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NBA Contenders and Pretenders After One Month

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By @courtzierk

NBA Contenders/Pretenders After One Month

San Antonio Spurs v Sacramento Kings
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It may be a bit too early to conclusively call a team a contender or pretender, but that has never stopped me before. After one month of NBA action, I have seen enough from these teams to at least draw some educated conclusions about their respective title chances. I am going to assume that everyone agrees that the Spurs are a unanimous choice as a contender, so I didn’t include them.

5. Contender: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
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5. Contender: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
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The scariest part about the Warriors is that their offense is not yet clicking on all cylinders. Their defense has been outstanding (No. 1 overall in defensive efficiency), and their bench play has been dependable. They are turning the ball over at a concerning rate, a league-leading 25.8 per game, but they should come together. As long as Steph Curry is healthy, this team is a legitimate contender.

5. Pretender: Houston Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets
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5. Pretender: Houston Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets
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Sure, the Rockets have two of the top 15-20 players in the game on their roster, but they have so many flaws in the way they are constructed that it will eventually prove to be too much to overcome. They can’t shoot the ball (42 percent). Their bench isn’t good. Patrick Beverley is a fine role player, but he isn’t a good starting point guard in this league. They will continue to be competitive but will eventually be exposed.

4. Contender: Memphis Grizzlies

Detroit Pistons v Memphis Grizzlies
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4. Contender: Memphis Grizzlies

Detroit Pistons v Memphis Grizzlies
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I wasn’t high on this team prior to the start of the season, but they have made me a convert. They shoot the ball efficiently, take care of the ball and play really solid defense. They aren’t particularly great in one area, but they also don’t have any glaring weaknesses either. They will continue to grind out wins and play a style of basketball perfectly suited for the postseason.

4. Pretender: Cleveland Cavaliers

Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers
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4. Pretender: Cleveland Cavaliers

Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers
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I’m starting to think the Cavs may have too many flaws in the way their roster is constructed to overcome. Their perimeter defense is awful. Their chemistry is even worse. Nobody is having any fun. We all thought it could take a while to for them to click, but this is starting to feel more like the 2003-04 Lakers than the 2010-11 Heat.

3. Contender: Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers
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3. Contender: Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Raptors are a bit baffling in that they do everything very well but excel at no one area in particular. It gets perplexing, though, when you combine this with the fact they are second in the league in scoring. But one thing they know how to do is win. They look comfortable with each other and are confident in their system. I think the Raptors are here to stay.

3. Pretender: Portland Trail Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans v Portland Trail Blazers
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3. Pretender: Portland Trail Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans v Portland Trail Blazers
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I actually really like what the Blazers are doing, but I’m not sure that it is sustainable. Their starting five may be one of the best in the league, but although improved, their bench is still among the league’s worst. That becomes incredibly important as the season wears on. They have also played more home games than any other team. I think we will see some regression as they head out on the road.

2. Contender: Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers v Dallas Mavericks
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2. Contender: Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers v Dallas Mavericks
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I think the Mavs are so good offensively that they can cover up many of their defensive inefficiencies. Tyson Chandler is the perfect fit for this team, Dirk Nowitzki has continued to amaze in his advanced age and Monta Ellis may be one of the more underrated players in the league. If Chandler Parsons ever gets going, watch out.

2. Pretender: Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers v Miami Heat
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2. Pretender: Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers v Miami Heat
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A theme runs throughout all the teams I consider pretenders: Their rosters are flawed. The Clippers’ lack of wing scoring and perimeter defense is so glaring right now that I’m not sure it is something they can overcome without changing their roster. The problem is that the Clippers don’t have the assets to make the type of changes they need. I think people overestimated what this team is capable of.

1. Contender: Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls v Los Angeles Clippers
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1. Contender: Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls v Los Angeles Clippers
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I don’t know how the Bulls continually overcome their injuries to remain so competitive. If this team can ever get healthy for a sustained period of time, they may actually be the best team in the league. Even without Derrick Rose in the lineup, they have proven they are capable of beating anyone. I can never count out this team.

1. Pretender: Washington Wizards

Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards
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1. Pretender: Washington Wizards

Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards
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Don’t get me wrong. This team will be competitive in the East and can even make some noise in the playoffs, but they are probably one wing scorer away from being a legitimate contender. Kevin Durant, anyone?

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