Layne Murdoch Jr./New Orleans Pelicans
Attempting to predict the outcome of this season in a few paragraphs is next to nothing but impossible. Hell, attempting to predict this season in a few hundred pages of a thick book seems impossible.
It's easy to assume that every great team will live up to their expectations in order to restore basketball order, balance, and harmony to the realm, right?
No, we can't, because, well, the 2013 Lakers existed, with Kobe, Dwight, and Nash. And so did the 1998 Rockets, with Hakeem, Barkley, and Pippen. And the 2004 Lakers, with Kobe and Shaq, and Gary Payton and Karl Malone. And the 2017 Knicks (what, a hobbled Melo, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose doesn't qualify as a "superteam?" Rose certainly thought so.
But that's what makes the NBA the greatest league in the world - player's truly control their own destiny, while meticulously shaping their own image, and it's almost all completely unforeseeable! Some things are easier to predict than others, but in this league, anything can change in a day - or even a minute - as evident by the phenomenon that was the 2019 NBA offseason.
The means of how the league continuously shapes itself - through sheer volatility - makes the upcoming season so exciting. This year's seemingly a bit different though - for the first time (since, before The Decision?) - the path to the NBA championship is wide open. The trophy is up for grabs.
There's always going to be the few teams we label as the favorite this time of year, but this is the first time in some time that we don't have the Warriors. The Heatles. We're no longer rooting for some mystery team to come around and knock a Goliath off their pedestal.
We've appeared to transition from the era of the Big Three (I know, they existed before LeBron, but let's just pretend that he invented them for the sake of recency bias) to the era of the perfect NBA Jam infrastructure. Seriously - name a contender, or even a relatively relevant NBA team that doesn't have a powerfully lethal duo.
Rejoice, NBA fans! Parity has finally arrived.
And man, is it going to be a bloodbath.
RECORD PREDICTIONS
1: Denver Nuggets (60-22)
2: Los Angeles Lakers (58-24)
3: LA Clippers (56-26)
4: Houston Rockets (51-31)
5: Utah Jazz (50-32)
6: Portland Trail Blazers (49-33)
7: Golden State Warriors (48-34)
8: San Antonio Spurs (46-36)
9: Sacramento Kings (44-38)
10: New Orleans Pelicans (42-40)
11: Dallas Mavericks (41-41)
12: Oklahoma City Thunder (40-42)
13: Minnesota Timberwolves (39-43)
14: Memphis Grizzlies (30-52)
15: Phoenix Suns (28-54)
#15: Phoenix Suns (28-54)
Key Additions: Head Coach Monty Williams, Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric (MIN), Aron Baynes (BOS)
Key Losses: Head Coach Igor Kokoskov (SAC), TJ Warren (IND), Josh Jackson (MEM), Richaun Holmes (SAC)
Matt York/AP
The Phoenix Suns have had five head coaches in three years. Doesn't really make a ton of sense, but I guess any irrational and nonsensical basketball-related decision is possible with the relentless Robert Sarver at the helm.
The newly-hired Monty Williams hopes to bring some stability to the organization. I'm more than certain that Devin Booker just hopes he will last longer than 6 months; that's about the greatest length of stability he's seen since joining the league.
Recent history for the Suns has been bleak. The most memorable team-related highlight of the past five years or so is a 90-year-old woman absolutely roasting the hell out of Sarver, the team governor, at a Phoenix City Council meeting back in December, going as far to say that "he squeaks when he walks," in allusion to Sarver's historically stingy tendencies.
As far as the roster goes, the Suns, on course to receive the second pick in last year's draft, managed to convert a 19-win season into Cameron Johnson (selected #11) and Ty Jerome (selected #24). Although both promising prospects, the hope of instant salvation for the team was thrown out the window.
However, acquiring Ricky Rubio provides Booker and Deandre Ayton with their first competent playmaker and lead ball handler since entering the NBA.
The Suns have certainly formed a relatively promising young nucleus. But with development comes some growing pains. Major growing pains.
#14: Memphis Grizzlies (30-52)
Key Additions: Ja Morant (#2, NBA draft), Jae Crowder (UTA), Tyus Jones, Josh Jackson (PHX), Brandon Clarke (#21, NBA draft), Head coach Taylor Jenkins
Key Losses: Mike Conley (UTA), Delon Wright (DAL), Avery Bradley (LAL), Head coach JB Bickerstaff (CLE), Chandler Parsons's contract (ATL)
Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports
2019 SUMMER LEAGUE CHAMPS!!!
Perhaps the most consistent storyline of this year's NBA Summer League was MVP Brandon Clarke, who, safe to say, looks like the ultimate steal of the 2019 NBA Draft (14.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 blocks in 6 games of action).
Although Summer League play is essentially meaningless, sometimes it isn't. Clarke showed that his prowess has a good chance at translating to the big leagues.
And in short of three weeks time, franchise prospects Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. seemingly developed an off-court bond that should only grow with on-court chemistry over the course of the next decade.
Throughout the course of his rookie season, Jackson Jr. showed flashes of the DPOY potential that the Grizzlies' front office bet on by drafting him 4th overall in last year's draft. Though in a losing season, Jackson Jr. managed to flourish in a considerably quiet manner, putting up an effective production value of 19 points, 1.9 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 three-pointer per-36 minutes - the only rookie in NBA history to do so. Additionally, Jackson Jr. finished the year with a remarkably efficient 0.591 True Shooting Percentage in over 1,500 total minutes - a rookie feat only accomplished by none other than David Robinson in his debut season.
And rookie Ja Morant's offensive and defensive repertoire screams All-Star status - and perhaps All-NBA potential - with his combination of dynamic Derrick Rose-type athleticism and imaginative, fearless playmaking abilities.
If the bond between the two reaches its peak, the sky is the limit for these two future stars. It'll take its time, but something is brewing in Memphis.
#13: Minnesota Timberwolves (39-43)
Key Additions: Jarrett Culver (#6, NBA draft), Noah Vonleh, Jordan Bell, Shabazz Napier (BKN via GSW)
Key Losses: Derrick Rose (DET), Tyus Jones (MEM), Dario Saric (PHX), Taj Gibson (NYK)
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Minnesota's slew of "spooky" young talent seemed to reach a halt the past few seasons. Whether that halt is temporary until a small re-tooling commences? Or if they're just traumatized from Jimmy Butler's brutal attack on the team? Only time will tell.
The difference between the Wolves and any other lottery-ridden team is the presence of Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is, without question, a perennial All-Star talent and extraordinary big man that adapts seamlessly to the continuously-evolving NBA style of pace and space.
The problem with the Wolves doesn't lie with their franchise centerpiece, but rather with what they've placed around him since being drafted back in 2015. After a series of trial and error that ultimately left the Timberwolves dry after trading a haul of assets for a disgruntled Jimmy Butler, who then proceeded to destroy and verbally abuse the baby Wolves in a merciful practice session - the team stands still with no significant talent on their roster.
There is Andrew Wiggins, who has endured his fair share of criticism and trade rumors, but also struggles to find his place within the team. The talent is certainly there, being that his pre-draft player comparison - although based purely off of high school mixtape compilations - was a Tracy McGrady/LeBron James hybrid (man, the weird NBA limbo between rapid social media ascension and analytics was something else).
But Wiggins' rocky status in the league can most commonly be attributed to a lack of consistent production and an allegedly weak motor. Perhaps a boost of motivation from his coaching staff or co-star can bump him back into the conversation that granted him those lofty comparisons.
Or, perhaps only a change of scenery will do the trick for Wiggins.
But if the T-Wolves refuse to fall victim to the next wave of "move me to a contender or I'm gone" trade demands that the league has controversially grown accustomed to, they're going to have to work fast.
#12: Oklahoma City Thunder (40-42)
Key Additions: Chris Paul (HOU), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (LAC), Danilo Gallinari (LAC)
Key Losses: Russell Westbrook (HOU), Paul George (LAC), Jerami Grant (DEN)
Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News
After being deemed a desolate husk of a team burnt to the ground, there is not much basketball hope left in Oklahoma City. The entirety of that hope lies in the past, which included only one trip to the Finals back in 2012. Precisely one year after Paul George turned down his hometown Lakers and committed to the Thunder on a max deal, claiming that "unfinished playoff business" and his brotherhood with Russell Westbrook drove the decision to stick his ground in Oklahoma, he's gone in a flash - through a trade request - to the city of stars.
Oh yeah, and Russell Westbrook, the generational franchise player? He's gone too. Forgot to mention that one.
The baby Thunder era has now officially ended, having seen the departure of James Harden, Serge Ibaka, Kevin Durant, and now Russell Westbrook. It genuinely is a sad reality for OKC Thunder fans, as well as general basketball fans, who were never able to fully witness the firepower of what could have transpired between a 23-year-old KD, a 23-year-old Brodie, and a 22-year-old Beard. After a Finals appearance that was cut short by LeBron's elusive championship pursuit with the Heatles, we all thought it was just the beginning of what would be the next, and perhaps more dominant "Big Three." Seven years later, each of those members are suiting up for different franchises.
Fortunately, OKC's future lies within their 15 first-round draft picks between now and 2026. Among a mix of young talent, which includes a rising star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and an out-of-place Chris Paul, Thunder fans hope that their own version of "The Process" develops into a successful one.
#11: Dallas Mavericks (41-41)
Key Additions: Kristaps Porzingis (injury), Seth Curry, Delon Wright (MEM), Boban Marjanovic
Key Losses: Dirk Nowitzki (retirement)
Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News
Since coming out victorious in the unforgettable 2011 Finals, Dallas has either missed the playoffs or fallen short in the first round. But the 2018-19 season for the Dallas Mavericks was nothing short of spectacular for the hometown fans - albeit in another losing year.
With Nowitzki's curtain call finally arriving, the mediocre years during the tail-end of his illustrious career are now a thing of the past, and the future of the franchise is now quickly salvageable - thanks to a one Luka Dončić.
Dončić won the hearts of nearly every basketball fan before even gracing the hardwood in the States. Scouts and fantasy players salivated at the then 18-year-old EuroLeague MVP's highlight reel - complete with an array of electric dime drops, step-back dribble moves, and Curry-like range - all while showcasing an encapsulation of his elite basketball IQ.
Rookie of the Year honors only solidified Dončić's place in the league - but his breathtaking style of play, outstanding production, and fiery, yet mature demeanor did all the talking for him. Luka was quick to show that while he carries heaps of flash, he's all business when it comes to winning.
Pairing Luka with a generational stretch big in Kristaps Porzingis appears to be the ideal fit for a dynamic and successful one-two scoring punch - and a reflection of vintage Nash and Dirk. Still, history indicates that maxing out a lanky 7'3" man-child off an ACL tear might not be the greatest decision, regardless of the obvious talent and potential.
Realistically, it's only fair to anticipate injuries. Acquiring a young scoring guard in Delon Wright assists in further developing a rising young core. And adding a member of the Curry lineage certainly doesn't hurt either. However, assuming Doncic and Porzingis suit up enough together, I have faith that the Euro duo (perhaps the youngest of the new "super-duos") will make the necessary push to show that they're a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
#10: New Orleans Pelicans (42-40)
Key Additions: Zion Williamson (#1, NBA draft), Brandon Ingram (LAL), Lonzo Ball (LAL), J.J. Redick, Derrick Favors (UTA), Jaxson Hayes (#10, NBA draft), Josh Hart (LAL), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (#17, NBA draft)
Key Losses: Anthony Davis (LAL), Julius Randle (NYK) Elfrid Payton (NYK)
Steve Marcus/AP
What else could possibly usurp the attention of Zion Williamson's NBA Summer League debut other than a major Las Vegas earthquake that left the epicenter of the NBA world's summer home trembling with fear?
Some say it was his first two dunks as a (semi) pro that caused the faults to jolt. Others say it was a representation of the NBA world dramatically shifting - highlighted by a turn of events that would transpire later that evening - but let's save that for later. And most say that it was just a damn earthquake (stop assuming every random event has anything to do with basketball, you freaking weirdo).
But alas, Zion's hype was cut short as a precautionary measure following a minor knee tweak.
What a way to flip the switch on a team that just underwent a trade demand process from a transcendent superstar. It's obvious that their path to success was made possible through partial luck, but can we just hand General Manager David Griffin his Executive of the Year trophy already?
Acquiring the haul of talented young Lakers along with a sharpshooting J.J. Redick and an criminally underrated Derrick Favors is the perfect go-round for developing Williamson. But Griffin has assured the Pels fans that Zion is just a component of what they hope to foster in the Big Easy, regardless of his draft hype reaching heights that only LeBron could.
Still, it's important to acknowledge what Zion's potential holds. Boasting per-game freshman year numbers of 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks, his Naismith Award-winning season exists as one of the most memorable in recent history. Coinciding with a 45-inch max vertical (higher than the likes of both Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard), a hulking 285-pound frame, and a thundering defensive presence is his natural ability to barbarically bulldoze through heavy traffic and convert an effective bucket. And because of his explosive play, Williamson's level of efficiency is unexpected, but at the same time, unparalleled.
Since the 1947-48 college basketball season, Williamson ranks third in effective field goal percentages among all 20-point scorers. Given that a majority of his baskets come at the rim, it's important to not assume that Zion isn't a smaller DeAndre Jordan. Despite his electric highlight reel, he doesn't achieve this efficiency solely through lob finishes or easy uncontested jams. Of all his finished field goals, 56 percent of them were unassisted - indicating his creative finishing ability. Williamson's box score plus-minus, an all-in-one measure of total impact per 100 possessions, ranks number one among all players competing through the entirety of this decade.
While Zion's elite skills are relatively unconventional ones to swoon at in a modern era of basketball that so demandingly emphasizes spacing, they're certainly a sight to see.
As the Pelicans' youth radiates through the identity of the team, it's not likely that they will yield much glaring success in their first year. But if one thing's for sure, they have already successfully captured the title of #1 Most Watchable League Pass Team, not just for this season, but also probably the next ten.
#9: Sacramento Kings (44-38)
Key Additions: Coach Luke Walton, Trevor Ariza, Dewayne Dedmon, Cory Joseph, Richaun Holmes
Key Losses: Coach Dave Joerger, Willie Cauley-Stein (GSW)
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
After years of gut-wrenchingly terrible leadership, the Kings' current front office managed to flip the switch, displaying their savvy expertise this past season.
Committing such high dollars to three vets that are likely to provide respectable, but short-term production becomes important to consider. It's especially crucial to regard with great interest in the upcoming years, where the organization has evidently prioritized the cohesion and retainment of their young, athletic foundation.
That foundation, consisting primarily of the electrifying De'Aaron Fox, the rim-running Marvin Bagley III, and sharpshooting Buddy Hield, rejuvenated the fanbase last season with a refreshing take on authentically energetic hoops. With Luke Walton replacing Dave Joerger as the lead voice on the floor, perhaps an extra sense of cool, calm, and collected swagger can propel the team even further. Expect Fox to thoroughly blossom into a legitimate star point guard this season through the maximization of his intangible skills.
In acknowledgment of the approaching paydays for a few members of their promising young squad, in addition to evaluating the team's ability to gel with the veteran's for a full season, the organization has more than a few critical decisions to make. And in an extremely deep Western Conference, it'll likely take another year or two to finally produce the end-of-season acceleration necessary to achieve their highly-coveted post-season arrival.
Nevertheless, Sacramento's passionate devotees undoubtedly hold something to continue cheering for.
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