Championship contenders: Heat, Pacers, Nets, Bulls, Thunder, Spurs, Clippers, Grizzlies, Warriors (Fringe: Knicks, Rockets)
Playoff contenders: Hawks, Bucks, Pistons, Wizards, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Lakers, Mavericks, Blazers, Timberwolves (Fringe: Celtics, Bobcats, Raptors, Pelicans)
Lottery contenders: Sixers, Magic, Jazz, Suns, Kings
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Having a few spare moments at work today, I thought I would share my 2013-14 NBA seeding predictions…at the moment. These are subject to change. Please stay tuned.
West
1. Clippers
2. Thunder
3. Warriors
4. Spurs
5. Rockets
6. Grizzlies
7. Timberwolves
8. Blazers
Almost made it: Pelicans
East
1. Heat
2. Pacers
3. Bulls
4. Nets
5. Knicks
6. Cavaliers
7. Wizards
8. Hawks
Almost made it: Pistons
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And so it begins. Howard Sweepstakes.
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(All images via Adidas)
For the first time in the NBA modern era, a tank top will not be the fashion showcased during gameplay. The Golden State Warriors will wear these new Adidas’ alternate jerseys with sleeves as soon as February 22 against the San Antonio Spurs. (This seems to be a topic Gregg Popovich will thoroughly enjoy discussing after the game…)
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Harrison Barnes‘ biggest weakness coming out of North Carolina was his athleticism. Well, the rookie you see in this rim rocker from Monday night…and here…as well as here… has been making a laughingstock of certain scouts out there.
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The NBA season is finally upon us. No lockout – just basketball. With a multitude of story lines inundating this league, there are many reasons to be amped about this season. I will give you the main reasons to be excited about watching each team in the NBA.
Atlanta Hawks – Al Horford will quickly develop into the focal point of this offense as this franchise moves into the post-Joe Johnson era. At the point guard position, speedy Devin Harris will get the chance to get back to the player – a better player – he was before Utah. Will a sixth consecutive playoff appearance go along with this? Josh Smith‘s decision to stay or go next summer will be effected based upon the answer to this question.
Boston Celtics – With the acquisitions of Jason Terry and Leandro Barbosa along with a healthy Jeff Green, Rajon Rondo might finally have the athletic pieces to allow him to completely take the reins of the offense. Correction: he will take the reins of the offense. Once breakout rookie Avery Bradley comes back in December, this team has a good chance to be the Heat’s best competition in the East as so many have already claimed.
Brooklyn Nets – Deron Williams. Black and White jerseys. Brooklyn. Jay-Z. What is not exciting about the newest team in the NBA? If they continue to win at the same rate as they did in New Jersey, though, they will quickly become old, bland news. Joe Johnson won’t let that happen.
Charlotte Bobcats – After finishing the lockout season with the worst winning percentage in NBA history (.106), there’s only one place this franchise can go: up. As we move into the era of washed up veterans (Ben Gordon and Brendan Haywood) and Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, they might finally move out of the last spot in the East all thanks to Dwight Howard.
Chicago Bulls – The eventual early return of superstar Derrick Rose will rank as one of the most emotional moments in NBA – if not sports – history. When he comes back, we will see less Nate Robinson, but we will see an inspired team that can compete in the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving. This kid is about to elevate himself into the upper echelon of the league and become a superstar for his team. As one of the youngest and potential-filled (Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller) teams in the NBA, the city of Cleveland can finally have hope for their franchise’s future.
Detroit Pistons – If you like tough big man play, this is the team for you. Budding soon-to-be All-Star Greg Monroe along with already impressive rookie Andre Drummond (two men that are both one inch away from being seven-footers) will provide Detroit with a chance to squeeze into the playoffs – if Rodney Stuckey finally takes his point guard game to the next level.
Indiana Pacers – Following the Thunder’s footsteps by making it into the bottom-half of the playoffs two years ago followed by the top-half of the bracket last year, can they continue to follow suit and take the next step into the NBA Finals? With a healthy Danny Granger, always improving Paul George and dominate All-Star seven-footer Roy Hibbert, a generous playoff route could direct them to the promise land. At the very least, Gerald Green will provide casual fans with plenty of jump-off-your-couch-in-excitement slam dunks.
Miami Heat – What is next for LeBron James? What’s next is an unimaginable season. With a relaxed attitude toward the game of basketball, the King (he has a ring…) will collect his fourth MVP award as the Heat will have a commanding season (along with Ray Allen hitting many three-pointers), making it to the Eastern Conference Finals at the very least.
Milwaukee Bucks – Finishing ninth in two straight seasons, this team has been scraping the edge of the playoffs. Monta Ellis getting a full NBA season with the team beside fellow guard Brandon Jennings makes this yet another exciting East backcourt duo. This will be a very scary group that could beat any team on any given night when both of these players are having solid shooting nights.
New York Knicks – Yes, they are the oldest team in NBA history. But they have quality old veterans that still know how to use their intelligence to play the game (Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas). Since Amare Stoudemire will be out 6-8 weeks, Knicks fans get to see Carmelo Anthony at the position he plays best (power forward), making this group the best team in New York.
Orlando Magic – They might not win many games this season, but this fan base can finally let out a sigh of relief as their baby center finally got his wish. Keep an eye out for Andre Nicholson, who could become the surprise rookie of the 2012 class.
Philadelphia 76ers – When Andrew Bynum finds a way to get healthy, that’s when the excitement can start. This Sixers season is all about their new pure center. Fitting Bynum into Doug Collins and Jrue Holiday‘s system could lead to a challenge for the much smaller Miami Heat once the playoffs roll around.
Toronto Raptors – Even though it would have been nice to bring Steve Nash back to his hometown, this franchise got a stat-stuffing guard in Kyle Lowry, who will record multiple triple-doubles this year. Rookie center Jonas Valanciunas will find his way onto many SportsCenter Top 10’s throughout this season.
Washington Wizards – Once John Wall recovers from surgery, Bradley Beal will be an exceptional shooting guard to compliment his game and Nenê will continue to be the offensive force he has been since he entered the league. Just like the Pistons, this young team could find themselves in the playoffs if Wall does not continue to plateau as a basketball player.
Dallas Mavericks – For a team that doesn’t have Jason Kidd, Jason Terry or Dirk Nowitzki playing in their season opener, it’s difficult to get a grasp on this team’s identity. If they can establish their identity, Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo can wipe away last year’s regressed season and Dirk can play like a healthy and hungry Dirk, they will make the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season.
Denver Nuggets – Easily the funnest team in the league (Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried both having styles of play that any fan would enjoy watching), this group of pretty-good-to-great players has the most potential in the league. For this potential to turn into something legitimate, Andre Iguodala must become that go-to guy they have desperately been searching for since Melo left for New York.
Golden State Warriors – For the first time since 1997, the Warriors will have an All-Star in Stephen Curry – if he stays healthy (yes, that is indeed a big “if”). Putting him in a lineup with Klay Thompson, who will drastically improve this year, and Andrew Bogut, who will be a force down low, this new and improved California team will fulfill Mark Jackson’s prediction from last year that his team will make the playoffs.
Houston Rockets – James Harden. We have only known Harden as that sixth man on a team with two bigger and better stars. Now it’s his time. Putting the bearded man next to Jeremy Lin will improve both of their games, and with Omer Asik setting picks for these two guards, they now have a foundation for the future.
LA Clippers – Los Angeles does not know the future of superstar point guard Chris Paul with his contract soon coming to a close. But while they have him, this is still lob city. With one of the deepest benches in the league and Blake Griffin improving his low-post game, Paul can take this team as far as his clutch play desires.
LA Lakers – The two most important positions on the court are point guard and center. The Lakers traded for two of the best at those positions in Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. They also have that guy named Kobe Bryant. They are officially “Hollywood” with undoubtedly the best starting lineup in the league once they find their chemistry. Since the Thunder also need to gel themselves with Harden gone, the Lakers have a legitimate chance to go all the way yet again.
Memphis Grizzlies – Is it possible to be the dark horse for three consecutive years? The Grizzlies are in the running for this title again. A healthy Zach Randolph takes this team to an extra playoff series – just look at 2011. If they get a better passer in Mike Conley Jr. to lead the exact same core – other than O.J. Mayo – from last year, you can’t forget about this team when making your playoff predictions.
Minnesota Timberwolves – The injury bug just won’t go away in Minnesota. First Ricky Rubio. Then Kevin Love… because of some knuckle push-ups. Even without their best two players, this team still has a lot of depth, and if Brandon Roy and Andrei Kirilenko produce like the players that we used to know, they could still grab that eighth seed.
New Orleans Hornets – Inevitable Rookie of the Year Anthony Davis brings to the court everything you want in a center. Throw in a flashy Austin Rivers along with a healthy Eric Gordon and you have three players that could lead this team for years to come. (And don’t forget about the reigning Most Improved Player of the Year Ryan Anderson spotting up behind the three-point line.) The fans might soon forget about Chris Paul when Davis has his first 20-20 game.
Oklahoma City Thunder – This small-market team gave up a core for the ages in order to avoid the penalties of the new CBA. Durant/Westbrook/Harden could have been a trio for the ages. But now there is a new trio in OKC with a second Kevin in Kevin Martin that will be running off ball screens and drawing fouls. Even if he can’t be a distributor like Harden, he will get his fair share of points. Whether or not they are the favorites to come out of the West does not change the fact that they will be an electrifying ball club with plenty of highlights from Russ and Durantula.
Phoenix Suns – Discovering what the Suns new identity will be is a scary yet exciting thought. They don’t have Steve Nash anymore, but they have a solid frontline in Michael Beasley, Luis Scola and Marcin Gortat that all have not yet reached their ceiling as NBA players. How can they reach that ceiling? Goran Dragic. If their point guard works with these big men, all four could have respectable seasons.
Portland Trial Blazers – The Greg Oden-Brandon Roy era is officially over. Finally. Even though LaMarcus Aldridge still remains as the cornerstone of this franchise, how quickly Damian Lillard, who could make the Rookie of the Year race closer than people think, develops will determine just how soon this team moves out of the pits of the West. Oh, and Nicolas Batum? Just wait until he breaks out this season.
Sacramento Kings – The last pick of the 2011 draft will soon become the most exciting little man to watch in the entire league. Isaiah Thomas statistically improved in both scoring and assisting in every successive month last season and doesn’t look to be stopping any time soon. If DeMarcus Cousins continues to improve his game along with his attitude and Marcus Thornton quietly maintains his average of 18-20 points, they could become the sporadically hot team you never want to face.
San Antonio Spurs – The good news for the skeptics is that Duncan/Ginobili/Parker are now all over 30-years-old. The bad news is that Duncan/Ginobili/Parker have never let age get in the way of winning. Every single season we are reminded that the Spurs are “one year older” and they continue to make it to the playoffs. Thanks for that, Pop. We should expect nothing less this season.
Utah Jazz – Devin Harris is finally gone. And they still have the best quadruplet of big men in the NBA with Favors/Jefferson/Kanter/Millsap leading the way. Every single one of these players can pound the ball down low and actually be a conventional power forward or center. (Shocking, right?) They made the playoffs last year and can now build on this experience.
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With Monta Ellis once again coming up short this year, the Golden State Warriors have the longest streak without an All-Star. The last Warrior to make it was Latrell Sprewell in 1997. This drought stands six seasons longer than the next teams – the Milwaukee Bucks (Redd in 2004) and the Sacramento Kings (Peja Stojakovic in 2004).
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New York 106, Boston 104
The Knicks needed every bit of Carmelo Anthony’s 37 points to seal the deal in this Eastern Conference showdown. (Does anybody else think Spike Lee is simply annoying on that sideline?) The Pierce-less Celtics played the Knicks game by running up and down the court with very little defense, and they payed for it. Whatever team can establish their type of play in a match-up usually ends up with the win since they feel more comfortable by the end of the game. However, don’t think this means the Knicks shouldn’t make a New Years Resolution list. Boston bursted out of halftime with a 35 point third quarter. Newcomer Brandon Bass played a huge role in this quarter and ended up finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Rajon Rondo did what he wanted all night with 31 points, 13 assists, and 5 steals. This seemed to be the main problem for the Knicks – inconsistency… again. Even with Chandler attempting to establish some defense for the team with his six blocks, they allowed the Celtics to come back from a 17 point deficit to then have a 10-point lead of their own very quickly. Why did this huge swing happen? The offense could not put the ball in the basket during the third quarter, and with no defense to rely on, the Celtics easily got back in this game. This can’t happen for a team in the NBA if a championship stands as the final goal. Also, even though ‘Melo and Stoudemire create a very isolation-heavy offense, the Knicks 17 assists barely beating Rondo’s 13 assists is pitiful. Toney Douglas led the team with only four assists! The Knicks better be hoping that Baron Davis or Mike Bibby can eventually provide this team with some consistent point guard play or the wins won’t be coming when April rolls around.
Dallas 94, Miami 105
Yes, the Mavs might have had a championship hangover. Yes, the Mavs lost 6 guys from last year and have 5 new names this season. Yes, the Heat obviously had more of an incentive in this season opener. I understand all of these possible “asterisks” to place next to this game after the championship banner was slowly raised to the rafters, but there isn’t a conceivable excuse – in my opinion – for the type of shellacking that took place this past Christmas Day. The Heat led in this game wire-to-wire, eventually building a 35-point lead in the third quarter. Because the lead grew so large so early, the entire fourth quarter ended up being trash time, which explains why the score could deceive someone checking how the Mavericks played. Hungry easily described every single one of the Heat players while sluggish epitomized the Mavs. The 2011 NBA Champions didn’t give any extra energy at any point in this game and looked to still be celebrating their championship – just look at Terry’s gold shoelaces. In this shortened NBA season, the teams that are old and have the most change in their personnel will struggle the most, and the Mavericks have both of these qualities. Effort can assuage these struggles, but the Mavericks have none of that currently. Even though many disparities between these teams can be pointed out such as field goal percentage(48.7% compared to 37.8%), three-point percentage (57.1% compared to 32.1%), or fast break points (31 compared to 10), I look to rebounds as the Mavs biggest problem. Miami outrebounded Dallas 51-31… wow. This kind of pounding on the boards will make it a huge fight to pull out any sort of win. I understand Brendan Haywood is not Tyson Chandler and shouldn’t be expected to play Chandler’s old role, but a stat sheet filled with 14 minutes, 3 rebounds, 2 turnover, 4 fouls, and 0 points will only lead to tough times for these Mavericks. Chandler wanted to rebound the ball. Chandler wanted to play defense. If Haywood could at least have this desire, the Mavs might be able to hold their own better than yesterday. I understand the time to panic has not come (yet), but with the shortened season, the Mavs can’t wait too long before they stop drinking the championship kool-aid. In respect to the guys in the red… they looked good. Scary good. Similar to the way the Mavs are currently trying to figure out their offense with all the new pieces, the Heat went through an entire season of that. Even though it is only one game, they looked comfortable, and they looked determined. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had stat lines that would make any fantasy owner giddy. They already have a mid-season form to their play. However, don’t forget that after the Mavs lost to the Heat in 2006 NBA Finals, they came back out in the next season with a 67-15 regular season only to be knocked out in the first round. The Heat will most likely have to wait for their full respect from the media until the playoffs roll around.
*Even though Lamar Odom being unable to control his emotions and getting ejected is unacceptable no matter the situation, I disagree when referees call a foul in these type of instances. It takes away from the flow of the game and shouldn’t be considered a charge.
LA Lakers 87, Chicago 88
In the most back-and-forth battle of these five games, the Bulls pulled out this victory because of team effort. Jumping to the end of the game, the Bulls stared at a 85-77 deficit with 1:58 to go in the game. This ballclub had the largest point differential in their favor during the last five minutes of a game last season and they showed that is no fluke. Deng started the Bulls finishing run with two made free throws, and then Boozer had a huge defensive rebound followed by a nice driving layup on the other end of the court. After Kobe made a ridiculous baseline jumper, Deng continued his great night with three points the hard way and then two more made free throws. During this span in the game, Pau Gasol and Josh McRoberts each went 0-2 at the stripe. This goes to show how important each free throw can be in a close game. The Lakers had the ball and the lead with under 24 seconds to go. All they had to do is inbound the ball, right? With Noah and Rose providing a solid trap on Kobe at halfcourt, #24 tossed his eighth turnover of the game into Deng’s hands. Now that the rest of the team had done their job, the reigning MVP took control and had a spectacular floater fall in for the last points of the game. His acceleration has to be one of the best in the league. Bryant then attempted to force the ball right, only to be met by three Bulls and blocked by Deng at the buzzer. The Bulls need to look to keep this great balance of allowing Rose to lead the team but have each player still know his role and fulfill it effectively. Hamilton did only have six points in his Bulls debut, but this is why they brought in Hamilton – he will willingly play his role and when they need him to give them points, he will do so. Even though Bryant seemed very frustrated in his post-game interview, the Lakers should have no reason to feel upset or go into panic mode. They lost to a quality Bulls team without Bynum on the floor. I expect both of these teams to remain strong forces in each of their respective conferences.
Oklahoma City 97, Orlando 89
Dwight Howard needs to be dealt for the well-being of this Orlando Magic team. This notion clearly showed its colors in this blowout by the Thunder. Other than one powerful dunk by D12, he did not look like himself, shooting 4-12 from the field with 11 points. Otis Smith and the Magic were so caught up in attempting to deal Howard during the offseason that their roster doesn’t have any playmakers. Ryan Anderson led the team in scoring with 25 points but 11 of those came in trash time. Who will step up to the plate and lead this team if Howard isn’t motivated? Jason Richardson? Hedo Turkoglu? Unfortunately, this team has many solid role players, but no one to take command of an offense when the game is on the line. Unless the Magic want to go through the first half of the season like the Nuggets had to with ‘Melo last year, they should find the right deal and ship Howard out of Orlando. Looking at the team that won this game, nothing new can really be brought up; James Harden solidified the bench (19 points), Russell Westbrook did it all (14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Kevin Durant easily put the ball in the basket (30 points). I have no doubt they will have a very successful season with the returning pieces they already have set in place. The question still remains if Westbrook can cut down on his turnovers (already racking up seven of his own yesterday) and if this young squad can improve their play in the playoffs after last year’s Western Conference Finals run. As long as this group keeps the team mentality they have been feeding off of since this core was established, a championship in the near future seems highly probable.
Golden State 86, LA Clippers 105
Even though this score gives the impression a blowout took place, one point separated these teams with 8:07 left in the game. It had been a relatively back-and-forth game up to this point. However, Chris Paul decided to show everybody why he brings this Clippers squad something they didn’t have last year – clutch play. After Brandon Rush’s free throws cut the deficit to seven points with 4:03 to play, CP3 drained three mid-range jumpers in a row to close this game out. His ability to score and pass brings the city of L.A. the best point guard they have seen since Magic Johnson wore the gold and purple. DeAndre Jordan collecting eight blocks played a huge part in the Clippers victory, along with Griffin’s 22 points. Only four players came off the bench for Lob City with Mo Williams being the only player to get substantial minutes. This might work for the first few weeks, but during a season in which there is a back-to-back-to-back and many crammed games, more depth will be needed for consistent success. The league’s highest scoring backcourt from last year – Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry – combined to shoot 8-31 from the field and 0-9 from behind the line. The Clippers are lucky these two couldn’t get in their rhythm. Mark Jackson has a lot of work to do with this young Warriors team that still seems to want to play on only one side of the court. The players from this almost defense-less 2010-2011 team haven’t changed much, so Jackson will be getting his money’s worth this season. Unfortunately, they don’t get a chance to take a breather and reflect on their play before Derrick Rose and the Bulls charge into Oracle Arena tonight.
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jay's jems 