"A new NBA season is nearly here. Multiple teams will hold media day Tuesday ahead of the start of the regular season next month, with the entire league opening up business by next week. So, with the offseason basically behind us (save a couple of lengthy restricted free agent standoffs), let's dive into how league insiders viewed the offseason's most impactful trades and signings -- and how the 2025-26 campaign will unfold over the next several months."
"Here's our look at which teams did the best -- and worst -- this offseason, along with determining who the best players are both now and in the future (as well as who is leading the way for the Americans), plus who will ultimately be holding the Larry O'Brien trophy next June, through the eyes of 20 coaches, scouts and executives we polled for their thoughts on all of the above and more."
"It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that after the Denver Nuggets' big man and the Oklahoma City Thunder's MVP guard came in first and second each of the past two years, they would be atop this grouping -- and by a narrow margin. "[Jokic is] the best player, and they'll be better," said a West scout. For those voting for Doncic, the expectation is that with health and a full season with the Los Angeles Lakers after his shocking midseason trade, there's no reason that this shouldn't be a three-player race. "He's in shape," an East executive said, "and will be motivated.""
Media days and the regular season approach as teams finalize rosters after an offseason marked by major trades and signings. Twenty coaches, scouts and executives evaluated which teams improved or declined, who currently ranks among the elite, and who projects as the future stars. Nikola Jokic and Luka Dončić emerged as the leading MVP contenders, with Jokic frequently cited as the best player and Doncic expected to contend if healthy and settled with the Lakers. Victor Wembanyama was repeatedly named the projected top player by 2030. Respondents emphasized health, motivation and roster fit in their forecasts.
Read at ESPN.com
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