https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/11/27/23977800/nba-power-rankings-denver-nuggets-boston-celtics
Im sorry but how is it even remotely reasonable to have like the warriors over the magic. This seems like so much cope trying not to seem wrong about your preseason predictions.
It feels like every article and podcast topic about the Bucks is negative like this Ringer article yet they’re 12-5…
Yeah, but they are also having some games that feel way closer than they have any right to be and the defense has become questionable.
Still a favorite in my eyes, but i can see why people might not see it like that.
Worst off season move is quite a line for Griffin while he’s shown he can adapt
Honestly that critique of Griffin is just dumb. Where is that same critique of Mazzula or Udoka when they were rookie coaches struggling? As you said, at least Griffin is adjusting. Game after game he’s making tweaks and throwing new wrinkles into the defense. And then in game when shit doesn’t work he actually changes it up. I’m not out on Griffin, he’s only getting better. Also him listening to the players and putting Brook back in the drop shouldn’t be a negative, that’s fantastic to hear that he listens and values player input
It’s because you guys haven’t had a particularly difficult schedule (ranked 28th here fwiw) and are 12th in net rating and 20th in defense.
Logic dictates that the defense and net rating should improve a bit but the lack of PoA defense, wing defense and Middleton looking slower on that end have really hampered the elite rim protection you have with Brook and Giannis. Idk your money situation but you should be buyers at the deadline if any plus wing defender is available.
Your schedule gets a fair bit harder after this month so I’m interested to see if this team can click. You’re 7th in offense now but if your coaching staff can start to utilize your pieces better you should be top 3. Middleton (hopefully) easing into more minutes will also help.
But again a lot of it comes down to just lacking personel which might bite you guys since the two rivals in the east are built around wings.