One of my favorite things about the NBA season for me is seeing overreactions, legacy debates, and updated predictions through the first 20-30 games. My original predictions have changed in various ways, but one thing remains: From Draymond Green resulting to fisticuffs on what feels like a nightly basis to the Timberwolves looking their best since the Kevin Garnett days, this has been the most unpredictable season I’ve witnessed in probably 5-to-10 years.
For this piece, I’m going to take a dive into the first quarter of the season and update my predictions. Some will shock you; some might come as no surprise. No matter how you slice it, this season is already proving that we will be in for a wild finish.
Rookie of the Year:
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
One of the things I saw most on Twitter was how Chet Holmgren would be the missing piece to the Thunder’s success. While I believe that there are many contributors to OKC’s current success, it cannot be overlooked that the 2nd year Rookie (due to injury) out of Gonzaga is a big piece of the equation.
Most Improved Player:
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
What can be said about Tyrese Haliburton other than “consistent improvement?” Year after year, Haliburton has drastically improved his game in every area. Right now, it’s to the tune of career highs in scoring, three point percentage, and a league leading 12 assists per game.
Sixth Man of the Year:
Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks
This one felt like a true toss up when the season started and through the first twenty plus games, the Lakers fan in me wants to choose Austin Reaves, who has been sensational off the bench, but I cannot disregard what Tim Hardaway Jr. is doing in Dallas.
Defensive Player of the Year:
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
I have been more critical than anyone when it comes to the play of Rudy Gobert. However, I would be remiss to not mention how well Minnesota looks one the defensive end with him on the floor. Sitting at the top of a tough Western Conference, will this be the year that Rudy Gobert cements himself among the greats when it comes to defensive big men? I think that remains to be seen, but for now, things are looking up.
Most Valuable Player:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
When I attended media day this year, SGA said something I will never forget. “I really don’t care where we play. If I have my five, you can bring whoever and we’ll compete.” It was in that moment that I felt as though I was looking at the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. What is the most telling is that SGA’s competitive edge is contagious and you can tell how much it fuels the Thunder every night.
As of now, both the Eastern and Western Conferences are wide open. The top seven seeds in the Western Conference are separated by literally five games while 6 separate the East. At this point, it’s hard to tell if the early success of many ball clubs like the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder will continue to be seen but for now, the ride has been very fun. The aforementioned Magic are looking the best they’ve looked since probably 2009-2011, and the Thunder and T’Wolves are having their best starts in roughly a decade or more.
One thing’s for certain and two things are for sure: This ain’t ya daddy’s NBA. These young stars are proving that the league is in great shape and even better hands. Young stars like Anthony Edwards, Haliburton, and De’Aaron Fox to name a few, are showing each game what can happen in this new NBA. All that aside, there’s definitely going to be some major shake ups that take place.
Final Season Predictions:
West Round One
- Denver Nuggets (1) vs Sacramento Kings (8); DEN wins 4-2
- Oklahoma City Thunder (2) vs Los Angeles Clippers (7); OKC wins 4-3
- Pheonix Suns (3) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (6); PHX wins 4-3
- Los Angeles Lakers (5) vs Dallas Mavericks (4); LAL wins 4-3
East Round One
- Boston Celtics (1) vs New York Knicks (8); BOS wins 4-1
- Milwaukee Bucks (2) vs Clevland Cavaliers; MIL wins 4-2
- Philadelphia 76ers (3) vs Orlando Magic (6); PHI wins 4-3
- Miami Heat (4) vs Indiana Pacers (5); IND wins 4-2
Western Semifinals
- Denver Nuggets (1) vs Los Angeles Lakers (5); Denver wins 4-2
- Oklahoma City Thunder (2) vs Phoenix Suns (3); PHX wins 4-3
Eastern Semifinals
- Boston Celtics (1) vs Indiana Pacers (5); BOS wins 4-1
- Milwaukee Bucks (2) vs Philadelphia 76ers (3); MIL wins 4-3
Western Conference Final
- Denver Nuggets (1) vs. Phoenix Suns (3); DEN wins 4-2
Eastern Conference Final
- Boston Celtics (1) vs Milwaukee Bucks (2); BOS wins 4-3
NBA Finals
- Denver Nuggets (1) vs. Boston Celtics (1); BOS wins 4-2
NBA Champions
- Boston Celtics
The Lakers fan in me hates having Boston as the team who can win it all but from top to bottom, the best team in the NBA is wearing Celtic green. As long as Tatum can perform and Kristaps Porzingis can stay healthy, there isn’t much many teams can do to stop them. Time will tell how far off these predictions might be; but watching things continue to unfold will be must-see TV.
