NBA Summer League Jul 12-22: Hawks Druisic Breaks Foot

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The Rockets gon be a problem in a couple of years. I think they might even make the playoffs as soon as this 2024-25 season, if they can get a good backup Center who gives them something similar to what Lively and Gafford give the Mavs.

1-4. OKC, Mavs, Minny, Nuggets

5-8. Kings, Pels, Clips, Suns

9. Rockets (they can definitely jump up to 5th-8th bracket with a good backup Center)

10-11. GSW, LAL

The Rockets have Jock Landale who is a solid backup big but also will have Steven Adams available this season as he bounces back from his PCL injury.   They will be one of the deepest and most athletic teams in the NBA.

I like your tiers and mostly agree.  However, I think the West is even tougher than that and I'd add the Grizzlies to that 2nd-tier competing for 5th through 8th.  As you suggested, I think the Rockets will compete for the 5th through 8th spots as well.  

I also think the Spurs have a shot at a 9th-11th spot.  Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes plus Wemby gets them close to 40 wins.   Only the Trailblazers and Jazz look like typical lottery teams.  

The West is a slaughterhouse and several good teams will finish in the lottery.