The Magic’s plan looks logical: add an elite shooter, Desmond Bane, to address what has been the Magic’s weakest element in recent years - shooting. Bane’s perimeter game should complement Orlando’s strong core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, while also bolstering an offense that desperately needs a lift (the Magic finished 28th in points per game and 29th in pace) while preserving their outstanding defense (2nd in defensive rating).

Bane is obviously a significant addition - far more impactful than the shooters Orlando has recently tried to develop through the draft, such as Caleb Houstan, Jett Howard, and this year’s pick, Jase Richardson. But he can’t fix the Magic’s offense alone. Suggs shot just 31.2% from three last season, and Banchero only 32%.

The most concerning case is Wagner, whose shooting mechanics remain shaky. He finished last season at 29.5% from deep. Even during Germany’s EuroBasket title run, where he starred with his trademark attacking mindset, Wagner’s shot still looked broken - hitting just 28.9% from three, nearly identical to his NBA rate. In the final against Turkey, the Turkish coach didn’t even bother to close out on him, focusing instead on more dangerous German scorers (See for yourself).

Shooting is ultimately a collective responsibility, and if Bane is Orlando’s only consistent threat, spacing will remain an issue. Orlando needs one or two seasons of internal development before it can be a contender.

For the first time in a long time, San Antonio enters a season with legitimate playoff aspirations. De’Aaron Fox may eventually overlap positionally with Dylan Harper (the No. 2 pick) and last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Still, for now, he’s a clear upgrade over any backcourt partner Victor Wembanyama has had in his young career. Alongside Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Luke Kornet, and rookie Carter Bryant, coach Mitch Johnson suddenly has the depth of a true playoff team.

The central question, of course, remains Wembanyama’s health - but also whether he can evolve into a more complete offensive player. The Spurs used his early seasons as a sort of laboratory. Now they need clarity: Is Wemby actually the tallest guard in NBA history, or is he primarily a five who plays at the post, with a more deliberate shot selection, and uses his gravity to improve teammates?

Last season, Wembanyama attempted 8.1 threes per game (making 35%). By comparison, Nikola Jokić - the greatest center/guard hybrid ever - hit 41.7% but took only 4.7 threes a game. If the Spurs’ goal is the playoffs, this is the year Wemby should focus on what he already does best.

Can a dominant frontcourt alone make an entire team great? Milwaukee will test that theory this season. The short answer: no. Myles Turner is the perfect partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo, a clear upgrade over Brook Lopez. He can anchor the paint when Giannis attacks from the perimeter, or space the floor when Giannis operates inside - hitting 39.6% from three last year. He can also pair effectively with Bobby Portis off the bench, or slide next to Kyle Kuzma if Kuzma is shifted to the 4.

But after the expensive buyout of Damian Lillard, Milwaukee failed to secure a genuine backcourt replacement. Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green can hold down the shooting guard spot respectably, but Kevin Porter Jr., Cole Anthony, and Ryan Rollins don’t form a playoff-caliber point guard rotation. If Turner was added to appease Giannis, the Bucks still have plenty of work to do in the backcourt - and little financial flexibility - to ensure his long-term commitment.

It was a happy summer in Atlanta. The Hawks landed Kristaps Porziņģis in Boston’s fire sale, signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency, and stole a future first-round pick from Joe Dumars in a draft-night heist.

But looming over the season is Trae Young’s unresolved contract situation - he holds a player option for next year and hasn’t signed an extension. Also, the development of Zacharie Risacher will be a significant issue after a disappointing summer with France at EuroBasket (just 16 minutes and 7 points on 2-for-8 shooting in the elimination loss to Georgia). Team success could suffer if his growth lags.

Still, if Jalen Johnson stays healthy, and with Quin Snyder’s uptempo offense (5th in points per game last year, 3rd in pace), the Hawks are capable of surprising in the depleted Eastern Conference.

The Clippers’ coaching staff showed up to training camp wearing shirts that read: Get the fuck back, know we lost to Denver because of transition. Indeed, it’s hard to discuss their upcoming season without recalling how last year ended - a 120–101 Game 7 blowout against the Nuggets, with James Harden once again collapsing in a crucial playoff moment.

It’s also impossible to ignore the cloud of scandal - Kawhi’s questionable sponsorship deal with Aspiration and the NBA’s expected investigation. Nor can anyone overlook Leonard’s 37 games last season and his chronic injuries.

And yet, despite all that, the Clippers may be the deepest roster in the league (and also the oldest). With Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez added to support the stars, they have the reinforcements to survive stretches without key players. On paper, they’re a contender. But that brings us back to the same question: how can anyone trust a team whose every Kawhi-era season has ended on a sour note?