NBA Power Rankings: Preview the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest

Dearly Departed: Dzanan Musa, Justin Anderson, Wilson Chandler, Jamal Crawford, Garret Temple

New Additions: Landry Shamet, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green

Win Projection/Prediction: 45/Over

The Brooklyn Nets kept the powder dry this offseason, keeping all of their assets in place to make a major trade when one comes available. They can be forgiven for their inactivity when considering they are adding back Kevin Durant (who missed all last season) and Kyrie Irving (20 games last season). Even without making big moves, this is a totally different team from last year.

Furthermore, they are a title contender already. Durant is coming back from a devastating injury but his offensive game should not be interrupted by any possible lack of athleticism. He is the purest scorer of this generation and will make dropping 30 look effortless on a nightly basis. Kyrie may be the player countless fans love to hate, but he was a wizard on the court last season as he dealt with injuries and getting accustomed to a whole new team. If he can adjust to being the second option on this team, the rest of the league should be on the lookout.

The supporting cast should not be ignored. Caris LeVert looked like a star in the seeding game and will be able to pick his spots to dominate. Joe Harris is one of the league’s most lethal shooters (42.4 percent on 5.9 attempts per game) and will thrive with the kick-outs from his All-NBA cohorts. Spencer Dinwiddie is one of the best bench guards in the league. Bruce Brown, should he find his way into the rotation, is a dogged perimeter defender who knows his role. Jarrett Allen will make a leap this season if (when) he secures the starting role.

New head coach Steve Nash has his work cut out for him as this team finds its identity. They have a level of talent most teams dream of. Should a big move come during the season, the rest of the league will be in trouble.