The new NBA season is right around the corner.
Already, most people think they have an idea as to they think will be in contention this year. Thanks to training camp and the pre-season, those feelings are only going to get stronger as tip-off day draws closer.
Yet, despite people’s “knowledge,” there’s always more than a few twists and turns throughout the season. There is always a team or two that doe better (or worse) than expected, always a player or two that shocks the world and plays way better than people thought.
This has got me thinking; what will be the surprises this year? Which team or player will shock the world this season?
These are my five predictions for the upcoming season, and while they may seem super unlikely now, they might just end up happening by the time the season is over…
5. The Knicks Will Make the Playoffs
Yeah, I’m starting off pretty bold.
The Knicks, admittedly, don’t have a whole lot to compete with this year. But, thing is, they might have just enough to sneak into the postseason. They’ve got Kristaps Porzingis, who (if he returns alright from his ACL tear) will provide instant star-power offense for the Knicks. Kevin Knox is a bright rookie who will have things to contribute right away. Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Frank Ntilinka will have a renewed sense of passion with the hire of HC David Fizdale.
Most importantly, however, is the change in culture. The Phil Jackson days are being forgotten, Fizdale is establishing a winning identity, and the Knicks are the talk of the town again.
When you think about it, the New York Knicks have more to look forward to than most other teams in the East right now. Who’s to say they can’t steal the 8th seed?
4. The Thunder Will Not Be Any Better Than They Were Last Season
Per usual, the Thunder looked for a fall-guy when things turned ugly last spring.
Of course, that guy ended up being Carmelo Anthony, who literally took all the blame, and was exiled from the team in pretty dramatic fashion. People seem pretty convinced it was his inefficient, ball-stopping offense that was the root of all woes for the team.
I am not convinced.
What if Melo wasn’t the (only) problem? What if the combo of Paul George and Russell Westbrook is just not one that fits? What if the sum of guys like Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, and Patrick Paterson is just not enough to compliment the stars?
There’s just something wrong with the Thunder, and while it seems ridiculous to claim they won’t be any better after swapping Carmelo Anthony for Dennis Schroder, what else have they done to get better?
3. Donovan Mitchell Will Win the MVP
The Jazz is going to be good, very good. Ricky Rubio is perfect for them, Rudy Gobert will continue his defensive prowess, and Grayson Allen will be a nice piece off the bench.
Above all though is Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz can only go as far as he takes them, and if he picks up where he left off last season, that’s going to be pretty far.
There are a few things that make this prediction crazy. For one, Mitchell will be just one season removed from his rookie season and only 22-years-old. That’s insane.
Also, if Mitchell is to even be considered as an MVP, the Jazz would have to be a top-3 team in the West (maybe even higher). To be saying the Jazz are going to be that good is putting a lot of faith in their parts.
Lastly, if Mitchell were to win MVP, it would mean he’d top the likes of James Harden, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. A year ago, if I would have said he’d beat out those guys as the Most Valuable Player, you’d have called me nuts. You probably are right now…
2. DeAndre Ayton Will Be a Bust
DeAndre, if you ever read this, feel free to use it as motivation. I’m rooting for you.
But something just seems off. After being drafted #1 overall to the Suns, Ayton has been pretty quiet, especially for a number one pick. We’re hearing a lot about Luca Doncic. We were all blown away with Kevin Knox at the summer league. Even Mo Bamba has been making some noise in the media of late. While those aren’t crowning achievements by any means (and ultimately prove nothing), doesn’t anyone think it’s weird how under-the-radar Ayton has been?
Above all though, he’s a big-man in a little-guys league. There hasn’t been a franchise-changing center drafted since Karl-Anthony Towns, who has actually failed to take the Timberwolves anywhere thus far. Why should I believe Ayton will be the one to save the Suns franchise?
Good thing is, Ayton isn’t completely bound to the close range, he can stretch out a little. But, to match the theme of craziness, I’m going to say he fails to live up to the monumental expectations being hauled on him as 2018’s top pick. I hope I’m wrong…
1. The Warriors do NOT Make it to Their 5th Straight Finals
Saying the Warriors won’t win the Championship this season is a pretty hot take. Saying they won’t even make the Finals is nearing lunacy. But hear me out.
Champions fatigue is a real thing. When teams come off of winning a title, their motivation for the following season drops, as does the amount of rest they have before the start of training camp. There’s a reason why there hasn’t been three-peat since Shaq and Kobe’s Laker back in the early 2000’s.
Plus, the West is no joke this year. The Rockets fell off a bit, but they’re still right there, ready to rain down threes. The Jazz are an up-and-coming franchise on the rise, who have a chance to beat out the Champs if their defense (and Donovan Mitchell’s talents) holds up. Of course, the West has got LeBron James now who, with his young and hungry Laker team, are hungry to prove they can compete with the best. Point is, the Western Conference is as loaded as it’s ever been, and I haven’t even mentioned the Spurs, Thunder, Blazers or Timberwolves.
In fact, maybe it’d be more of a radical idea to say they do take the Western throne again.
