Here are my thoughts:
1. Clippers - No explanation necessary, this squad is loaded. Could be the best defensive team and have three elite scorers.
2. Nuggets - This team rolls deep and brings basically everything back with a young team that should get better + Jerami Grant. Young backcourt needs to take a leap and Millsap will need to not completely fall off the cliff.
3. Jazz - Toss up between 3/4 for me. I think we'll be on par with everyone but perhaps LAC by season's end but things will take some time to jell.
4. Lakers - Minimal depth but a team with LeBron + AD can't be slotted any lower.
5. Blazers - Basically running it back + Hassan Whiteside. Feels like Lillard is on a mission.
6. Rockets - Chris Paul is a shell of himself and awful vibes coming out of Houston. 2017 was their year, that WCF will haunt Daryl Morey.
7. Warriors - IMO Draymond is overrated and they'll miss Klay a lot more than folks realize. DLo better be ready to carry a load, otherwise Steph could get run into the ground. Depth remains a big issue.
8. Spurs - Death, taxes, the Spurs.
9. Kings - Love this squad. Tempted to bump them up but I think they need another piece + another year.
10. Mavericks - KP + Luka will be interesting and could be quite formidable. I don't like the supporting cast.
11. Pelicans - Awesome young squad, but they'll need time. AD out + Zion, Lonzo, Ingram, Favors, etc. in is basically a complete overhaul.
12. Minnesota - Meh city, think they could be candidates to blow the whole thing up.
13. Suns - Terrible.
14. OKC - Full on tank-a-palooza but I think the Grizz are untouchable. Feel bad for the fanbase it's going to be ugly.
15. Grizzlies - Brace yourself, Memphis.