The NBA season begins Tuesday night when Derrick Rose makes his return against the Heat.
Going into the season there are five clear title contenders, a handful of intriguing teams, and a BUNCH of franchises that are banking on the loaded 2014 NBA Draft.
To make our preseason power rankings we used our own offseason grades, the SCHOENE advanced statistics prediction model, and 2012-13 results.
30. Phoenix Suns (15th in West last year)
SCHOENE prediction: 15th in West
Thing to know: They have four picks in the loaded 2014 NBA Draft.
29. Orlando Magic (15th in East last year)
SCHOENE prediction: 15th in East
Thing to know: They didn't re-sign any free agents and they're going to experiment with Victor Oladipo at point guard.
28. Philadelphia 76ers (9th in East last year)
SCHOENE prediction: 14th in East
Thing to know: Top pick Nerlens Noel probably won't play this year, which is just fine for the team.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider