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#3 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have been known for "The Process", a project which intends to see the NBA trophy return to the city of Brotherly Love. However, there have been major developments in the team that could change the course of things.
With the recent events involving All-Star point guard Ben Simmons wanting to be traded away, the 76ers found themselves in murky waters. The issue dates back to the 2021 NBA playoffs, where Simmons took the flak for the Philadelphia 76ers' exit.
While his performance was dismal, the joint comments of teammate Joel Embiid and head coach Doc Rivers seemed to focus on it, albeit unintentionally. The series of events led to Simmons taking a stubborn stance on wanting out of the franchise, going to the extent of missing training camp and NBA preseason games.
Although Simmons will return to the side, the issues that exist between him and the 76ers franchise are a potential recipe for disaster. How and if they can recover from that remains to be seen.
#4 Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have consistently been a solid regular-season team that has performed poorly in the NBA playoffs. Led by their superstar Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers have faced early playoff disappointments in the past few NBA seasons.
With Terry Stotts leaving his head coach position, the Trail Blazers' front office brought in Chauncey Billups to bring about a change in the way the team would play. While this is a valid executive decision, a new coach brings a new system with him. Portland will likely need some time to adapt to Billups' system .
Another issue that could potentially disturb the chemistry in the team is trade rumors regarding Damian Lillard. While he is a superstar-caliber player, he also has championship aspirations. At the age of 31, Lillard's window is closing.
Although Lillard has made his desire to win a ring with the Portland Trail Blazers, the talk of trades and Lillard wanting out of the franchise could stir issues in their ranks.
#5 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks seemed to be a team entering the 2021-22 NBA season in a state of disarray. As drama unfolded around their former head coach Rick Carlisle and young superstar Luka Doncic, the franchise saw bad blood developing between the two.
Carlisle left the side to join the Indiana Pacers, but made several comments insinuating Doncic as a player and individual. Carlisle's departure also saw the arrival of Jason Kidd.
Under Kidd, the Mavericks look to be a new team with a new system. Kidd continues to work on getting his star duo of Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis see eye to eye, while Doncic continues to become a better teammate and leader.
The success of the duo and Doncic'e leadership ability could determine how the Mavericks fare in the 2021-22 NBA season. Although they had a successful preseason, Dontic's competitive nature and temper tend to rub people the wrong way. Should Doncic fall back on old habits, the Mavericks could have problems in the locker room early in the season.
