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The Golden State Warriors are the 2022 NBA champions, Stephen Curry has his long-awaited Finals MVP award and the Warriors’ giant 3 of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Inexperienced tallied identify No. 4.
OK, what’s subsequent?
After struggling with within the Finals, the place do the Warriors and Boston Celtics take a look at in for the 2022-23 season? What about Japanese Convention contenders such because the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Greenbacks and Philadelphia 76ers after falling quick in their playoff targets this season?
What lies forward for the Phoenix Suns — the league’s very best regular-season crew in 2021-22 — forward of a large offseason determination surrounding heart Deandre Ayton? The place do LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers land after failing to achieve the play-in event?
Sure, it’s means too early. However ahead of we hit the draft and loose company, let’s take inventory of the present panorama of the league.
Word: Those scores are according to the place the individuals of our panel (ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Kevin Pelton and Ohm Youngmisuk) assume groups belong heading into subsequent season, bearing in mind possible participant motion and the draft. Identify odds for 2023 by means of Caesars Sportsbook.
MORE: Moments that supercharged the go back of the Dubs dynasty
1. Golden State Warriors
2021-22 document: 53-29
Outcome: NBA champions
2023 identify odds: +500
Recent off their fourth championship prior to now 8 seasons, the Warriors have a lot to have a good time, together with the go back of Klay Thompson and the emergence of Jordan Poole. Nonetheless, they’ve a large offseason forward. Golden State has simply 8 avid gamers locked in to its roster, with some key loose brokers, together with Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, and an choice to pick out up Andrew Wiggins. The Warriors are already the highest-spending crew within the league, and up to they want to run it again with this title-winning team, it’s unclear whether or not that’s an opportunity. — Andrews
2. Boston Celtics
2021-22 document: 51-31
Outcome: Misplaced in NBA Finals
2023 identify odds: +600
It used to be a exceptional turnaround for Boston, which went from being below .500 in past due January to inside of two video games of successful an NBA identify. In the end, even though, Boston’s loss to the Warriors within the NBA Finals used to be evidence of the expansion that’s nonetheless left for this team to get the place it needs to head – specifically on the offensive finish of the courtroom. Turnovers and chilly spells offensively proved to be the variation in opposition to Golden State, and would be the puts Boston appears to beef up transferring ahead. — Bontemps
3. Milwaukee Greenbacks
2021-22 document: 51-31
Outcome: Misplaced in East semis
2023 identify odds: +750
Timing and well being are two of the most important roadblocks that may save you a identify crew from repeating, so it’s honest if Milwaukee enthusiasts are nonetheless questioning “what if” Khris Middleton have been to be had for the Greenbacks’ second-round go out in opposition to the Celtics. But, enjoying the postseason with out Middleton uncovered one of the most Greenbacks’ weaknesses, particularly at the wings. For a run at every other championship they are going to wish to retool round their very best 3 avid gamers: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Vacation and Middleton. — Collier
4. Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 document: 56-26
Outcome: Misplaced in West semis
2023 identify odds: +1600
Signing Ja Morant to a possible supermax rookie extension is a straightforward determination for normal supervisor Zach Kleiman, who earned the Govt of the Yr honor because the architect of the Grizzlies’ speedy rebuild. Kleiman has harder choices to make in regards to the loose company of Tyus Jones and Kyle Anderson, a couple of veterans who’ve been high quality position avid gamers, in addition to how competitive to be within the commerce marketplace, the place the Grizzlies’ first-round choices bought in earlier offers may well be treasured commodities. — MacMahon
5. Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 document: 52-30
Outcome: Misplaced in West finals
2023 identify odds: +1600
The Mavs are assured that they are going to re-sign Jalen Brunson within the wake in their run to the West finals. He’ll most likely once more be Dallas’ second-best participant, at the back of Luka Doncic, as GM Nico Harrison is handcuffed by means of the Mavs being smartly into luxurious tax territory with restricted first-round choices to cling in commerce applications. Dallas hopes so as to add an athletic giant guy and wing intensity. — MacMahon
MORE: Jalen Brunson’s celebrity flip has huge loose company implications
6. Miami Warmth
2021-22 document: 53-29
Outcome: Misplaced in East Finals
2023 identify odds: +1400
Pat Riley & Co. have to determine if they are able to to find the quantity that makes essentially the most sense for a Tyler Herro extension. Additionally they have to attend and spot if P.J. Tucker goes to pick out up his participant choice for subsequent season. Each Riley and trainer Erik Spoelstra made it transparent on the finish of the season that they would really like to give you the option to deliver Tucker again, despite the fact that he opts out. It is still observed what the marketplace is for veteran Victor Oladipo as he continues to paintings his long ago from accidents that derailed his previous few seasons. Riley additionally made it transparent that he needs to look veteran level guard Kyle Lowry get into higher form, however the 77-year-old president turns out content material with bringing the similar core again, led by means of Jimmy Butler. — Friedell
7. Phoenix Suns
2021-22 document: 64-18
Outcome: Misplaced in West semis
2023 identify odds: +800
This would be the summer season of Deandre Ayton within the barren region. It’s only a subject of whether or not he is in a position to come to an settlement on an extension or Phoenix finally ends up serving to him discover a new house by way of a sign-and-trade. The Suns couldn’t come to phrases with Ayton on an extension remaining summer season, putting in a showdown for this summer season when he can turn into a limited loose agent. Now, that showdown is right here. — Lopez
8. LA Clippers
2021-22 document: 42-40
Outcome: Misplaced in Play-In Event
2023 identify odds: +800
The Clippers are anticipated to be identify contenders with Kawhi Leonard set to go back after lacking all of remaining season whilst rehabbing a torn ACL. A wholesome Leonard and Paul George are as excellent as any duo within the league, however their supporting forged is arguably deeper than ever. The Clippers’ midseason commerce for Norman Powell and Robert Covington added a legitimate 0.33 offensive scorer and every other defensive participant to a crew stacked with them. Trainer Ty Lue may just play a lineup of all interchangeable portions that may transfer defensively with the likes of Nic Batum and Marcus Morris Sr. including versatility. Reggie Jackson could have extra within the tank now that he doesn’t have to hold the offensive load like he did remaining season. And Ivica Zubac, Luke Kennard and Terance Mann have proven glimpses of what they are able to do with larger alternatives. — Youngmisuk
9. Denver Nuggets
2021-22 document: 48-34
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +2200
The Nuggets say they’re getting into a section in their group that they’ve by no means mentioned ahead of: It’s championship or bust. With back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic, and the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Denver will in spite of everything have its complete core again in combination. It’s now not transparent, then again, if the ones items shall be sufficient with the Nuggets’ supporting forged. And if now not, who precisely can they aim to lend a hand elevate them over the hump within the West? — Andrews
10. Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 document: 44-38
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +600
Brooklyn stays in a conserving development because it waits to look if Kyrie Irving choices up his participant choice heading into the summer season. Nets normal supervisor Sean Marks made it transparent at his end-of-season press convention that the Nets need avid gamers who’re dedicated to being a part of the crew, and Irving hasn’t confirmed that he may also be counted directly to play each and every recreation — particularly after lacking the majority of New York Town house video games remaining season after declining to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Because the Nets wait to come to a decision what to do with Irving transferring ahead, in addition they have to wish that Ben Simmons recovers from again surgical treatment and is in a position to play at a excessive point once more subsequent season. Veteran heart Andre Drummond performed smartly for the Nets after being bought from Philadelphia within the Simmons commerce, however given the cash already at the books, it stays unclear whether or not Brooklyn will be capable of re-sign him. — Friedell
11. Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 document: 51-31
Outcome: Misplaced in East semis
2023 identify odds: +1600
Who may just’ve guessed it will be a drama-filled offseason in Philadelphia? Neatly, any individual, for the reason that’s been the case for the previous 8 or 9 years now. Subsequent up for the 76ers? Deciding easy methods to continue with James Harden after making the blockbuster Ben Simmons commerce to obtain him on the February commerce time limit. Will Harden get the max? Will he select up his choice? Will the 2 aspects compromise on one thing else? How either side continue shall be a defining second for the franchise as celebrity heart Joel Embiid hits his top and shall be on his personal supermax deal for the following a number of seasons. — Bontemps
MORE: James Harden’s efficiency unearths the unsure long run for the 76ers’ celebrity duo
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 document: 46-36
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +6000
After returning to the playoffs for the primary time since 2018 and giving the Memphis Grizzlies a scare within the opening around, Minnesota has all 8 avid gamers who noticed no less than 70 mins of motion within the collection below contract for 2022-23. That suggests the most important activity for brand new president Tim Connelly is a conceivable extension for heart Karl-Anthony Cities, who’s supermax eligible after making the All-NBA 0.33 crew. Larger adjustments could also be in retailer in 2023, when the Timberwolves may just create max-level cap room getting into the general season of Anthony Edwards‘ rookie contract. — Pelton
13. Chicago Bulls
2021-22 document: 46-36
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +6000
The Bulls returned to relevance in 2021-22, making the postseason for the primary time in 4 years at the back of a profession 12 months from DeMar DeRozan. Now comes the arduous section: raising from being simply excellent to competing for a championship. After overhauling the roster for the previous 18 months, control has preached continuity with the crew’s core and signaled its intent to re-sign Zach LaVine in loose company. — Collier
14. Utah Jazz
2021-22 document: 49-33
Outcome: Misplaced in West semis
2023 identify odds: +5000
Settling on a alternative for head trainer Quin Snyder, who just lately resigned, received’t be the one doubtlessly franchise-altering name made by means of Danny Ainge and the Jazz entrance administrative center. It’s been made transparent that Utah will attempt to stay aggressive with Donovan Mitchell because the face of the franchise. There’s an anticipation across the league that Rudy Gobert gets traded this summer season, however the Jazz have despatched robust indicators that they received’t accept anything else however a large haul in go back for the perennial All-Superstar heart. — MacMahon
15. Toronto Raptors
2021-22 document: 48-34
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +6000
Closing season used to be an unqualified luck in Toronto, due to each Pascal Siakam returning to All-NBA-caliber play and Scottie Barnes being the NBA’s Rookie of the Yr. Upon getting again into the playoffs, the query now could be easy methods to take every other step ahead in what’s a surprisingly aggressive peak of the Japanese Convention. Doing so goes to take an extra infusion of ability for a crew that, as of now, is missing in salary-cap area and further draft property to head get it. Nonetheless, there are many groups that may feel free to have a core of Siakam, Barnes, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent. — Bontemps
16. New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 document: 36-46
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +6000
As soon as issues are looked after with Zion Williamson‘s looming extension talks — he’s made it transparent he needs to be in New Orleans — the Pelicans can center of attention on making improvements to a roster that made a marvel run to the primary around of the NBA playoffs. New Orleans has 14 assured contracts, in addition to 3 choices within the draft. There’s now not a lot wiggle room for additonal avid gamers, until the Pelicans glance to make some offers. — Lopez
17. Los Angeles Lakers
2021-22 document: 33-49
Outcome: Overlooked playoffs
2023 identify odds: +2200
Nonetheless fewer than 24 months got rid of from a championship, the Lakers started the exhausting technique of discovering their as far back as a championship rivalry by means of opting for Darvin Ham to be the brand new head trainer. There’s a lot of paintings left to do, with as many as seven roster spots wanting to be stuffed and, in fact, the Russell Westbrook conundrum. Hiring Ham is a superb first step, no less than. — McMenamin
18. Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 document: 44-38
Outcome: Misplaced in East play-in
2023 identify odds: +8000
Cleveland failed to achieve a freelance extension with Collin Sexton previous to remaining season, and now he enters the summer season as a limited loose agent. As soon as the pleasure of the franchise for his construction as a fierce competitor within the wake of LeBron James‘ departure, Sexton has been leapfrogged as a prospect by means of All-Superstar Darius Garland and Rookie of the Yr runner-up Evan Mobley. It’ll be interesting to look what the marketplace shall be for him after knee surgical treatment restricted him to only 11 video games remaining 12 months. How a lot will the Cavs be keen to pay to check a possible out of doors be offering? — McMenamin
19. Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 document: 43-39
Outcome: Misplaced in Spherical 1
2023 identify odds: +6000
Atlanta passed out $300 million in new contracts remaining summer season after making the Japanese Convention finals, however there’s a looming determination to make about whether or not or to not pay the posh tax after a disappointing finish to the 2021-22 season. The best way to take action is by means of waiving Danilo Gallinari, who is ready to be paid $21.5 million in 2022-23, since handiest $5 million is assured. They may get below the tax simply in the event that they achieve this by means of June 29. — Lopez
20. Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 document: 43-39
Outcome: Misplaced in East play-in
2023 identify odds: +12500
New trainer Kenny Atkinson shall be tasked with doing what his predecessor, James Borrego, used to be not able to: flip the Hornets into a reliable defensive team. In fact, Borrego additionally used to be by no means given the type of rim-protecting heart this crew had to in reality take an important step ahead at that finish of the courtroom, both. The opposite giant query in Charlotte this summer season: What’s going to occur with Miles Bridges, because the high-flying ahead — and best supplement to LaMelo Ball — hits limited loose company, the place he’s going to all however without a doubt command a hefty price ticket. — Bontemps
21. San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 document: 34-48
Outcome: Misplaced in West play-in
2023 identify odds: +25000
After back-to-back play-in event defeats, the Spurs have an opportunity to make a touch this offseason with 3 first-round choices (Nos. 9, 20 and 25). They’re considered one of a handful of groups that input the offseason with cap area. San Antonio has a tender core in position with Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell. Upload within the choices and cap area, and they’ve an opportunity to get again to the playoffs in 2022-23. — Lopez
22. New York Knicks
2021-22 document: 37-45
Outcome: Overlooked playoffs
2023 identify odds: +15000
Every other 12 months, every other Knicks lottery select and hopes some of the crew’s fanbase of touchdown a large celebrity in a commerce. Beneath president of basketball operations Leon Rose, the Knicks were methodical of their spending and accumulation of property. This summer season, even though, they can be a lot busier, as there’s been a lot of hyperlinks between them and Mavericks loose agent guard Jalen Brunson — together with his father, Rick, being employed by means of trainer Tom Thibodeau. New York additionally has to come to a decision what to do with unrestricted loose agent heart Mitchell Robinson, in addition to whether or not they are able to come to an settlement on a rookie contract extension with RJ Barrett. — Bontemps
23. Portland Path Blazers
2021-22 document: 27-55
Outcome: Overlooked playoffs
2023 identify odds: +12500
Portland is rebuilding round Damian Lillard after buying and selling away CJ McCollum and Norman Powell remaining season. Anfernee Simons confirmed what he can do with a larger position, and Josh Hart is a pleasing complementary piece. It is still observed what the Blazers do with the No. 7 select in Thursday’s draft. Portland has some draft property, commerce exceptions and the facility to loose some cap area. However the base line: Portland has to seek out ability to enclose Dame. — Youngmisuk
24. Washington Wizards
2021-22 document: 35-47
Outcome: Overlooked playoffs
2023 identify odds: +50000
As has been the case for the previous a number of years, Washington’s long run is focused on maintaining Bradley Beal proud of a contending roster. Beal has indicated that he’s going to stay with the Wizards, who can signal the guard to a $248 million contract. Washington traded for Kristaps Porzingis on the 2022 time limit and feature a core of younger forwards in Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert. What the Wizards can in reality use is some degree guard. They have got the No. 10 select within the draft. — Youngmisuk
25. Sacramento Kings
2021-22 document: 30-52
Outcome: Overlooked postseason
2023 identify odds: +100000
It’s been an excruciating 16-year drought with no postseason look for the Kings franchise. Since Rick Adelman vacated the seat as essentially the most a hit trainer in Kings historical past, Sacramento cycled thru 11 other coaches ahead of hiring Mike Brown clear of the Golden State Warriors’ group of workers this offseason. The 2008-09 Trainer of the Yr has made the playoffs in 5 of his seven years as the highest man, to not point out numerous runs as an assistant. Perhaps he’ll be the fellow to damage the streak. — McMenamin
26. Indiana Pacers
2021-22 document: 25-57
Outcome: Overlooked postseason
2023 identify odds: +75000
A 25-57 season was Indiana’s best draft select (No. 6 total) since taking Rik Smits No. 2 in 1988. In the event that they get any person who can lend a hand instantly, the Pacers may just compete for a playoff spot with a complete season from time limit pickup Tyrese Haliburton and a wholesome Myles Turner to anchor the protection. The ahead spots are the most important want for Indiana, which dealt away Domantas Sabonis to get Haliburton and sees T.J. Warren hit unrestricted loose company after being sidelined since December 2020 by means of consecutive tension fractures in his left foot. — Pelton
27. Detroit Pistons
2021-22 document: 23-59
Outcome: Overlooked postseason
2023 identify odds: +75000
The Pistons discovered their centerpiece within the draft twelve months in the past, settling on Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 total select. And whilst their enhancements at the courtroom had been minimum, Detroit’s first offseason to construct round Cunningham with extra ability, and in all probability a real working mate, has arrived. — Collier
28. Oklahoma Town Thunder
2021-22 document: 24-58
Outcome: Overlooked postseason
2023 identify odds: +100000
The 2022 lottery used to be a lot kinder to Oklahoma Town than the 12 months ahead of, when the Thunder now not handiest dropped to 6th but additionally noticed the Houston Rockets retain their top-three secure select. This time round, Oklahoma Town’s mixture got here up moment, giving the Thunder an opportunity to take both Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith Jr.; Oklahoma Town additionally holds the twelfth and thirtieth choices by way of commerce, most likely including extra frontcourt ability to a roster recently constructed round younger guards Luguentz Dort, Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. — Pelton
29. Houston Rockets
2021-22 document: 20-62
Outcome: Overlooked postseason
2023 identify odds: +100000
It’s nonetheless early within the Rockets’ rebuild. Houston must land a franchise cornerstone with the No. 3 total select to pair with Jalen Inexperienced, who had a promising end to his rookie 12 months. There was hope that Kevin Porter Jr. may also be that form of participant, however the Rockets are anticipated to method his rookie extension talks with warning — if in any respect. After dealing Christian Picket to the Mavericks, Eric Gordon stays as a productive veteran whose very best price to the Rockets is most probably as commerce bait. — MacMahon
30. Orlando Magic
2020-21 document: 22-60
Outcome: Overlooked postseason
2023 identify odds: +100000
There may be in spite of everything somewhat pleasure once more in Orlando surrounding this younger team’s long run. That’s for the reason that No. 1 select in subsequent week’s draft provides extra hope to a company in determined want of it. Regardless of which path the Magic take with the primary select, they’ve to agree with that second-year trainer Jamahl Mosley and his group of workers will proceed to increase Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr., Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs. On peak of the wanted enhancements from the more youthful avid gamers, the Magic need to agree with that Jonathan Isaac will make an have an effect on subsequent 12 months after lacking the remaining two seasons whilst rehabbing from an ACL damage suffered within the 2020 NBA Bubble. — Friedell