Hoops Habit
Fansided

All NBA Teams: Way too early picks for the league’s elite 15

By Ronald Moody

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a basket during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 24, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a basket during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 24, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

 Ja Morant

After losing to the Warriors in the second round, Ja Morant continues his upward trajectory to becoming one of the league’s brightest stars. Although it is a collective effort with the Memphis Grizzlies, Morant is the captain pushing them to elite-level status. His showstopping playmaking, lethal scoring ability, and superior athleticism are second to none.

Kevin Durant

A tumultuous offseason in which Durant’s loyalty and leadership were called into question fueled him into one of the best seasons in his storied career. As the Eastern Conference is loaded at the top, his resurgence with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons pushes the Nets to win the conference. A hate-him or love-him player, there is no denying Durant’s greatness on the court. His remarkable play quiets a lot of critics during the season.

Joel Embiid

Finishing second in MVP voting and being named to the All-NBA second team, Embiid led the NBA in scoring at 30.6 points per game and finished fifth in rebounding with 11.7 per game. He will return highly motivated to prove he is the best center in the game. With an in-shape, sculpted James Harden resurgence, Embiid will play better as the duo will make it harder for teams to defend both. On the court, he does it all: he shoots threes, posts up, and is a dominant force in the paint.