by As the NBA season comes closer and closer many speculate what could happen this season. This is one of the most even years we have seen as the Eastern Conference continues to get younger and better. Here are five predictions I have this season.
- Dallas takes a big step back
Dallas has had nothing but in house problems since adding the European big man Kristaps Porzingis. This roster without Doncic is barely above average as Jason Kidd takes over coaching duties. With the West looking as strong as always this puts the Mavericks in a tough spot. They haven’t been able to crack the top of the west, the Clippers have been the biggest roadblock for them in the playoffs. Doncic will have a MVP like season but sadly for Dallas that won’t equal playoff success. Unless Tim Hardaway Jr, Porzingis and the rest of the team can pick up the slack I don’t see this team making a title run anytime soon.
- Ben Simmons sails out of Philly
Simmons and the 76ers haven’t exactly been a match made in heaven as tensions continue to rise after his horrendous playoff performance. Reportedly both sides haven’t talked directly since mid-summer creating a void between the two. The real question is, what team takes a risk on the Australian point guard? Many signs point to a team like Portland that could use extra help, epically a player that can rebound, pass, and guard the best player on the court. If Simmons transitions to a forward it could be the boost that his career needs to get back on track.
- Hawks and Knicks become true contenders
I’m not saying that these teams will win the title, but don’t be surprised if one of these teams are a top team in the league. After the first round matchup between the two, the Hawks answered questions while the Knicks created them. The Hawks proved that they can compete with the best, they have their star in Young as he became the villain everyone wanted in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks stars struggled in the playoffs making people question if they are fakers and contenders. The Knicks keep the best parts of their roster as they add Walker and Fournier to bolster the guard spots. Barrett looks to improve as Randle will want to keep the consistency he had last season, as Mitchell Robinson is now healthy. Both teams look deep this year as the Hawks rely on their shooting and the Knicks trust their defense, Look for one of these two teams to make a playoff run.
- Lillard for MVP
I have always been a fan of Lillard ever since he entered the league. He has been one of the most exciting guards to watch the past 10 years as the Blazers struggled to build a team around him. After this offseason I have reason to think that Lillard will have his best season yet, if he can average over 30 points .400 three point percentage he will be in the race for MVP. Those numbers are realistic as he did that in the odd 2019-2020 season. If the Blazers put together a good season this could convince the national media that Lillard deserves this honor.
- Lebron and Melo retire after a title win
Both these legends entered the league together both will leave the league with a ring. Melo and Bron have proved that they can put up numbers with the best of the league even well after their primes. If Lebron can have a normal Lebron season the Lakers will be ready for a long playoff run. With Golden State back in full strength as well as new Western powers in the Jazz and the Suns it will be LeBron’s toughest road to the playoffs, as we know it doesn’t matter who Lebron plays in the playoffs. The Lakers a strong core of veterans that can still contribute on a playoff, this will be the key to their playoff run. The Lakers defeat the Brooklyn Nets in game 7 to win the Larry O’Brien trophy.
