As 2017 segues into the 20118 season, we see much of the same developing. Warriors will be champs. Sure, there are a few teams in the West who improved, notably OKC and the Timberwolves. But, seriously, does anyone think they have a snowball's chance to dethrone the champs? Hell, the team actually got better, picking up a decent draftee in Jordan Bell, a potential all NBA defender someday. And, of course, they found Nick Young ring shopping and signed him to a clean, affordable deal. So, yeah--now they have a fourth guy who can reliably drain threes from nearly 40 feet away.
Also rans out West: Houston, SA and Clippers. None of those teams did squat to improve, IMO. They certainly did not improve enough to compete with GS.
East--now, there we may have some competition, but compared to the West, it's like watching a High School tournament right after seeing UCLA play Kansas. A healthy Sixers team should be entertaining. Same with the Bucks. I have no doubt Giannis Antetokounmpo will be an MVP candidate (at least in the East), but Jabari Parker (even if he comes back from his knee injury--a "IF" IMO) has simply not been a good fit with GA and Middleton (who was also hurt last year). Are they a big three on a team with a shot at a 3 or 4 seed? To early to tell, too many unknowns.
IMO, it's Cleveland with Boston and, to a lesser extent, Washington at their heels. Boston certainly got a steal in the Draft. IMO, Tatum, with his ability to create shots, is probably the closest thing yet to Kobe since Kobe. But, they lost their only defender in Avery Bradley. Who's gonna guard Kyrie? Certainly not Isaiah. Marcus Smart? :lol: Yeah, that should be fun to watch....for a Cavs' fan.
Cleveland looks to be a 30-plus, hair club for growth ad right now. Kyrie and TT are still young, but Love plays like a 30 year old already. And, their new back up PG, Jose Calderon is going on 36. Maybe, that Kay Felder guy can be their Isaiah....but, I doubt it. It's probably one more year for Cleveland and then bust---just in time for the grand opening of their billion-dollar stadium renovation. Gilbert sure seems dumb for a rich guy who made a fortune selling cheap loans. Maybe he has an ace up his sleeve. But, IMO, he needs two to retain LeBron after next season.