2019-20 NBA Season Preview

2storm It's that time of year again. NBA time. This year their is a lot of parity. Every team think they can win it. They can go to the Finals. Their is a lot of hope and optimism for every single team. Without further ado let's jump into the preview.

Eastern Conference
15. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are the most trash franchise I have ever seen. Have they ever been good? Like seriously? The Hornets are just stupid. They just made stupid decisions. Literally EVERYBODY WITH SENSE said to trade Kemba. Terry Rozier will easily be one of the worst starting point guards out there. They have very few players that I actually like. I think Miles Bridges has potential. So does Malik Monk and Devonte' Graham. That is about it.
14. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have just been really unlucky, but to be honest they kinda put themselves in that position. They shouldn't have signed John Wall to a massive deal, but it looks like their management is trying to make up for it. The Wizards are a boom or bust team. I think they are leaning towards bust right now though.
13. New York Knicks
The Knicks are a weird team. They have good players and a good coach, but their owner doesn't know what the crap he is doing and he may end up trading every good player that have. I love RJ and the Knicks really need to invest in him. If they can build around RJ this team has potential, but knowing the Knicks they are gonna screw it up.
12. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are in a weird spot. Its like they are half in on this rebuild. They need to decide whether they want to rebuild or if they want to contend. Doing both is very hard to do and it creates a weird atmosphere.
11. Orlando Magic
The Magic have some nice young players. I especially like Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac. Fultz looks to be growing in confidence and Isaac could make a huge step. The Magic will be looking for a Playoff spot this year.
10. Chicago Bulls
This is a key year for the Bulls. They have to show signs of improvement. If they don't show improvement then the management is obviously doing something wrong and change is needed.
9. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers should be a brink team this year. They a legit contenders, but the upper echelon of the East is strong. They could jump to 4th or they could fall to 11th. It will all depend on when Victor Oladipo gets back from injury.
8. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have a strong team. They are young and dangerous. They should be looked out for throughout the season and maybe in the Playoffs. People are sleeping on this Hawks team.
7. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are a dark horse team. I could see Jimmy Butler going nuclear this season. The have a good environment down in Miami and could be a tough out every night.
6. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are scary if D-Rose makes his full recovery. Him and Blake Griffin are a lethal 1 2 punch. Not to mention they got nice role players around them and an electrifying rookie in Sekou Doumbouya.
5. Boston Celtics
After a failed potential dynasty the Celtics look to retool. This team is a tough team to predict. It all depends on Jayson Tatum. Tatum has to take that next step if this team is going to contend.
4. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are a potentially dangerous team. The backcourt is lethal and they have great role players. They may have to wait till the Playoffs or next year for KD to come back, which would automatically make them a front-runner, but for now they have to make do. I still think they make the Finals though. They are just that good.
3. Toronto Raptors
The defending champs. The Raptors are still a great team. They still have great depth, chemistry, and now they have championship DNA, especially Marc Gasol. I still think they have a chance to repeat. Don't count the Raptors out.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Led by reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. This Bucks team is still an offensive powerhouse and they also have a terrific defense. The Bucks should be a force once again baring injuries.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are my top team in the East. Ben Simmons will be X-Factor. If he can show even more improvement I think they end up being a lock. The Sixers also have one of the best, if not the best, starting lineup in the league.

Best Player - Giannis Antetokounmpo - Bucks
Best Rookie - RJ Barrett - Knicks
Best Coach - Eric Spoelstra - Heat
Best Defensive Player - Joel Embiid - Sixers
Best Offensive Player - Kyrie Irving - Nets
Best Defensive Team - Sixers
Best Offensive Team - Bucks
Best Overall Team - Sixers

Western Conference
15. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have high hopes, but the Grizzlies are not yet ready for the competitive west. Ja Morant is big time and he is my vote for ROY.
14. San Antonio Spurs
I think the Spurs are the odd team out in the West. Honestly can they beat any of the other teams in this western conference. Actually maybe. The West is stacked from 14 up.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl Anthony-Towns is projected to be a top player this year. He will be the no doubt leader of this team and he could be a dark horse MVP candidate.
12. Phoenix Suns
This is a make or break year for the Suns. It is either they show improvement or they might have some problems down in Phoenix. Hopefully that Ricky Rubio addition can help run the offense a little bit more smoothly.
11. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans will be without Zion for quite awhile. Lonzo is my pick for most improved player though. I could see him making a step towards a top 10 point guard.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder
This team can see the biggest change. They have potential right now to be a playoff team, but their have been lots of rumors of them wanting to blow it up even more. I think they should go ahead and blow it up.
9. Golden State Warriors
Yes in a bold prediction I have the Warriors not making the Playoffs. Trust me this was a tough decision, but I feel like the Warriors just have a weird put together team. It look like they overloaded at the guard positions. Plus Curry will have to carry a huge load which could put a lot of strain on his body. If the Warriors do make the Playoffs, Curry should probably win MVP.
8. Dallas Mavericks
I think the Luka Dončić, Kristaps Porzingis combo can make the Playoffs. If they can get more shooters by the deadline they can be a very dangerous team. The most scary thing is it looks like Luka has improved.
7. Sacramento Kings
I can see MB3 taking a huge step like De'Aaron Fox did. Heild has recently re-signed, so this Kings team should be a team to look out for.
6. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers have nice team, but they could be interchangeable with the Warriors. The Blazers could just be the odd team out. The one thing with the Blazers is they need to find more offense than just Dame.
5. Denver Nuggets
A powerhouse offense. They are definitely a threat and can really outshoot a lot of teams. The Nuggets may experience a drop due to the competitive landscape of the West.
4. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz won big in free agency. They have a pretty good offense now and they should be a legit contender barring injuries and declines in key players.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are easily the best defensive team in the league, but due to PG being out a lot of the beginning of the season and Kawhi being on load management they could experience overall. One thing I want to address is playmaking and depth. For one the playmaking could be a problem because they have no playmakers. Then the depth is simply not as good as people make it out to be.
2. Houston Rockets
They got my MVP pick in James Harden and a great team around him. I have no concerns about the fit between Harden and Westbrook. Game recognizes game. People are sleeping on the Rockets.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
My favorite team. I think they have the best player in the NBA, the best bench, and one of the best offenses and defenses. People should be scared of this team.

Best Player - LeBron James - Lakers
Best Rookie - Ja Morant - Grizzlies
Best Coach - Mike D'Antoni - Rockets
Best Defensive Player - Kawhi Leonard - Clippers
Best Offensive Player - James Harden - Rockets
Best Defensive Team - Clippers
Best Offensive Team - Rockets
Best Overall Team - Lakers

Award Predictions
MVP - James Harden
DPOY - Kawhi Leonard
MIP - Lonzo Ball
ROY - Ja Morant
COY - Eric Spoelstra

That is my predictions. Tell me yours and what you think.

Comments

Oh and 6th man I got either Kyle Kuzma or Fred VanVleet. - 2storm