee meanwhile could have trouble just bringing Lopez back given their cap situation. Boston and Philly dont really have an obvious avenues for meaningful roster improvement.
Again, setting aside injuries, I would put Miami's chances of repeating in the East as high as 70%. This isnt just a "one year all in" situation for them, their roster construction is actually very healthy. I think they're gonna be an even better team next year.