By: Jean Louis
The summer of 2019 signified the end of an era, and the dawn of a new one in the NBA. With injuries to a two-time Finals MVP and splash brother alike, the kingdom was now ruled by a team in Toronto; a team that was built to win almost overnight. On the throne was Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard; who once helped dethrone another dynasty in South beach. That victory set the stage for a new dynasty to emerge. This victory has offered parity, in ways the league has not seen for over a decade.
This was only magnified in the off season, as stars such as Anthony Davis, Paul George, and the reigning Finals MVP himself start anew with different franchises. From blockbuster trades, to big-time signings, this off season sports one of the most eventful in recent memory. And with the 2020 season on the horizon, the possibilities are endless.
With those possibilities, come a lot of bold predictions: here are 10 bold predictions going into next season:
- Russell remains a Warrior
Klay’s emotional injury in Game 6 signaled a fatal blow to Golden State. With KD’s sign and trade, turned a new leaf for the Warriors, as well as the newly acquired All-Star D’Angelo Russell.
Russell had completed a three-year character rejuvenation that culminated in his first All-Star and playoff appearance this past year. Now, with a new contract and a new image, he enters a championship organization, led by defensive anchor Draymond Green, and resident splash brother in Stephen Curry. With Klay out till at least early next year, it is in their best interest to run the two guard tandem of Russell and Curry. By the time of Thompson’s return, the Warriors should see how the team will run with Klay potentially playing alongside the new Warrior lineup. That should carry over to after the trade deadline, as they shall be still competing for a playoff spot
- CP3 will end up on the East Coast
CP3 to Miami? CP3 to Detroit? These mid-tier teams will look to acquire Paul through exchanging mid-tier contracts like Goran Dragic, and Dion Waiters or Reggie Jackson and Tony Snell for the former All-Star and future draft picks. Imagine a reuniting of “Lob City” in “The Motor City.” Think of Jimmy & CP3 bringing attitude and grit to Miami. Paul in the East would be intriguing, considering the conference crown is wide open and awaits a new king.
- Siakam grows; Raptors stay in the top 4
Pascal Siakam will be an All-Star next year. With Kyle Lowry still running point for the defending champions, the table will be set for a player to take the next step. And with his growth in throughout last season, Spicy P will become better than ever.
A swing man similar to Andrei Kirilenko and Shawn Marion, he’ll have all the space in the world to run the break with his teammates next season. As his offensive arsenal grows, as will team success. OJ Anunoby, Stanley Johnson, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson are among the few who have a new look team to make an impact on. Not to mention vets playing alongside them all in their contract year. This shall be a statement year to show that there’s life after “The Claw”. Throw in some Championship pedigree, and you got yourself a recipe for a playoff team. Expect a 4th seed berth come April.
- First Time All-Stars
As I mentioned earlier with Siakam, he will be an All-Star next season. Alongside this new addition will be Rudy Gobert, Devin Booker out west, as well as Jayson Tatum and Zach Lavine out east.
Booker, who depending on his team’s chemistry may be on the outs soon, will likely crack a bid with Klay & KD out of the West’s picture. Gobert will too reap the benefits of injuries and finally covet the all-star berth that has long eluded him.
Lavine, provided his continued growth as the lead man in Chicago, will likely snag his first at their home base. Same for Tatum who should have more free reign post-Kyrie. Ultimately, Gobert and Siakam will take the All-Star selection as a gracious token for their journey. Lavine and Tatum will cement their status as one of the league’s brightest. Booker will use it as a showcase for stars and teams to see him on a big stage.
As for snubs. Look out for De’Aaron Fox, CJ McCollum, amongst others.
- Houston underwhelms
The Westbrook/Harden tandem will be explosive, no doubt. But the inclusion of the ball dominant Westbrook will prove to be an adjustment period for the Rockets. Last year, they could afford to fall behind early. This year, they could not; bringing them down to the bottom seeds in the West. They’ve invested in supporting cast members such as Clint Capela and Eric Gordon, with PJ Tucker coming out with demands of a new, lucrative contract. For their sake, hopefully their performance during the season is trumped during the playoffs, instead of the other way around.
- Nuggets top the Western Conference
The Nuggets surprised in a big way last year. Holding the 1st seed for well over half a year, Denver seems primed and ready to take full reign of the top spot. For them, the core of Jokic, Harris, and Millsap will be hell bent on continuing their all-around play; shooting, pace, defense, and half-court offense ran by Jokic. For the rest of the West, load management and rest will be the emphasis for most teams, as the younger Nuggets will be more willing collectively to ball out during the season. Are they the best Western Conference team? No. But they may have the best record come April
- Sixers/Bucks: The two best regular season teams
The Bucks were the best season team, left with a bad taste in their mouth following their elimination last season at the hands of the Raptors. Ditto for the Sixers, who have improved in the off-season with the inclusion of Al Horford, and Josh Richardson. Both of these teams should be out for blood. For MVP candidates like Giannis and Embiid, they would like to stake their claim as the king of the East, and perhaps, the league.
- All California teams make the playoffs
Crazy to think: we may see ALL 4 teams in the playoffs this year. West coast residents will be spoiled for sure. With the Lakers and Clippers making big moves this offseason, it’s almost no question barring injury that neither team will miss the playoffs. Throw in the Western Conference Champs who still have Draymond Green and dark horse MVP candidate in Stephen Curry and you have three. All that’s left is one: The mighty Kings. The Kings have not had a good track record in terms of management off the court and production on it since the days of Chris Webber. Yet last year, something happened. Buddy Hield broke out with a career year. De’Aaron Fox had steadily improved. Bagley had came on late despite injuries. And suddenly, the Kings were in striking distance on competing for a playoff spot. This team gelled and survived even the most toughest of times during the season ending a 39-win team. With the off-season acquisition of Trevor Ariza and Dwayne Dedmon, the Kings are not the sexiest roster— but seem to have the most compatible. Steadily improving, the 39 can easily bump into the early-mid 40’s. Despite the conference and their division, the Kings may ultimately have match ups make them stronger, and possibly sneak into the much heralded 8th seed in the playoffs, something that for the West may be very tough to grasp.
- Spurs miss playoffs
I am not proud to say this. The Spurs have consistently found their way into the playoffs for well over 2 decades. But streaks are meant to be broken.
Yes, Gregg Popavich is still sitting on that bench, and yes, they’ll be a winning team, but there’s a lot of signs that call to their demise. Spurs guard Dejounte Murray will be returning this season after a Torn ACL sidelined him for the 2018-19 campaign. The former All-Defensive Team honoree will come to a different team that he was accustomed to before. No longer Kawhi riddled, Derrick White’s rise effectively decided the future backcourt of San Antonio. Yet the combo’s potential can’t be realized until Murray is back at full force on the court, which should take time.
As for their front court, the All-Star tandem of Aldridge and Derozan have to elevate their production at an elite level in a conference which seemingly have all but one playoff spot locked up. With another unproven shooter on the floor in Murray, Derozan’s pedestrian 16% three-point shooting cannot be repeated. Last year, he filled Murray’s play maker role; this year, he shall find new ways to score efficiently on the perimeter, or the offense will become stalled; and the Spurs league leading 39% from three will cease to exist. They are a comparable playoff level team, but they have more questions than answers as it stands. As Pop returns for another year, he may have his most daunting year since the lockout season.
- AD for MVP
LeBron’s revenge tour is happening; but not without help. Former Pelicans star Anthony Davis has arrived into “Lala Land”. Now everyone’s attention is on LeBron, and rightfully so. Yet with Davis’ youth and all-around prowess, he will have to shoulder the season-long responsibilities on both ends.
With bigs such as Dwight Howard and Javale McGee defending the paint alongside Davis will allow him to be a weak-side warrior. Think Giannis and Brook Lopez defending the paint–but better. And that’s just one side of the ball! LeBron will be the playmaker and could legitimately average 10 assists per game. Not only because of his usage, nor his prowess. But because Davis, 26, will be the most dominant big he’d ever play with (sorry Cleveland Shaq).
Lobs in half-court, on the break, and even give and go’s will be the theme of Davis’ offense. Simply put, he doesn’t even have to dribble the ball to drop 26 & 12, and 4. Now imagine that on a team with LeBron. Barring injury, an MVP is in the near future for the Brow.
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