Here are my random predictions for the seasons. There’s not much structure here, just my opinions on how things will progress this season.
Teams in the NBA Finals?
Golden State Warriors Vs Philadelphia 76ers
The Warriors are going to step in up another gear. They play a brand of basketball that sets the apart from the league. They have two of the greatest shooters of all time. Wiggins is the best two-way player in the game. Jordan Poole may be the most explosive offensive player in the league, with the ability to score inside, mid-range and from way out. Kevon Looney can defend all positions and is a facilitator on offense. Green will be Green. They have an array of young talent in James Wiseman, Moses Moody, Johnathan Kuminga as well as new-comers Patrik Baldwin Jr and Ryan Rollins. Veteran signings Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green will play important roles. (I will now be calling JaMychal Green JaMANcal Green because that’s how he balls. Like a big MAN! 3 and D with MAN dunking ability.)
The East is as deep as it’s been in the past 30 years. There won’t be any bad teams making the playoffs and there will be some good teams not making the playoffs. The 76ers has a good mix of players. Embiid is a mis-match for most teams. James Harden who in my view is the most imaginative and versatile player in the game is also a tough guard for anyone.
NBA Champs?
Philadelphia won’t be able to keep pace with the Warriors.
= Golden State Warriors
MVP
Luka Doncic
Not my personal pick but he’s a media favourite.
(my pick should be obvious)
Most Improved Player
This is a weird one but I don’t necessarily think this player has improved the most or will win the award but I choose James Wiseman. He’ll have more playing time and is an exceptional talent. He has a great shooting touch for a big man and turns offensive possessions into dunks that have no business being dunks. He’s just so long and quick. His size and quickness will also big a difference making as a shot blocking presence.
Dark Horse in the East
Toronto Raptors
My team so I always pick them but they have the talent and depth. I do believe Pascal Siakim can be a number 1 guy on a championship team. His 3 pointer just needs to be reliable. The most crucial player for the raptors I believe is OG Anuoby. He has to play like an all-star and be reliable 2nd option who can create his own shot. To go far the raptors will also need Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes to play high level basketball. Gary Trent Jr, Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher can all have big offensive outputs on any given night. Christian Koloko might end up being a better version of Boucher, a more modern agile big man.
Rookie of the Year
Keegan Murray. Murray plays with poise and already has a mature game.
Best Player in the 2022 Draft
There was a dearth of content to help in accessing Shaedon Sharpe but he has already shown glimpses of being a future star for the Portland Trailblazers.
Defensive Player of the Year
He won’t win it but I like Andrew Wiggins. No player has shut down or can shut down some of the top talent in the league like Wiggins has. This award typically goes to a player he gets a lot of blocks or steals. Important factors like boxing out, help defense, communication, forcing bad shots, making your opponent work, etc. aren’t factored in.
