Clippers
The Clippers have slipped after a good start to the season, despite the offseason drama. SF Kawhi Leonard has been surprisingly healthy providing solid all-around play. PG James Harden continues to be solid providing solid outside shooting and all-around play leading the team. C Ivica Zubac has been a solid inside presence and double-double machine. Coach Tyronn Lue has been able to get the most out of what he has despite the moves for SG Bradley Beal and PG Chris Paul not paying off. The team has been able to get production from veterans PF John Collins, SG Kris Dunn, G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic, and addition C Brook Lopez.
Mavericks
The Mavericks has been one of the most disappointing teams so far with the injuries, despite all the talent. #1 option F/C Anthony Davis continues to get major injuries, but it hasn’t stopped his trade market, so the Mavs have a decision to make. #1 overall pick G/F Cooper Flagg has been able to play to his potential after a slow start due to the injuries on the team. Young PG’s Brandon Williams and rookie Ryan Nembhard have been able to show potential. G/F Klay Thompson continues to show decline along with G D’Angelo Russell. The team has a lot of athletic players, but no real chemistry it they should be active in the trade market, while they wait on PG Kyrie Irving.
Jazz
The Jazz continue to try to find the mix of players that work for their team with the two pieces standing out so far as SF Lauri Markkanen and G Keyonte George. Veteran C Jusuf Nurkic has been a solid addition especially with the injury to Walker Kessler. Rookies G/F Ace Bailey and PG Walter Clayton have proven that they can play with Bailey possibly as the long-term SG. SF Brice Sensabaugh is starting to show potential again along with PF/C Kyle Filipowski. PG Isaiah Collier has returned from injury continuing his growth as a possible starter in this league. The team has been able to get good production out of veteran PF/C Kevin Love.
Pelicans
The Pelicans started the season with injuries, but still came in with high expectations. The team continues to be led by #1 option F/C Zion Williamson who has slimmed down leading to a healthier season, but not a healthy season. Rookie C Derik Queen has worked his way up the roster after filling in for Zion as a solid find. F Trey Murphy III has played well lately continuing to be the top scorer on the team. G Jordan Poole has returned from injury providing outside shooting. F Saddiq Bey has been a solid spark off the bench as the 6th man. G/F Herbert Jones continues to provide solid two-way play. The team has a logjam of talent but want to move forward with Murphy, Zion, Queen, Jones, and rookie PG Jeremiah Fears who has been a solid player working his way up.
Kings
Despite the talent or big names, the Kings have disappointed without C Domantas Sasbonis. F DeMar DeRozan has taken a step back. G/F Zach LaVine continues to deal with injuries and inconsistencies due to injury. The idea of PG with Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook hasn’t worked out despite a few big games from Westbrook. F Keegan Murray returned from injury adding scoring, rebounding, and defense, but he is still regaining form. Young G Keon Ellis has taken a step back despite the need for playmakers. 6th man G Malik Monk has dealt with injuries and inconsistent play. The team has started to develop rookies, G/F Nique Clifford and C Maxime Raynaud who has seen starting time at Center.
