Fansided

Raptors, Rockets among NBA teams that will regress in 2014-15

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 1, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Johnson (7) drives to the net past Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Rockets 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Johnson (7) drives to the net past Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Rockets 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks to pass the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) defends in the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions: Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat

I’m tempted to put the Memphis Grizzlies in at the No. 5 spot since they didn’t significantly improve during the offseason unlike the rest of their Western Conference brethren. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol will be a year older next season, and although Z-Bo’s flat-footed game has never been dependent on his athleticism, the Grizz are in serious trouble if either of those two are unable to stay completely healthy. However, Memphis did post an impressive record with a healthy Gasol last year, so we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

The Heat are a bit of an obvious choice, since any team that loses the best player in the league should be expected to take a slight step backward. However, even without LeBron James, the Heat are still one of the best teams in the East and no one should be surprised if Miami winds up with the No. 3 seed in the conference come playoff time. They’ll need Chris Bosh to be the man, Dwyane Wade to be healthier and Luol Deng to be Chicago Bulls Luol Deng rather than Cleveland Cavaliers Luol Deng, but the Heat are by no means finished without King James.

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