NBA Preview 2018-19

Only in the NBA

One of my main fixes is back, only in the NBA. This particular post will deal with predictions and a quick statement regarding some happenings around the Association. In the East I see six locks to make the playoffs (my projected 1-6). I'm going to go out on a limb (the paid pundits say they'll be terrible) and predict the Cavs will make the playoffs; leaving Detroit, Miami, and perhaps Charlotte, to win just enough games and fall into the eighth seed. The (+/-) indicates the potential to rise or fall. Miami will be well coached, they'll play hard and should make the playoffs regardless. However, the continued and tiresome Jimmy Butler ordeal could cause the Heat, not to mention the Timberwolves, to crumble or exceed expectations. Tangent: Pre-agency sagas are ridiculous. What Kyrie, Kawhi and Butler have done is the exact opposite of what a highly paid professional should do, in any field. All three are favorites of mine to watch, especially Kyrie. The major difference between them and what LeBron and KD did is cavernous. James and Durant made their own decisions as free agents. The circuses they created are entirely different, and in my opinion less soap opera-like. The two best players on the planet WERE NOT under contract when they left their previous teams. If Miami rattles their roster too much maybe the Pistons can sneak in.

East: 1. Boston 2. Philadelphia 3. Toronto 4. Washington 5. Milwaukee 6. Indiana 7. Miami (+/-) 8. Cleveland

First of all, the West is a gauntlet. It's likely to have multiple teams with winning records who end up missing out on the playoffs. The competition and winning percentages will be better record than the lowly squads back east, reseeding anyone? It could ultimately be a battle between four teams for the final two spots. New Orleans and Portland have the inside track in my opinion. New Orleans (+/-) could climb in the standings or dive. Should AD become the destroyer of NBA worlds that he seems capable of, his team will be a top four seed. If the Pelicans are floundering, the Brow could become the next pre-agent. Minnesota is in shambles and I'm no longer a believer in Thibs, at least they signed Towns. And sadly, San Antonio now has two young and talented players either hurt (Lonnie Walker) or injured for the season (Dejounte Murray). For the record I am not writing them off. DeRozan will help Aldridge carry the load offensively and the Spurs will do Spurs things, probably making they playoffs as they always do under Pop. I'm interested to see Spurs DeMar. The funny thing is, Dallas and Memphis are going to be better too. If my predictions hold true, the Lakers and Nuggets will take two spots, leaving teams from last year on the outside looking in.  

West: 1. Golden State 2. Houston 3. Utah 4. OKC 5. LA Lakers 6. Denver 7. New Orleans (+/-) 8. Portland

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NBA Predictions 2016-17

East: Chicago and Washington could make the playoffs; I'm predicting they won't—Indiana may be susceptible due to regime change. One thing's for certain, this year will be entertaining.

West: Dallas and Houston will push the young team from Minnesota for the 8th seed. The coaching edge goes to the Mavericks, roster to the Wolves.  Teams with an * made the playoffs last year. Those with a ^ are my predicted division winners.

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5 NBA Teams to Watch

Wolves ready to Howl

The 2016-17 NBA season should be FANtastic. There will be plenty of storylines and some amazing teams to watch for this year. Beyond the obvious two, the defending champs and the death star, there are some intriguing teams in the NBA, if not entertaining. You're probably thinking this is too soon, you're probably right. I am here furthering my confessed loved of hoops. Below is a list of the five teams I'm most interested in watching coming into the much hyped NBA season. Explanations are as given, along with two honorable mentions.  

1. Minnesota T'Wolves - Karl Anthony-Towns (the most un-tradable player in the NBA due to his potential and being on a rookie contract) is the main reason all Wolves fans should be drooling, perhaps even howling. If you watched him play last year than you know what I'm talking about. Kris Dunn will hopefully fleece Rubio and steal his milk money for good. Wiggins ascension is vital, please be working on that outside game. Lavine's bounce has been put on blast but none other than Dr. J. Will the two-time dunk champ push Wiggins, or maybe win a sixth man award if he comes off the bench? Personally I'm a fan of him starting. Please say adios to Rubio &/or Pekovic if the youth movement whips into shape via the new mastermind. Either that, or they help to solidify the second unit. How will the Wolves utilize Muhammad & Dieng? Then there's Thibodeau, one of the top 5 to 7 coaches in the NBA, taking over a talented young team craving the playoffs. Roster

2. Utah Jazz - Defense, youth, length, a good coach who is modern and intense, mad depth, coupled with a smart franchise, equals a continued rise in the Western Conference standings. They're basically made to defend the small ball spread pick and roll. Hayward, Favors, Gobert, Hood & Burks, plus a healthy Exum,  equal one of the best young rosters in the Association. How will Diaw and Joe Johnson mesh into the mix, along with George Hill and the rookie additions? One's thing's for sure, Utah will play hard, play D and their fans will always fill the arena. Dare I say they're a lock to make the playoffs? I believe they will. Roster

3. Milwaukee Bucks - Freakish upside & length easily sums up the Bucks future. The Greek Freak, aka Giannis, whom I saw last year and was utterly impressed by—he was the best player on the court at times when I watched him at Golden State. Jabari has offensive skills but will he transform into a defender. Or be traded before we see him gel in Milwaukee? Is Thon Maker for real? Is Malcolm Brogdon for real? J. Kidd re-upping and getting to truly put his fingerprints on the team should help them reestablish the magic that took them to the playoffs in his first year there. Will MCW be a switch-everything perimeter stopper or a Shaun Livingston 2.0 off the bench? The Bucks could compete in the East and I haven't even mentioned the highly coveted Kris Middleton, or the trade bait that is Greg Monroe. Plus they signed Dellavedova, I loved him in Cleveland. Roster

4. Charlotte Hornets - Kemba will be fully unleashed now that Lin is gone. I love me some Kemba. MKG will be back and is bound to play his brand of tough-nosed defense and all-out hustle. Hopefully his jumper has been getting smoother, if not a bit more trust-worthy. The Hornets brought most of the roster back and will try to build on their momentum from last year. Batum got paid, Belinelli was brought in, psycho T returns to Carolina, Hibbert replaces big Al, and Steve Clifford is easily a coach on the rise. Plus this is MJ's team. And the East is wide open, other than the fact the LeBron plays in the same conference. Roster 

5. New York Knicks - Come on. Melo, The Zinger, D. Rose & his old pal Noah, Brandon Jennings off the pine/starting, coupled with the acquisitions of Courtney Lee (whom I like) & Tony Wroten, make the Knicks an early season must-watch. Even if I'm tuning in just to see how it all works (it could also be a hot mess of a dumpster fire). Holliday showed flashes last year and O'Quinn will do some dirty work. Really I just want to see Wichita State 2.0 in the pros mixing it up with the Zinger. Maybe the Zen Master could unleash Ron Baker and Cleanthony Early, all those guys did was win at the collegiate level with hard work, determination and real basketball skills that translated into team ball. Oh yeah, I forgot, Phil doesn't think modern players have the proper skills, patience or acumen to succeed in the triangle. Guess what Zen Master? You don't have Jordan and Pippen or Shaq and Kobe and now the NBA allows zone-like defenses—maybe you need to update your Windows '96. Jeff Hornacek coaching in the Big Apple with a former foe as his boss should also be fun to keep an eye on. Two important questions: Will Melo waive his no trade clause to join LeBron? And when will the Knicks realize their highest paid players could have competed for a championship in 2010-11? It's time to start playing the youngsters and build around Porzingis. Roster

Westbrook Snarl

Honorable Mention 
OKC Thunder - Two words: Russel Westbrook! Please basketball gods, keep Russ in a Thunder jersey so I can witness him ripping the NBA a new one. He'll be a triple-double machine, resembling something like an unstoppable mutant X-men alien.

Boston Celtics - They have the best young coach in the NBA (Brad Stevens). They have the most daring and draft stashing master GM (Danny Ainge). And they landed the second best free agent of the summer (Al Horford).



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