The Nuggets, Heat and Kings were three of the most surprising teams of the 22-23 season with each of them built around playmaking centers that accentuated the strengths of their perimeter scorers and presented riddles that opposing defenses mostly failed to solve. Read more »

The primary knock against Ayton is that he wants more. For the Suns to beat the Nuggets, let alone reach The Finals, they need Ayton to narrow his role - then thrive in it. Read more »

Several turns, steps back, fired coaches, controversial trades, and losses after he was drafted to change the culture, De'Aaron Fox and the Kings have a series lead over the dynasty-echoing Warriors in large part due to his masterclass performance. Read more »

Damian Lillard has been the rare superstar in today's era that stays. The question is whether continuing the partnership serves either's own interest. Read more »

Ja Morant's recent absence provided a glimpse of what the offense could be. This stretch is far from proof of concept, but it could be something for Memphis to build on. Read more »

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram will play outsized roles in how their respective teams close the season. Read more »

Not only did the Lakers end their experiment with Russell Westbrook, they also improved the team's depth and flexibility, held onto one of their coveted future first-round picks and laid the foundation for a more sensible path forward.  Read more »

Walker Kessler was thrown into the Rudy Gobert trade and has emerged as a shot-blocking force for the Jazz. Meanwhile, Gobert has become the avatar for Minnesota's disappointing season. Read more »