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Dust off the high tops and bring out the starters jackets, the NBA is back people.
For those that like to cut to the chase and can’t be bothered watching all 1230 regular season games I have compiled my top five sure fire predictions for the upcoming season.
1. The future is now
Anthony Davis won’t win the MVP but he will be the best player in the competition this season.
It’s hard to imagine that a player coming off a 24-point, 10-rebound, three-block and two-assist season has much room for improvement. However, Davis’s career trajectory is about to blow past ‘superstar’ level and into the pantheon of play currently only inhabited by the likes of Russell, Olajuwon, Duncan and O’Neal.
There’s already talk that Davis has added a three pointer to his already strong jump shooting game. If this is the case, game over.
Expect his already insane defensive efficiency to rise under new coach Alvin Gentry’s defensive schemes, taking a lot of pressure off Davis to clean up his teammates’ mistakes.
The only reason Davis won’t win MVP this season hinges on the fact that his already injury depleted Pelicans may struggle to win enough games to appeal to the voters.
Expect a rejuvenated Kevin Durant to take the award from last year’s favourites Steph Curry and James Harden.
2. Watch the Bulls at the deadline
While Chicago remain the darling of preseason pundits, time is running out for the underachieving Bulls to finally live up to expectations.
The Bulls’ hopes have long been defined by the fortunes of their All Star guard Derrick Rose, however don’t be surprised to see the front office cut ties with the former MVP at the deadline.
This is Jimmy Butler’s team now and whether or not the rumours of a rift between the pair are true, Rose and his ever growing injury history have suddenly become expendable.
While Rose’s value has certainly dropped over the last few years, a package including either Taj Gibson or a partly rejuvenated Joakim Noah would still hold appeal.
Chicago have already shown their hand by starting Nikola Mirotic this season. Hoiberg realises they need to get younger and more versatile if they are finally to challenge any LeBron James-led team for supremacy in the east.
Look for a trade with a team willing to deal a young, talented point guard.
3. Year of the Celtic
While the Celtics may challenge for home court advantage come playoffs it is the fortunes of the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets that will have C’s fans most excited throughout the season.
The Celtics have the unprotected rights to Brooklyn’s first rounder, which depending on the health of Brook Lopez, could be as high as the top pick, while they also have the rights to a top seven protected pick from Dallas.
The Mavs are in a tight spot with both Chandler Parsons and Wes Matthews coming off serious injury and Dirk Nowitzki looking older than Jesus.
Expect the Mavs to start the season off trying to win games before undertaking a late desperate tank job in a bid to keep their pick.
Credit to Danny Ainge for outsourcing the Celtics tank job, the Celtics could feasibly finish fifth in the east and still end up with the first and eighth picks in the draft.
4. Dark horse in the scoring title race
Damian Lillard has been given the green light to fire from anywhere in a rebuilding Trailblazers outfit.
In all honesty, Lillard putting up half-court heaves may be the team’s most efficient point-scoring method after the front office gutted the team following the loss of LeMarcus Aldridge.
Given Lillard has never been shy in putting up shots to start with, he could well lead the league in both inefficiency and point-scoring this season.
Expect Durant, Davis, a healthy Carmelo Anthony and Lillard to fight it out.
Dame might be worth a lazy tenner for the title.
5. Warriors going back-to-back
Pundits, opposition coaches and fans have given Golden State all the motivation they need to go back-to-back.
All the talk surrounding luck from the past season is sure to take the league’s deepest roster to new heights. Houston will be the biggest test for the Warriors depending on the integration of Ty Lawson to the mix. They are a deep team with skill across the roster.
While the Spurs will again be there or thereabouts, don’t expect San Antonio to challenge for the title unless Tony Parker can wind back the clock and find form again.
In the east, it will again be the Cavs first and daylight second with the John Wall, Bradley Beale-led Wizards making the Conference Finals.
Enjoy the season!
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