Post#63 » by Magic#1 » Sat Aug 28, 2021 3:57 pm
No matter how it goes this year, they'll try to run it back next year and make the playoffs because they owe us their pick. But looking at the tiers in the east that will likely still be that way in '23:
Bucks
Nets
76ers (even if they trade Simmons and get a mediocre return, they're still a top tier team unless Embiid is lost of the year)
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Hawks
Heat
Celtics
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Knicks based on last year
Hornets (LaMelo will keep getting better)
Bulls
Raptors
Maybe Pacers
At absolute best the Bulls move into that mid-tier with the Celtics, but that would take some great chemistry, coaching and development from Williams and White. My guess is that this pick is around 14-16 which still nets a decent prospect. At worst its late teens and at best its late lotto. The problem for the Bulls is that other teams are rising with young players (Hawks, Hornets) and they're banking on veterans who have reached their ceiling getting them there. That can work if you were already a playoff team, but they're not. I see them being in a similar position as us before the blow up. Not good enough to be great and not bad enough to rebuild.