1. Houston Rockets2021-22 Record/Finish: 11-5/Lost to OKC in 1st Round
The Rockets had somewhat of an odd season last year. They struggled with injuries, but they jumped out to 9-1 start before the wheels came off. They lost four of five, including back-to-back shutouts, but they rebounded to win an absolute nailbiter against OKC to end the season. A post-match stat correction turned a loss into a win and put them in the postseason against the same Thunder team they just beat. This time, the Thunder made the comeback, winning 5-4 to advance to the semifinals. The Rockets didn't do a ton in the off-season, largely because they didn't have to. They'll get both Zion and Dame back from injuries, they traded for Horford, and they called it a wrap. This team is loaded. If they stay healthy, they may just be the team to beat.
Off-season grade: C+
2. Portland Trailblazers2021-22 Record/Finish: 10-6/Missed playoffs
Portland has one of the best superstar trio's in the league in Durant, George and Trae, but a in a tough Western conference that alone won't bring you a ring. There was some minor player turnover, but no big names left or were signed to move the needle on the Blazers' chances a whole lot. Oubre was replaced by Batum, Drummond by McGee and Beverly/Jones were replaced by Reggie Jackon. What can move the needle is the number of games played (or missed) by George and Durant. If they stay healthy, the can carry this team far into the playoffs.
Off-season grade: C+
3. Golden State Warriors2021-22 Record/Finish: 14-2/Won NBA Finals
The defending champions were much quieter this off-season compared to last year, and much of it was spent trying to get younger. The Warriors brought in a ton of youth, trading for and signing Isaiah Livers, Matisse Thybulle, Jae'Sean Tate, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tre Jones, and AJ Griffin. It's a bold strategy, though not an unheard of one, as we most recently saw the Brooklyn Nets do this post-championship... and they rode that youth to a second consecutive title. The good news for the Dubs is they still have the same core that did the heavy liftin in last year's title run, as Booker, Butler, Vuc, Siakam, and VanVleet all return. They'll also be banking on JJJ to come back from injury and provide a defensive lift during the playoffs. It's a completely wide open Western Conference though, and we would venture to guess that all 10 teams have eyes on the postseason. As the reigning champs, the Warriors will certainly have a target on their back.
Off-season grade: C
4. New York Knicks2021-22 Record/Finish: 11-5/Lost to Tampa Bay in ECF
New York finally got the playoff monkey off their back last year, defeating the Bulls and advancing to the conference finals. Unfortunately for them, they once again ran into their nemesis, Tampa Bay. The Bull Sharks beat them in the postseason for the 5th time in 8 years. In response, the Knicks went to work improving their depth. They traded Donovan Mitchell's rights for CJ McCollum, Christian Wood, and Harrison Barnes. Then they went out and spent on Clint Capela, Derrick White, Monte Morris, Kyle Lowry, and Norm Powell (and Miles Bridges, but we won't talk about that...). It's an interesting new direction for the Knicks, dropping a star and going all in on more depth. We'll see if it pays off.
Off-season grade: B+
5. Colorado Swannies2021-22 Record/Finish: 10-6/Missed playoffs
Last season, the Swannies saw a meteoric rise from their 2-12 finish in '21 to just missing the playoffs with a 10-6 record in a tough western conference. Carried by a pool of talented young guards, headlined by LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland and Josh Giddey, there's still plenty of room to grow. Last season, the front court was a bit thin with Anthony Davis and Myles Turner carriying the load without much backup, and with the amount of time AD misses that costed the Swannies some games. To remedy that, Colorado traded their 9th pick for Robert Williams, who provides an immediate quality boost in the front court but comes with the same risk as AD. There's also some reinforcements on the wings with Hayward, KCP and Hart being solid additions, which makes this now a pretty complete team with star power, youth and depth, but the key will be health for the Swannies to take the next step.
Off-season grade: B+
6. Tampa Bay Bull Sharks2021-22 Record/Finish: 11-5/Lost to Golden St. in Finals
Tampa Bay's roster has seen some turnover in recent years, as they're figuring out contracts while still looking for the right setup for another championship run. The rights to Fox and Allen were traded for WCJ and 3 picks, and Paul walked away in FA, leaving some big holes to be filled. The Bull Sharks were very active in FA, but no real big names were signed so you have to wonder if they can improve on last season. However, the outlook is good with a core of Towns, Sabonis and Lavine plus 3 tickets to the Wemby lottery. Most contracts are short, so a lot can change next season again and we never know when the Sharks will strike.
Off-season grade: B
7. Seattle Supersonics2021-22 Record/Finish: 8-8/Missed playoffs
Last season the Sonics were a big disappointment after ranking 4th in the preseason power rankings, but ending with a 8-8 record. There's enough talent on the roster to be a title contender, maybe even the most talented top 5 in the league, but management doesn't seem to care enough to put in the work and go for a title. The bare minimum is all that is shown, exemplified by the last second resigns of Bam and Beal just before the deadline. No FA signings were made to replace Lonzo Ball and Covington to complete the roster, and with a lack of draft assets (and management activity) there's not much reason for optimism.
Off-season grade: D
8. Phoenix Suns2021-22 Record/Finish: 13-3/ Lost to Kansas City in WCSF
The Suns had a bounce back season last year, winning 9 of their last 10 games en route to the 2nd seed in the West. Unfortunately, the Kansas City Kings got the better of them in the playoffs, and the Suns went into the off-season with quite a few question marks. Three of their main pieces from last year's 13-3 team are either in tougher fantasy situations (Jonas with the return of Zion, Brogdon in a crowded Boston backcourt) or totally gone (Miles Bridges). The Suns were quiet on the trade front, making a single move for Chris Boucher. Otherwise, they pushed all their chips into the center of the FA table, though early returns are mixed (Smart, Bev, and RoCo will likely be role players at best, and Lonzo Ball is out for the foreseeable future). How you feel about this team hinges entirely on their depth. If you like it, you'll like this team. If you don't think there is enough consistency, you will be far less bullish. 8th might be moving more toward the believe end of things, but it feels about right.
Off-season grade: C+
9. Memphis Grizzlies2021-22 Record/Finish: 2-14/Missed playoffs
The Memphis Grizzlies were not good last year, though, if we're being honest, some of that was by design. Knowing they'd be without Kawhi and Jonathan Isaac, the Grizz went full bore into the youth movement... they may have found some things. Scottie Barnes looks like a star in the making. Obi Toppin showed flashes of being more than just a dunker. Trey Murphy might actually be a great shooter. They followed up that youth with Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin, both of whom looked great in summer league (and Johnny Davis, but we won't talk about him). With Jrue Holiday, DeAndre Ayton, and the aforementioned Kawhi, this team boasts a solid big three. If Barnes makes another leap, and Mathurin and Banchero are productive out of the gate, this is a sleeper playoff team.
Off-season grade: B+
10. OKC Thunder2021-22 Record/Finish: 11-5/Lost to Golden St. in WCSF
The Thunder weren't really active this summer, and as a result they'll probably struggle to improve on last season. Capela, Westbrook, Smart and D-White weren't replaced in FA except for the addition of 2 late draft picks, Braun and Baldwin Jr. These will probably not be contributing right away, leaving a strong core of Doncic, Tatum and Edwards with little support. Vassel is expected to make a leap for the rebuilding Spurs and Okongwu might challenge Capela for starter's minutes, but there's not a lot of other positives to compensate for the holes in the roster.
Off-season grade: D
11. Miami Heat2021-22 Record/Finish: 2-14/Missed playoffs
After a lost season, Miami is gunning for a quick turnaround through trades, the draft and FA. Herro is the only starter left over; Irving's rights were packaged with Hachimura to bring Middleton to South Beach, Collins' rights were traded for Bogdan Bogdanovic and WCJ was shipped with a late pick for the rights to Jarrett Allen. To complement the new pieces, Chris Paul was signed in FA and Jabari Smith and Keegan Murray were drafted highly and will hopefully contribute right away. The result is a pretty balanced and competitive roster, with plenty of youth and room to grow. With 2 picks in each coming season and 2 open resign slots, there's even a chance more moves will follow before the deadline. Miami is a team to watch, because they sure know how to make some waves.
Off-season grade: A-
12. Chicago Bulls2021-22 Record/Finish: 7-9/Lost to New York in ECSF
Last season the Bulls benefitted from a weak eastern conference to make the playoffs with a 7-9 record and not a lot of quality on the roster. However, there doesn't seem to be much magic left from the cinderella story from their '21 championship. The last starter from that team, Ben Simmons, was traded in a package for De'Aaron Fox, and Jaylen Brown was shipped off for Maxey and LeVert, signalling a new chapter for the Bulls. There's a couple of things to like in Chicago, with a number of less or more talented players in position to make some steps. A couple of OKC bigs in Bazley and Robinson-Earl could play big minutes with Chet done for the season, and a couple of NYK guards that might force their way in the rotation in Grimes and McBride. However, a lot needs to go right for this team to make the playoffs again.
Off-season grade: B
13. Brooklyn Nets2021-22 Record/Finish: 10-6/ Lost to Tampa Bay in ECSF
After a rough 2020-21 season, and a bizarre 2021 draft, the Brooklyn Nets rebounded to win double-digit games and make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they elected to take a step backwards this past off-season, sending out most of their reliable vets from last year and bringing in a whopping 5 rookies. They are also rolling the dice on both Ben Simmons and Kira Lewis Jr., each of whom missed all of last year. There are some solid pieces here. Ingram is a stud. Mobley is the reigning rookie of the year. And Keldon Johnson should get all the shots he wants in San Antonio. Lu Dort is a frisky wing, and should hold some value at the trade deadline should the Nets punt on the season. The problem her is the depth is full of question marks. In addition to the rookies, Jalen McDaniels hardly played last year, Josh Christopher is just fine, and Jalen Suggs was bad. The youth gives them high upside, but the floor is well below sea level. 13 could end up being too optimistic.
Off-season grade: C-
14. Kansas City Kings2021-22 Record/Finish: 13-3/Lost to Golden St. in WCF
It'll be interesting to see how the Kings respond to last year's heartbreaking loss to Golden State. The Kings looked as though they had things wrapped up before a final day collapse, and they used this summer to completely rework their team. They moved Caris LeVert for Spencer Dinwiddie and Malik Monk, then swapped Bobby Portis for Gary Harris (who has since blown out his knee). Then came their big move of the summer... the blockbuster deal for Donovan Mitchell. They went all in on Mitchell... then they mostly used FA to bring in a lot of youth. Walker Kessler, Jaylin Williams, Oshae Brissett, and Jaylen Nowell are all largely unproven. TJ Warren is coming off an injury. Jerami Grant is back, as is Kevon Looney, and Dorian Finney-Smith is a nice addition, but all three are going to top out as role players. It's hard to see how the Kings make another run like they did last year, but they will have a metric ton of cap space next season, their backcourt locked up, and two draft picks. Expect this team to make another one or two big short-term offers next off-season, as they try and figure out a way to finally break through and reach the Finals.
Off-season grade: C-
15. Toronto Raptors2021-22 Record/Finish: 4-12/Missed playoffs
The Raptors kept it low-key this summer. They drafted Jalen Williams and Ochai Agbaji, and they traded away Bogdan Bogdanovic for Brandon Clarke, but other than that, it's largely the same roster. They're really going to be banking on internal improvement to get them back in the postseason for the first time since 2018. It's possible they do it too. Ja Morant is a star, and Tyrese Haliburton looked like one after his trade to Indy at last year's deadline. If they can get consistent production from their frontcourt (Clarke, Jarred Vanderbilt, Precious Achiuwa, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman), they may just have something here. Since we haven't seen it just yet, we're going to be a little cautious in our ranking.
Off-season grade: C
16. Atlanta Hawks2021-22 Record/Finish: 7-9/Lost to Chicago in 1st round
The Hawks finally got back to the postseason last year, but there was still work to be done. They made a couple of huge trades, swapping Caris LeVert (who they picked up from KC) and Tyrese Maxey for Jaylen Brown, then trading for Kyrie Irving's re-sign rights. Brown is a solid pick-up, but there is a ton of risk with Kyrie. If it works out, the Hawks definitely have the foundation of a playoff team, but they're still going to need their role players to step up. Those role players are for from sure things themselves, with guys dealing with injuries, off-the-court issues, and volatile on-court situations. This might not a title contender, but a return to the playoffs isn't out of the question.
Off-season grade: B-
17. Utah Jazz2021-22 Record/Finish: 5-11/Missed playoffs
For years, really since the league started, the Jazz have made it a point to grab talent. They're not in it for what a player could be. They want a player that IS. And this summer was no different. The Jazz went out and traded for John Collins' re-sign rights. They swiped Russell Westbrook in free agency. And they traded for Bobby Portis. As a result of that philosophy, this Jazz team is deep. They may not be loaded with top-50 players, but there are no dead spots here. And with Jamal Murray back from injury, plus Lauri Markkanen and Bones Hyland in more favorable situations, there is upside as well. To be perfectly honest, 17 feels too low. This is a team that could and should compete for a playoff spot, even in a stacked Western Conference. The key here will be health.
Off-season grade: B+
18. Orlando Magic2021-22 Record/Finish: 4-12/Missed playoffs
Much like the Raptors, the Magic were quiet, using their cap space to trade for picks and sign Collin Sexton. There are some very interesting pieces here. Franz Wagner was obviously a revelation as a rookie, and both Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson had their moments late last year. The strength of this team is their guard play, as Sexton, Terry Rozier, Jordan Poole, and Immanuel Quickley are going to do a lot of the heavy lifting. If De'Andre Hunter stays healthy, and Isaac Okoro can take a step forward, maybe they surprise some people.
Off-season grade: B-
19. Washington Wizards2021-22 Record/Finish: 5-11/Missed playoffs
Washington made few but effective moves this offseason. Keldon Johnson was packaged with pick #7 for pick #4 (Ivey) and 2 other picks, and Boucher was packaged with the #20 for Herb Jones. With Keldon gone, a solid player leaves the team, keeping them on the rebuilding path. However, it's great to add a promising talent like Ivey to the team. It's unclear if this will help the team soon enough, as Giannis is begging a better supporting cast. Brunson and Bane have stepped up their game to help out, and there are some role players that can help but probably not enough to make some real noise.
Off-season grade: C+
20. Las Vegas Gamblers2021-22 Record/Finish: 2-14/Missed playoffs
The Gamblers have been biding their time the last few years, but they hit on the #1 pick for the second consecutive year and took it as a sign to start spending some money. They signed Bojan Bogdanovic, Steven Adams, and Kelly Oubre. Not stars, by any means, but solid players which is a far cry from where they've been. Unfortunately, the Gamblers lost their #1 pick, Chet Holmgren, for the whole season. That could put the team in line for a third consecutive #1 pick, and if they land it? Woo boy, watch out.
Off-season grade: B-
TEAM | Miege22 | MemphisGM | Richardson239 | Teefbe | Crossover |
Houston | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Portland | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Golden State | 3 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 9 |
New York | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Colorado | 9 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Tampa Bay | 10 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
Seattle | 11 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
Phoenix | 7 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 2 |
Memphis | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 17 |
OKC | 5 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
Miami | 6 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
Chicago | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 10 |
Brooklyn | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
Kansas City | 13 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 7 |
Toronto | 16 | 10 | 15 | 16 | 11 |
Atlanta | 14 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 18 |
Utah | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 14 |
Orlando | 17 | 12 | 18 | 19 | 19 |
Washington | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 13 |
Las Vegas | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |