It was just a mere four months ago when the Bay Area darling Golden State Warriors held the Larry O’Brien trophy up high in downtown Cleveland. Now, as the 2015-2016 NBA campaign is set to tip-off, the question is whether or not can they repeat?
The last team to repeat were the Miami Heat, which happened only two years ago. However, unlike Miami, Golden State has to get through a western conference that only seems to be getting tougher by the year.
With all of that being said, the Warriors have their core returning and unlike your typical defending champion, they have tons to be motivated about, since people like Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers are questioning their title run.
“You need luck in the West,” Rivers stressed. “Look at Golden State. They didn’t have to play us or the Spurs. But that’s also a lesson for us: When you have a chance to close, you have to do it.”
Not only will the Clippers and Spurs poise a major threat this season, teams like Houston, Oklahoma City and Memphis will have something to say as well.
As far as the eastern conference is concerned, there’s several up and coming teams like Washington, Toronto, and even Milwaukee to a lesser extent. Nonetheless, are any of those teams capable of beating LeBron James and his Cavaliers in a seven game series? Or what about Chicago/Miami?
After countless hours of analysis, it’s time to see what teams you should have on your league pass watch, who will receive individual honors and who will ultimately be the last team standing in June.
League pass watch: The following teams won’t be competing for a championship anytime soon, but one things for sure, they’ll be exciting to watch on a random Tuesday night in January.
Minnesota Timberwolves – When it comes to raw untapped talent, you’ll be hard pressed to find another team like the T’Wolves. This squad has the previous two number one overall picks, in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. While this duo may not be the next Kobe and Shaq, they have plenty of upside going forward. Also, following the tragic death of former head coach Flip Saunders, this young Minnesota unit will be playing with heavy hearts throughout the season.
New York Knicks – Even in the eastern conference, the prospect of the Knicks making the playoffs is laughable. Having said that, they will be great entertainers for your league pass satisfaction. Watching Carmelo Anthony operate on the offensive end is always exciting, but the main draw in New York will be highly coveted rookie Kristaps Porzingis. The New York fan base can be harsh and considering the fact Porzingis is coming from overseas, all of the odds seem to be against him. However, if he’s able to win over the fans, he’ll be heading towards legendary status.
Sacramento Kings – Talent hasn’t been the problem in Sac-town, structure has. When you look at this team on paper, you see names like Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinell, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, which makes you believe they’ll be able to compete for the 8th seed in the west. The only problem is George Karl’s persona matched with Cousins and Rondo. Whether they’ll be able to get it together or not, it’ll make for great league pass action either way.
Orlando Magic – Under former head coach Jacque Vaughn, Orlando’s front office believed they had enough talent to at least compete for a playoff spot in the east. Unfortunately, the Magic haven’t sniffed the playoffs since Dwight Howard bolted. With Scott Skiles running the show now, this is a franchise poised to make great strides behind the likes of Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic. Also, watch out for rookie Mario Hezonja.
Los Angeles Lakers – It doesn’t matter who’s rocking the purple and yellow, this franchise will always be one of the most sought after in the association. In that same breathe, this is a very unique season for Lakers nation on many different fronts. First and foremost, this is Kobe Bryant’s last year on contract, which makes people wonder if this will be it for the ‘Black Mamba’. Secondly, young guys like D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle are looking to become the next guys in line of Laker greats.
Western Conference Predictions:
1. San Antonio Spurs – Not only can Tim Duncan rest more in the regular season, the Spurs actually get better with Duncan on the bench because of a guy named LaMarcus Aldridge.
2. Golden State Warriors – With everyone returning, the Warriors will be battling San Antonio for the top seed all season long.
3. Los Angeles Clippers – This talented unit made some of the most efficient silent moves this off-season. Lance Stephenson will help their play making on both sides of the ball, while Paul Pierce brings a championship aura.
4, Oklahoma City Thunder – If they can stay healthy, there’s no doubt OKC can compete for a championship. Kevin Durant will be playing like a man possessed.
5. Houston Rockets – It’s going to take some time for Ty Lawson and James Harden to get used to playing with one another, but once they do, this team will be dangerous. Can Dwight Howard stay healthy? What about the Kardashian and Lil B curses?
6. Memphis Grizzlies – No major acquisitions over the summer will keep Memphis stationary as usual. Expect a first round exit.
7. New Orleans Pelicans – Anthony Davis is good enough to give you a playoff spot, but in order for New Orleans to take that next step, they’ll need to form a better supporting cast.
8. Utah Jazz – After posting one of the best records following the all-star break, this young Jazz team is prepared to make the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
Conference Finals: Spurs over Warriors in 7.
Eastern Conference Predictions:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron could sit out a quarter of the season and I would still probably have Cleveland here.
2. Chicago Bulls – Sure, Fred Hoiberg is new to the NBA game, but his free flowing offensive system will allow guys like Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott to showcase their talent.
3. Miami Heat – Last year was just a wacky one in South Beach. They only had Goran Dragic and Chris Bosh for a limited time. Also, Hassan Whiteside barely scratched the surface. When it’s all said and done, Miami could be Cleveland’s biggest threat in the east.
4. Toronto Raptors – Winning in the regular season was never a problem in the “6”. However, the addition of DeMarre Carroll will give them some much needed toughness on the perimeter.
5. Washington Wizards – We know what we’re getting from John Wall and Bradley Beal, but who’s going to step up and be that third guy? The Wizards are hoping it’s Otto Porter Jr.
6. Milwaukee Bucks – It’s pretty remarkable to think how this team was the 6th seed last year without Jabari Parker. If that wasn’t enough, they added Greg Monroe to give them some more inside scoring.
7. Atlanta Hawks – From 1st to 7th? Losing DeMarre Carroll was a tough pill to swallow in Atlanta. Also, Mike Scott may be facing disciplinary action from the association, while Kyle Korver is still recovering from his ankle surgery.
8. Indiana Pacers – The combination of Paul George and Monta Ellis should be enough to gain the 8th seed.
Conference Finals: Cavaliers over Heat in 6.
NBA Finals: Spurs over Cavaliers in 6 – It’s pretty standard NBA knowledge to submit LeBron into the finals before the season at this point, unfortunately, his Cavs aren’t the most ideal team to matchup against San Antonio.
Who will Kevin Love guard, Tim Duncan or LaMarcus Aldridge?
Either guy would have their way with Love in the paint and although LeBron will get his, there isn’t a better guy in the association to put on him than Kawhi Leonard.
Awards:
MVP – Kevin Durant.
ROY – Jahlil Okafor.
DPOY – Anthony Davis.
6th Man – Isaiah Thomas.
MIP – Nikola Mirotic.
COY – Erik Spoelstra.