The Blazers posted a 2-4 record in pre-season, as coach Terry Stotts tried several new lineups and got acclimated to the seven new players on the team. Damian Lillard sizzled, while Jabari Parker looked like a future all-star, but Greg Monroe's struggles are concerning. The big man scored just 10.5 points per game as he didn't get a lot of touches. Portland opens the season at home on November 1 against the Nuggets.
Pre-Season Power Rankings
-----Contenders-----
1. Oklahoma City (last season: 53-29, NBA Champions) - The defending champs reload with a 24 year old starting center gift-wrapped in a draft day trade, and enter the season as undisputed favorites. Superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook join Ibaka, Oladipo and Vucevic in a stacked starting 5.
2. New Orleans (last season: 49-33, lost in conference semis) - Behind Anthony Davis and all-star caliber teammates Nicolas Batum, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson, the Hornets are perceived to be OKC's biggest threat. Internal development gives them the edge over a revamped, but not necessarily improved Portland squad. Look for Monty Williams to be in coach of the year talks.
3. Portland (last season: 50-32, lost in conference finals) - After a 50 win season and trip to the conference finals that came out of nowhere, Lillard established himself as a star and the Blazers emerged as contenders. They overhauled their team in the off-season (helping the division rival Thunder in the process) but the acquisitions of Greg Monroe and Jabari Parker could make them scary good.
4. Miami (last season: 51-31, lost in NBA Finals) - Demoralizing Finals sweep aside, this is still the Heat, and with the big three all in a contract year, they are still the best team in the East. The bench does leave something to be desired are they are starting Trevor Mbakwe though...
----Playoff Teams----
5. San Antonio (last season: 46-36, lost in first round) - Last season saw the end to the Spurs' 50 game win streak and a loss in the first round. The Spurs didn't react though, keeping their consistently successful group intact while adding Bismack Biyombo and Rodney Williams.
6. Chicago (last season: 44-38, lost in East semis) - Chicago came a game away from the NBA Finals, but their offense remains a problem left unresolved in the off-season. This season rests largely on the improvement and health of Derrick Rose.
7. Indiana (last season: 47-35, lost in west semis) - The Pacers, led by Roy Hibbert, Paul George and Danny Granger are elite defensively and always a threat in the playoffs. If Paul George makes another step towards superstardom, they'll be set.
8. Golden State (last season: 44-38, lost in west semis) - Curry played all 82 games last season, made his first all-star team and his team gave the eventual champion Thunder a real scare. They hope to build on that success this season.
9. Washington (last season: 42-40, lost in first round) - With all-star John Wall, and a talented young supporting cast, the Wizards hope to win a playoff series this season.
10. Denver (last season: 47-35, lost in first round) - Denver was once again defeated in the first round last season, but remains deep and talented enough to hang with anybody.
11. New York (last season: 37-45, missed playoffs) - After a very disappointing year in which they missed the playoffs, the Knicks are faced with the tough task of keeping Melo in a lockout year. Are Shawn Marion, Aaron Gordon and Gary Harris the answer?
12. Philadelphia (last season: 44-38, lost in first round) - The Sixers may have lost in the first round, but with Bynum healthy and Jrue Holiday making the all-star team, things are looking up for the young Sixers.
13. LA Clippers (last season: 42-40, missed playoffs) - After failing to get their stride all season, big years from Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe were wasted. However, this team is too good to give up on, as evidenced by management keeping them together.
14. Houston (last season: 44-38, lost in first round) - Jeremy Lin and Paul Millsap had very good seasons last season but other than that, the team's supporting cast underwhelms.
15. Orlando (last season: 38-44, missed playoffs) - With #1 pick Martti Must and the talented Tobias Harris in tow, Orlando had little interest in Jabari Parker when he fell on draft night. Dealing with their situation at the Center position, getting a draft pick and adding J.J. Hickson in the process, the Magic made a big trade to remain relevant in the East.
16. Boston (last season: 44-38, lost in first round) - The Celtics still have Pierce and Garnett, but at this point the team's success rests on the shoulders of Rajon Rondo, and talented youngsters Avery Bradley and Julian Martin.
----The rest----
17. Memphis (last season: 39-43, missed playoffs) - Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are studs and the team is fairly deep. Memphis may not be a contender, but have enough talent to make a run at a low playoff seed.
18. Detroit (last season: 48-34, lost in east semis) - Many questioned the Pistons' decision not to match all-star big man Greg Monroe and rightfully so. While Monroe demanded a max contract, it didn't seem too unreasonable after a big season. Perhaps Andray Blatche is the answer at the 4 for them?
19. Sacramento (last season: 35-47, missed playoffs) - The Kings flamed out down the stretch last year, but DeMarcus Cousins finally became that all-star center they wanted. They add Ramon Sessions and Noah Vonleh to this improving squad.
20. Brooklyn (last season: 40-42, missed playoffs) - The Nets have Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson. $120 million is committed to those three for the next two years and outside of them, there isn't much talent to write home about.
21. Cleveland (last season: 35-47, missed playoffs) - The Cavs lucked out by drafting Andrew Wiggins, who slipped to 3rd. Other than a hole at the center position (no offense Mo Speights), the Cavs are very talented and could be a sleeper if healthy.
22. Phoenix (last season: 29-53, missed playoffs) - The Suns questionably took Willie Cauley first overall over Andrew Wiggins among others, but plan to start Alex Len. However, Andre Iguodala is a big addition.
23. Toronto (last season: 44-38, lost in second round) - The stars aligned for Toronto to win their first playoff series since 2001. They were promptly swept by Miami though, and boast a fairly low ceiling core.
24. Utah (last season: 43-39, lost in first round) - Utah continues down the path of mediocrity by having four starter quality big men. They have enough talent to be good, but need to consider dealing Al Jefferson and/or Nikola Pekovic.
25. LA Lakers (last season: 38-44, missed playoffs) - Pierre Jackson starts at the point while the Lakers stock up on veterans to build around Kobe and Gasol. Yawn.
26. Charlotte (last season: 31-51, missed playoffs) - Their starting five consists of elite college players with Julius Randle joining the mix. Charlotte has talent, but 13-14 all-star Kemba Walker has yet to lead the team to the playoffs.
27. Atlanta (last season: 36-46, missed playoffs) - Atlanta boasts last year's team plus promising rookie center Joel Embiid. Last year that team missed the playoffs. This team seems to have hit its ceiling, and rebuilding may be the best course of action.
28. Milwaukee (last season: 38-44, missed playoffs) - The Ellis/Jennings backcourt remains a fundamentally poor idea and waste the talents of young players Leo Lai and Dyrone Williams.
29. Minnesota (last season: 25-57, missed playoffs) - Minnesota hasn't made the playoffs since the 2003-04 season, and while they have accumulated a decent amount of talent over the years, health and defense continue to hold this squad back.
30. Dallas (last season: 27-55, missed playoffs) - With Dirk aging rapidly and instead of Andrew Wiggins, a backup PG in Dante Exum, it could be a very long year in Dallas.
I want out 
