How DEN gets MPJ while sending PWat + CB to BKN (CBA Workaround)
1⃣S&T PWat to BKN for draft picks ($0 in) ➔ BYC bypassed, DEN drops below 2nd Apron
2⃣Dump CB’s $25M extension +picks into cap space for cheap expiring
3⃣Aggregate Cam + Zeke ($32M) to absorb MPJ ($41M expiring)
Panic Mode In Denver, Nikola Jokic Goes Down with a Knee Injury:
“How Jokic's Knee Injury, No Matter the Severity, Can Reshape the Western Conference.”
open.substack.com/pub/lockin…
Panic Mode In Denver, Nikola Jokic Goes Down with a Knee Injury
“How Jokic's Knee Injury, No Matter the Severity, Can Reshape the Western Conference.”
open.substack.com/pub/lockin…
We are thrilled to welcome Coby K as our new Eastern Conference Opinion Columnist. Known for his fearless hot takes on the Knicks and the evolving landscape of the East, Coby brings a unique voice to Lock-In Basketball. Please note: the views expressed in his columns are his own
Spencer Jones: The Epitome of the New NBA Two-Way Player
How a defensive standout emerged from the G League to become a key member of Denver’s record-breaking start, and the centerpiece of a high-stakes roster dilemma.
open.substack.com/pub/lockin…
5. Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Eastern Conference Finals.
The two best teams of the East. If healthy they should cruise to the 1 and 2 seed and face off in the ECF.
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4. Michael Porter Jr. 20 PPG and All Star.
Mike averaged 18 PPG last season and will be the 1a 1b option this season alongside Cam Thomas. He will get more touches and have his chance to show he is more than a shooter.
In a star lacking east, he may even snag an All Star spot.
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3. Portland Blazers - Over 34 Wins .
The Blazers could not be ignored in the final stretch of the 24’ season. They have the tools to win, if they can put it all to together early on in the season, they have the ability to reach 35+ wins.
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2. Deni Avdija true Breakout Season. (20 PPG)
Deni played at an all star level in the final half of the 24’ season. A true threat on both ends, Deni plays the game the right way. A 20+ PPG season is extremely possible for Avdija - he is only improving.
1. Denver Nuggets. 2025 NBA Champions.
Denver is poised to win after the additions they made from the MPJ trade - Cam Johnson, Hardaway Jr, Bruce Brown, and BIG VAL cannot be ignored. Extreme bench improvements and a refreshed defensive ideology will lead to a 2025 NBA Title.
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Denver Nuggets interim Head Coach David Adelman on Former Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone
“What he did for this team, Best coach in history can’t argue with it… What this is right now, the national narrative whatever it is, I look at it as a hell of a run, and he’s not done.” nitter.cf/lockinbball/status/191…




