Category: NBA

Image Courtesy: The Mercury News

Projected Conference Standings (of teams predicted to make playoffs/play-in tournament)

Eastern Conference
1.Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks re-signed forward Bobby Portis. They of course have former MVP Giannis Antekounmpo and will look to get back to the Finals for the first time in 2021.
2.Boston Celtics
The Celtics added the Indiana Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon to shore up their point guard position. Star forward Jayson Tatum’s turnover problems in the NBA Finals’ loss to Golden State will have to be fixed if Boston want to get back to winning a championship.
3.Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers re-signed star James Harden on a smaller contract, allowing Philadelphia to add other free agents. Harden wants to win a championship and he can do that with last season’s leading scorer Joel Embiid.
4.Miami Heat
The Heat were a Jimmy Butler made three away from reaching the Finals for a second consecutive year. It will be up to off ball guards Tyler Herro and Max Strus to play well next to Butler and get the Heat deep into the playoffs.
5.Toronto Raptors
Toronto will continue to play through forwards Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam and add assets to push through and make a run at Milwaukee, Boston, and Philadelphia at the top of the eastern conference.
6.Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is just a year removed from an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Hawks paired guard Trae Young with San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray to share ball handling duties. Now, Young will be able to come off of screens and take more open threes, which should help the Hawks scoring load.
7.Chicago Bulls
Chicago maintained wings Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan but will need to get better defensively to be a true contender in the eastern conference.
8.Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland will use young big man tandem Evan Mobley and former Brooklyn Net Jarrett Allen to create offense and suffocate other opponents on defense.
9.Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte lost young star Miles Bridges due to legal issues but will trot Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball out in their backcourt and continue to be one of the most exciting teams in the league.
10.New York Knicks
The Knicks added Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson to hopefully fix their point guard role. Brunson is surrounded by wing RJ Barrett and forward Julius Randle.

Western Conference
1.Golden State Warriors
The reigning NBA champions will just keep doing what they’ve been doing with guard Stephen Curry leading the way.
2.Los Angeles Clippers
LA added guard John Wall to come off the bench and with star forward Kawhi Leonard returning from injury, the Clippers are expected to make a bounce back season in 2022-2023.
3.Denver Nuggets
Back to back MVP Nikola Jokic gets star guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. back from injury entering this season. The Nuggets are a clear top four or five team in the west and will challenge Golden State again for the west crown.
4.Dallas Mavericks
Dallas eliminated the reigning western conference champions at the time in the second round of the playoffs. The Mavericks lost guard Jalen Brunson but former Brooklyn Nets starter Spencer Dinwiddie should fit right in next to star Luka Doncic in the backcourt. Dallas will be a quality team in 2022-2023.
5.Phoenix Suns
Phoenix has a salty taste in their mouth after losing in the West Semifinals to the Mavericks in May. Back to back Coach of the Year Monty Williams will have to keep working with Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and his entire team on keeping their defensive intensity up every game.
5.Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis was the two seed in the playoffs last season but many believe only because of injuries in Denver and LA. But the Ja Morant led Grizzlies will most definitely be in the playoffs next season in a loaded western conference.
7.New Orleans Pelicans
In a crowded southwest division (Memphis, Dallas, …), New Orleans has finally gotten star forward Zion Williamson back from his injury. He will team up with off-ball guard CJ McCollum and wing Brandon Ingram to form a competitive team down south.
8.Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota traded for former Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert to play center for them. They will move Karl-Anthony Towns over to the four and allow Anthony Edwards to create outside at guard.
9.Portland Trail Blazers
Portland’s Damian Lillard continues to remain content in Portland while developing guard Anfernee Simons gives the Blazers a second option outside. Portland will be okay in 2022-2023.
10.Los Angeles Lakers
LA needs shooters outside of LeBron, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis. Their front office has not done that yet. Until that happens, this is as high as I will project the Lakers.

Projected NBA Finals:
Milwaukee 4
LA Clippers 2

Projected Award Winners
MVP: Giannis Antentokounmpo, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks
DPOY: Mikal Bridges, Guard/Forward, Phoenix Suns
MIP: Bobby Portis, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks
COY: Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks

Image Courtesy: CBS Sports

1.Orlando Magic
Jabari Smith, Forward, Auburn (Freshman)

2.Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren, Center, Gonzaga (Freshman)

3.Houston Rockets
Paolo Banchero, Forward, Duke (Freshman)

4.Sacramento Kings
Keegan Murray, Forward, Iowa (Sophomore)

5.Detroit Pistons
Jaden Ivey, Guard, Purdue (Sophomore)

6.Indiana Pacers
Dyson Daniels, Guard, G-League Ignite

7.Portland Trail Blazers
Bennedict Mathurin, Guard/Forward, Arizona (Sophomore)

8.New Orleans Pelicans
AJ Griffin, Forward, Duke (Freshman)

9.San Antonio Spurs
Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis (Freshman)

10.Washington Wizards
Shaedon Sharpe, Guard, Kentucky (Freshman)

Image Courtesy: NBA.com

2022 NBA Finals
2.Boston Celtics
3.Golden State Warriors

Schedule
*If necessary*
Game 1: June 2, 9 PM ET, ABC
Game 2: June 5, 8 PM ET, ABC
Game 3: June 8, 9 PM ET, ABC
Game 4: June 10, 9 PM ET, ABC
*Game 5*: June 13, 9 PM ET, ABC
*Game 6*: June 16, 9 PM ET, ABC
*Game 7*: June 19, 8 PM ET ABC

The Golden State Warriors are appearing in their first NBA Finals since 2019 where they lost to the Toronto Raptors in six games. The Warriors lost star Kevin Durant that summer to the Brooklyn Nets via free agency. With new, young role players like guard Jordan Poole (who is looking like the third Splash Brother), guard/forward Andrew Wiggins, forward Kevon Looney, forward Jonathan Kuminga, and guard/forward Moses Moody in addition to the championship core of guard Stephen Curry, guard Klay Thompson, and forward Draymond Green, the “Dubs” seem to be the favorite to win their fourth NBA title together (previous titles won in 2015, 2017, and 2018). Stephen Curry was named Western Conference Finals MVP after their five-game series with the Mavericks but the award the talented point guard has never been named is Finals MVP. If Golden State can beat Boston and Curry has a success, maybe that aspiration can come true. Then, Curry will be a more respected player all-time by the NBA media. The Boston Celtics have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals four times since 2017 and finally broke through to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. Also, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka has led the team to a Finals appearance in his first season with the team, a phenomenal feat. Led by star young forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics will pose a threat to the favorites to win it all, Golden State. Tatum and Brown are supported by long time Celtic Marcus Smart and big man Al Horford. The two veterans give Boston timely shooting and tough defense. The question will be is if Boston can win at home and steal at least one on the road in San Francisco. The Celtics will have to do that to win the series against a veteran team that makes timely shots and knows how to win in championship situations. I cannot wait to see the chess match between Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Celtics coach Ime Udoka.

Prediction: Warriors in 6

I hop everyone enjoys the 2022 NBA Finals :).

Image Courtesy: Hoops Habit

The NBA Playoffs begin in just an hour. Here is who I have making it to the NBA Finals:

Conference Play-In Results

Eastern Conference

9.Atlanta Hawks (43-39) Advanced
10.Charlotte Hornets (43-39)
(Winner to play loser of 7./8. game for eight seed)

7.Brooklyn Nets (44-38) Advanced
8.Cleveland Cavaliers (44-38)
(Winner to be seven seed)

8.Cleveland Cavaliers (44-38)
9.Atlanta Hawks (43-39) Advanced

Western Conference

9.New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) Advanced
10.San Antonio Spurs (34-48)
(Winner to play loser of 7./8. game for eight seed)

7.Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36) Advanced
8.LA Clippers (42-40)
(Winner to be seven seed)

8.LA Clippers (46-36)
9.New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) Advanced

Conference Quarterfinals

Eastern Conference

Quarterfinals
1.Miami Heat (53-29) 4
8.Atlanta Hawks (43-39) 2
Miami was paced by Jimmy Butler and Victor Oladipo to land the East’s number one seed. But it will be their depth that advances them to round 2, past 2021 Eastern Conference Finals team Atlanta led by star guard Tar Young.

4.Philadelphia 76ers (51-31) 4
5.Toronto Raptors (48-34) 2
The James Harden and Joel Embiid’s goals for this team in these playoffs is to go much further than round 1. Despite not having defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle in away games due to the vaccine in Canada, Harden, Embiid, and Tobias Harris should lead Philadelphia to Round 2 over Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and the Raptors.

3.Milwaukee Bucks (51-31) 4
6.Chicago Bulls (46-36) 1
While DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine were very successful to begin the season, facing off against the Bucks, the defending NBA champions in round one will not be easy. DeRozan always struggled in the playoffs in Toronto and facing Giannis and the Bucks will not be easy.

2.Boston Celtics (51-31) 3
7.Brooklyn Nets (44-38) 4
Brooklyn may not have the depth it previously had before adding James Harden and then getting rid of him, but Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will win a close, seven-game series over Irving’s old team. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will have something to say about it, though.

Western Conference
1.Phoenix Suns (64-18) 4
8.New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) 1
Led by back to back coach of the year Monty Williams and likely first team All-NBA guard Devin Booker and fellow guard Chris Paul and their young core, I expect the Suns to take down the young but gritty Pelicans in five games.

4.Dallas Mavericks (52-30) 3
5.Utah Jazz (49-33) 4
My second upset pick comes in the Dallas-Utah series. With Mavs star Luka Doncic hurt (but maybe playing; it is to be determined), Utah guard Donovan Mitchell and big man Rudy Gobert will take down Dallas in a close seven game series.

3.Golden State Warriors (53-29) 4
6.Denver Nuggets (48-34) 2
Potential NBA MVP Nikola Jokic will look to take down NBA Playoff mainstays Golden State. In Denver’s way will be former MVP Stephen Curry, guard Klay Thompson, guard Jordan Poole, and forward Draymond Green will look to get another championship back to the Bay Area.

2.Memphis Grizzlies (56-26) 4
7.Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36) 2
Memphis’ young core of star point guard Ja Morant, forward Jaren Jackson, and wing Desmond Bane will lead the Grizzlies to the second round over an exciting, also young Minnesota team led by guard Anthony Edwards and big man Karl Anthony-Towns.

Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference
1.Miami Heat 3
4.Philadelphia 76ers 4
The play of James Harden and Joel Embiid will lead the Sixers to an upset over the Miami Heat.

3.Milwaukee Bucks 4
7.Brooklyn Nets 3
The Nets’ lack of depth is why I think Giannis and the Bucks eliminate Brooklyn for the second consecutive season. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will have to play 80 plus percent of the game at a high level to upset the Bucks.

Western Conference
1.Phoenix Suns 4
5.Utah Jazz 2
Phoenix’s bench led by Cam Johnson will help the Suns defeat Utah in six games.

2.Memphis Grizzlies 2
3.Golden State Warriors 4
Memphis hasn’t been here before. Golden State has gone to five of the last eight NBA Finals. Stephen Curry leads the Warriors back to the conference finals.

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference
3.Milwaukee Bucks 4
4.Philadelphia 76ers 3
A battle between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid inside will be won by the Bucks. They will look to repeat as champions.

Western Conference
1.Phoenix Suns 3
3.Golden State Warriors 4
Golden State has been here many times before. Stephen Curry and the Warriors will deny Phoenix a second shot at the Finals and head to it themselves.

Finals preview will come when we get there.

Arkansas wing Moses Moody was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the fourteenth pick in the 2o21 NBA Draft. Moody joins Jonathan Kuminga from the NBA G-League Ignite as Warrior draft picks in 2021. Moody became the sixth lottery pick in Arkansas history, joining Joe Kleine (1985 pick 6, Kings), Todd Day (1992 pick 8, Bucks), Corliss Williamson (1995 pick 13, Kings), Joe Johnson (2001 pick 10, Celtics), and Ronnie Brewer (2004 pick 14, Jazz). Moody averaged 16.8 points and 6 rebounds per game during the 2020-2021 season.

1.Detroit Pistons-Cade Cunningham, Guard, Oklahoma State (Freshman)
No matter who has the pick, whether it be Detroit, Houston, or anyone else, no one is going to ignore the best all-around player in the draft. Cunningham is an exquisite passer, improving scorer, and talented perimeter defender.
2.Houston Rockets-Jalen Green, Guard, G-League Ignite
Jalen Green said himself if he went to college for a year, he would’ve been the number one pick. He said that a year after he changed the college basketball landscape by landing with the G-League Ignite. Green is an awesome scorer and a good defender that needs to improve his passing.
3.Cleveland Cavaliers-Evan Mobley, Center, USC (Freshman)
Mobley is the most talented big man in the draft. He has a decent jumper and is a pretty good rim protector. There’s a chance that the Cavs could go Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs if they were to move on from Collin Sexton, but I’ll go Mobley for now.
4.Toronto Raptors-Jalen Suggs, Guard, Gonzaga (Freshman)
If you watched Jalen Suggs in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, there’s reason for him to go even higher. He is an awesome scorer, good passer, and good perimeter defender.
5.Orlando Magic-Jonathan Kuminga, Forward, G-League Ignite
Kuminga, similar to Jalen Green, would probably go higher in the draft if he got the college exposure his counterparts got. But, Kuminga is a pretty good scorer and can defend multiple positions. He will be a good fit in Orlando.
6.Oklahoma City Thunder-Scottie Barnes, Forward, Florida State (Freshman)
Scottie Barnes is a rangy, athletic forward that should help the Thunder longterm.
7.Golden State Warriors-Davion Mitchell, Guard, Baylor (Junior)
If Golden State doesn’t trade this pick for a third star, then this will be the pick. Mitchell is the best perimeter defender in the draft that showed his scoring ability off in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. He is the perfect guy to come off the bench and replace Stephen Curry when he needs rest.
8.Orlando Magic-Moses Moody, Guard/Forward, Arkansas (Freshman)
Despite having a quiet NCAA Tournament, Moses Moody should go anywhere from the seventh pick to the end of the lottery. Orlando could be a fit, as they are always looking for perimeter scorers that can defend. Moody projects as a three and d star that can really shoot it.
9.Sacramento Kings-James Bouknight, Guard, Connecticut (Sophomore)
Bouknight is a phenomenal shooter that helped Connecticut get through their first season back in the Big East. With Buddy Hield likely on the way out, Bouknight will complement De’Aaron Fox well.
10.New Orleans Pelicans-Keon Johnson, Guard, Tennessee (Freshman)
Johnson is a freak athlete that will go along with Zion Williamson very well. While the Pelicans could use a shooter, they can address that need later in the draft.

According to multiple reports, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said that NBA expansion could come as soon as 2022. The two most likely locations according to Silver are returning to Seattle and Las Vegas. Here’s my proposed look at what the NBA would look like if the NBA were to expand:

*I am also adding other expansion teams to make the divisions even*

Eastern Conference

Atlantic
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Charlotte Hornets
Miami Heat
New York Knicks
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Washington Wizards

Central
Chicago Bulls
Cincinnati Lions
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans
Toronto Raptors

Western Conference

Central
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Houston Rockets
Kansas City Panthers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs
St. Louis Arches
Utah Jazz

Pacific
Golden State Warriors
Las Vegas Stars
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Diego Surf
Seattle SuperSonics

2021 NBA Finals
2.Suns
3.Bucks

Schedule:
*If necessary*
Game 1: July 6, 9 PM ET, ABC
Game 2: July 8, 9 PM ET, ABC
Game 3: July 11, 8 PM ET, ABC
Game 4: July 14, 9 PM ET, ABC
*Game 5*: July 17, 9 PM ET, ABC
*Game 6*: July 20, 9 PM ET, ABC
*Game 7*: July 22, 9 PM ET, ABC

For the first time in so many years, there is no LeBron James or Stephen Curry in the NBA Finals. In fact, we saw them in the NBA’s newest addition to the playoffs this postseason, the play-in game, where James’ Lakers took care of Curry’s Warriors with LeBron’s game-winning three. The reason I say this is in the opening round the Suns eliminated LeBron for the first time ever in the first round. James’ record is now 14-1 in the first round. But, that is not what we are here to talk about. Of course, we are here to talk about the 2021 NBA Finals. The Chris Paul and Devin Booker led Phoenix Suns are set to battle against guard/forward Khris Middelton (20.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game), guard Jrue Holiday 17.7 points, 6.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds per game), and the Milwaukee Bucks. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.1 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game) has been sidelined with an injury for the Bucks, but Milwaukee was able to win games five and six in the Eastern Conference Finals over the Atlanta. Phoenix went 8-0 in last season’s “bubble” before not being able to qualify for last season’s playoffs. In the off-season they added veteran point guard Chris Paul (16 points and 9 assists per game this season), who was a Finals appearance away from cementing his legacy as an NBA Hall of Famer entering the year. Paul has helped young stars (guard) Devin Booker and (big man) DeAndre Ayton out guiding the Suns to their first Finals appearance since 1993. Booker has averaged 25.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while Ayton has averaged 14 points and almost 11 rebounds. With both teams winning their conference finals in six games, the match up can be seen as one as even as any NBA Finals match up we have seen since LeBron James’ Miami Heat faced off versus Tim Duncan’s San Antonio Spurs in the summers of 2013 and 2014. Of course, with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo out for at least the first game or two, the Suns need to use that and home court advantage the first two games of the series to get an early series lead and finish the Bucks off before the “Greek Freak” comes back. It will be up to the aforementioned Khris Middelton and Jrue Holiday as well as big men Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis to get the Bucks going.

Prediction: Suns in 7

I hope everyone enjoys the 2021 NBA Finals :).

All American Center Luka Garza will return for his final year of eligibility at Iowa. Garza makes Iowa a frontrunner in the Big Ten title race and a national championship contender next March. The big man was a double-double machine for the Hawkeyes, as Garza averaged 23.9 PPG, and 10.8 RPG.

Baylor Guard Jared Butler announced his intentions to stay at Baylor. Butler averaged 16 PPG, 3 RPG, and 3 APG last season in Waco.

Arizona State Guard Remy Martin will return to school for his senior year, the school announced Sunday evening. Martin’s return solidifies a team that many think can compete for a Pac-12 championship in 2020-2021. Martin averaged 19.1 PPG, and 4.1 APG in his junior season.

Michigan State Forward Xavier Tillman is keeping his name in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Big Ten second team big man averaged 13.7 PPG and 10.3 RPG last season. Michigan State Guard Aaron Henry will return to school, though.

Virginia forward Jay Huff has withdrawn from the NBA draft and will return to Charlottesville for his senior year. Huff was an excellent defensive piece in the Cavalier’s system who averaged 8.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 2 BPG.

With the NBA restarting tomorrow, I decided to give an up to date timeline on the return to play not just this season but for the 2020-2021 season too.

(Everything from June 23-July 29 has already happened).

June 23
Transaction window opens

June 24
Soft deadline for players to choose whether to play or not in the bubble

June 30
Transaction window closes

July 1
Mandatory individual workouts begin

July 1
Hard deadline for players to decide not to play at Disney

July 7
Nets, Nuggets, Magic, Suns, Jazz and Wizards travel to Orlando

July 8
Celtics, Mavericks, Clippers, Grizzlies, Heat, Pelicans, Thunder and Kings travel to Orlando

July 9
Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, Bucks, 76ers, Trail Blazers, Spurs and Raptors travel to Orlando

July 9-21
Team training camps

July 21-28
NBA award voting (awards announced during playoffs)

July 22-29
Inter-squad scrimmages

July 30
NBA Restart begins

August 15-16
Play-in Tournament

August 17
NBA Playoffs begin

August 20
2020 NBA Draft Lottery

August 30
Player guests arrive in Orlando

August 31
Round 2 of the 2020 NBA Playoffs begin

September 15
Beginning of 2020 Conference Finals

September 30
Beginning of 2020 NBA Finals

October 12
Game 7 of the NBA Finals (if necessary)

October 16
2020 NBA Draft

October 18
Beginning of 2020 NBA Free Agency

November 10
Training camps for 2020-21 season begin

December 1
Opening night for 2020-21 season

According to a report on ESPN, the New Orleans Pelicans expect Forward Zion Williamson to be back at practice come Wednesday, the day before the NBA officially begins its restart. Williamson returned to Orlando on Friday after leaving to tend to a family matter that the NBA is calling a “family emergency”. In the article, ESPN also said that Williamson was tested for COVID-19 everyday and tested negatively every time. This means that the NBA only needs him to quarantine for four more days, which would need to include four more negative COVID-19 tests.

The NBA has placed LA Clippers Guard Lou Williams on a 10 day quarantine after the veteran was investigated by the league for what he did while he was on an excused absence from the bubble. On Friday Williams was photographed by the rapper Jack Harlow at an Atlanta strip club. Williams’ 10 day quarantine will keep him out of the Clippers’ first two games, versus the Lakers and on July 30 and the Pelicans on August 1.

Brooklyn Nets Guard Kyrie Irving is committing $1.5 million to WNBA players sitting out the rest of the season, whatever is keeping them from playing. Irving is sitting out the NBA season himself.

Here is the NBA’s restart calendar from Orlando through the start of next season:

June 30
The transaction window closes at 11:59 PM ET.

July 7-9
Teams travel to Orlando.

July 9-29
NBA Training Camp

July 30
2019-2020 NBA season resumes, Lakers vs. Clippers headline opening night.

August 15
Potential play-in games between the 8th and 9th seed begin.

August 17
The first round of the playoffs begin

August 25
2020 NBA Draft Lottery

September 30
NBA Finals begin

October 16
2020 NBA Draft