The NBA is here and I couldn’t be more excited for this season. After a rematch of the NBA Finals and the Spurs winning so convincingly, Lebron James decided to leave Miami and go back home to Cleveland where he was joined by Kevin Love weeks later. At this point, nothing really surprises me in regards to the NBA. Teams make trades, free agents sign elsewhere and hopefully your team got better with the draft. So before the games begin I would like to outline the top four teams of each conference. I know that is a long way from now but it’s always fun to try to predict what can happen.
In the West the top four teams in my opinion are the Spurs, Clippers, Thunder, and Warriors. The Spurs didn’t make any significant changes to their roster and I can understand why. They clearly was the best team in the league last year. With future Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in your lineup, and Coach Pop your chances of winning are legit. And the five championship rings prove just that. The Spurs literally dismantled the Miami Heat in that NBA finals last year and they did it playing a great brand of basketball. Aside from the two veterans, young guys like Kawhi Leonard had a breakout Finals and won MVP in the process. The Spurs are in good shape with the core that has proved they belong in this conversation each year. I’m sure Pop will manage minutes accordingly to make sure his guys are ready to make another title run.
The Clippers are bound to get over the hump at some point right? Chris Paul arguably the best point guard in the game and Blake emerging as one of the best players in the league, this team is dangerous. With sharp shooters like JJ Reddick and Crawford coming off the bench this team is an offensive powerhouse. If Blake is able to establish himself in the post and be a consistent threat in the half court offense I think this team has the potential to make it to the West Finals. With the Sterling controversy now over, I think the players are clear minded and focused on the task at hand as they have become the team of Los Angeles.
The Thunder is probably the most dangerous teams in the league. They won’t have Durant to begin the season but he will return and when he does I think he will go on a tear. That leaves the majority of the scoring load for Westbrook and I think at this point in his career he can carry a team. He will be able to play comfortably knowing that he doesn’t have to refer to Durant to share touches. Whether that is good or not for the morale of the team, we have yet to see. But when they are fully healthy this team is no joke. And with a returning MVP in Kevin Durant who knows how far he will elevate his game this season.
The Warriors feature the splash brothers of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. After playing this summer in the Fiba championships, they only got better. There is no doubt in my mind this is the best back-court in basketball. You really can’t give them any room to get a shot off. Curry is evolving as one of the best PGs in the league and his ability to penetrate and dish is getting better every year. New head coach Steve Kerr should be very excited to see how he can improve this team on the way to the postseason.
In the East the top four teams include the Cavs, Bulls, Raptors, and Wizards. The Cavs seem to be the overall favorite right now and this is all based off paper. Newly acquired players Lebron James and Kevin Love in a nutshell guarantee the playoffs bare minimum. Lebron has already stated each year for him is “Championship or Bust” and this is coming from a guy who has been there on several occasions. It will be interesting to see how this team gels as they learn to play with each other for the first time. But them making the Eastern Conference Finals or NBA finals isn’t really farfetched at all.
The Bulls success will solely depend on the health of Derrick Rose a one time MVP. He also played in Fiba this year and looked good so far and in the preseason games. I really hope he is able to play a full season because he is so fun to watch. And not to mention the Bulls are a way better team with him on the court. With Boozer gone and skilled big man Pau Gasol in his place, the Bulls finally have a low post threat with championship experience. The Bulls are a defensive minded team and that remains the same. An improving Jimmy Butler makes this team a lot more interesting and who knows what could happen at the end of the season.
The Raptors are favorites to win the Atlantic Division. This young team has a great core of guys that seem to just be getting better and better each year. They are led by all-star Demar Derozan and very hard-nose tough point guard in Kyle Lowry. They bring an attitude to the game and it shows when they play. This team is fearless and they don’t back down from anybody. With both New York teams still needing to prove themselves I look for Toronto to have a great seeding in the playoffs.
Lastly the Wizards are a team to be reckoned with. With John Wall getting better each year, he really is the difference on this team. He is finally understanding how to control the tempo of the game as he was second in averaging assists in the NBA. He will be without shooting guard Bradley Beal to begin the season who is also an emerging talent but I think the Wizards will be just fine. Recently acquired Paul Pierce brings veteran leadership to the team and a guy who can be depended on in late game situations. The loss of Ariza is big for them as he was a tough on ball defender, but the Wizards will have the chance to showcase their talent after a great season last year.
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