PISCOPIO PILLARS - NBA Regular Season Stretch Run

The NBA Playoffs are a few weeks away, and as fans and analysts of the sport, we mostly know who the real contenders are. Here I will give you my NBA Team Pillars, the foundation to a building or a structure. The foundation here is the NBA and how many real contenders are left as we wind up the regular season.

Massive Offseason Approaching: Mavericks, Suns

The Mavs will likely make the Play-In tournament while the Suns will probably miss it entirely. It’s been a disappointment of a season for both squads for different reasons. Will Durant or Booker be traded? How will the Mavs rebound from the Luka trade? What kind of deal will Kyrie sign and will it be in Dallas? Will Anthony Davis get healthier? Loads of unanswered questions with many talented all stars/ future hall of famers.

Participation Trophies: Kings, Hawks, Bulls, Heat

Congrats on making the play-in/maybe playoffs. The Bulls are probably a couple years away from real contention, the Kings and Heat traded their franchise players De’Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler, and the Hawks traded near everyone except their guy Trae Young. Don’t feel very confident of any of these teams futures. The Bulls could have something going soon with young guys like Coby White, Matas Buzelis and maybe a finally healthy Lonzo Ball, but it feels like they need a reboot. The Kings have Lavine, Sabonis, Murray and a nice core but it just seems not it won't be enough in the West. 

Red Flags: Bucks, Grizzlies

Without a real point guard, I don’t see Giannis carrying the Bucks to even the Conference Finals in this deeper eastern conference. Kyle Kuzma is having his worst shooting year of his career and I just think there are 5 teams better in the east. Bucks need to be careful as Giannis may decide to request a trade if the team around him doesn't match the timeline of his career. As for the Grizzlies, they are on a slide losing 7 of their last 9, most of them to the best teams in the league, Boston both LA teams, the Thunder and the Cavs. Ja Morant has not been on the court much this year, and is having his worst statistical season since 2020-21. I see both of these squads having a tough time winning even a round at this point, let alone two.

Matchup Dependent: Magic, Clippers, Rockets

If the Magic and/or the Clippers make it out of the play-in and get the Celtics and the Thunder, no shot for either team. If the Rockets draw either of the veteran squads in the first round, Warriors, Lakers, Nuggets, I think they'll have a difficult time matching up. They have to get credit for their regular season success though, Houston was not expected to be near the top of the West. The Clippers are a bit disappointing but you have to think they’re still dealing with the fallout of the SGA/Paul George trade and Harden and Kawhi having so many miles on their legs, still in position for a playoff spot. And i wish the Magic would have a better record up to this point, but I could see them possibly winning a first round series if it is not against Boston.

The Golden Age of Basketball: Knicks, Pacers, Pistons

The late 1980s and 1990s are known by many as the Golden Age of the league where Michael Jordan and the Bulls dominated, along with the style of "bully ball" from teams like the Pistons, Knicks and even Pacers. Not in this pillar for their styles of play currently, more so the rivalries or what’s left of them. Not a real shot to win a title but good young teams that can win a playoff series. Would personally love a Detroit/New York series. Bet the unders on all the games.

All-Time Legends: Warriors, Nuggets

Nikola Jokic could win a second title and push for a Top 10 if not Top 15 all time. Steph Curry with another Finals MVP could cement himself in the Top 10 if he's not already, and maybe surpass Magic as the all time best point guard. Yes, I said point guard he runs the point, he's a hybrid guard. The game has evolved and "position-less basketball" has become more prominent in today's game. Jokic is a "point center" he’s doesn't play like Hakeem or Shaq, he runs Denver's offense. Don't know if these teams as currently constructed have another run in them at a title, but i would not be surprised if either team came out of the West.

Arthropoda & Arachnida: Cavaliers, Timberwolves

Spider and Ant Man, nicknames of the two stars of these teams Donovan Mitchell and Anthony Edwards. I’d give these teams about a 10-15% chance at the title. Which may be disrespectful to the Cavs because of their record. However, I think Boston would take care of them in the Eastern Conference Finals. I also believe that the Wolves are better than their record and maybe I’m biased from last postseason, but I can definitely see Edwards lead them back to the Conference Finals.

Changing of the Guard: Lakers, Thunder

Two teams that will probably meet in the WCF. OKC has the MVP favorite, excellent on both sides of the court, they get to the line, play defense, can switch with almost anyone, and are pretty deep in their rotation. The Lakers have two of the smartest players with the basketball, when both play they have arguably the best offense in the sport. The Thunder's weakness is youth and inexperience. The Lakers weakness is size and sometimes inconsistent play from the rest of the cast. Austin Reaves has been balling this year along with Jalen Williams, healthy 3rd options for both teams. I’d tend to take the more experienced team over the younger one, but it’s so close right now.

Next NBA Dynasty?: Celtics

The better version of the Thunder, they are the deepest team in the league. A bit skeptical after the Tatum ankle injury but they almost shouldn't need him until the 2nd round of the playoffs. Thats how much better they are than every other team. Not much else to say other than don’t let this team walk to the Finals or the league may create a new monster.

Piscopio Pillars

Next NBA Dynasty?: Celtics

Changing of the Guard: Lakers, Thunder

Arthropoda & Arachnida: Cavaliers, Timberwolves

All-Time Legends: Warriors, Nuggets

The Golden Age of Basketball: Knicks, Pacers, Pistons

Matchup Dependent: Magic, Clippers, Rockets

Red Flags: Bucks, Grizzlies

Participation Trophies: Kings, Hawks, Bulls, Heat

Massive Offseason Approaching: Mavericks, Suns