Is it too early for a sleeper teams article? Probably, but mainstream outlets have already crowned a Los Angeles champion, and with every expected champion, there's a handful of sleeper teams that can swoop in and steal the title.
Utah Jazz
Major Additions: Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jeff Green, Emmanuel Mudiay, Ed Davis
It's easy, and common, for a small market team like the Jazz to do nothing in the offseason and remain content with the relative success and filled seats that a young star like Donovan Mitchell brings. That's literally what they did last year, and I was highly critical of it.
Following a gentleman's sweep at the hand of the Houston Rockets, it was clear Utah's roster had reached its potential, and the front office took notice. Enter Mike Conley, the most forgettable star point guard in the league. Conley will provide Mitchell with some much-needed playmaking assistance—a role filled by Joe Ingles last season. Not only will Conley take playmaking stress off of Utah's young star, but he is also liable to carry the offense of the Jazz in times of postseason need, based off the 24 points per game he averaged in one of 2016-17's most underrated playoff series.
Along with Conley, the Jazz added forward Bojan Bogdanovic, an 18 points per game scorer on 43 percent three-point shooting player last season. Imagine the battles of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George versus Bogdanovic and Ingles.
The additions of Davis, Green, and Mudiay gives Quinn Snyder a legitimate nine-man rotation to play with.
Philadelphia 76ers
Major Additions: Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Zhaire Smith, Raul Neto
Thanks to a mediocre offseason from the Milwaukee Bucks, Kawhi Leonard leaving Toronto, and Kevin Durant likely missing the season, Philadelphia should be the favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in next year's Finals.
The additions of Al Horford and Josh Richardson has the Sixers in prime position to compete with the Los Angeles Clippers and Indiana Pacers for the league's best defense. With the shortest player in the starting lineup being 6-foot-6 and 7-foot-2 perennial Defensive Player of the Year anchor now being co-anchored by one of the NBA's most underrated defensive bigs, head coach Brett Brown should have a field day on the defensive end.
However, a lack of shooting and depth could continue to spell trouble for the Sixers, and the shooting problem only worsened with the loss of JJ Reddick. The lack of depth will likely lead to rookie Zhaire Smith being thrown into the fire. The Texas Tech product missed all of last season with a Jones Fracture in his left foot and allergy issues. Smith has major two-way potential and the proximity to Josh Richardson should accelerate his development.
The addition of Raul Neto is a sneaky acquisition for Philadelphia, as he provides a clear offensive upgrade from fan-favorite T.J. McConnell and knows how to hold his own on defense, thanks to his time in Utah.
Portland Trail Blazers
Major Additions: Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore, Nassir Little, Mario Hezonja
Even though the Trail Blazers served as nothing more than four mandatory games in the Western Conference Finals, Portland still finished as one of the final four teams in last year's playoffs. And they got better.
The forward position has been a clear weak spot of Portland's lineups since Nicolas Batum's departure. Kent Bazemore being traded for Evan Turner is a step in the right direction, as, albeit streaky, Bazemore serves as a threat to score. Along with swapping Turner for Bazemore, the Blazers were able to steal a lottery talent in Nassir Little with the no.25 pick. With significant weaknesses like outside shooting and lack of defensive presence, it's likely that Little won't see much playing time, but any flashes of his potential could provide help to the Blazers' star backcourt.
Hassan Whiteside is the major addition, as his talent can give the Blazers three stars for opposing teams to worry about, or his immaturity could leave Portland desperately waiting for Nurkic to return. If Whiteside can play with the same hunger that earned him his massive contract, Portland will be a legit contender out west.
Golden State Warriors
Major Additions: D'Angelo Russell, Willie Cauley-Stein
Maybe Kevin Durant or the memes led people to actually discredit Steph Curry, but he's still one of the most dominant players in NBA history and the second greatest point guard ever. The Warriors dynasty doesn't truly die until he, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are no longer playing.
With the additions of Cauley-Stein and Russell, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors plan to implement more pick-and-roll into their offense, meaning more touches for Curry. Although Russell's long-term standing within the franchise is unknown, he provides a significant playmaking upgrade for Curry in the backcourt department and is the best passer Curry has ever shared that department with. After years of being discredited due to the greatness of Durant, another 2015/16 season is more likely to occur than not for the two-time MVP, making the Warriors liable to compete with any team in the league.