DALLAS MAVERICKS

The Mavs decided to tank on the last two games of the season, then really didn't take the off-season by storm. They did re-sign Kyrie, but other than that, just unseasoned young talent that Dallas hopes can reach their potential. Maybe it's time for Mark Cuban to stop meddling in basketball affairs, because we know he is.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

The Rockets decided that now is the time to bring in reinforcements to push themselves out of the cellar. New coach Ime Udoka has free agent pickups Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in tow. First round pick Amen Thompson adds to an already talented young core. Houston could be intriguing this year.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

In two years, Memphis went from title contender to cautionary tale. Ja Morant continues to throw his career down the drain, trying to be a social media tough guy. Jaren Jackson Jr. won the DPOY and acquiring Marcus Smart (a former DPOY) can help the Grizz get into the playoffs. Hopefully, Ja has learned a lesson after his suspension is done.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

The Pels are a team who can scare opponents with their talent. One thing that holds them back is Zion Williamson. If he can stay healthy and keep his personal life under control, New Orleans could reach the top of the West. This is a big if.

(Side note: NBA youngsters, you need to have an advisor around you at all times, so you won't be in a situation like Zion is in right now. This has been a public service announcement from the Real Sports Marks AZ. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.)

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

This season, people will forget that Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan play for this team, because of WEMBYMANIA! Considered the best overseas prospect ever, Victor Wembanyama will capture the minds of the city of San Antonio and the NBA. Opponents beware of.......WEMBYMANIA!!!!!!!

DENVER NUGGETS

This team broke the entire NBA. "You're telling me that a superteam didn't win the NBA championship?" Yep. Due to smart drafting, savvy trades, excellent coaching, and brilliant managing, the Denver Nuggets reached the mountaintop (Sorry for the pun) as NBA champions.

Unfortunately, this is another Kroenke family championship, which means a knock on the door is expected.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

July 6, 2022: The day the T'Wolves tried to get cute. Trading many draft picks and players for Rudy Gobert. It didn't work....then. Maybe year two can bring better chemistry between he, KAT and Ant. Let's hope we don't see a repeat of Rudy punching a teammate again.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

If there is a team who can give opponents nightmares, it is probably the Thunder. SGA is finally getting his praise, Josh Giddey is looking like a basketball stud and Chet Holmgren is bulked and ready to dominate. OKC is definitely the Freddy Kreuger of the NBA. Because of the whole nightmare quote.......never mind.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

The Blazers might as well face it, they are rebuilding. Scoot Henderson is about to become the new face of the franchise. They finally traded Damien Lillard and received some nice pieces for him. This is a reset season for Portland. Enjoy the glorious underachieving of DeAndre Ayton.

UTAH JAZZ

Like the Thunder, Utah has a bountiful group of young talent and veterans trying to make a name for themselves. Just ask Lauri Markkanen, who won the Most Improved Player Award. Adding John Collins and getting a second season of Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, the Jazz can cause some major noise this season.

(Fun fact: While looking up the word bountiful, I found out that there is a city in Utah called Bountiful. Isn't that something?)

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

The Warriors have decided to make another push for a title. Is this the last one? They did acquire CP3, so.....he will probably play 50 games this season and Steph might eke out 52. Whatever the case, GSW can be the team that become a dynasty. This might be bad for the NBA faithful.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

The heist that might have been. The Clippers are deciding whether to keep going with the PG13/Kawhi combo or just part and continue with what they have. It's a tough tale that has no resolution. The ending could see another early exit from the playoffs because Kawhi and PG13 are hurt. Damn.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

We get it, NBA. You want this team to succeed. You don't have to hide it. This season is their chance to reach the summit. LeBron isn't getting younger, and AD needs to stay healthy. They also have a slew of free agents coming aboard to help L.A. in their quest. It's all up to them, NBA.

PHOENIX SUNS

After another demoralizing home loss that caused them to be eliminated, new owner Mat Ishiba decided to execute Operation Clean House. First, Monty Williams was let go, then CP3 was traded. They did get Bradley Beal in a deal. So, it's NBA championship or bust for this crew.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

Wow, 16 years is a long time. The Kings finally broke through and made the playoffs. They were bounced in the first round but showed that they can improve. Sacramento didn't really do to anything to help their defense, which was a liability. They will improve this season. Let's hope.

Well, this 2023-2024 NBA season should be a fun one, especially with the new In-Season Tournament. Excuse me for a second........🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Oh, well.

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