Movie quote of the day:
“Our survival instinct is our single-greatest source of inspiration.”
– Dr. Mann, “Interstellar” (2014)
I’ll be honest, I’m kind of looking forward to the NBA regular season. There were a lot of moves this offseason and I really want to see how those moves play out this season – especially in regards to my Boston Celtics. Honestly, predicting the NBA is probably my least favorite thing to do thought because it’s so predictable. There are about 12 teams that I would consider “locks” to make the playoffs, but it’s still fun to talk about. I’ll start with my predicted winners for the major awards, and then my predictions for the three division winners and the other five teams in each conference that I like to make the playoffs.
Major award winners prediction:
Most Valuable Player: SG James Harden, Houston
Defensive Player of the Year: PF Draymond Green, Golden State
Sixth Man of the Year: SG Jamal Crawford, Minnesota
Rookie of the Year: PG Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Eastern Conference division winners:
Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) during the first half of a preseason game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Atlantic – Boston Celtics
2016-2017 record: 53-29
Key additions: PG Kyrie Irving, SF Gordon Hayward, PF Marcus Morris
Key departures: PG Isaiah Thomas, SG Avery Bradley, SF/PF Jae Crowder, C Kelly Olynyk, PF Amir Johnson
2017 draft class: SF Jayson Tatum (Round: 1 Pick: 3), PF Semi Ojeleye (Round: 2 Pick: 37), SG Kadeem Allen (Round: 2 Pick: 53), SG Jabari Bird (Round: 2 Pick: 56)
2016-2017 points per game: 108 (No. 7)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .454 (No. 16)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .359 (No. 14)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 108.6 (No. 8)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 105.4 (No. 15)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .450 (No. 9)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .332 (No. 2)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 105.5 (No. 12)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 42 (No. 26)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.8 (No. 21)
Boston is coming off a season where the Celtics won 53 games and got the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics did trade away All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, but added Kyrie Irving to replace him – which will be an improvement. Al Horford didn’t turn out to be the player the Celtics expected when they signed him last year, but he’s still a solid veteran presence. They also picked up Gordon Hayward through free agency and drafted Jayson Tatum to help with scoring. This is still a young team that is on the rise and has an excellent young head coach in Brad Stevens. Boston should be able to improve in the win column this season, but losing key defensive pieces like Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, and Kelly Olynyk is going to hurt.
Prediction: 58-24 (second in the East)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Paul Zipser (16) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Central – Cleveland Cavaliers
2016-2017 record: 51-31
Key additions: PG Isaiah Thomas, PF/SF Jeff Green, PG Derrick Rose, SF/PF Jae Crowder, SG Dwyane Wade
Key departures: PG Kyrie Irving
2017 draft class: N/A
2016-2017 points per game: 110.3 (No. 4)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .470 (No. 5)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .384 (No. 2)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 110.9 (No. 3)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 107.2 (No. 20)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .458 (No. 16)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .361 (No. 18)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 108 (No. 22)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43.8 (No. 12)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: +1.2 (No. 6)
Despite losing Kyrie Irving, this is still the top team in the East. LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Isaiah Thomas is still a very good “Big Three.” There’s also still capable veterans like Kyle Korver, J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, and Iman Shumpert to play secondary roles on Cleveland’s roster. Plus, the additions of Dwyane Wade, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, and Jeff Green give this team sufficient depth that the Cavaliers were missing last season.
Prediction: 60-22 (first in the East)
Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Southeast – Washington Wizards
2016-2017 record: 49-33
Key additions: SG Jodie Meeks, PG Tim Frazier
Key departures: SF/PF Bojan Bogdanovic, PG Trey Burke, PG Brandon Jennings
2017 draft class: N/A
2016-2017 points per game: 109.2 (No. 5)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .475 (No. 3)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .372 (No. 8)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 108.5 (No. 9)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 107.4 (No. 21)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .466 (No. 24)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .364 (No. 19)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 106.9 (No. 20)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 42.9 (No. 22)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -1.3 (No. 27)
After Cleveland and Boston, the rest of my playoff teams in the East are kind of in a weird purgatory where they’re decent, but won’t contend for a championship and aren’t bad enough to be in the draft lottery. One of those teams on that list is Washington. I like the Wizards to win the Southeast division mostly because there’s no All-Stars in that division that can compete with Washington’s roster that consists of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., Jodie Meeks, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Marcin Gortat. I think 50 wins is fair for this team, but I don’t give Washington much of a chance to get past the second round in the playoffs.
Prediction: 50-32 (fourth in the East)
Other playoff teams in the East:
Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles as he is guarded by Detroit Pistons forward Reggie Bullock (25) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors
2016-2017 record: 51-31
Key additions: SG/SF C.J. Miles
Key departures: PF Patrick Patterson, SF DeMarre Carroll, SF P.J. Tucker
2017 draft class: SF/PF OG Anunoby (Round: 1 Pick: 23)
2016-2017 points per game: 106.9 (No. 10)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .464 (No. 11)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .363 (No. 13)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 109.8 (No. 6)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 102.6 (No. 8)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .449 (No. 6)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .354 (No. 11)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 104.9 (No. 8)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43.3 (No. 18)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -2.2 (No. 29)
I think Toronto is the biggest threat to Cleveland and Boston in the East. It’s a guard-driven league and the Raptors have two really good ones in Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan – both averaged a combined 49.7 points per game last year. However, outside of Serge Ibaka, there’s not much else on Toronto’s roster. The Raptors lack depth – which is going to hurt in the playoffs when they’re trying to compete in the East because both Cleveland and Boston have depth. Having Lowry, DeRozan, and Ibaka is still a good enough trio to get to 50 wins, especially in the East, and I think if this team gets insanely hot or makes a good trade, Toronto is capable of going on a deep run in the postseason.
Prediction: 51-31 (third in the East)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of an NBA preseason game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks
2016-2017 record: 42-40
Key additions: N/A
Key departures: N/A
2017 draft class: PF D.J. Wilson (Round: 1 Pick: 17)
2016-2017 points per game: 103.6 (No. 20)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .474 (No. 4)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 106.9 (No. 13)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .370 (No. 10)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 103.8 (No. 9)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .458 (No. 17)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .353 (No. 9)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 106.4 (No. 17)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 40.4 (No. 29)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.6 (No. 20)
If Jabari Parker can stay healthy – who only played 51 games last year and was averaging 20.1 points per game – I really like Milwaukee to get to 50 wins and potentially wreak some havoc in the postseason. Think about it, the Bucks already have, in my opinion, a perennial All-Star in Giannis Antetokounmpo, good veterans like Khris Middleton and Greg Monroe, and a point guard with a very bright future in Malcolm Brogdon – who was NBA Rookie of the Year last season. Milwaukee also has a good coach with Jason Kidd. However, Parker has struggled to stay healthy since he entered the NBA, and I’m not crazy about the depth for the Bucks.
Prediction: 48-34 (fifth in the East)
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) looks on against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons
2016-2017 record: 37-45
Key additions: SG Avery Bradley, PG/SG Langston Galloway, PF Anthony Tolliver
Key departures: SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, PF Marcus Morris
2017 draft class: SG Luke Kennard (Round: 1 Pick: 12)
2016-2017 points per game: 101.3 (No. 26)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .449 (No. 22)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .330 (No. 28)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 103.3 (No. 25)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 102.5 (No. 7)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .460 (No. 20)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .366 (No. 21)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 105.3 (No. 11)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 45.7 (No. 4)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.8 (No. 21)
Detroit is an odd team. The Pistons have a deep roster that is filled with just good veterans like Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond, and Reggie Jackson. There’s no real All-Star though on this roster. The addition of Avery Bradley is probably an improvement after the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and he provides a very good defensive presence. This is a young team with a good coach in Stan Van Gundy, and I look forward to watching this team grow in the coming years. However, I think losing Marcus Morris is going to hurt more than people think – he averaged 14 points and 4.6 rebound per game last year.
Prediction: 45-37 (sixth in the East)
Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives on Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half of a preseason game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets
2016-2017 record: 36-46
Key additions: C Dwight Howard, PG Michael Carter-Williams
Key departures: C/PF Miles Plumlee, SG/SF Marco Belinelli,
2017 draft class: SG Malik Monk (Round: 1 Pick: 11), SG Dwayne Bacon (Round: 2 Pick: 40)
2016-2017 points per game: 104.9 (No. 16)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .442 (No. 26)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .351 (No. 18)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 106.4 (No. 14)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 104.7 (No. 13)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .456 (No. 15)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .369 (No. 25)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 106.1 (No. 14)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43.6 (No. 15)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -1.4 (No. 28)
Charlotte made a lot of moves that I like in the offseason – adding Dwight Howard, Michael Carter-Williams, and drafting Malik Monk. The Hornets have an All-Star in Kemba Walker and already have good depth with Nicolas Batum, Frank Kaminsky, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. I would like Charlotte to win more games but Howard can be a head case at times and, even though I like Monk’s future in the league, relying on rookies to fill large roles can be a let down in the NBA.
Prediction: 42-40 (seventh in the East)
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts to play during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat
2016-2017 record: 41-41
Key additions: C Kelly Olynyk, C A.J. Hammons
Key departures: PF Chris Bosh, PF Josh McRoberts
2017 draft class: PF Bam Adebayo (Round: 1 Pick: 14)
2016-2017 points per game: 103.2 (No. 21)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .455 (No. 15)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .365 (No. 12)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 105.2 (No. 16)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 102.1 (No. 5)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .450 (tied-No. 6)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .343 (tied-No. 3)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 104.1 (No. 5)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43.6 (No. 15)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.4 (No. tied-No. 17)
I take a look at the rest of the East to fill this last spot and there’s just not much out there. Philadelphia is a becoming a trendy pick, but I’m having trouble thinking a team with injury prone Joel Embiid, aging J.J. Reddick, and two rookies Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz are going to be a playoff team. By default, I’m going with Miami. The Heat won 41 games last year and made some decent moves in the offseason by bringing in Kelly Olynyk and A.J. Hammons. Also, Erik Spoelstra is a good coach and I like some of the players already on Miami’s roster – Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson, and Justise Winslow.
Prediction: 41-41 (eighth in the East)
Western Conference division winners:
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (13) keeps the ball in bounds in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Northwest division – Oklahoma City Thunder
2016-2017 record: 47-35
Key additions: SF Paul George, SF Carmelo Anthony, PF Patrick Patterson. PG Raymond Felton
Key departures: SG/PG Victor Oladipo, PF Taj Gibson, C Enes Kanter, PF/C Domantas Sabonis, SF Doug McDermott
2017 draft class: SG Terrance Ferguson (Round: 1 Pick: 21)
2016-2017 points per game: 106.6 (No. 11)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .452 (No. 17)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .327 (No. 30)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 105 (No. 17)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 105.8 (No. 16)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .459 (No. 19)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .356 (No. 14)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 105.1 (No. 10)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 46.6 (No. 1)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: +1.4 (No. 4)
Oklahoma City made huge splashes in the offseason by acquiring Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to pair with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams. This team has been getting a lot of hype to contend with Golden State in the West, and I agree that the Thunder are now very interesting. However, the front office got rid of a lot of depth in order to get George and Anthony, and Anthony has a history of not playing defense and being a head case. I like the decision to draft Terrance Ferguson and bringing in power forward Patrick Patterson though. This is going to be a much better team this season, but I’m not sure OKC will be as good as everyone thinks.
Prediction: 57-25 (third in the West)
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) stands on the court against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Pacific division – Golden State Warriors
2016-2017 record: 67-15
Key additions: SG Nick Young
Key departures: N/A
2017 draft class: PF/C Jordan Bell (Round: 2 Pick: 38; acquired from Chicago)
2016-2017 points per game: 115.9 (No. 1)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .495 (No. 1)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .383 (No. 3)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 113.2 (No. 1)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 104.3 (No. 11)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .435 (No. 1)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .324 (No. 1)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 101.1 (No. 2)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 44.4 (No. 7)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.4 (No. 17)
Golden State is the best team in the league right now. The Warriors have a “Big Four” in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green. They also have really good depth and a great head coach in Steve Kerr. Plus, adding Nick Young is only going to give this team more depth and it adds another scorer when the starters are off the court – bad news for the rest of the league. Barring any injuries, this team is easily going to win over 60 games and should have no problem getting back to the NBA Finals.
Prediction: 66-16 (first in the West)
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and James Harden (13) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Southwest division – Houston Rockets
2016-2017 record: 55-27
Key additions: PG Chris Paul, SF P.J. Tucker, PG/SF Tim Quarterman, PF Jarrod Uthoff
Key departures: SF/PF Sam Dekker, PG Patrick Beverley, SG/PG Lou Williams, PF Montrezl Harrell, PF Kyle Wiltjer
2017 draft class: PF Isaiah Hartenstein (Round: 2 Pick: 43)
2016-2017 points per game: 115.3 (No. 2)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .462 (No. 12)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .357 (No. 15)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 111.8 (No. 2)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 109.6 (No. 26)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .463 (No. 23)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .343 (No. 3)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 106.4 (No. 17)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 44.4 (No. 7)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: +0.1 (No. 14)
Honestly, I think I like Houston more than Oklahoma City in the West. The addition of Chris Paul is going to be huge for Mike D’Antoni’s offense. He’s never had a point guard as good or as complete as Paul in his offense, and we’ve seen what D’Antoni can do with point guards – I think that needs to worry the rest of the league. James Harden, Eric Gordon, and Ryan Anderson also had career years in this system last year – the three combined to average 58.9 points per game last year. Depth is a concern in Houston, but I think the Rockets’ offense is going to be so good this season that lacking sufficient depth might not hurt the team too bad.
Prediction: 60-22 (second in the West)
Other playoff teams in the West:
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call with referee Lauren Holtkamp (not pictured) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs
2016-2017 record: 61-21
Key additions: SF Rudy Gay, SG Brandon Paul
Key departures: PF David Lee, SG/SF Jonathon Simmons
2017 draft class: PG Derrick White (Round: 1 Pick: 29), SF Jaron Blossomgame (Round: 2 Pick: 59)
2016-2017 points per game: 105.3 (No. 14)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .469 (No. 7)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .391 (No. 1)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 108.8 (No. 7)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 98.1 (No. 2)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .443 (No. 4)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .344 (No. 5)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 100.9 (No. 1)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43.9 (No. 10)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.9 (No. 23)
I struggle seeing San Antonio being as good as San Antonio has been the last few years. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Pau Gasol are aging, and LaMarcus Aldridge is a shell of his former self – averaging 17.6 points per game since joining the Spurs two years ago, compared to averaging 22.2 points per game in his final five years in Portland. Kawhi Leonard is a phenomenal player, but I think it’s starting to become a one-man show in San Antonio. Since Gregg Popovich is still this team’s coach, the Spurs should still be in good shape to win over 50 games. However, the Spurs didn’t improve much in the offseason and I think their championship window is starting to close.
Prediction: 55-27 (fourth in the West)
Minnesota Timberwolves player Jimmy Butler dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half during a preseason NBA basketball game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves
2016-2017 record: 31-51
Key additions: SG Jimmy Butler, PG Jeff Teague, PF Taj Gibson, SG Jamal Crawford,
Key departures: PG Ricky Rubio, PG Kris Dunn, SG/PG Zach LaVine, C Nikola Pekovic, PF Jordan Hill, PF Adreian Payne
2017 draft class: C Justin Patton (Round: 1 Pick: 16)
2016-2017 points per game: 105.6 (No. 13)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .467 (No. 8)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .349 (No. 20)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 108.1 (No. 10)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 106.7 (No. 18)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .475 (No. 28)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .366 (No. 21)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 109.1 (No. 26)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 42.4 (No. 25)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.4 (No. 17)
Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins have been in the league less than five years and both combined to average 48.7 points per game last season. However, the young talent has got to start coming together in Minnesota. With the addition of Jimmy Butler, I think this year will be the year Minnesota finally starts taking steps forward. Butler is excellent defensively and is a good three-point shooter – which should really help because Minnesota struggled in both of those categories last year. The Timberwolves also added pieces that should give them enough depth to compete in the West by signing Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson, and Jamal Crawford. Plus, Tom Thibodeau is a good coach and I think he can take this team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Prediction: 48-34 (fifth in the West)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Matt Costello (10) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets
2016-2017 record: 40-42
Key additions: PF Paul Millsap, PF Trey Lyles, SF Richard Jefferson, C Roy Hibbert
Key departures: SF/PF Danilo Gallinari
2017 draft class: PG Tyler Lydon (Round: 1 Pick: 24), SF Vlatko Cancar (Round: 2 Pick: 49), PG Monte Morris (Round: 2 Pick: 51)
2016-2017 points per game: 111.7 (No. 3)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .469 (No. 6)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .368 (No. 11)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 110 (No. 5)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 111.2 (No. 27)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .477 (No. 29)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .375 (No. 28)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 110.5 (No. 29)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 46.4 (No. 2)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: +3 (No. 2)
Denver has one of the best and deepest front courts in the NBA with Wilson Chandler, Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, Kenneth Faried, and Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets also got deeper in that area by adding Trey Lyles, Richard Jefferson, and Roy Hibbert. They have a back court that is just good enough with Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris, Will Barton, Jamal Murray, and Tyler Lydon. Denver was really good offensively last year and should be much improved defensively with the additions the team made to improve the front court in the offseason. The Nuggets won 40 games last year and barely missed the playoffs, so I don’t think it’s out of the question to think this team can win a few more games and make the postseason this year.
Prediction: 45-37 (sixth in the West)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) battles Portland Trail Blazers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) for a rebound in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers
2016-2017 record: 51-31
Key additions: SF/PF Danilo Gallinari, PG Patrick Beverley, SF/PF Sam Dekker, PF Montrezl Harrell, SG/PG Lou Williams, PF Kyle Wiltjer
Key departures: PG Chris Paul, SG J.J. Reddick, SG Jamal Crawford
2017 draft class: PG Jawun Evans (Round: 2 Pick: 39; acquired from Philadelphia), SG Sindarius Thornwell (Round: 2 Pick: 59; acquired from Milwaukee)
2016-2017 points per game: 108.7 (No. 6)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .475 (No. 2)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .375 (No. 6)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 110.3 (No. 4)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 104.4 (No. 12)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .452 (No. 11)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .350 (No. 8)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 105.8 (No. 13)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43 (No. 21)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -0.1 (No. 16)
Losing Chris Paul is really going to hurt this team. However, there’s still DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Doc Rivers there for the Clippers. So, this team shouldn’t completely fall off the map. Danilo Gallinari and Patrick Beverley are underrated players, in my opinion. I think they’ll be able to help keep this team afloat this season. The Clippers will probably struggle to get to 45 wins and they’re not going to be a contender, but if Jerry West can trade for an All-Star player by the trade deadline I think the Clippers can get to 50 wins.
Prediction: 42-40 (seventh in the West)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans
2016-2017 record: 34-48
Key additions: PG Rajon Rondo
Key departures: PG Tim Frazier
2017 draft class: PG Frank Jackson (Round: 2 Pick: 31)
2016-2017 points per game: 104.3 (No. 18)
2016-2017 field-goal percentage: .450 (No. 20)
2016-2017 three-point percentage: .350 (No. 19)
2016-2017 offensive efficiency: 103.3 (No. 25)
2016-2017 points allowed per game: 106.4 (No. 17)
2016-2017 opponent field-goal percentage: .450 (No. 8)
2016-2017 opponent three-point percentage: .353 (No. 9)
2016-2017 defensive efficiency: 104.9 (No. 8)
2016-2017 rebounds per game: 43.7 (No. 13)
2016-2017 turnover differential per game: -1.1 (No. 25)
How much longer can New Orleans afford to waste Anthony Davis’ prime? He’s a perennial All-Star and arguably a top 10 player in the league. Maybe having a full year with DeMarcus Cousins to help take the pressure off Davis will make a difference with this team. The Pelicans don’t have a very good back court though, outside of Jrue Holliday. Still, New Orleans was a very good defensive team last year and was just seven games out of making the playoffs. Some of the moves made by teams in the West in the offseason has disrupted the hierarchy in that conference, so I think the Pelicans have just enough talent to win a few more games and sneak into the playoffs because of that.
Prediction: 41-41 (eighth in the West)
2018 NBA Finals:
Cleveland vs. Golden State
Winner: Golden State
My readers know me by now. I hate picking teams to repeat as champions, so it must show a lot that I’m predicting an NBA Finals between the same two teams for a fourth-consecutive season this year. I’m just confident in saying that the Cavaliers and Warriors are far and away the best teams in the league. I made a mistake last year by picking San Antonio to win it all. I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger on a team not named Cleveland or Golden State again this year. I hate being boring, but I’m going to feel like an idiot if I pick anyone else. Golden State is probably the most talented professional basketball team I’ve ever seen with a great coach and a deep bench. The Warriors are the clear favorites and I’ll be shocked if they don’t win it all.
Thanks for reading
Shane Price
Follow me on Twitter – @priceisright53