The new NBA season is upon us and after the most exciting free agency and off-season in history, there is a lot to look forward to, and a lot to ignore. I will discuss the five most intriguing teams, and the five least intriguing teams (in no particular order / personal opinion).

The Least Intriguing Teams

Cleveland Cavaliers: (Last season 19-63)

There is not much to say about the Cavaliers coming into the 2019/20 season. There is a high possibility Kevin Love gets shipped out before the trade deadline, but Tristan Thompson’s contract will keep them in check as free agents go. If all things go right, they can get a lottery pick next draft to pair with the young backcourt consisting of Colin Sexton and Darius Garland.

Projected Record: 22-60

Charlotte Hornets: (Last season 39-43)

Getting Terry Rozier in return for Kemba Walker was key as they can build around the young guard for years to come. With that being said, they are trapped with horrible contracts including Cody Zeller’s and Nicolas Batum’s. Miles Bridges was a great pick and could turn into a solid wing to pair with Rozier. This team will be tough to watch.

Projected Record: 25-57

Oklahoma City Thunder: (Last season 49-33)

Although being one of the least intriguing teams this year, this could change within three or four years. They are stocked with draft picks due to the shipment of Paul George and Russel Westbrook. The only bright spot on this team will be the young guard Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and whether or not he can grow into a franchise piece.

Projected record: 35-47

San Antonio Spurs: (Last season 48-34)

Do not get me wrong, the Spurs will be good, but something about the bland jerseys and color scheme will draw me away from watching them or following them. Getting Dejounte Murray back from injury could prove success as the guard has a lot of upside. The only thing I am looking forward to out of San Antonio is Coach Gregg Popovich’s press conferences.

Projected Record: 46-36

Milwaukee Bucks: (Last season 60-22)

The Bucks are looking to repeat as Eastern Conference champs, and they have the talent to do it. They have the reigning MVP and a solid supporting cast. The reason I put them in this list is because there are pretty much no questions or competition beyond Philadelphia. I could go the whole year not watching a single Bucks game and be content with that.

Projected Record: 58-24

The Most Intriguing Teams

Dallas Mavericks: (Last season 33-49)

The Mavericks are coming off a mediocre season but have one of the best young stars in Luka Doncic. They are intriguing due to the return of big man Kristaps Porzingis who was hurt all of last season. This European duo could be electric and replace the excitement Dirk Nowitzki left in Dallas. They are one good shooter away from being a playoff team.

Projected record: 41-41

Los Angeles Clippers: (Last season 48-34)

The Clippers had to wait until the back end of free agency to get their fill. Acquiring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is huge, but they have the supporting unit to push them over the edge in the West. Second year talent Landry Shamet, point guard Patrick Beverly, and bench pioneer Lou Williams will all help the two superstars get to the top of the conference.

Projected Record: 60-22

New Orleans Pelicans: (Last season 33-49)

How can this team not be intriguing? They have the most highly regarded rookie since Lebron, shooter JJ Redick, and the Ball family all in New Orleans. I am excited to see the highlight reel plays this young team will create. I expect them to take a low seed in the playoffs and get Zion some experience where it counts.

Projected Record: 44-38

Brooklyn Nets: (Last season 42-40)

Brookyln had a solid season and got their young roster some playoff experience. They pushed the Sixers to six games in the first round, and had Deangelo Russel to build around. That is until the free agency of 2019 hit them. Hard. They pulled Kyrie Irving from the Celtics and Kevin Durant from the Warriors. Although KD is out for the season, it will be interesting to see how Kyrie will lead the locker room in Brookyln. Look for them to take a top 4 spot in the East.

Projected Record: 50-32

Philadelphia 76ers: (Last Season 51-31)

The Sixers are no doubt the most intriguing team in the East. They have the most unique starting lineup in the NBA. There are a load of questions heading into the season that can make or break them. Does Al Horford fit with Embiid? Can Tobias Harris guard the three spot? Is Josh Richardson a replacement for Redick? Can Ben Simmons shoot a jumper? Can Embiid stay healthy? This season can be one of the best seasons of basketball the city has seen, but it can easily be the most disappointing. There are many questions surrounding the bench players, as they are going to depend on Zhaire Smith and Matisse Thybulle to play solid minutes. Mike Scott is their best bench player. If all goes right this team will have the best defense in the league, and should have a top 10 offense. It is a two horse race in the East this year. I can not make the decision on who will win just yet.

Projected Record: 58-24