The Cavaliers have surged since the turn of the calendar in large part due to Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen establishing themselves as their top two stars and others stepping into roles that complement their strengths. Read more »

Stephon Castle's biggest strength is his point of attack defense and his ability to make plays off the dribble. If his jumper develops, Castle can become a special NBA player. Read more »

Giannis Antetokounmpo was unassailable in the public realm, but he ultimately is more like other stars than previously imagined, and less the exception to their characteristic profile than assumed. Read more »

Ja'Kobe Walter has the size, shooting and tenacity on the wing every team in the NBA is always prioritizing to make him a safe bet for a lottery pick. Read more »

Ricky Rubio seemed, as the passage of time compresses the finer details, like he was always peaking brilliantly or in the midst of a lull from which he might never emerge, but he was also a consistent presence. Read more »

Like his brother, Cody Williams likely won't be the main option on his team at the next level, but he can run the offense for stretches. The big wing playmaker is arguably the most coveted archetype in basketball right now. Read more »

In order to thrive as a short king, you must be remarkable in ways that no taller players can approximate. So far, Scoot Henderson hasn't inspired much belief that this specialness is within his grasp. Read more »

In order for the Bucks to win a title this season, Doc Rivers will have to fix the defense, systematize the offense and maximize the role players. Read more »

Tyrese Haliburton is so accommodating and Pascal Siakam is so specific that it creates an unexpected congruence. They're not so much complementary as ancillary. Read more »

Isaiah Collier has a rare combination of size and skills at the lead guard position, but questions about his shooting and defense temper expectations. Read more »

For years, the Knicks have pitched some imagined future, the belief that if they just waited patiently enough, workplace disputes in Phoenix or Philadelphia would deliver them their star. They're now on a different, no less interesting path. Read more »

Winning is happening, but so is development, and the Rockets are showing why adding veterans to a young roster is essential to the team-building process. Read more »

A Zach LaVine trade is not an ideal scenario for either the Lakers or the Bulls- not now, and not after they potentially make this trade. But there aren't superior options on the table, or even on the horizon for two teams that need some humble reorganization. Read more »

Breaking down Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Izan Almansa and Tyler Smith, who are all projected to be first round picks. Read more »

If Ja Morant is endangering himself or others, that's an issue that needs addressing, but when it comes to how he wants to be, well, that's up to him, and it looks as though he's decided for now that his freedom to speak and signal as he does matters more to him than maximizing his branding opportunities. Read more »

For now the Pistons have Cade Cunningham, ambling forth from the horizon, more sharply defined with each step. He is at a wonderful basketball age, where he's proven some but can still, maybe, do a lot more. Read more »

The combination of a strong halfcourt defense, elite one-on-one offense and championship experience of Tyronn Lue and Kawhi Leonard is a formula that makes the Clippers legitimate contenders in the West. Read more »

You don't have to squint too much to see how, through all the deflated hype and underwhelming results, Zion Williamson remains indomitable enough pull his team through the postseason. Read more »

On Nikola Topic, Zaccharie Risacher, Bobi Klintman, Tidjane Salaun, Melvin Ajinca and Juan Nunez. Read more »

Here we are, at the start of something, which one of the greatest players of all time felt strongly enough about to make it an important conquest in his shockingly lengthy farewell cruise. Read more »