The Athletic NBA Daily The WAY TOO EARLY East Rankings
10 snips
Jul 5, 2025 Fred Katz, NBA staff writer at The Athletic, joins Andrew Schlecht to discuss early rankings for the Eastern Conference. They tackle off-season moves and potential team strategies, highlighting the Washington Wizards’ tanking plans and the Chicago Bulls’ dynamic gameplay. The duo also humorously predicts player performances, evaluates emerging talents like Kolo Ware, and reflects on the implications of the recent NBA draft. With anecdotes and lighthearted banter, they create an engaging discussion around team dynamics and the unpredictable nature of the season ahead.
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Wizards Excel at Tanking Strategy
- The Wizards aim to be the worst team to secure a top draft pick and are experienced at tanking.
- The Nets lack a clear path forward and need lottery luck to rebuild effectively.
Hornets' Youth & Center Weakness
- The Charlotte Hornets lack a reliable center and have a somewhat undisciplined roster.
- LaMelo Ball's youth and potential warrant patience despite inconsistencies.
Raptors' Roster Overlap Issues
- The Toronto Raptors have many good players but lack complementary fit and spacing.
- Overlapping skills among stars create stylistic conflicts that hurt team success.