Offseason Power Rankings

 

OK, I was feeling JBL inspired after recently going for lunch with our reigning champ, Maui Ribs.

 

As promised, I said I would do an offseason power rankings post. Well, it’s time.

 

It will be difficult as I’m not sure who everyone is keeping just yet or if players will get traded this offseason – but you know me – I will give it a go based on what I know/think right now.

 

So what are my criteria for these rankings? These are my thoughts:

 

-          I’m going to assume that all of the players stay healthy and play the majority of the 22/23 season

-          I’m going to assume that they play to at least the level they’ve shown or even with some improvement

-          I’m looking at the JBL salary compared to what I believe that player would go for at auction (best value)

-          I’m considering JBL owner history and recent run of form

-          And I’m considering that more keepers is often likely better than maybe just one good keeper

 

Without further ado…here’s my offseason power rankings by team, number of keeper spots available, possible keepers and a reason for the ranking.

 

#1 – Maui Ribs (4)

Possible keepers - LaMelo Ball, Evan Mobley, Joel Embiid and Desmond Bane.

All undervalued compared to what they would go for at Auction. The defending champs deserve top billing since they get to bring this strong core back.

 

#2 – French Lick (4)

Possible keepers – Klay Thompson, Jarred Vanderbilt, Mitchell Robinson, Ivica Zubac, Al Horford, Norman Powell

Other teams below likely have stronger keepers but French has finished 1^st or 2^nd for eight straight seasons. 8. Count them. He gets this ranking out of sheer respect.

 

#3 – Bangkok (4)

Possible keepers – Haliburton, Dejounte, Edwards, Rozier, Jones, Hart, Johnson

A strong core of potential keepers available. Not the cheapest bunch but assuming the Kok picks the right 4 guys he’s got a strong base for yet another attempt at a JBL title.

 

#4 – Idaho (3)

Possible keepers – Trae, Zion, Jamal Murray, Grant

This is assuming Zion and Jamal are healthy of course. Idaho gets a final year of Trae and 2 years of Zion potentially to try and capture a JBL title. 

 

#5 – Brussels (3)

Possible keepers – Poeltl, Bridges, Sengun, Okongwu, Fultz, Clarke

The team with a lot of cheap keeper options should be ready to load up and aim to prove his JBL title was no fluke.

 

#6 – Arctic (2)

Possible keepers – Maxey, Kyrie, Jalen Green, Herro, Love

Only 2 spots and loads of guys who are undervalued compared to their auction price. Could this be the year the Arctic stays for the whole draft so we don’t have to deal with Autopilot bids? I really like this crop of potential keepers.

 

#7 – Golden (3)

Possible keepers – Bridges, Garland, Giddey, SGA

It’s been 4 years now since Golden last won a JBL title. Can the Godfather find his mojo and not overthink things?

 

#8 – Seoul (3)

Possible keepers – Morant, Siakam, Barnes, Trent Jr.

A strong 3-man core available for Seoul. It’s been 11 years since their last title and only 3 money spot finishes in that same timeframe. Is Seoul still an annual contender? Do they still get that respect?

 

#9 – Chilliwack (4)

Possible keepers – Doncic, Barton, Claxton, Wiggins, Brogdon, Barnes

Luka is a star but I’m not sure about those other keeper spots just yet. 8 years since their last JBL title and only 2 money spots in those 8 years. One year left on Luka’s rookie deal to get things done.

 

#10 – Juan (2)

Possible keepers – Wagner, Portis, Simons

Solid keeper options for 2 spots. No stars but some good value. Strong track record of money spot finishes over the last 10 years.

 

#11 – Cali (2)

Possible keepers – Jokic, Timelord, Duarte

While I like Cali’s keepers more than Juan’s, the track record for success is not the same yet.

 

#12 – Bellingham (1)

Better be keeper – Kawhi Leonard

This is the keeper. Has to be the guy. Can this be the building block that Ham has been waiting for? 13^th, 9^th, 13^th in the first 3 years so maybe this is the year the breakthrough begins.

 

#13 – Norfolk (0)

Norfolk has no keepers. He’s starting from scratch. We knew this was likely after one of the biggest draft night blunders in recent memory. But hey, it was fun and sometimes starting fresh is good and having the most money allows you to control the draft.

 

#14 – EXPANSION TEAM

#15 – EXPANSION TEAM