NBA Offseason 2017: Can Anyone Stop the Warriors?

James Harden and Houston

Every single June and July, NBA invest teams invest millions of dollars in free agency with one goal in mind: an NBA title. This year, that free agency madness was taken to a whole new level as teams across the league tried to add the star power they need to take a shot at the ultimate super-team, Golden State, who just completed a historical championship run. Houston gave up a ton to snag Chris Paul, Minnesota added the go-to scorer they need to take the next step in Jimmy Butler, the Thunder sent shockwaves throughout the nation when they added Paul George, and the Celtics reunited Brad Stevens with his old college star, Gordon Hayward. Yet, do any one of these teams really stand a chance at stopping the Warriors, who have averaged 69 wins over the past three years, set countless records, and have two undeniable superstars on their roster plus a terrific supporting cast? A closer look at each of the top contenders may just give us the answers to whether someone can truly derail the dominant Golden State train.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Unlike many of the other teams on this list, Cleveland did not make any significant moves over the off-season roster-wise, despite repeated rumors of them making a run at Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Carmelo Anthony. Despite this, there is no denying Cleveland is likely the biggest threat to Golden State in the league. They still have the clear-cut best player in the world in LeBron James, who has shown no signs of slowing down despite the fact he is getting older, and a player on the cusp of superstardom in point guard Kyrie Irving. Mixed with Kevin Love, a valuable stretch four, and rebounding specialist Tristian Thompson, this is clearly a talented roster, evidenced by their three straight Finals trips and title in 2016. Yet, the team will look ahead to '17-'18 with significant questions as well. The team has generally seem unsatisfied with Love's play almost since he arrived in Cleveland, but haven't been able to ship him off. The Cavs have plenty of solid bench options, but many of them are aging (Richard Jefferson, Deron Williams) or have significant flaws in their game (J.R. Smith). Another point to be made is the fact the Cavaliers lost in five games to Golden State just a few weeks ago in the Finals, and truly doesn't seem any better. Yet, with LeBron at the helm, Cleveland surely will be a major factor. Until he is knocked off, they are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference and in turn, still the most logical threat to the Warriors' aims of a second straight title.

Houston Rockets: If there is a team that can hang with the Warriors offensively for 48 minutes, it has to be Houston. The Rockets essentially accepted they didn't care about defense in 2016 and committed solely to offense by hiring offensive-minded coach Mike D'Antoni and moving James Harden to point guard. The move clearly paid off in '16-'17, as Houston nearly made the Western Conference Finals after a largely disappointing 2015-2016 campaign. The team made the offense even more lethal by adding Chris Paul, a nine-time All-Star eager to shed his label of being a Playoff choker. Rumors continue to swirl the team may still try to add one more superstar prior to the season but either way, this offense is going to be absolutely lethal, particularly if Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon can improve on a career year. Yet, for all the team's significant promise, the CP3 move was also somewhat confusing. Harden had a marvelous season since moving to point guard and the offense overall took major leaps. Adding Paul will not only limit Harden's touches, but move him to the off-ball. That doesn't necessarily mean that the offense will take a step back but it was an odd move at the time for Houston. Another issue that seems to need resolving is the lack of a true go-to option in the post. The Rockets retained veteran Nene and have a promising young center in Clint Capela, but the lack of a true low post presence could be a significant problem against some of the West's top teams. Even so, Houston does have the firepower it seems to need to at the very least, attempt to dethrone the Warriors. If the Paul-Harden experiment takes off the way GM Daryl Morey envisions, this team certainly has good shot at winning the Conference.

San Antonio Spurs: Despite talk of a Kristaps Porzingis or Chris Paul move, San Antonio has stayed relatively quiet on the free agent market, which fits the mentality of the organization. There is certainly an argument to be made that the team doesn't really need to make a big move, considering that they have the system and superstar (Kawhi Leonard) that others are lacking. They also seemed to be the biggest threat to Golden State's supremacy this past season, taking a huge lead in Game 1 of the WCF before Leonard was lost for the series. Leonard is probably the best two-way player in the sport; he's lengthy and freakishly athletic. He also has developed the ability to truly carry the team, single-handedly clinching a number of games this past for the Spurs, including one in the Western semis against Houston. Beyond Leonard, San Antonio is good, not great. Pau Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge seem to be nearing the end of their careers but can still provide a number of things for this offense, while Danny Green and Jonathan Simmons (who is likely to be resigned) are incredibly valuable reserves. But, perhaps the biggest X-factor is at point guard, where 35-year-old Tony Parker still roams. Parker has been the steadying force in a number of Spurs' title teams, but there is no denying that age has taken it's toll, and he barely played this past season. However, if he can find the legs for one more Playoff run, this San Antonio team surely has enough to greatly challenge the Warriors.

Oklahoma City Thunder: When Kevin Durant announced he was leaving Oklahoma City last July, many assumed that the Thunder were on the road to a rebuild, almost surely to trade their last remaining star, Russell Westbrook, and begin to look towards the future. However, Westbrook put together an unbelievable MVP season and led the Thunder to the Playoffs, signing a long-term deal in the process. To make matters more interesting, OKC seemingly came out of nowhere to win the Paul George sweepstakes, giving up Victor Oladipo and Damontas Sabonis to land the star forward, not quite the price we expected anybody to have to pay. With George now in the fold, the Thunder suddenly look like a real factor again out West. Westbrook has proven he can carry the team when needed, but George gives him the help he so desperately needed, and also an extremely versatile defender that matches up pretty well against some of the Western Conference's elite wings, such as Durant and Leonard. Yet, much like Houston, beyond the "Big Two" this roster is rather underwhelming. Enes Kanter and Steven Adams are two very solid big men who can control the rebounding battle, but there is no obvious player to look to if Westbrook and George are struggling or on the bench. Facing a team with as many weapons as Golden State, who can beat you in so many ways, that is a serious problem.

Boston Celtics: After making an Eastern Conference Finals run this past season, Boston made perhaps the biggest move of the true free agent market, by convincing Gordon Hayward to head East and join Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford. Hayward isn't a superstar but the wing has proven he is an extremely reliable and efficient scorer that gives this offense a lot more versatility. Already comfortable in Brad Stevens' system, there is no reason to believe Hayward won't be a major force right away in Boston. Thomas is a pretty ideal complement as well; the fearless point guard can score in nearly every way possible and always plays with a chip on his shoulder. Horford is another guy that won't be a No. 1 on any team, but is a very reliable weapon that can help this team in a variety of ways. Overall, that creates somewhat of a "Big Three" in Beantown, but certainly not one of past super-team caliber obviously. The obvious question is whether it will be enough to overcome Cleveland out East. Hayward is definitely a major addition, but can he really change the course of a team that lost in five games to the Cavs, including a number of blowouts? Unless Boston gets a breakout year from sophomore Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum, or perhaps adds another rim protector, this team is still not close to an NBA title, including beating the Warriors.

Even with the frenzy that has happened in the NBA over the past few weeks, there is no denying Golden State is the team to beat. They are truly a transcendent team with four All-Stars, a number of players that can take over, and an insane amount of depth. Yet, that doesn't mean they are invincible. Injuries are going to happen, players are going to move and things will change. If I had to put my bet on a team to beat them? San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard is a legitimate superstar that has a shot at stopping Durant on the defensive end, the veteran presence on this team is extremely impressive, and it is a team with experience at beating superteams (Miami Heat in 2014). Yet, stopping a team like the Warriors is easier said than done, and until they lose it may seem next to impossible.

NBA Offseason 2017: Predicting Where the Top Free Agents of 2017 Will Land

Gordon Hayward, Utah

Every single season, NBA teams turn to the summer months, when the Draft and free agency can possibly give them the additions they need to succeed. That will especially be the case in 2017, as a very impressive free agent class hits the open market, just at the time teams are desperately looking for any type of help to stop a Cavaliers-Warriors: Round 4. Will Gordon Hayward leave Utah and create a Butler reunion in Boston? Will the Clippers Big 3 split up? Can Derrick Rose resurrect his career? There are certainly plenty of questions to answer, and certainly a lot of things set to happen that could make a big impact across the Association.

Gordon Hayward, SF, Utah Jazz
Projected Suitors: Jazz, Heat, Celtics, Lakers
It doesn't seem too long ago that Gordon Hayward was the star player of Butler's Cinderella 2010 National Championship runner-up, nearly hitting a half-court shot that would have immortalized him in March Madness history forever. Nowadays, Hayward has developed into one of the most underrated players in the league, a dangerous and versatile scorer for the Jazz, who just so happened to have their best season in years as he led the charge. Hayward's ability to score every time he touches the ball, his ability to create mismatches with his 6'8" size and the fact he is just 27 is almost sure to make him one of the most popular names in the free agent market. One of the most likely teams to emerge is going to be Boston. Not only do the Celtics have the cap room to easily swing the move, Brad Stevens was Hayward's coach at Butler and the two have long had a great connection. It could also be very attractive to Hayward if he wants a Championship; an Isaiah Thomas-Hayward-Al Horford Big 3 may not be picked over Cleveland out East, but it might be easier than staying in the stacked Western Conference. Another team sure to go after Hayward aggressively is Miami, who is looking to land their first big name in free agency since their infamous "South Beach Superteam" in 2010. Pat Riley has become one of the NBA's most impressive recruiters, consistently selling NBA stars on the Heat organization and all the flash the city has to offer. Hayward would most likely be able to get the biggest contract with Miami and he would be their No. 1 option right away.
Prediction: Hayward is going to such an interesting player to watch because he could have a huge impact on the Eastern Conference if he does go to Miami or Boston. If he does leave, the Celtics would be my guess, but Hayward seems comfortable in Utah and the Jazz just made the Western Conference semifinals, which shows the franchise is certainly moving in the right direction.
Hayward resigns with Jazz

Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors
Projected Suitors: Sixers, Knicks, Spurs, Raptors
Now 31, Kyle Lowry has made it clear what his lone remaining goal, "I just want a ring" he stated after opting out of his Toronto contract, becoming an unrestricted free agent. With career stats of 14.3 PPG and 5.8 APG along with three All-Star games, there is no denying Lowry is an attractive free agent, but there are also questions about him as he hits the open market. After struggles in the postseason throughout his Raptors career can Lowry really win a ring? Is he beginning his decline after an uneven 2016-2017? How much money is he really worth? Those are questions Lowry must answer, but he is still going to get plenty of interest. Inside his own division, Philadelphia and New York both need veteran point guards. The Sixers are an especially attractive offer because Lowry grew up and played college ball in Philadelphia (at Villanova) so it would be somewhat of a homecoming for him, and they have plenty of cap room to give him a hefty contract. Another team that is sure to emerge is San Antonio, who most likely would be Lowry's top choice. The Spurs are likely going to be searching for another point guard due to the fact Tony Parker hasn't been able to stay healthy and is aging. If Lowry does want a ring, San Antonio would most likely be his best chance at this point, although the Sixers do have a bright future. There also remains a chance Lowry could stay in Toronto, although I think its unlikely. The Raptors have been stuck in a tough spot as a consistent contender unable to get over the top and while Lowry has done a ton for this franchise, it just seems like time to move on.
Prediction: While Lowry definitely wants to go to a contender, there isn't a whole lot of options out there if he wants to see significant minutes. I think the possibility of returning to Philly may become more attractive to him as the off-season wears on; the Sixers obviously have a long way to go but they have a bright future and he could be the veteran piece this team needs to take the next step.
Lowry signs with Philadelphia

Paul Millsap, PF, Atlanta Hawks
Projected Suitors: Hawks, Celtics, Jazz, Bulls
While he may not be the most attractive free agent on the market this summer, Paul Millsap has proven he can be a high-quality starting power forward for a contender throughout his time in the league, and plenty would still be willing to give the veteran a big contract. Atlanta has made it clear they want to bring back the power forward, but the presence of Dwight Howard has taken away many of Millsap's post touches, likely leading him to look elsewhere this off-season. A team that should be in the mix would be Boston, who will likely go after a veteran like him if they are unable to land a bigger fish (like Hayward). The Celtics are a terrible rebounding team and it's unlikely that problem will be solved in the Draft, and also an area that Millsap excels in. Millsap will also most likely draw interest from Utah and Chicago, two teams that also want help at power forward. The Jazz originally drafted Millsap, and he enjoyed plenty of success there. He may be intrigued by the opportunity to return to Salt Lake City and operate in a frontcourt where he could still see plenty of minutes. The Bulls are pitiful at power forward and seem to still be operating in win-now mode, which could make them overpay for somebody like Millsap.
Prediction: Millsap is at an interesting place in his career right now. He isn't exactly young anymore but still has plenty left to offer any number of NBA teams. The question for him is whether he wants to take a chance on winning a ring on a better contender (like the Jazz or Celtics) or stay put and likely get a massive contract extension from Atlanta. My guess is he'll stay with the Hawks, who still may have enough to try to get one last shot at a postseason run.
Millsap resigns with Atlanta

Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Suitors: Clippers, Spurs, Pelicans, Lakers
Nobody in the league can deny that Chris Paul is in the conversation for best point guards in NBA history but there is one big thing missing from his legacy: a ring. In fact, CP3 has never made the conference finals in his career, and his time in Los Angeles has had too many postseason chokes and mistakes. The Clippers will try to keep their core in place, but there is a legitimate chance both CP3 and Blake Griffin opt to head elsewhere, somewhere that might give them a better chance of winning it all. The most obvious choice for Paul is San Antonio, who has reportedly expressed interest in the veteran point guard. The Spurs need help at PG, and Paul's unselfish playmaking abilities and basketball IQ would be an ideal fit in their offense. Also likely trying to make plays for Paul will be New Orleans and the other Los Angeles team, the Lakers, who Paul was traded to in 2011 before commissioner David Stern vetoed the move. The Pelicans have plenty of cap room to work with and may intrigue Paul as a place to return, as he of course, started his career in the Crescent City. He would have quite the supporting cast if that were to be the case, as he could join Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins to form quite a terrifying trio. The Lakers will make a play on him like they do to every free agent, but leaving to a team still in full-on rebuild mode just doesn't make sense at this point in CP3's career.
Prediction: While the Clippers' Big Three of Paul, Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have given us plenty of highlights over the years, they've given us more postseason disappointments and terrible chokes. It seems time to move on for Paul, whose only focus right now is winning. The Spurs might not be able to offer him the most money, but if he were to land there they would easily have the best shot of any Western Conference team of knocking off the mighty Warriors.
Paul signs with San Antonio

Derrick Rose, PG, New York Knicks
Projected Suitors: Timberwolves, Sixers, Bucks, Mavericks
Once a shining star in the league, there is no denying that Derrick Rose's knee injuries have robbed him of much of the explosiveness and agility that made him so fun to watch. However, Rose is just 28 years old and while he has had ups-and-downs, he has managed to stay mostly healthy over the past two years. I don't think there is any chance Rose returns to the Big Apple for 2017; he is not a good fit in the triangle or with Carmelo Anthony. That means he'll hit the open market with a ton of options at this fingertips. Any team that needs a point guard could express interest, namely Dallas and Milwaukee. The Mavericks have made it clear they will be looking for a point guard this summer, and while there are plenty of options, Rose would be a good fit in head coach Rick Carlisle's offense. The Bucks are looking for a true point guard to run the show, and while he isn't as fast as he once was, Rose would also be a good fit in their up-tempo, transition-heavy offense. Those are far from the only teams that will likely take a long look at D-Rose. Minnesota, Philadelphia, Sacramento and perhaps even Memphis could take a long at him. The Timberwolves drafted Kris Dunn last summer but still need a point guard for the time being, and seem frustrated with Ricky Rubio's play (they've also been very interested in Rose in the past). Philly will need a point guard to engineer their transformation into a contender, Sacramento could look for an upgrade for Darren Collison, and Memphis needs a quality backup for the injury-prone Mike Conley.
Prediction: Derrick Rose's NBA career is shrouded in mystery at this point. He is still young enough that there is a slim chance he could return to his old form, but his injury history and mediocre play this past season make it tough for anybody to take a chance on him. Considering Minnesota's interest in Rose in the past, and there need for a veteran point guard, they would be my guess, but he truly could go anywhere this summer.
Rose signs with Minnesota

Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Projected Suitors: Clippers, Thunder, Nuggets, Celtics
Blake Griffin hits free agency at a precarious point in his still-young career. The power forward is entering the prime of his career at age 28, but some his elite athleticism and strength are already beginning to fade. Add to that the fact he has missed the last two postseasons with season-ending injuries, and there is some worry surrounding him. Even so, Griffin is an All-Star level big that should draw plenty of interest outside of the Clippers. The team that seems to be the perfect fit would be Oklahoma City. Griffin played college ball at Oklahoma and loves the area, and would also get the opportunity to team up with another elite player in Russell Westbrook. He would also likely be able to slide into a major role on a good team right away, an opportunity not a lot of players get to do. Denver might not be the most attractive free agent destination and they are still years away from serious contention but they would be able to offer Griffin a max contract without any financial maneuvering and he would immediately take over as face of the franchise, along with rising star Nikola Jokic. There is also the slim chance a team like Boston or New York takes a chance on him; the Celtics certainly need help at power forward and have the money to swing him, while the Knicks are always going to be a factor because of the allure of the Big Apple. Then there are the Clippers, who drafted Griffin out of Oklahoma No. 1 overall in 2009. It has been a bumpy ride for Griffin at times in Los Angeles but he still must feel some loyalty to the organization and fans who have stayed with him all these years.
Prediction: There is a chance the Clippers see Chris Paul, J.J. Reddick and Griffin all leave this off-season, although it is hard to see that happening. Reddick will be worth too much so I would assume he is gone, and Paul seems ready to move on. However, Griffin is another story. While Oklahoma City and Denver seem like possible destinations, my guess would be he stays in LA. The Clips would give him plenty of money and he would still be on a roster that has a chance to win, if they can find some other weapons in free agency.
Griffin resigns with Los Angeles

NBA Offseason 2017: Which Teams Need to Blow it All Up and Rebuild?

Paul George and Indiana

The Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers is still technically ongoing, but with the firepower on the Cavs' roster and Celtics' star Isaiah Thomas done for the rest of the postseason, it appears we are heading towards a third straight Golden State-Cleveland NBA Finals. While many may enjoy the new grand rivalry brewing, others may hate how unbalanced and uncompetitive the current league has become. No matter your opinions on the matter, there is no denying how impressive it is. Despite the fact 28 other teams are trying to take them down, the Warriors and Cavaliers have obliterated their competition, and look to add another title to the fold. It also begs a question: how, in a league with a salary cap and plenty of fresh talent entering the league every season, can two teams form such a monopoly? While people can point to the formation of super-teams as the answer, the fact of the matter is that so many teams in the league today are poorly structured and built. Some times in the NBA, the only real solution to improve is to actually get worse; get younger, more athletic and more diverse and enter a rebuilding stage that may eventually yield the pieces to finally get you over the top. For a decent chunk of the teams that made the Playoffs this year, this is almost certainly the case. Which teams should really blow up their roster and hope a rebuild can finally break a trend of Golden State-Cleveland? These teams have to be looked at as the best candidates:

Indiana Pacers
Since the LeBron-Miami days, Indiana has been a pretty consistent contender out in the Eastern Conference. Led by star Paul George and a solid crop of veterans, the Pacers have been able to be competitive, and even give the Heat some fits of their own during the infamous "Big Three" era. Yet, a sweep at the hands of none other than LeBron and the Cavs seems to indicate it is time for a makeover in Indianapolis. Paul George is as good as ever; the versatile wing has proven he can score in so many different ways and defend some of the best the league has to offer. Yet, "PG13" only has one year left on his deal, and it has become pretty common knowledge he wants to be on a winner. Without a ton of cap space or future stars to work with, the Pacers probably aren't his best chance to get a ring, so why stay? Certainly he should feel a sense of loyalty since Indiana did take a chance on the Fresno State product out of college and has helped him to develop into a star, but they have become a stagnant organization without any real direction. If you're Indiana and you think he's gone, why not get started on life after Paul George as soon-as-possible? If they traded him today, they could likely get a boatload of assets and picks to build around. Boston and the Lakers have both expressed serious interest in George, and would likely be willing to give up quite a bit to land him. Outside of Paul George's uncertain future, who do the Pacers have that really excites you? Jeff Teague is a mediocre point guard who isn't very young, Monta Ellis has to be nearing the end of his career, and Al Jefferson is a one-dimensional center that is also getting old. Versatile big man Myles Turner has emerged as a terrific developmental piece who the Pacers could realistically build around, but he isn't there yet. Why not rid themselves of Jefferson and let Turner get the bulk of the touches underneath, to see what you truly have in him? While Indiana has had a nice run of consistency under George and company, it is time to move on. Even if they don't trade George and want to take one last stab at a Finals run, the roster needs to change significantly. There just isn't enough there to win right now, especially with LeBron still at the peak of his career.

Toronto Raptors
Speaking of being consistent winners, Toronto has gone to the Playoffs four straight seasons and made the Conference Finals in 2016. However, much like the Pacers, Toronto was swept without much fight by LeBron and the Cavs, and enter a weird situation. Point guard Kyle Lowry plans to enter free agency and wants to play for a winner, but how big of a loss would Lowry really be? Lowry has always been pretty good, but has consistently disappeared in big moments for the Raptors and probably never will be a leader on a Championship team. With that in mind, it may be wise for Toronto to let him walk and develop somebody else at point guard. Unfortunately, that would leave guard DeMar DeRozan as really their lone star. DeRozan was just given a hefty contract extension this past summer and has had his moments, but suffers from the same issues Lowry does; inconsistency and poor performances in the clutch. I struggle to imagine a team being really great and challenging a Warriors or Cavaliers with DeRozan as their centerpiece. That doesn't mean the Raptors need to trade DeRozan, but it may be interesting to see what teams would offer for a guy that has put up some big numbers in his career, but hasn't really ever helped their team win the important ones. I actually don't hate what Toronto has done in their frontcourt, but that doesn't mean it couldn't use some retooling. Serge Ibaka was okay after coming over from Orlando and stretches the floor pretty well, but he has struggled with injuries over the course of his career. Meanwhile, center Jonas Valanciunas has been pretty good but still isn't an elite center and really doesn't look like he'll ever be considered one. General manager Masai Uriji seems committed to riding this current core, but it seems pointless at this juncture. This current roster has no chance of overtaking Cleveland out East any time soon, and Toronto isn't an attractive-enough destination for a stud free agent to come along. So, once again I ask, why delay the inevitable? DeRozan and Ibaka could still get plenty of assets in a trade and perhaps open up the door for some younger pieces to show what they got, such as Norman Powell and Jakob Poeltl.

Los Angeles Clippers
Back when Doc Rivers arrived from Boston, inheriting a core that included perennial All-Star Chris Paul and two stud big men, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, you'd be crazy to not think the Clippers would make at least one trip to the Western Conference Finals. But yet here we sit today in 2017, roughly five years after the Clips really started to take off, and the team's Playoff chokes have become all too common. In 2015, the Clippers beat San Antonio and then held a 3-1 lead against Houston, finally looking like the team they were destined to be. And then they fell apart, losing three in unbelievably frustrating fashion. The trend continued on to this season, when Los Angeles held the series for awhile against the Jazz but found a way to choke it away. It is pretty clear what the issue is; poor roster makeup, and lack of true chemistry. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are good, but they make a truly terrible frontcourt together. Why? Neither can stretch the floor or make the big play, and too often Los Angeles' offense gets jammed together and struggles. To make things worse, Griffin hasn't been able to stay healthy and hits free agency this summer. Chris Paul is still an All-Star-caliber guard, but he has yet to shred his reputation as a playoff-loser, still not reaching a conference finals in his wonderful career. He has all the tools to do it, but this isn't the roster. He doesn't have enough help in the backcourt and tries to make up for it by doing too much in the clutch moments, which really end up backfiring. Now 32 and still ringless (let alone zero Finals trips), Paul may feel it is time to take his talents elsewhere. I'd love the fit of him in San Antonio or something similar, where his skills could be utilized in a better-designed offense. Also sure to make things interesting is the future of J.J. Reddick and Jamal Crawford, who both could be gone soon. Reddick is a free agent this summer and could head elsewhere, which could take away a valuable shooter to this offense. I've felt this way for awhile and another early Playoff exit has confirmed it; this team is so good on paper but so poor in true execution. If either Griffin or Paul walk it should be full rebuild time in Los Angeles. And, even if it isn't, something has to change on this current roster. They don't have the right system to overtake a Golden State or San Antonio and seem forever stuck in good-but-not-great mode, which is the worst place to be as an NBA franchise.

Memphis Grizzlies
Much of these teams on this list have seen long runs of success, and that continues with Memphis. With a gritty and hard-nosed attitude, the Grizzlies have been to the postseason seven straight times, even winning 50 games for three consecutive years from '12-'13 to '14-'15. While that run has been impressive to watch and appreciate for a small-market team without a true superstar, the title picture may be closed in Memphis. The Grizzlies have been eliminated in the first round by the Spurs for two straight seasons, and are aging significantly. Zach Randolph was once a building block for this team but is now 35, and no longer a starter. Marc Gasol was a gem uncovered by the Grizz, but he isn't young anymore at 32, and has had injury issues. Mike Conley is still a fine point guard, and a true leader on and off the court. However, his massive contract will be a big hit to the Grizzlies' books for a long time and he has also dealt with injury issues. The same goes for Chandler Parsons, who was really bad this season despite earning a huge contract this past off-season. That increased age, serious money problems and lack of direction all seem to be indicating a team that needs to start looking ahead to the future. The tough part about this time is how and when to really start a rebuild. If they can stay healthy are they still a team that could make a run? If not, what do you do first? They don't really have any fantastic options to use in a trade that could lay the foundation for an overhaul. Yet, much like LA, Indiana and Toronto, you get the feeling something has to and likely will change in Memphis. It is sometimes a harsh reality for NBA teams to accept, but sometimes you have to come to the realization your current roster never is going to make it over the top, particularly in a league where super-teams are the new-normal. The quicker some of these teams accept that, the more efficient and quick a rebuild can happen.