The four-month stint between last year’s NBA finals and opening day has been a long time coming — full of roster moves that spell promise but raise doubt about players fitting in. Sure, we know Lamarcus Aldridge will perform but were the Clippers really justified in spending all that time and energy to keep DJ?
Here are some of our picks of contenders and pretenders to look out for this season.
The West
Top Team: San Antonio Spurs
With the huge offseason acquisition of Lamarcus Aldridge, the Spurs are primed for a dominant regular season run, at least if Tim Duncan’s old-man knees can handle it. Regardless, Duncan’s health never was and never will be a problem. With a strong core in Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, Duncan and Aldridge, the Spurs’ roster looks as good as ever.
Dark horse: New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans were a huge underdog team last year, but definitely proved their skill with a surprise playoff appearance. Ultimately, the team lost to the Warriors, but then again no one in the post-season could beat the Bay Area juggernaut. Injuries plagued the team last season, but with a healthy roster, the Pelicans will be ready for a big season. Anthony Davis is a young superstar and a key part of the Pelicans’ game. If he stays healthy, there is no doubt that the Pelicans will be a dominant team in the west.
At the bottom: Los Angeles Lakers
The LA Lakers, otherwise known as the Dallas Cowboys of the NBA, always seem to get themselves into the headlines for all the wrong reasons . There is hype surrounding them every year. All fans shout is “Kobe’s back.” Yet, he’s sitting at home tweeting about the World Series or about something totally unrelated to basketball. The Lakers will be back, just not this year or any year in the near future. For now, the team should focus on getting their city back from the Clippers. Then we can talk championships.
The Eastern End
Top Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James continues to assert his unprecedented dominance. In his own words, he’s the best there is. With a healthy roster following the return of All-Star Kyrie Irving, the Cavs will be in contention for another NBA championship appearance. Except this time, the chosen one and company will be looking to end Cleveland’s 51-year championship drought in professional sports by bringing home a championship ring, not just an appearance.
Dark horse: Boston Celtics
Imagine what would have happened last year if the Celtics didn’t run into the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. Isiah Thomas was at his best, Marcus Smart provided valuable contributions off the bench and the team was merely a few points away from making the Cleveland series just a little more competitive. Now, the team comes back with a new face from the acquisition of veteran David Lee and already existing studs like Isiah Thomas and Evan Turner. The idea of a young Celtics team with momentum looks scary and will be scary down the road in the season and the playoffs.
At the bottom: Philadelphia 76ers
Philly: the city of brotherly love, the liberty bell and a sub-par basketball team. In football, when your team wins just over 15 games, that’s great (though the Eagles will fail to do so, but that’s a discussion for another time). But in basketball, that’s outright sad. The Sixers will make some strides towards improvement this season, but will not make any huge changes in terms of their position in the division.
The Players:
MVP: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Davis’ performance last season speaks for itself. An almost-unanimous pick by GMs as a “franchise player”, the young Davis will lead the Pelicans and have a stellar season.
Rookie of the Year: Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets
Playing in China last year really helped this kid. Watch out for him to have a great season. With Ty Lawson now in Houston, he is the go-to point guard in Denver.
Biggest Bust of the Draft: D’Angelo Russell, LA Lakers
The Lakers came short in their draft pick, going for what they saw as “star-power” rather than the big man, Jahlil Okafor. Russell will have a mediocre rookie season at best and will fail to perform at the professional level.
Steal of the Draft: Sam Dekker, Houston Rockets
You’re probably asking, “Sam Dekker, who?” Just flash back to Wisconsin’s Elite 8 game against Arizona last year. Dekker went out on a scoring rampage in the fourth quarter, displaying his potential and contributing to Wisconsin’s final four appearance. Dekker’s star-power and potential will shine this season as he will provide energy and young talent for Houston.
As the season rolls around, just remember, they’re called predictions for a reason. Bear with us and get ready for an intense eight months of basketball.
Sincerely yours,
The Adityas
Story by Aditya Krishnan and Aditya Pimplaskar.
