We made it, you guys.
Our long national nightmare is over.
The NBA has returned.
20 hours after this posts, the Dallas Mavericks will take on the defending champion San Antonio Spurs on TNT. That is the first thing I’m happiest about with the return of the season…not the game, but NBA on TNT. Even with Shaq on set, this is the best show on TV. Let’s enjoy one of my favorite moments:
Charles Barkley falling asleep ON NATIONAL TELEVISION. Ok then.
Let’s talk about the teams that actually have a shot at the championship this season:
Atlanta Hawks –
They don’t really have a shot at the title. I just wanted to post this clip:
So that’s pretty much the funniest thing ever.
First, if you didn’t know, the Hawks were in a controversy this summer for, more or less, hating Black people. The GM said some weirdly racist things about a potential free agent. Then the owner volunteered that he said some racist things about the fans. So I guess this is their attempt at fan outreach?
Second, fat white guy saying “fo shizzle,” that’s obvious.
Third, “Stevie K,” the CEO of the Hawks is actually named Steve Koonin. So it’s pretty obvious why they went with the shortened version.
Back to actual championship contenders.
Chicago Bulls –
This is basically a gamble on Derrick Rose’s lower half.
After tearing his left ACL, then tearing the meniscus in his right knee, Rose is back for more…over two years after the initial injury.
I don’t know if Rose is back. I hope he is, and the fact that he’s at least showed flashes of his old self this preseason has been encouraging.
I really like the addition of Pau Gasol, but I wouldn’t be surprised if “uninspired” Pau from the Lakers is actually just “not that good anymore” Pau.
Official prediction: 51 wins, Eastern Conference Finals
Los Angeles Lakers (LOL) Clippers –
Everything points to the Clippers making a serious Finals run this year.
They have the same team back that was derailed by the Donald Sterling, um, incidents last season. A year of experience and the intriguing additions of Spencer Hawes and Hedo Turkoglu…actually, you know what?
The Clippers aren’t winning it all this year. Turkoglu is going to get serious minutes this season. I don’t trust any team that can say that…post HGH that is.
Official prediction: 55 wins, Western Conference 2nd Round…again
Oklahoma City Thunder –
Clearly the Basketball Gods…or the Based God is still upset with the Thunder for trading away James Harden. I’m upset too. They went from a Finals team with unlimited upside to:
A Russell Westbrook injury and early playoff exit
A Serge Ibaka injury, suspicious miraculous recovery and early playoff exit
A Kevin Durant injury to start the season
I love the Thunder. They are fun to watch despite having no offense and Kendrick Perkins. But I can’t pick them to win it all. Karma says so.
Official prediction: 54 wins, Western Conference Finals
San Antonio Spurs –
I’m tired of picking against the Spurs, man.
They just won’t die. They are the extra pounds you gained in college. You’re tired of them, but just can’t shake ‘em.
So this team lost no one, got back a non-300-pound Boris Diaw, and the karmatic advantage of the NBA’s first female assistant coach (I’m allowed to say “female” here, right?)
Kawhi Leonard is a year older, with the confidence of an NBA Finals MVP. I think he’s ready to assume more of the offense during the season, allowing Tim Duncan to coast just a bit more to be fresh for the playoffs.
Everything is in place for the Spurs to be doubted again, and make another run to the Finals. I’m not denying fate this year.
Official prediction: 59 wins, NBA Finals runner-up
Cleveland Cavaliers –
This team is loaded.
The Big 3 du jour of LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving have skills that fit together perfectly. Filling in around them are the Heat North plus Shawn Marion (I don’t think Brendan Haywood will contribute anything).
That’s a team that can win by running, win in the half court, and win with defense.
I even think Dion Waiters will fit in, as much as he can, to be a positive this season. There are certified veterans in the locker room with him for the first time. And as we know, winning cures everything. He’ll be fine.
The only wild cards are the curse on Cleveland, new-to-America coach David Blatt, and bad luck with injuries. I’ll take talent over all of that, though.
Official prediction: 61 wins, NBA Champions
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So there you have it. The only teams with a real shot to win a ring this season. As for the rest, Washington and Toronto are too green, Houston is missing a third “guy,” and Portland will take a step back. Just can’t see it with them.
What about you? Who do you think will win it all this season?
Hit the comments and let me know!
That T.I. TV spot was hilarious lol
BE THERE!!
Foh-shizzle!! LOL!
As a Clevelander, this was a good post. The city NEEDS a Championship and the Browns won’t get one.
Hating on my Lakers though. But Laker Nation will rise again Sooner than Later. Believe That
They will, which is why it’s funny to poke at them/their fans. We all know they’ll be fine.
If they were like the Timberwolves or something that would just be mean.
Conventional wisdom says bet on LeBron but top to bottom I think the Bulls are just better and aren’t scared to rough up LeBron and his new crew of merry men. Kevin Love and Kyrie aren’t just not used to playoffs they aren’t used to the beatings the Bulls dish out when the lights get bright.
On the west I got the Thunder, they play the Spurs tough every year and it’s really really hard to make it to three straight finals.
So Thunder over Bulls….Based God curse is over. That’s what I got.
Can’t argue. I could definitely see it. Especially with Kyrie and Love in their first playoffs. Hard to make the leap like that. I’m giving LeBron + old Heat guys credit to step up when needed. Regardless, Basketball Twitter will be fun.
And isn’t that what it’s all about?
As a Clippers (more so Chris Paul) fan, I’d love for them to really succeed but I can’t disagree with this. They’ll do well in the regular season, netting them the usual 3/4 spot in the West and then make it to the Conference Semis.
The dang defense needs work. How has Doc not done that?
Cleveland won’t make it. They’ll do Conf Semis at best. Especially if Derrick Rose doesn’t do the Grant Hill again.
Hawes and Turkoglu aren’t defensive stoppers? Lol
With LeBron having won his rings, I wonder when CP3 will start to get real heat. Can’t be that far off.
My vote is with the Clippers. People are sleeping on the acquisition of Hawes. This no longer makes DeAndre Jordan a liability. He’ll be on the bench and Hawes will spread the floor. Clippers over Cavs in the Finals.
#TeamBulls I’m worried about them knees man!! I don’t trust DRose at all…Gasol is old. Hes just not that same championship guy…We will make a run this year for sure but will fall short to the Cavs
Bulls v. Cavs in the East will be great for the East. They both have the whole “return” narrative for star players and solid rosters to get it done. In the West, it’s a toss up every year. The Mavs have gotten better. I also think the Blazers are a sneaky pick to upset 1 of the top 3 seeds. But I’m going w/ history. Spurs are 2-1 in the Finals vs. Lebron’s teams. Spurs will find a way to win again.
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