A look around the league and the Web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.
C: Sports on Earth. Michael Pina on the loads of real talent in Denver that's sort of wasting away: "The Nuggets aren't rebuilding, nor have they pieced together a roster that can grow on its own." So, um, what are they doing, then?
PF: ESPN.com. Michael Wallace with a good look at Al Horford's efforts to come back from another torn pectoral muscle amid the unsavory offseason business that dominated the Atlanta Hawks' summer, and what makes the quiet and unassuming two-time All-Star one of the league's more respected players.
SF: Posting and Toasting. "At first, I was like 'why a circle?' Aren't Phil and the Knicks all about the Triangle this year? Then I looked more closely." #staywoke
SG: CetlicsBlog. Could a change in pick-and-roll defensive philosophy help the Boston Celtics improve on last season's 20th-place finish in points allowed per possession?
PG: The Triangle. Danny Chau loves the Phoenix Suns, which is why Danny Chau is worried about the Phoenix Suns.
6th: The Bird Writers. Sure, it makes sense for players to work on their weaknesses during the summer, and to try become as well-rounded as they can. But it makes sense for teams to build their rosters with an eye toward surrounding some well-rounded stars with role-playing specialists, which is an area in which the New Orleans Pelicans have, and may continue to, come up short in recent years.
7th: National Post. Eric Koreen talks with Wayne Embry, the first African-American general manager in NBA history, about Danny Ferry, Donald Sterling, and the way race relations have and haven't changed in the league over the years.
8th: GQ. Bethlehem Shoals on how joining up with LeBron James on the new-look Cavs changes things for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love: "Coming to Cleveland should up the ante for Irving and Love, not hide their shortcomings."
9th: The Triangle. Zach Lowe on 2014 second-round pick K.J. McDaniels' unique one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers — "This is a negotiating loss for Philly, and a win for players who want control of their futures" — and the less-than-glamorous labor situation for fringe NBA players.
10th: Deadspin. "NBA Jam" tandems, ranked. Enjoy arguing about this, everyone!
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Dan Devine is an editor for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at devine@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!
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