Winner: San Antonio Spurs
After a disappointing post season, which had the Spurs watching most of the playoffs from home, San Antonio has become a (more) serious contender for a championship . The Spurs were able to bring in both free agents LaMarcus Aldridge and David West to their front court, allowing the aging Tim Duncan to get more rest this upcoming season than ever before. All of this in addition to resigning Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs are shaping up to make a run for yet another championship.
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
Two years ago, the Milkwaukee Bucks were the worst team in the NBA. Now, they are a contender in the East. The young core of Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be reunited this upcoming season, along with a solid perimeter shooter Khris Middleton and point guard Michael Carter-Williams. Not to mention they signed one of the biggest free agents in Greg Monroe to a max deal. This has huge implications for Milwaukee as Monroe is tough in the post, a great passer for a big man and should hopefully fit nicely into Jason Kidd's defensive scheme.
Loser: Portland Trailblazers
No, this isn't a bad dream for Portland fans. This off-season the Trailblazers lost four out of their five starters to free agency. To add insult to injury, Arron Afflalo jumped ship too. Even though they were able to add pieces, like Mason Plumlee, losing LaMarcus Aldridge alone makes any team a loser. Not to mention losing four other players that were major contributors to Portland being a playoff team in a tough Western Conference. Unfortunately for fans of Rip City, it looks like it will be a few years before they make the playoffs again.
Loser: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers passed up on drafting Jahlil Okafor with the thinking that they would be able to get a more established big man from free agency, namely LaMarcus Aldridge or Greg Monroe. Unfortunately for Lakers fans however, they weren't able to sign either. They did sign former All-Star Roy Hibbert, but his production has been less than superstar-like recently, and he is no replacement for an Aldridge or a Monroe. It looks like it will be another down year in LA.
Team To Watch: New York Knicks
The laughingstock of the NBA may be starting to turn the their franchise around. The Knicks were able to sign both Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez, two very solid role players, to play with Carmelo Anthony in this upcoming season. Derrick Williams has struggled to find success in the NBA, but could have solid production if he can fit into the triangle most importantly, the Knicks did not spend stupid amounts of money on players that won't perform for them, and that is reason enough for New York to cheer.