The NBA season ended just a week ago, but teams are already gearing up for next season as the draft hurriedly approaches.
And with every team on a clean slate heading into 2022-23, Nick Wright has crafted a “way too early” rendition of his classic tiers compilation. The placement of several teams on his list may surprise you.
Here’s Wright’s countdown, with each group’s best title odds presented via FOX Bet.
Warriors, Bucks, Mavs feature in Nick’s early NBA tiers
It’s way too soon for Nick Wright to be ranking the top NBA teams, and yet here we are! Watch as Nick tells us who will be the teams to beat next season. Also, Chris Broussard explains why the Golden State Warriors, who just won their fourth NBA title in eight years, are ranked too low.
Those that shall not be named: Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets
Best title odds: Trail Blazers +1100
Wright’s thoughts: “You have the Oklahoma City Ponzi scheme. There’s [Kevin] Wildes’ frisky Magic, the Pistons I actually think could be fun to watch, I like Cade [Cunningham]. It pains me to put the Blazers and Spurs because of the respect I have for Dame [Lillard] and Gregg Popovich, but both of those teams are play-in at best.”
Eh, I guess: Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets
Best title odds: Jazz +4500
Wright’s thoughts: “Bulls and Jazz are both going to be worse next year than they were this year, and this year, they weren’t good enough to win a round. Hawks and Hornets will be fine, but none of these teams have any shot at winning a playoff round. Sorry Trae Young’s dad, I know you’re a viewer. It’s not your son’s fault, the team’s not that good.”
On the upswing: New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors
Best title odds: Pelicans +5000
Wright’s thoughts: “Great young players on these teams. I love Zion Williamson and really like Brandon Ingram. I love Anthony Edwards, I’m okay with Karl-Anthony Towns. I love Evan Mobley and really like Darius Garland. And Scottie Barnes is awesome. One of these teams is going to be this year’s Grizzlies, the team that got a taste of the playoffs, and has a legitimate chance to win a round.”
What do you want?: Los Angeles Lakers
Title odds: +2000
Wright’s thoughts: “Do you want to be the Lakers and try to win championships? Or do you want to rest on the fact that…
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