The Wild Wild West. Last year it was shenanigans outside of one city that rode its way to a title. What will this year be like? Boys Clubs, Superteams, a potential dynasty, a dynasty trying to keep its window alive, rising stars, and plenty of deus ex machina involved. What nonsense will take shape for these 15 teams?
Dallas Mavericks (Be Aggressive Be Be Aggressive): The Jason Kidd Special that consumed Milwaukee whole has started to carry over to Big D. Great success story in the first season, then in Year 2 it’s a disaster. But what will Year 3 bring? My guess is either a power struggle between Kidd and Mark Cuban or somehow some way, playing up to their potential when no one expects it. They still have Luka Doncic performing at an MVP level. And Kyrie is back this year on a contract that’s steep but hey you must overpay to keep a top scorer. I also like the signing of Grant Williams who should slot in as the defensive anchor now that Christian Wood is gone. (And Seth Curry is back too!) They have questions with depth but if Luka and Kyrie can carry most of the load they should be in playoff contention. I know they’re thinking of a deep run, but I’m not sure if they have the personnel to pull it off. If they do, I will look like an idiot.
Denver Nuggets (Freedom): The age of being labeled as the Red Headed Stepchild of the Western Conference is over. The Nuggets have finally won it all. Generations of being lorded over by the Lakers is no longer on everyone’s minds. Now they can focus on defending their title and building their way towards dynasty status. Nikola Jokic’s legend is only growing and so is his insane statline of dominating everyone he sees. They did lose a key piece in Bruce Brown, but if Christian Braun can fill that void in a big way, they should be locks for another run to the Finals. That’s if Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray don’t get struck down by the injury bug again. Personally I think those two will be healthy for most of the season. As someone who’s covered a dynasty in this league, trust me, winning one title isn’t enough. It only gets sweeter the more times you win it.
Golden State Warriors (They Were Never Dead): Remember when all of LakerNation called this franchise dead back in May? I think they’re going to regret that. Even if Bob Myers has stepped down as GM, the Warriors are itching for a chance at not only revenge on LA but a shot at winning a 5th title in this dynasty. The big question this offseason was simple. Draymond Green or Jordan Poole. To the surprise of no one, Dray is back thanks to getting an extension which will make sure that he’ll eventually retire as a Warrior. As for Poole, he was shipped off to Washington. But look who they got in return? A legend of the modern game in CP3. Yes he’s 38 years old, but Steph and Klay are going to try and drag this man to a championship. My only recommendation to Steve Kerr is that when you’re playing a team with size, you better start Kevon Looney. I know you don’t have a prototypical Center in your rotation but at least use the guy who is an offensive rebounding machine. For my sake, and the rest of DubNation let it be known that they won’t be suffering a steep decline, and they’ll get revenge on that Boys Club from LA!
Houston Rockets (A Foundation Has Been Set): This is the most optimistic that Rockets fans have been in a few years. They have good reasoning. The contract they gave to Fred Van Vleet may very well get this rebuild going in the right track. He should give two emerging cornerstones in Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith more breathing room. There’s also Amen Thompson who should fit in well with what they have. Then coming into town are two of the biggest villains of the NBA. Dillon Brooks, as well as new head coach Ime Udoka. (The entirety of Milwaukee/Bay Area is begging for this combo to fail) The question on him is simple. Is he a good coach, or was he carried by Tatum and Brown plus the system that Brad Stevens created. It’s unknown where this team will truly be, but right now they’re making progress. At least it’s not a year involving tanks… or is it?
Los Angeles Clippers (The Chargers of the NBA): The last few years have been torture for this franchise just like it was during the Lob City years. Correction; the IntuitDome isn’t coming until next season. But hey they can try to lord over big brother one more time. The question for the Clippers this year like the last few years involves one man. Kawhi. Can he last a full season? Can his legs hold up for the playoffs? And will Paul George prove that he isn’t a stat padder that gets exposed in the playoffs. You could also say this about Russell Westbrook. It’ll be interesting to see if he can pick up where he left off during the 2nd Half last year after being a dud with the Lakers in the 1st Half. I’m not sure but it’ll be interesting to see. If Ty Lue manages to not get out coached at the worst possible times, and if the bench can finally be consistent, then they could finally play up to the championship expectations placed upon them in the summer of 2019. Oh I almost forgot, they even have a new PA Announcer as they prepare for the move to Inglewood in 2024. OLIVIER SEDRA! Get ready for name brand free agent signings off the buyout market as well as a blockbuster trade that breaks the league! IT’S COMING TOO JUST YOU WATCH!
Los Angeles Lakers (Prepare Yourselves): In a span of 8 months, the Lakers have gone from the Boys Club of the NBA to a team that’s doing everything in their power to help LeBron chase Michael Jordan in the GOAT conversation. Speaking of King James he trolled everyone at the ESPYs and is coming back for Year 21. But he won’t be the key to what could get LA over the top. That’ll be in the hands of Anthony Davis and Darvin Ham. If AD is on his game, not many can stop him. If Ham is as smart as he was in the Memphis series a year ago, he’s a sure fire Top 10 coach in the league. Bringing in Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood should help from a depth perspective. Not to mention Austin Reaves got his big boy contract too. This is probably the most talented Lakers team since their bubble title, and they know it. Will they play up to the hype of ESPN, or will they become a Boys Club again? Time will tell huh.
Memphis Grizzlies (The Ultimate Bad Guys): The team that everyone wants to see fail. Some squads over the years use it to their advantage. Others get consumed by it. Memphis last year was the latter. Poking the beat known as LeBron and AD came back to bite them in the ass. Now they must make desperation moves for the sake of it. Bringing in a defensive anchor in Marcus Smart should help out especially with the departure of Dillon Brooks fresh on every Grizzlies fan’s mind. You also have potentially the last ride of Derrick Rose as well. This should be a team that could make noise if the cards play out in their favor. However the Basketball Gods must punish them further. CRACK! Steven Adams is out long term due to injury. Not looking good. But hey at least you have Ja Morant to keep you cozy at night. BOOM! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME! ANOTHER SUSPENSION FOR THIS MAN! CAN SOMEONE TELL HIM TO GROW UP! I said it last year, and I’ll say it again. The NBA has their answer at long last to Gilbert Arenas. Which is fitting because they both have the same playstyle both on and off the court. Poor Taylor Jenkins, he deserves better than the product that he’s been given.
Minnesota Timberwolves (When Will Things Go Right?): Congratulations Minnesota, you have now been labeled the Red Headed Stepchild of the Western Conference thanks to the accomplishments of Denver a year ago. Hopefully you can end up like they did one day. That day probably won’t be coming soon. The price they paid to Utah for Rudy Gobert has blown up spectacularly for the moment. But hey there’s still time to right this ship. Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony Towns can’t do all of the work on their own. They’re gonna need a supporting cast to help them out. Jaden McDaniels’ emergence into an elite defender last year was a start, but they need more elements to help them get out of the funk they’re in. I’m looking right at Naz Reid and Shake Milton. Reid at least got a nice contract for his breakout year last year. If Milton plays like he did in Philly during 2021, they may have a shot to make it past the play-in. Gotta take baby steps to overcome the demons of years past. Although Minnesota fans will probably disagree with me on that thinking.
New Orleans Pelicans (Paging Zion?): On paper the Pelicans for the last few seasons have had a talented roster that has serious potential. But there has always been one issue. Health. It involves the main cog in their machine. Zion. Will this be the year he plays a full season for the first time since 2021? If so, New Orleans could be a force in the Western Conference. If not, well its status quo. Being without Brandon Ingram early on won’t be easy, but hopefully Herbert Jones should fill in for him nicely. Also why aren’t you starting Jose Alverado. He has starter potential, use him more often! I know you consider CJ McCollum as a PG, but he’s not a prototypical one. They’re probably going to make me eat my words on that one, especially if McCollum continues his consistent play of years past. As long as Williamson is healthy, everything’s gonna be alright. Please don’t crumble before our very eyes.
Oklahoma City Thunder (The Future Is Here): Something is brewing in OKC and my goodness could this be something spicy. No not in terms of off the court turmoil, but in terms of a team budding with confidence. Shai Gilgeous Alexander is a generational talent that hasn’t even reached his prime. Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey are looking to build off excellent campaigns in 2023. The scary thing about the Thunder is that they’re getting even stronger this season. Enter another potential generation player. Chet Holmgren. Due to injury last year, we never saw what he could truly be. This year, the pick and roll combo of him and SGA could be a thing of beauty. Even this isn’t the year they make a deep run, they are for sure ahead of schedule in terms of potential success. The Thunderdome is going to be rocking again and boy it feels good to say this. Even as an outsider, I must admit the NBA is much better when a team that has a crowd like they do is in contention again.
Phoenix Suns (How Much Help Does This Snake Need?): Now you see why I compared the Suns to the Washington Redskins when Dan Snyder first became the owner in 1999. Because Mat Ishbia is literally doing the exact same nonsense except in a different league. Speaking of our Nation’s Capital, they came to town and swooped up one of their more iconic players in Bradley Beal. All it cost them was Chris Paul and the rest of their remaining depth. Kevin Durant needs the same structure that made him successful in Brooklyn in 2021. And just like that Nets team, the Suns have issues with defense, depth, and coaching. The depth they solved for the moment as they shipped off DeAndre Ayton to Portland as part of the Dame Trade. Getting Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen in return will help. Now I wonder who Phoenix will bring in to replace Monty Williams. As long as it’s not a retread they’ll be safe. (BOOM!) FRANK VOGEL!? The guy who was tactically spanked by Williams during the 2021 playoffs, a guy who thought Russell Westbrook would play 3rd Wheel to LeBron and AD. You hired HIM? Turns out that Ishbia found his own Shottenheimer. Now watch him run Vogel out of the desert if they don’t win it all!
Portland Trail Blazers (A Wasted Era): A hardy round of applause for wasting one of the greatest eras in franchise history. It takes a special breed of insanity to produce all of those good teams, and yet not win a single game in the Conference Finals during this span. And now the face of the franchise is gone. The good news is that they at least got DeAndre Ayton as a consolation prize. Even if massive change in the organization was needed, they at least found their solution to replacing Dame. A young star in Scoot Henderson. Yes he didn’t go to college, but who needs that when you can ball like he did in G League Ignite. Not to mention they also brought in Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams. I don’t say this often, but they actually got better despite losing Lillard. And that’s saying something. As long as Chauncey Billups doesn’t prove how much of a hack of a coach he is, things should turn for the better. Just don’t ruin the young guns please.
Sacramento Kings (Feeling The Excitement): The era of mediocrity is officially put to bed. Now the question is will the Kings build off the momentum of a year ago. DeAaron Fox is a superstar in the making. And him winning the inaugural Clutch Player of the Year Award is certainly a big reason why. (And he signed a deal with Under Armour and the Curry Brand, LOVE IT!) There are still a lot of key pieces on this team that haven’t reached their prime yet. Keegan Murray is one of them. After a solid rookie year, he’s looking to build off from it in a hurry. (Well being a fan favorite will certainly help) Not to mention they gave Domantas Sabonis more support off the bench. In comes an old buddy of Mike Brown in JaVale McGee. He’ll probably fit right with the system they have even if he’s getting old. Last year was the learning experience and hopefully this year, they can ride the momentum to a deep run. This is the West however. And nothing will ever be easy for them or their fans.
San Antonio Spurs (All Hail Wemby Season): We thought the Empire was dead after last year. Well, well, well. The Spurs had other plans. All it took was the biggest tank the franchise had seen since the 80s to pull it off. The prize they received was the greatest prospect that the NBA has seen since LeBron James. Victor Wembanyama. One of the most gifted players the game has ever seen. A 7’4 giant who can do things that young kids dream about. He’ll need some time to adjust but if he keeps his head up, he’ll be a difference maker rivaling Tim Duncan, and David Robinson during the glory years. The cast around him is still very young, but a guy like that should carry them through rough times. But hey Coach Pop is still on the sidelines, that’s always a great sign to see. Their time will come, and when it does, it’ll be a sign of familiarity to the rest of the league.
Utah Jazz (Slow And Steady): The sleeper of sleepers. A roster that is slowly coming together. You can thank Danny Ainge trolling franchises left and right like he did in Boston. This time around they were able to swoop up John Collins after months of wanting out of the ATL. Now he gets to play with two emerging big men in Lauri Markkenen, and Walker Kessler. Their front court is very solid, but what about the backend? They have Jordan Clarkson, and Collin Sexton. Solid players even if they lack elite talent. They still need time to fully grow into a contender. The one thing they’ll have going for them is that Salt Lake City is a very tough place to play, and they’ll thrive off of that too. Will this team be the Diamondbacks of the NBA? Who knows. PAUSE.
I know it’s taken me an extra week to do this, but hey it’s finally out. Let’s get to the predictions. (Note the Harden Trade to the Clippers will be revealed during the 2nd Half Preview)
West Predictions:
- Nuggets
- Warriors
- Kings
- Lakers
- Suns
- Clippers
- Thunder
- Mavericks
- Timberwolves
- Spurs
- Timberwolves
- Grizzlies
- Jazz
- Trail Blazers
- Rockets
NBA Playoffs 1st Round:
East Winners: Bucks, Celtics, Heat, 76ers
West Winners: Nuggets, Warriors, Kings, Lakers
NBA Playoffs 2nd Round:
East Winners: Bucks, Heat
West Winners: Nuggets, Warriors
NBA Playoffs Conference Finals
East Winner: Heat
West Winner: Nuggets
2024 NBA Finals
Nuggets over Heat 4-2
NBA In-Season Tournament Championship
Warriors over Cavaliers
Season Awards
MVP: Stephen Curry, Warriors
Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Most Improved Player of the Year: Jalen Green, Rockets
Rookie of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Thunder
Coach of the Year: Adrian Griffin, Bucks
ECF MVP: Jimmy Butler, Heat
WCF MVP: Jamal Murray, Nuggets
Finals MVP: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Bragging Rights Sports 