The NBA Preseason has kicked off. It is a Western Conference galore to begin the festivities. On the flip side, the Eastern Conference has its wealth of contenders yet again. After Damian Lillard’s trade to the Bucks, the scales have tilted further in their favor. However, despite that, ESPN isn’t convinced that Giannis Antetokounmpo and co will finish at the top. They haven’t even considered them worthy of a top-two finish. 

They have given the East Regular Season crown to Jayson Tatum and his Boston Celtics. In this wake, a Forward from the Eastern Conference has taken an exception to his team’s omission. 

Player drafted by Michael Jordan laughs at the list

With the Regular Season just a couple of weeks away, such speculative and prediction lists are going to be commonplace. It is an interesting exercise to build anticipation around the season. It is these storylines that captivate millions of NBA fans. And these storylines are fueled by ESPN, owned by Disney, which has a market cap of $151.76 billion. Therefore, ESPN’s list has now triggered a conversation too. 

Favoring Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland Cavaliers at number two over the Bucks is an interesting choice. Last season, the Bucks captured 58 wins and the major network predicts a downward ten-game slide. This is despite having a shooting upgrade in Damian Lillard, they have considered Jrue Holiday’s departure a huge hit. Is Stephen A. Smith in agreement with the list, dished out by his employer?

A Charlotte Hornets player is certainly not looking at this kindly. Drafted by the Michael Jordan–owned Hornets in 2018, Miles Bridges looks displeased.  He showcases his displeasure by mocking this list.

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His Hornets are not even considered good enough for Play-in honors. With his return, they will receive an injection on both ends, and he certainly believes so. Will he prove this list a hogwash in the upcoming season?

Miles Bridges and the Hornets have to prove doubters wrong

Last season, Bridges had to sit out because of legal issues. Having admitted guilt and worked his way through rehab, the franchise was pleased with the improvements he showed. They desperately missed him last season, which was highlighted by LaMelo Ball’s injury. Ball played in just 36 games and the team had one of the weakest frontline. Bridges could have surely helped their win-count which was merely 27 last season. 

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Therefore, despite his return, the Disney-owned network is predicting pretty much a similar fate. The 6’7″ Forward who posted career-high numbers of 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in the 2020-21 window will look to throw this list in the garbage bin.

Under the new ownership, will Ball and Bridges lift their franchise to at least Play-in slots?

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