The Athletic NBA Daily The WAY TOO EARLY West Rankings
Jul 3, 2025
The hosts share their overly ambitious Western Conference rankings after a wild free agency, spotlighting the Nuggets as potential leaders. They dive into trade rumors, including a notable Hawks-Pelicans deal, and humorously debate teams' future prospects. Discussions touch on player dynamics, including the challenges young stars like Jonathan Kaminga face, while also assessing the aging Warriors. The playful banter about truck stop food adds entertainment as they analyze the intricacies of team strategies and upcoming season competition.
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Pelicans' Struggles Exposed
- The New Orleans Pelicans are positioned as the worst or among the worst teams due to their roster uncertainty and poor defense prospects.
- Their backcourt is weak defensively, and Zion Williamson's availability is questionable, impacting their projected performance.
Kuminga's Fit Over Character
- Jonathan Kuminga's challenge is not his character but his fit and role on the basketball court.
- Warriors coaching and system quirks have hindered his development despite his talent and effort.
Portland's Defensive Strength, Offensive Gaps
- The Portland Trail Blazers have good defensive potential but question marks on offensive depth and consistent scorers.
- Team's success relies on young talent stepping up significantly to offset lack of bench scoring.