The NBA Season is Upon Us
As we head into the first weeks of the NBA season, there is tons to unpack.
Off-season signings, trades, and rookies. Powerhouses have been formed. Is the East as deep as it seems? Can Nikola Jokíc and the Nuggets run the West again?
A huge off-season for superstars being moved around. Tons of blockbuster trades and teams going all in to win a championship now. I think the first team we have to talk about is the Suns. Trading away almost all of their young pieces and draft capital going all on for their big three. I don’t know how teams are going to be able to match up against three of the toughest scorers in this league. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are going to be a PROBLEM in the West.
Also, the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis to give them the presence and offense they have needed on the interior these previous years. The big three of now Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Porzingis have a serious shot to go far in the east if they can avoid injuries. On top of all of this, they acquired Jrue Holiday. This team might be the best defensive team in the league.
Damian Lillard leaves Portland after all these years? Lillard goes to the Bucks, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo and Lillard sharing the court together for 82 games is going to be an issue for the league with healthy supporting pieces like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. This team has a chance to get another championship, with most of the guys that won it in 2021 still on the roster.
Although there were a few more trades, I feel those three will be the difference makers to make or break a championship. These trades have set these teams up to be in win-now position.
My Top 5 in Each Conference
Eastern Conference
- Celtics
- Bucks
- 76ers
- Knicks
- Cavaliers
Western Conference
- Nuggets
- Suns
- Warriors
- Lakers
- Thunder
The East is up for grabs. It’s really anyone’s conference right now. I see this conference being a game or two within each other throughout the season. There are so many teams with big talent and veteran leadership. The two through six seed in this conference is going to be interchangeable.
The West is also extremely close, especially in the middle of the pact, but I believe the Suns and Nuggets are just simply the best. I think if Jokíc and the Nuggets can get back to where they were last spring, it’s between them and the Suns. There are some super young teams like the Thunder and Rockets with a lot of young raw talent. If they can produce at the NBA level, these teams are gonna be in the top five in a few years.
Prediction For Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference:
Celtics v Bucks
Winner: Celtics in 6
Western Conference:
Nuggets v Suns
Winner: Suns in 7
Prediction For NBA Finals:
Celtics v Suns
Winner: Celtics in 6
Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum
