NBA Player Predictions

I had not intended to devote so much of this blog to the NBA.  But I'm just so excited about professional basketball action, I simply cannot stop writing about it!  I thought I would throw out a couple player predictions so I can have more to reflect on in April.....

Rookie of the Year - Kyrie Irving

Kyrie is the most explosive rookie in this years class. He will put up huge numbers and have an enormous impact because of necessity.

Coach of the Year - Lionel Hollins

The Grizz will go from an 8 seed last year to a top four team in the West this year.  They are a legitimate title contender because of their big man play.  Plus I have a special spot in my heart for Coach Hollins.

Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard
Dwight changes opponents entire offensives.  Its not even close.

Sixth Man - James Harden
Harden is poised for this award in 2012.  He will be on one of the best teams in basketball and will put up big numbers from the bench.  This award always goes to energy/scorers.

Most Improved - John Wall
This pick is always a crap shoot.  The only player who seems to have a little bit of consistent support is DeAndre Jordan.  But Jordan will not see the ball enough, so I'm ruling him out.

Scoring Title - Kevin Durant
Duh....

MVP - Kevin Durant
Durant will be on the best team in the West.  He will lead the league in scoring. Those two facts are enough to get him there.

NBA Western Conference Predictions

The Western Conference will be a free for all this year.  The Lakers, Mavs, and Spurs and getting older.  The Thunder and Grizzlies have dangerous teams that are complete top to bottom with youth and talent.  And on top of everything, the Clippers now have Chris Paul!  Predicting the Western Conference is difficult but one thing is for certain - a lot of teams will have a shot at the 1 seed this year.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder  (48-18)
Everyone is really hot on the Thunder this year.  I believe they are going to have an excellent regular season.  All of their youth will really help out in the shortened season.  Durant can get points at any time. However, the playoffs might be a hurdle for the Thunder given Westbrookes proclivity for bad decision making in clutch situations.


2. Dallas Mavericks  (47-19)
The defending champs get my vote for the number two record.  They have the swagger now and the addition of Lamar Odom.  However, the loss of Tyson Chandler knocks them down a peg.  The Mavs will have a solid season again this year.

3. Memphis Grizzlies (46-20)
I am so pumped about the Grizzlies this year.  The Western conference semi-finalists is back with all of its pieces, including a healthy Rudy Gay!  The Arthur injury is a little worrisome, but the Grizz will continue to dominate the paint with the Z-Bo/Gasol combo.  The draft picks are making this Grizz team seem even more appealing.

4. Los Angeles Lakers  (44-22)
The Lakers are the Lakers, but they are getting older.  Kobe knees, the trade of Odom, the lack of back court talent, and very little depth are all concerns.  However, the twin towers in the middle can keep this team at a contending level.  I see a trade of Gasol and Bynum for Dwight as a wash as far a talent and W/Ls are concerned.

5. Los Angeles Clippers  (43-23)
The Clippers were a very good team before the Chris Paul trade.  I believe they are about the same level with their current cast.  The Clips gave up a ton for Paul.  Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman will really help New Orleans.  The holes in the roster leave an inexperienced team lead by an frequently injured Paul at the 5 spot.


6. San Antonio Spurs (39-27)
Tim Duncan is getting older.  But this team still has talent and Popovich gets it done in the regular season.


7. Houston Rockets (37- 29)
Houston is routinely solid. This team has a lot of surprising good talent and good depth.

8. New Orleans Hornets  (33-33)
I like the trade by Hornets and I am tempted to rank them higher.  However, I think they are just barely slipping into the playoffs this year. Eric Gordon is going to boss peoples.

9.  Denver Nuggets
10.  Minnesota Timberwolves
11.  Sacramento Kings
12.  Portland Trailblazers
13.  Utah Jazz
14.  Phoenix Suns
15.  Golden State Warriors


LETS GO GRIZZ!

NBA Eastern Conference Predictions

As Christmas draws ever closer so does the NBA's regular season opening day.  I have loved the drama of the CBA negotiating and a fun filled (although short) free agency period.  However, it is time to hunker down and pump out some predictions for the upcoming season.  I'm listing 1-15  in the Eastern Conference and I'm giving a W-L for the top 8 (the playoff teams).

1. Chicago Bulls  (55-11)
The Bulls are the most complete team in the East and should be able to take advantage of the shortened season nightly with their good, young talent.

2. Miami Heat  (53- 13)
As much as I hate on the Heat, I have to be realistic.  It physically hurts me to rank them this high.

3. New York Knicks  (45-21)
This was another hard choice.  I believe there will be a dramatic fall in the W-L records  between the 1 and 2 seeds and 3 through 5 seeds.  Tyson Chandler is a good pickup for the Knicks.  But The Barron's weight problems and injuries scare me.

4. Orlando Magic (44-22)
The Magic are a perplexing team to pick.  They can consistently beat great teams and they can consistently lose head scratchers. I don't see a trade happening before the deadline in March.  With Dwight, Orlando is definitely a top four team.  Without Dwight, I still think Orlando is in the top four based on the likely value the Magic get for trading Dwight.  Look for Anderson to have a breakout year.

5. Boston Celtics  (40-26)
The Green Machine is getting older and older.  This is year Boston loses the ability to really contend.  Garnett can only be a jerk for so long and Pierce can only flop so much before father time catches up with them. (Plus Rondo looks like an alien.... I mean lets be honest).

6. Indiana Pacers  (36-30)
The Pacers have made great off season acquisitions.  David West and Danny Granger together will be a good combination.

7. Milwaukee Bucks  (34-32)
The Bucks depend on Bogut being a force down low.  I hope he stays healthy and Brandon Jennings does work.

8. Atlanta Hawks (33-33)
The Hawks routinely prove me wrong.  But I think this is the dramatic drop off year.  Without Jamal Crawford, this team consists almost solely of quasi-good undersized big men.

9. New Jersey Nets
The Nets are a crap shoot.  A tremendous lack of depth dashes their playoff hopes.

10. Philadelphia 76ers
A long shot but maybe an 8 seed if they can pull it together.

11. Washington Wizards
John Wall could make this team relevant.  But why not amnesty Lewis yet?

From here on out, its anybody's game.

12. Toronto Raptors
13. Detroit Pistons
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
15. Charlotte Bobcats