David Aldridge gives you the preseason edition of which teams are the Top 15 squads in the NBA at this moment.
Cleveland Cavaliers (defending champions’ prerogative): Rookie Kay Felder has been up and down, but has a roster spot pretty much on lock.
Golden State Warriors: Withholding judgment until the games are for real, but … man. Early signs are amazing.
LA Clippers: On this era’s tombstone, the epitaph will no doubt read, “their kingdom for a small forward.”
Toronto Raptors: Jared Sullinger starts at the four; Dwane Casey thinks Patrick Patterson is too important coming off the bench.
San Antonio Spurs: Dewayne Dedmon is going to help the Spurs a lot this season.
Indiana Pacers: We’re bullish on the Pacers. Very bullish.
Boston Celtics: Avery Bradley looks ready to go alongside Isaiah Thomas.
Portland Trail Blazers: Coach Terry Stotts still hasn’t named the permanent starter at small forward, with Allen Crabbe, Evan Turner and Maurice Harkless all vying to get the gig.
Utah Jazz: Sexy pick Jazz has been strafed by preseason injuries.
Memphis Grizzlies: We’re not encouraged by the uncertainty about Chandler Parsons’ knee, and his availability for the season opener.
Detroit Pistons: Put me down as pro-downtown arena for the Pistons. I would not miss, at all, the 31-mile drive from the Detroit airport to Auburn Hills.
Charlotte Hornets: Where will Steve Clifford find enough offense?
Dallas Mavericks: Someone other than J.J. Barea is going to have to be a contributor off the bench this season.
Houston Rockets: You see what the Rockets could potentially be offensively if they can somehow keep their core guys healthy.
Atlanta Hawks: Did you have any idea that the Hawks have the second-longest streak of consecutive playoff seasons in the NBA at nine? I didn’t, either. (San Antonio, of course, is first, with 19 straight postseason trips and counting.)
More Morning Tip: Cavs ready to defend title | Kings get royal upgrade with Golden 1 Center | Q&A with Kyle Lowry
Longtime NBA reporter and columnist David Aldridge is an analyst for TNT. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
