It’s that time of the year, another basketball season is just around the corner. This is when we see whether offseason maneuvers paid off, draft choices live up to the hype, and if injured veterans can hold up. At this point, all we can do is speculate, but the following are my predictions for the coming season per division.
Atlantic – As a Nets fan, it pains me to say that I believe the Raptors will be the team to beat from this division. They came close to making a run last year but couldn’t close out in the playoffs. Now with some added experience, and without a doubt one of the most wild fan bases in the league, they have a chance to grow an already talented franchise. I am optimistically calling on Brooklyn to take second place. Although I am obviously biased toward them, I still believe that with a healthy Brook Lopez, rising star Mason Plumlee, and Hollins’ coaching, the team may be a contender.
Central – A lot is happening in this division: Cleveland’s many big name acquisitions, D-Rose comeback take-two, and Pacers without PG13. I’m putting my money on shaky knees and going with Chicago. The acquisition of Pao Gasol allows Noah to further expand his game and, surrounded by a strong supporting cast, this team could inch to the top. I would say Cavs will take the number two spot on the shoulders of Kyrie, LeBron, and Love. It will be interesting to see if they can work together well – off of sheer talent, they earn respect and my number two bid.
Southeast – Washington owns this division. With an incredibly talented backcourt of Wall and Beal, much-developed big-man Gortat, and the new acquisition of the aged leader Pierce, they will pick up where they left off last year with incredible growth. Second place will be a toss-up between Al Horford’s Hawks and D-Wade’s deconstructed Heat.
Pacific – First place goes to the Warriors. Aside from the splash brothers raining in threes, Klay Thompson has expanded his game incredibly when training for the World Cup. David Lee and Bogut present an ever-dominant front court, and with Harrison Barnes maturing beautifully, the team has nowhere to go but up. Second place will most likely go to the Clippers, though I am skeptical as to how much success they will have. They’re most likely followed by an up-and-coming Phoenix team.
Southwest – The returning champion, San Antonio Spurs. Their unbelievably fluid offense, coupled with Pop, the greatest coach of all time, is nearly impossible to beat. They play an incredibly high IQ style of basketball, and their up-tempo efficiency passing is impossible to defend against. Second will be a skilled Mavericks team, whose acquisition of Parsons rockets them to higher standing.
Northwest – It is somewhat unclear who will take charge of this division. The Thunder are the frontrunners, but getting Durant and Westbrook to flow together is a perpetual struggle. The Trail Blazers, with Lillard and L.A. meshing beautifully, have a real shot at taking the top of the division as well. Who will take the number one spot? I would say Oklahoma, but it won’t be easy and Portland will be there, waiting for a slip-up.
All I can say after going through these predictions is that there is a lot to be excited about! Let’s get this season started!
Eber is a member of the class of 2017.
