The landscape of the NBA changed drastically this offseason. Several teams were playoff teams last season that will be facing some tough challenges to hold onto those spots as a lot of teams upgraded their rosters this offseason.
The Eastern Conference looks like it will be highly competitive once again for the six postseason spots and four berths in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors will be looking to make some noise this season. The Detroit Pistons, while still rebuilding, will be more competitive with an upgraded roster.
The Western Conference is always difficult to navigate as well. Teams will have to deal with a potentially healthy Golden State Warriors and revamped veteran star-laden Los Angeles Lakers squad. Both of those teams were in the Play-In Tournament last season and will be looking to move into the top-six to avoid that.
That means that some teams who secured playoff spots last season will face stiff competition in holding onto those spots. The New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat will likely combat that in the Eastern Conference. The Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers, without Kawhi Leonard, will have to do it in the Western Conference.
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Those teams all upgraded their rosters this offseason, some more than others, as franchises positioned themselves not only for this upcoming season but for the future as well. One big move could change the outlook of those teams.
Here are five NBA teams that still need to make a blockbuster deal.
