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2023-24 NBA Power Rankings Training Camp Edition With Offseason Grades

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This is my first foray into a comprehensive NBA Power Rankings of the 2023-24 season. I had previously ranked every team individually. Here is a look at each team’s offseason grades and injuries.

2023-24 NBA Power Rankings Training Camp Edition With Offseason Grades

1. Phoenix Suns (0-0)

Phoenix made the biggest splashes this off-season, trading for Bradley Beal and sending out Deandre Ayton. The Suns have 11 newcomers, with Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, and Eric Gordon among the most important. So, the Suns maintained a quality team by adding several veterans while ridding themselves of Ayton’s max deal. The Suns are primed for a title run.

The Suns will be without reserve guard Damion Lee for a while. Lee suffered a meniscus injury while training this past week and will be out for an unknown amount of time.

Grade A+

2. Boston Celtics (0-0)

Following the Jrue Holiday trade, Boston becomes my favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. The Celtics also have moved up one spot in the power rankings.  The Celtics, of course, added Kristaps Porzingis earlier in the summer and extended Jaylen Brown. There is concern about the Celtics’ lack of depth at center.

Grade B+

3. Milwaukee Bucks (0-0)
Milwaukee got scoring and an uber star in Damian Lillard, but the Bucks still slipped to No. 3.
The Bucks lost two starters and, more importantly, guys who can defend on the perimeter in Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen. They did finally add a backup point guard in Cameron Payne. Robin Lopez and Malik Beasley also were brought on board.
Grade: A-
4. Los Angeles Lakers (0-0)
The Lakers arguably had the second-best offseason in the league. The Lakers retained D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reeves. They also added Christian Wood late in free agency. In addition, the Lakers brought in Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers reached for Jalen Hood-Schifino, as a few other players were better fits. But Hood-Schifino probably won’t see much time with the Lakers anyway.
Grade A

5. Denver Nuggets (0-0)

Denver had arguably the worst offseason in the league. The Nuggets lost three key bench pieces this offseason, including Vlatko Cancar, who suffered a torn ACL while playing for Slovenia during the World Cup. Their big offseason transaction was keeping Reggie Jackson.
Grade: F

6. Sacramento Kings (0-0)

Sacramento re-signed Harrison Barnes and Trey Lyles and extended Domantas Sabonis. The Kings also traded for Chris Duarte, brought in draft and stash prospect Sasha Vezenkov, and dumped Richaun Holmes‘ salary in a trade.

Grade B

7. Philadelphia 76ers (0-0)

Philadelphia did little this offseason, though, with the addition of Kelly Oubre Jr. and the likelihood of them keeping James Harden, I am moving the Sixers up one spot to No. 7.
Philadelphia’s big offseason move was firing Doc Rivers. But the Sixers, who think they are NBA title contenders, have done the right thing by keeping Harden and seeing if something can be righted by what happens on the court.
While Rivers is underrated as a coach, the Sixers did find a suitable replacement with Nick Nurse. Other than that, the Sixers lost two end-of-the-bench players — Shake Milton (FA) and Montrezl Harrell (injury).
Patrick Beverley is a good backup point guard who fits well with the Sixers and Philly. While the Sixers theoretically overpaid to keep Paul Reed from walking to Utah, the contract is not that bad once it is dug into. Mo Bamba and Danny Green are some nice veteran additions.
Grade: B-

8 Memphis Grizzlies (0-0)

Memphis drops one spot from No. 7. The Grizzlies did net Smart in the three-team trade for Porzingis. However, Ja     Morant’s suspension and the loss of Tyus Jones offset the addition of Smart. The Grizzlies also extended Desmond Bane and will get the return of several of their injured players from a year ago.
Grade B-

9. New York Knicks (0-0)

New York had big dreams of pairing Jalen Brunson with another star. But that didn’t occur.

Still, the Knicks did bring in Donte DiVincenzo, who they slightly overpaid for, and extended Josh Hart after he opted into his 2023-24 contract.

However, I am not sure about the Obi Toppin trade. Plus, Evan Fournier is still on the roster.

Grade: B-.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)
Donovan Mitchell said he won’t sign an extension before the season opener. That is not great news for the Cavs future. But back to the present, the Cavaliers did add some much-needed shooting with Max Strus despite limited resources. Cleveland also re-signed Caris LeVert and signed Georges Niang Ty Jerome while trading for Damian Jones.
Grade B

11. Los Angeles Clippers (0-0)

The biggest additions of the offseason for the Clippers have nothing to do with the moves they made. Instead, it is that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are now healthy. They get good marks for bringing back Mason Plumlee and Russell Westbrook on cheap deals.  I do like the trade for KJ Martin, but he is, at best, an end-of-the-second-unit player for the Clippers at this point.

Grade: C

12. Golden State Warriors (0-0)

The Warriors took a big gamble in trading for 39-year-old  Chris Paul. However, I like the move better than others. The addition of Dario Saric gives the Warriors size and frontcourt depth. Rudy Gay could be an underrated addition if he can make the squad.
Besides sending out Jordan Poole in the trade, the Warriors lost DiVincenzo in free agency. I also didn’t like the Dubs giving Draymond Green, who could miss the first couple of weeks of the season with an ankle injury, $100 million over four years. Cory Joseph will also miss training camp as he is still recovering from a back injury he sustained while participating in training camp for the Canadian national team.
Grade C+

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0)

Oklahoma City really didn’t have to do much this offseason despite making several transactions. Still, the Thunder move up one spot in the power rankings as Miami drops.

Cason Wallace and Vasilije Micic are probably the only newcomers likely to make an impact. Micic, one of the best ballers in Europe over the last few years, should be among the first couple of players off the bench for the Thunder. Davis Bertans also has a chance to contribute as he is an above-average 3-point shooter.

The Big news, of course, is Chet Holmgren will make his NBA debut. Holmgren was injured during last year’s summer league and had to sit out the entire season.

Grade B

15. Dallas Mavericks (0-0)

Dallas moves up one spot in my power rankings. The Mavericks overpaid for Kyrie Irving and traded for Grant Williams. They also brought in a few veterans and drafted a couple of youngsters who will reportedly be given a chance to play — Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
However, they didn’t do a lot to improve their center situation and added salary by taking on Richaun Holmes.
Grade B –

15. Miami Heat (0-0)

Miami slips two places from their No. 13 offseason ranking. The Heat missed out on its big offseason target in Lillard. The Heat also won’t have two important guards in Gabe Vincent and Strus this year. First-round draft pick Jaime Jaquez Jr. fits well with the Heat, and Josh Richardson can put up points in bunches. Thomas Bryant is a solid backup for Bam Adebayo. Tyler Herro will be ready to go after breaking his hand during the Heat’s first-round upset of the Bucks.

Grade: D-

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-0)

Minnesota’s biggest moves this offseason were extending Anthony Edwards and re-taining key reserves Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
The Timberwolves also made several small acquisitions this summer that could help. Leonard Miller should provide some scoring off the bench. If Milton can shoot it well, he could offset the loss of Taureen Prince.
Grade B

17. Atlanta Hawks (0-0)

Atlanta extended Dejounte Murray, which the Hawks had to do after paying a ransom for him when they acquired him. The Hawks also did well by trading John Collins, which was an addition-by-subtraction situation. However, their big haul from the deal was a $25.2 million trade exception.
But the Hawks didn’t add much besides a couple of backcourt reserves who are past their prime in Wesley Mathews and Patty Mills. While the Hawks reportedly like their three draft picks, none are likely to see much action this year.
Grade C-.

18. New Orleans Pelicans (0-0)

New Orleans also didn’t do much this offseason and likely won’t have a starter and their backup point guard at the beginning of the season due to injuries. Trey Murphy (knee) and Jose Alvarado (ankle) are expected to miss some time at the start of the season.

On the plus side, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are expected to be healthy. The Pelicans did retain Naji Marshall and extended Herbert Jones. However, they probably overpaid for Jones. With Murphy out for the first month, first-round selection Jordan Hawkins becomes more important.

Grade: C

19. Brooklyn Nets (0-0)

Despite not having a superstar for the first time in several seasons, the Nets have done a pretty good job rebuilding their roster. The Nets retained their top free agent by re-signing Cameron Johnson to a $108 million contract. They also traded away two older players who likely wouldn’t make an impact this year while adding a backup point guard, Dennis Smith Jr. and a good scorer in Lonnie Walker IV. Ben Simmons is expected to be ready to go.

However, I don’t know how much their first-round picks will contribute this year. Dariq Whitehead has a better chance to see the floor than Noah Clowney.

Grade B-

20. Chicago Bulls (0-0)

Chicago didn’t have much cap space. But the Bulls kept their own free agents, except for Beverley and  Derrick Jones Jr.  Their two additions of  Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig are at least those two equals and probably slightly better than the players they lost.

Grade: B

21. Indiana Pacers (0-0)

For the first time in a few years, the Pacers added talent rather than trading it away. While the Pacers overpaid for Bruce Brown — on the positive, it is a one-year deal with the second being a player option — they essentially stole him from Denver. Brown gives Indiana some quality veteran depth off the bench.
Indiana also addressed their gaping hole at power forward by trading for first-round pick Jarace Walker and Toppin in separate moves. But Buddy Hield has requested to be traded after the sides could not work out an extension.
Grade: B

22. Orlando Magic (0-0)

Orlando is one of a handful of young teams looking to make a jump this year. The Magic’s lone free agent Joe Ingles, is 36, but he should them with his passing and 3-point shooting. 2023 No.6 overall pick Anthony Black gives the Magic someone who can provide on-ball defense. No. 11 selection Jett Howard eventually could help out the Magic from beyond the arc, but Orlando reached a little for him. They also retained Moe Wagner, who will again provide them with frontcourt depth.
Orlando has a crowded backcourt. There are rumors that the Magic are shopping Cole Anthony.
Grade: C+

23. Portland Trail Blazers (0-0)

Portland moves up three spots due to all their moves. With the trades, Portland improved its depth while nabbing one of the best young centers in the game, Ayton, and another big in Williams. The Blazers may look to deal with Malcolm Brogdon for more future assets. In the trades of Lillard and Holiday, the Suns acquired three future first-round selections.
The Trail Blazers did overpay to retain Jerami Grant. But their two first-rounders, Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray, project to get a ton of minutes this year.
Grade: A-

24. Utah Jazz (0-0)

The Jazz dropped one spot from its previous ranking.

Utah picked up Collins on a salary dump by Atlanta. The Jazz also hit the draft jackpot with Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George. I’m lukewarm on Brice Sensabaugh, who has a history of injuries. The Jazz also extended Jordan Clarkson for three years. Additionally, Utah maintained its financial flexibility.

Grade B+

25. Houston Rockets (0-0)

Houston has turned the corner in its rebuild. The Rockers picked up two key veteran free agents, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. The Rockets also improved their center depth by adding Jock Landale and Jeff Green. They also picked up two talented rookies, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. Plus, Ime Udoka replaced Stephen Silas in the first seat.

However, Kevin Porter Jr.’s domestic violence incident looms. The Rockets recently signed Reggie Bullock after San Antonio bought him out.

Grade: A

26. Toronto Raptors (0-0)

Toronto falls one spot to No. 26 since my offseason Power Rankings. The Raptors lost their floor general on and off their court, with VanVleet leaving via free agency and Nurse being fired.
I like the Raptors’ selection of Gradey Dick as he provides shooting though he might have been a little stretch at No. 13. Dennis Schroder will replace some of the scoring that the Raptors lost with VanVleet’s departure. But Schroder is not the shooter or defender VanVleet is. The Raptors had to re-sign Jakob Poeltl, which they did, while the Jalen McDaniels signing helps their depth at forward. Darko Rajakovic has a lot to learn as a first-year head coach.
Grade C-.

27. Detroit Pistons (0-0)

Detroit didn’t do anything great this offseason, but the Pistons got better. Their best move was hiring Monty Williams to replace Duane Casey, who resigned. The Pistons also potentially hit a home run with Ausar Thompson, as he looked fantastic on both ends during summer league action. Additionally, they acquired two quality veterans — Joe Harris and Monte Morris — to bolster their bench.

Reserve forward Isaiah Livers could miss the season’s first month with a Grade 3 ankle sprain.

Grade B+

28. Washington Wizards (0-0)

Washington is now in full rebuild mode after trading their two stars. I do like the haul the Wizards got in terms of players and draft assets. The Wiz also acquired a couple of valuable trade exceptions. Perhaps more importantly, the Wizards cut a lot of salary.

Jordan Poole is the key to whether Washington won or lost the Paul trade.  Tyus Jones is also a solid acquisition. Meanwhile, we must wait to see if Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Bilal Coulibaly develop into quality rotational players.

Landry Shamet suffered a broken toe during a workout and will be out for a few weeks and could miss some regular season games.

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Grade B+

29 San Antonio Spurs (0-0)

Drafting Victor Wembanyama was a no-brainer and key to the franchise’s future. The Spurs also get high marks for retaining point guard Tre Jones. In addition, they got some future draft assets and brought in Cedi Osman.
With San Antonio looking towards the future, it didn’t make sense for them to draft and then trade Leonard Miller for a pair of 2028 second-round choices.
Grade: B-.

30. Charlotte Hornets (0-0)

I like the Brandon Miller selection over Scoot Henderson better than most. I also really like that the Hornets finally decided to re-sign restricted free agent P.J. Washington. It also made sense, in terms of basketball, to retain restricted free agent Miles Bridges. They also made the logical decision to extend LaMelo Ball. But the Hornets had a lot of money to spend, and their biggest signing was Frank Ntilikina.

Grade C

 

The post 2023-24 NBA Power Rankings Training Camp Edition With Offseason Grades appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.