*Timberwolves*
The T’Wolves have since moved up to the 4th spot since this post led by SG Anthony Edwards as the #1 option and the big 3 of PF Julius Randle and C Rudy Gobert. SF Jaden McDaniels continues to be the glue guy providing outside shooting and perimeter defense on the best players. The team has gotten better production at PG with Donte DiVicenzo providing outside shooting, veteran Mike Conley still has some playmaking left, and the solid find of G Bones Hyland who is regaining form off the bench. The team still hopes to upgrade the position looking at players like Ja Morant. PF/C Naz Reid continues to provide solid production as the 6th man off the bench. The team continues to try to develop younger players like PG Rob Dillingham and wings Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark.
Suns
The Suns have played better than expected led by #1 option G Devin Booker. The big difference has been addition G/F Dillon Brooks who has increased his outside shooting and scoring output while continuing to play good perimeter defense. C Mark Williams has played well inside while staying healthy. G/F Grayson Allen continues to provide outside shooting. F Royce O’Neal has been a solid glue guy with perimeter defense and all-around play. 2nd year PG Collin Gillespie has played well while filling in due to injury or off the bench. Young F Ryan Dunn continues to show all-around play in year 2. G/F Jalen Green has been hurt most of the season but could help this team with his scoring.
Warriors
The Warriors continue to be led by their old big 3 of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green with a heavy reliance on Curry for offense. The young players on the team haven’t taken the next step with injuries to F Jonathan Kuminga while G/F Moses Moody and G Brandon Podziemski are not improving. G/F Gary Payton II has provided two-way play off the bench. Rookie PG Will Richard has proven he can play filling in for injuries. The addition of veteran C Al Horford hasn’t paid off due to injury. G De’Anthony Melton has returned to help the team as a solid two-way presence. G/F Buddy Hield hasn’t helped much this season. Kuminga still wants to be traded but there is no help in sight.
Trail Blazers
The Blazers have played better than expected despite the injuries which have kept them from seeing the complete team. The trade for G Jrue Holiday might have started it as he showed he wasn’t on a decline, but injuries have taken him out the lineup. F Deni Avdija proved to be an important piece last season and continues to show solid all-around play. G/F Shaedon Sharpe has shown increased scoring and playmaking taking over as the #1 option. F Jerami Grant has played well while staying healthy starting or off the bench. C Donovan Clingan continues to be a rebounding machine and interior presence while increasing his scoring in year 2. F Toumani Camara continues to show high production as the glue guy getting better each season starting or off the bench. The team has been able to get production out of a healthy C Robert Williams, while developing younger players.
Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are in the 10th spot despite the injuries to their Guard depth, C Zach Edey, and the constant injuries to #1 option PG Ja Morant. F Jaren Jackson Jr. has led the way as the #1 option with the injuries. The team has gotten solid production inside from PF/C Santi Aldama and veteran C Jock Landale. G/F Vince Williams Jr. proved to be a solid passer and all-around playmaker before injury. 2nd year G Cam Spencer has improved his outside shooting and overall play moving up the depth chart. 2nd year G/F Jaylen Wells has increased his production and continues to provide outside shooting. Rookie F Cedric Coward has been consistent off the bench or starting, showing solid overall play, and rebounding. The team has been able to get production out of SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope off the bench.
