Its Official: Brooklyn’s Best Starting Point Guard is on the Liberty.
It was just one summer ago that Kyrie Irving joined Brooklyn, poised to be a cornerstone player with additional free agent superstar Kevin Durant. Coming onto a team with a promising young core should have been a his opportunity to plug in play and lead the team in Durant’s year-long absence, but the opportunity was squandered as Kyrie suffered injuries (playing only 20 games for the season), making unnecessary comments about the roster to the media, and likely leading to the leave of Coach Kenny Atkinson. While Kyrie continues to disappoint as the Nets’ point, fans will not have to look too far for the most exciting starting point guard in New York.
Tonight, the New York Liberty had the first pick in the draft and chose Sabrina Ionescu. My favorite female player since, well, ever. I could not be her shooting range and passing ability will be welcomed onto the rebuilding team. Coming off a Senior season at Oregon where she averaged a triple-double (25.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 13.2 assists), she seems to be the perfect piece to build a team around. More so, Ionescu does not rely on overwhelming athleticism, so it is likely that her game will age gracefully while still having room to grow. Brooklyn now has its franchise point guard and franchise leader. Go Liberty.
The Nets Have Become the Hipster Team Brooklyn Deserves
I’ve been catching Brooklyn games starting in 2014 in order to see NBA basketball at a price that was hilariously low for New York, even to watch the laughing stock rosters that wore the black and white. Then this year a surprising thing happened, I went to the Barclays Center to actually support the Nets. I can’t stress enough how much I love this team; they have dynamic players and a charisma-filled bench that is just fun to root for.
While the team has been rightfully marketed in the legacy of Biggie and the articles of Brooklyn fandom has centered around the fans that occupy the most annoying fan section in all of sports, it hasn’t been stressed how this team is the embodiment of what people say Williamsburg was like 10 years before everyone who made that community’s culture were priced out to Bushwick, upstate, or even ::gulp:: Jersey City.
Their artisan styles only have comparisons to the hip secrets that the New York region has. Like many (and I can’t stress many enough), the results of small-batch success has been inconsistent, but it is still great to have been a fan before this playoff series; you know, before they were cool.
Below is a brief write-up on the players have made Brooklyn the hipster team of the NBA.
Jarrett Allen
Don’t let the Sixers abundance of buttery fades sway you, Jarrett Allen has the best hair in the NBA. His fro, his decision to go with the head tie, his desire to jam every lob and attempt to block every dunk attempt is just fantastic. He just turned 20 last week and is an Alternative Apparel zip-up and a pair of All Birds away from being the on-court CEO of this start-up team. I look forward to his TEDx talk about how he left his Austin-based college early to pursue his dream of blocking everyone.
D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo came to Brooklyn after being discarded by Magic Johnson and the Lakers organization (for a pick that would become Kyle Kuzma). Still, his style inspires a mix of ‘oohs’ and ‘oh nos!’ from fans. This season was a break out year for D’Angelo has he stayed healthy and made his first all-star team. To resign him next year, the Nets will likely have Russell on an inflated contract, which is next year’s concern. For now, he is a good player under a great contract and his teardrop floaters are as awe inspiring as the view from Greenwood Cemetery.
Spencer Dinwiddie
What is not to love about a sixth man that rocks timely themed custom air-brushed shoes on game day and has a love for crypto-currency? The fact that he has an amazing handle and is locked up to a team-friendly three-year deal is just the vegan icing on the single batch gluten-free cupcake.
Caris LeVert
Months after recovering from an injury that got the above reaction from his teammates, Caris is now back and playing a pivotal role back in the starting lineup. It is amazing to see him play at such an elite level from what was a gnarly looking injury.
Jared Dudley and Joe Harris
I am not sure that Jared Dudley and Joe Harris weren’t at the Jeff Tweedy show at the Town Hall two weeks ago. Joe Harris’ beard screams homebrewer, while Jared Dudley’s dad bod seems destined to tell people about his love for Nels Kline, especially his jazz album.
Rodions Kurucs
Last year’s second-round pick hailing from Latvia is a mean dude. He never checked his attitude when boarding the plane to Brooklyn. In his first press conference with the Nets, he said that he looked forward to beating fellow Latvian and former Knick, Kristaps Porzingus’ ass. I once saw a former athlete with two black eyes and asked him what had happened. It turned out that he was being a clown at a local dive bar and some skinny hipster didn’t take it and beat the shit out of him. I should have asked if he had an Eastern-European accent, but it is pretty clear this person was probably Kurucs. His toughness continues as he picked-up a flagrant foul after pushing Ben Simmons. To paraphrase Kurucs, while skinny, he likes contact and even more so he likes to hit back.
The Nets Bench
Lastly, the Nets bench knows how to support their squad. Their elation when a teammate dunks or rains a three is a euphoria that can only compare to a 4am pop-up rave in a warehouse in Sunset Park. Way to go, Nets; regardless of the outcome of tonight’s elimination game, you’ve won.
This morning, the Giants sent away Snacks Harrison for a fifth round pick. After a 1-5 start, they have left fans searching for silver linings beyond the bright future of Saquon Barkley. Among the issues, the Giants offensive line has unable to protect Eli Manning whose lack of mobility does not provide the o-line with any additional help. The Giants should use the remainder of this year to try out potential options for a future starter or a player with skills that could translate to success for a player that could be available role moving into 2019. The Giants will likely be replacing Eli with a QB that will be a stop-gap before they are able to find a quarterback that fits the timeline of Barkley and OBJ’s respective peaks.
In looking around the league for players that could assume the role, it is a challenge to find the Giants a player that could be worthy giving up long-term cap space or a future pick of any round. The Giants should focus on potential free agents rather than giving up potential value this late into the season. The problem is that the free agent quarterback pool is slim withstanding one big fish: Colin Kaepernick. The polarizing QB could fill the void on a short-term deal and use it as an opportunity to offer the league a showcase of his talents. John Mara, The Giants co-owner spoke highly of Kaepernick’s talent as recently as August of 2017, where on the Michael Kay show he stated that Kaepernick still had good football left in him. After an additional season and a half away from the gridiron, it is enough to wonder whether that is the case. The Giants should be the team to find out.
Detroit v. Nets: Jarrett Allen isn’t Mosgov, Blake isn’t what he used to be.
In their first game of the season, the Nets managed to beat the spread (+5.5) and Jarrett Allen came up with the play of the game, despite losing 100-103. The major highlight occurred in the first half when Jarrett Allen blocked Blake Griffin at the rim, showing that his rim protection was not just a preseason fluke. More has changed for Blake than his jersey as he continues to be an if he stays healthy candidate eight years after this dunk on Mosgov.
As for the rest of the game, the Nets played Jared Dudley (Jared Dudley!) nearly 36 mins. He went 0-5 (0-4 from three) and had a +/- of 8. Why did Jared Dudley, now in his sixth year from being a key on the floor contributor in the NBA, log so many minutes? Well, the Nets are hurt. Allen Crabbe,
DeMarre Carroll,
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson,
Shabazz Napier, and Alan Williams were listed as inactive for the game. Kenneth Faried dressed, but didn’t see the floor.
With each summer comes the excitement, expectations, and optimism for teams that haven’t yet played single minute. An unfortunate reality is that many teams have their season on the (bad) backs of players based on ‘if-he-stays-healthy’ caveats by talking heads, blog boys, front offices, and NBA fans. This offers a unique look at a player’s impact that includes their reputation for being injury prone (usually tied to the aforementioned ‘if-he-stays-healthy’ caveats), the complete impact that they have on their club, the depth of the roster at their respective positions, and the contracts that they are currently under/may be up for at the end of the season. This is post three of three. To view the East breakdown, CLICK HERE. To view the the West breakdown, CLICK HERE.
First Team
Joel Embiid (C )
Last year was a positive sign for Embiid after patience seemed to pay off and he managed to have a season without missing major time due to injuries related to his knee. When on the court, Joel is a potential Defensive Play of the Year Candidate and is a lock for a 20/10 season. Team If-He-Stays-Healthy runner up and last year’s first overall pick, Markelle Fultz could be the missing piece to get the team to the NBA Finals, but he will still be a third priority behind Ben Simmons and Embiid.
Blake Griffin (PF)
A Clipper for life once removed, Blake’s five-year, $171 million contract was traded to a Van Gundy-led Detroit Team that is hoping his health will keep the former No. 1 pick from 2009 on the floor and productive as he approached a decade in the league. After the firing of Van Gundy and hiring of last year’s Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey, Griffin and the emergence of Andre Drummond will hope to take Detroit into the playoffs in the lowly East.
Kawhi Leonard (SF)
A lock for the If-He-Stays-Healthy Summer MVP, Kawhi is recovering from a quad injury that kept him from playing in all but nine games last season and missing the playoffs. While a change of scenery for the former Defensive Player of the year could prove to be the change that gets the Raptors to the NBA Finals, the move to the now LeBron-less Eastern Conference gives him a less competitive field come mid-April.
Andre Roberson (SG/SF)
OKC is banking on Roberson’s defensive abilities coming back to full strength after he missed 43 games and the playoffs due to injury. After the failed Carmelo experiment, Roberson will be a key factor to show that last year’s first round exit is not the ceiling for the Westbrook/George led squad.
Chris Paul (PG)
The Rockets were one poorly-timed Chris Paul injury away from having a real shot at defeating the Warriors last post season. With Paul out last year, we know that the Rockets will need him to stay healthy to be a serious Championship contender. After the offseason signing of Paul to a 4-year/$160 million deal, the Rockets are aware that their championship future relies on the 33 year-old ability to co-lead with last year’s MVP, James Harden.
Second Team
Anthony Davis (C/PF)
With Boogie heading to the Warriors, Davis is now the undisputed focal point for the Pelicans. Davis has been able to stay on the court for back to back seasons, and New Orleans is relying on him to continue to be one of the most exciting players entering their prime. Losing several key pieces to free agency, the Pelicans can’t afford to lose Davis for multiple games to injury.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
After exciting summer league debuts from Knox and Robinson and Coach Fizdale patrolling the sideline, the big question is when KP will return and what condition he will be in when he returns from his ACL injury, currently expected for February.
Paul Millsap (PF)
Millsap suffered a wrist injury that eventually led to season-ending surgery, and deprived us of seeing a Millsap/Jokic frontline in full force. This year, Millsap will be joining a roster with a depth in the backcourt, making his presence even more important. With Millsap back, the Nuggets have the potential to be a major contender in the loaded Western Conference.
D’Angelo Russell (PG)
The former No. 2 pick, Russell is looking to earn a big contract coming off a 2018 year that was derailed by injury and prevented Brooklyn from offering a lucrative extension this off-season. While healthy, D’Angelo Russell has been a solid young player that has the ability to grow with Jarrett Allen to be cornerstones of a potential future Brooklyn that isn’t sent to Boston each June.
Kyrie Irving (PG)
The Celtics are stacked this year, but their two stars, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, are coming off of injuries that led to their young core and veteran Al Hortford to forge ahead to the 2018 Conference Finals without them. While Gordon Hayward is set to return from last season’s gruesome injury that led to this halloween costume, the depth at the three spot and the limitless potential of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has led to the health of Kyrie being the major factor to how high the ceiling is for the Cs.
With each summer comes the excitement, expectations, and optimism for teams that haven’t yet played single minute. An unfortunate reality is that many teams have their season on the (bad) backs of players based on ‘if-he-stays-healthy’ caveats by talking heads, blog boys, front offices, and NBA fans. This offers a unique look at a player’s impact that includes their reputation for being injury prone, the complete impact that they have on their club, and the contracts that could handcuff organizations for years down the line. This is post two of three. To view the East breakdown, CLICK HERE. The 2019-2019 If He Stays Healthy Team will be released next week.
Dallas Mavericks - Wes Matthews (SG)
The future shines bright in Dallas with their recent draft day trade for Luca Doncic who is poised to make an immediate impact, off-season signing of DeAndre Jordan, and the continued development of Dennis Smith Jr. now entering his sophomore season. There are two additional contributors in Harrison Barnes and Wes Matthews that will be playing key roles for 2019. Matthews was ruled out for the season due to a stress fracture in his right fibula in March, which ultimately limited his play to just 63 games. Last year, Matthews showed glimmers of still being capable of producing as he did in Portland prior to an achilles tear in 2015. With Yogi Ferrel now suiting up for Sacramento, Matthews is going to be key piece on this roster with limited depth.
Denver Nuggets - Paul Millsap (PF)
Millsap suffered a wrist injury that eventually led to season-ending surgery, and deprived us of seeing a Millsap/Jokic frontline in full force. This year, Millsap will be joining a roster with a depth in the backcourt, making his presence even more important. With Millsap back, the Nuggets have the potential to be a major contender in the loaded Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors - Andre Iguodala (SF)
DeMarcus Cousins joining the Warriors this off-season gives them the opportunity to field a historic starting five and the intrigue around his fit has already been a key discussion area for when he returns from his achilles injury. The prospect of what DeMarcus brings to the table (both good and bad) is a shiny and new discussion, but Andre Iguodala has been the proven fit as a member of the lineup of death from its inception. Iguodala wil be 35 years of age for next year playoffs and his presence will be just as important to the team as they look to stop LeBron, Harden/Paul/Melo, George/Westbrook, the Nuggets, and the other weapons the Warriors will be facing to make it to their fifth consecutive Finals.
Houston Rockets - Chris Paul (PG)
The Rockets were one poorly-timed Chris Paul injury away from having a real shot at defeating the Warriors last post season. With Paul out last year, we know that the Rockets will need him to stay healthy to be a serious Championship contender. After the offseason signing of Paul to a 4-year/$160 million deal, the Rockets are aware that their championship future relies on the 33 year-old ability to co-lead with last year’s MVP, James Harden.
Los Angeles Clippers - Danilo Gallinari (SF)
The Clippers officially pulled the plug on the lob-city era after opting to not re-sign De’Andre Jordan. The new-look Clippers are currently the no-look Clippers, with several proven role players and no true super star. While Tobias Harris has show he has the ability to make a major leap this season, Danilo Gallinari’s inability to stay on the court has made it difficult to know what he is capable of. Gallinari is a major factor on whether or not the Clips will be in next year’s lottery.
Los Angeles Lakers - LeBron James (SF)
The Lakers Team is relying on one key player with their hodgepodge roster on one year contracts and players yet to reach their prime. With LeBron donning the purple and gold, we will see if the miles and minutes he has logged in recent years (including leading the league in minutes played last year) will show signs of him being mortal.
Memphis Grizzlies - Mike Conley, Jr. (PG)
The Grizzlies started out on fire to kick off last season as they won their first 4 out of 5. Conley went down 12 games into their campaign and it all went down hill from there. Coach Fizdale was fired and the team eventually spiraled to a 22-60 finish. We’ve seen what this team is like without Conley, and it is not pretty. With him in the backcourt, a healthy Marc Gasol (an if he stays healthy candidate on his own), and new comer Jaren Jackson, Jr., the Grizzlies will be watchable again.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Jimmy Butler (SF/SG)
Butler was limited to just 59 games last year due to injuries. With it being a contract year both Butler and the Wolves are hoping that he can continue to provide the on court leadership as Coach Thibbs’ proven star. As the West has continued to add more fire power, Butler will need to anchor the Wolves if they hope to make the playoffs for the second straight year.
New Orleans Pelicans - Anthony Davis (C/PF)
With Boogie heading to the Warriors, Davis is now the undisputed focal point for the Pelicans. Davis has been able to stay on the court for back to back seasons, and New Orleans is relying on him to continue to be one of the most exciting players entering their prime. Losing several key pieces to free agency, the Pelicans can’t afford to lose Davis for multiple games to injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Andre Roberson (SG/SF)
OKC is banking on Roberson’s defensive abilities coming back to full strength after he missed 43 games and the playoffs due to injury. After the failed Carmelo experiment, Roberson will be a key factor to show that last year’s first round exit is not the ceiling for the Westbrook/George led squad.
Phoenix Suns - Devin Booker (SG)
The young Suns are not ready to challenge for a playoff spot just yet, but Devin Booker has proven he has the skills and ability to carry a team. Last year Booker only took the floor 54 times, which led the Suns to draft number one over all, and adding big man Deandre Ayton. Time will tell if Ayton becomes the formidable front court player to anchor the team, but it is clear that Booker is the present of this Suns team and could be responsible for keeping them out next year’s lottery.
Portland Trail Blazers - Maurice Harkless (SF)
The Lillard and McCollum duo are the impact players for Portland and each hasn’t had health issues that lead to their health being in question. Jusuf Nurkic has also been able to stay on the court, thought his inability to defend on the perimeter got them swept from the playoffs in the first round of this year. In an NBA where length and ability to play perimeter defense is key, Maurice Harkless is a player that Portland will be relying on. He missed two of the four playoff games against the Pelicans and injuries kept his time on the court limited to 59 games with his in-game production when on the floor impacted greatly. Harkless went from averaging 10 points and 4.4 rebounds a game in 2016-17 to scoring just 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds last year. He and the Blazers are hoping that Harkless is able to bounce back to help them get into the second round of this year’s playoffs.
Sacramento Kings - Zach Randolph, I guess (PF)
The Kings drafted yet another promising power forward in Marvin Bagley III last year’s draft instead of taking a guard with high upside that does not play at the same position as FIVE other promising or proven big-men. Next year their draft pick goes to Boston, unless it is number one overall. The Kings have no incentive to lose, but very little to be optimistic for. In looking at the roster, they have several young players and Zach Randolph. Randolph is entering his 16th season and is starting to slow down, playing in just 59 games last year. If Randolph can stay healthy, he has the proven ability to make the pick less traumatic for Kings fans. The downside is that if Randolph gets serious time, those are minutes not going to the development of Marvin Bagley III, Willie Cauley-Stein, Harry Giles, and Skal Labissiere. They also have Kosta Koufas who will be fighting for minutes at the four. Ugh. What are the Kings?
San Antonio Spurs - Rudy Gay (SF)
After a trade with Toronto, the Spurs have a recent opening at starting small forward. The shadow of Kawhi is going to loom large, but If Rudy Gay is able to stay healthy, he still have an impact. That is a big if as Gay’s health has been an issue in the past, leading to him missing 77 games over the last two seasons. Gay also has question around what he has left in his proverbial tank, now entering his twelfth season in the league. With Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, and DeMar DeRozan, Coach Popovich has a curious mid-range proven roster that is looking to continue to battle in the West.
Utah Jazz - Rudy Gobert (C )
Injuries kept Gobert on the sidelines for all but 56 games last season. Still, when he was on the floor he continued to have a major impact and was voted Defensive Player of the Year. Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the Utah squad will rely on Gobert to be their defensive anchor in order to advance beyond the second round of next year’s playoffs.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News
Each summer comes with it the excitement, expectations, and optimism for teams that haven’t yet played single minute. An unfortunate reality is that many teams have their season on the (bad) backs of players based on ‘if-he-stays-healthy’ caveats by talking heads, blog boys, front offices, and NBA fans. This offers a unique look at a player’s impact that includes their reputation for being injury prone, the complete impact that they have on their club, and the contracts that could handcuff organizations for years down the line. This is post one of three. To view the Western Conference post, CLICK HERE. An All If-He-Stays-Healthy Team will soon to follow.
EAST
Atlanta Hawks - Jeremy Lin (PG)
Lin did not make it through a single game last season for Brooklyn as he ruptured his right patella tendon on opening night of the 2017-18 season in Indiana. It has been six years since Linsanity and Lin has had trouble staying on the court to show that he can still be a reliable option for a roster. Given that the Hawks are in full rebuild mode, a healthy Lin has the ability to make himself a potential trade chip that Atlanta can move before the trade deadline for future assets.
Boston Celtics - Kyrie Irving (PG)
The Celtics are stacked this year, but their two stars, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, are coming off of injuries that led to their young core and veteran Al Hortford to forge ahead to the 2018 Conference Finals without them. While Gordon Hayward is set to return from last season’s gruesome injury that led to this halloween costume, the depth at the three spot and the limitless potential of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has led to the health of Kyrie being the major factor to how high the ceiling is for the Cs.
Brooklyn Nets - D’Angelo Russell (PG)
The former No. 2 pick, Russell is looking to earn a big contract coming off a 2018 year that was derailed by injury and prevented Brooklyn from offering a lucrative extension this off-season. While healthy, D’Angelo Russell has been a solid young player that has the ability to grow with Jarrett Allen to be cornerstones of a potential future Brooklyn that isn’t sent to Boston each June.
Charlotte Hornets - Malik Monk (SG)
Malik Monk was another top prospect, but he his shared of rookie mistakes throughout last season. As word got out that Donovan Mitchell was the preferred pick by nearly the entire organization, Monk has expectations that will not be met if he can’t stay on the court. The Hornets have a few players that are if they stay healthy nominees, including Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum. Each at this stage in their career’s have less potential to be the impact player the MJ saw in Monk on draft night.
Chicago Bulls - Jabari Parker (SF)
Both Jabari Parker and the Bulls are hoping that he left his injury woes in Milwaukee. With the team option available for the season following, Chicago is hoping that the Parker can reclaim the potential that he had during his rookie campaign and turn into a masterful signing as they rebuild with the young front court of Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter, Jr. Matching Sacramento’s 4-year/$78 million offer for Zach LaVine has the young Bulls a potential if-he-stays-healthy team of the year, but LaVine played in all 82 games just two seasons ago, where Parker has only had just one healthy season during his career.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Kevin Love (PF)
According to BasketballReference.com, Love has played in 60 games or less for five out of his ten seasons in the league, with two of those years occurring in our most recent seasons. Love could have a reemergence this year to the playmaker we remember from his Minnesota days and with his 4-year/$120 million contract freshly signed, the Cavs are banking on it.
Detroit Pistons - Blake Griffin (PF)
A Clipper for life once removed, Blake’s five-year, $171 million contract was traded to a Van Gundy-led Detroit Team that is hoping his health will keep the former No. 1 pick from 2009 on the floor and productive as he approached a decade in the league. After the firing of Van Gundy and hiring of last year’s Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey, Griffin and the emergence of Andre Drummond will hope to take Detroit into the playoffs in the lowly East.
Indiana Pacers - Myles Turner (C )
After dedicating himself to yoga and limiting his pizza intake to under 8 slices a sitting, Turner has had the right off-season press to raise expectations for him as a suitable number 2 option to Victor Oladipo. If he stays healthy, there is a a chance that Most Improved Player could find itself a home in Indiana 2 years in a row.
Miami Heat - Justise Winslow (SF)
With point guard Goran Dragic another year older, the Heat are hoping to see a leap from Justise Winslow before extending a lucrative contract offer. Winslow has been unable to stay healthy during his time in the league, but after a respectable showing in last year’s playoffs, Winslow and the Heat are hoping that he can remain healthy and showcase an evolved skill set that made him such an elite prospect coming out of Duke. If he stays healthy, this could be the break out year that will set the benchmark for the future in Miami.
Milwaukee Bucks - Brook Lopez (C )
Giannis is the present and future of this Bucks Team, but he needs as much help as he can to compete with the upper echelon of the East. Brook Lopez is coming back east and has the range to stretch the floor as needed from the 5 spot.
New York Knicks - Kristaps Porzingis (PF)
After exciting summer league debuts from Knox and Robinson and Coach Fizdale patrolling the sideline, the big question is when KP will return and what condition he will be in when he returns from his ACL injury, currently expected for February.
Orlando Magic - Jonathan Isaac (PF)
Coming into the league at 19 years old with a wiry frame, Isaac had a limited rookie campaign where he saw the floor just 27 times. Ankle issues kept Isaac from showcasing the potential that have made him such a promising newcomer to the league. Limited time at worked out well for last year’s Rookie of the Year, Ben Simmons, the future of Orlando is hoping this rings true for Isaac as well. If he stays healthy, the Magic have the potential to make things a little more interesting in the East for years to come. Runner up for the Magic is Aaron Gordon who has a checkered injury history and was re-signed this off season to 4 year/$84 Million deal.
Philadelphia 76ers - Joel Embiid (C )
Last year was a positive sign for Embiid after patience seemed to pay off and he managed to have a season without missing major time due to injuries related to his knee. When on the court, Joel is a potential Defensive Play of the Year Candidate and is a lock for a 20/10 season. Team If-He-Stays-Healthy runner up and last year’s first overall pick, Markelle Fultz could be the missing piece to get the team to the NBA Finals, but he will still be a third priority behind Ben Simmons and Embiid.
Toronto Raptors - Kawhi Leonard (SF)
A lock for the If-He-Stays-Healthy Summer MVP, Kawhi is recovering from a quad injury that kept him from playing in all but nine games last season and missing the playoffs. While a change of scenery for the former Defensive Player of the year could prove to be the change that gets the Raptors to the NBA Finals, the move to the now LeBron-less Eastern Conference gives him a less competitive field come mid-April.
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