The 2013-2014-basketball season will be the 68th season in NBA history. The NBA season will begin with a very exciting and entertaining start. It all begins on October 29, 2013 with the Miami Heat hosting the Chicago Bulls, a very much-anticipated game. This season is looking to be a very good one, as I believe the talent in the NBA has increased in the past few years. The NBA has done a respectable job in restoring some rivalries; along with, creating a new dynamic and promising era.
Here are some of my bold predictions for the 2013- 2014 NBA season:
CARLOS BOOZER IS TRADED
Well in Chicago, all eyes are on Derrick Rose and his much anticipated return. The Bulls have a strong team with a strong forward spot but I predict that Carlos Boozer is traded away from Chicago because of his recent decline; along with, the fact the Bulls have young talent already at the forward position. It already looks like the younger Taj Gibson could steal Boozer’s starting position at forward.
The Bulls have signed two rookies at the forward position. Along with Gibson, the Bulls have Jimmy Butler, who is emerging to be a star himself. Boozer has been on a very slow decline. Though his statistics last year are slightly improved in the PPG and RPG, I believe it was due to their injured roster that forced Boozer to be more of an option on the court. That slight statistic increase was also the first since the 2009-2010 NBA season. Now that the Bulls are healthy, they will not need Boozer to clock as many minutes. Boozer is an 11-year veteran that many young teams could use for his passion and experience. It would not be surprising to see Chicago trade Carlos Boozer, especially while he still carries a lot of market value.
NATE ROBINSON WINS SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Courtesy: Denver Post
Nate Robinson has jumped around the league throughout his career. Even though Nate is 5’8” tall, he is a 3x Sprite Slam Dunk Champion and has the explosiveness to be a game changer off the bench. Nate Robinson may be one of the most passionate players in today’s league. I believe by landing in Denver, Robinson has found a very strong chance at winning this year’s Sixth Man of the Year Award. Also, he could end up staying in Denver long-term.
Right now, the Nuggets starting point guard is Ty Lawson and by behind him is Andre Miller, making Nate the third string in Denver. This won’t take long to change. During the beginning of the season, Robinson will pass Miller as the number two PG. Robinson will average over or at 16.0PPG, 6.0PPG and 3.0RPG off Denver’s bench. If you disagree, you can #holdmeatthought.
DOC RIVERS WINS COACH OF THE YEAR
Doc River and the Clippers got a great thing going for them in Los Angeles. Hands down, Doc is one of the best head coaches in the NBA. Right now, the Clippers have a very strong roster and one of the deepest benches in the West. The experience of Doc Rivers will end up taking them to new heights. Rivers will get Blake Griffin to step up his level of play, expect one of Griffin’s best years yet.
Last season, the Clippers finished with a record of 56-26. Which got them 1st in their division and 4th in the Western Conference. I’m predicting the Clippers finish 2nd in the Western Conference and earn a slightly better regular season record. Doc Rivers will win Coach of the Year.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS WIN 40+ GAMES
Last year, the Pelicans finished 2nd to last in the Western Conference with a record of 27-55. With the additions of Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday the Pelicans have gained more experience and talent to their young roster. By adding starters to their roster, the Pelicans have added depth to their bench. New Orleans strongest back ups are Austin Rivers, Brian Roberts and Al-Farouq Aminu.
The Pelicans are going into this season with a new look and a new name. Their young talent and much-improved starting roster will help this team win at least 40 games this upcoming season. Do not be surprised to see the Pelicans fighting to catch up with the 8th seed at the end of the year.
PHILIDELPHIA 76ERS FINISH LAST IN EASTERN CONFERNCE
After looking at the 76ers roster, this prediction does not seem so bold. Currently, the 76ers are a young and inexperienced team. There are a lot of problems in Philadelphia: 1) Their starting point guard is a rookie, Michael-Carter Williams, who I personally think will struggle greatly making his transition to the NBA. 2) Jason Richardson could miss the entire season due to the time it could take repairing his torn meniscus. 3) Kwame Brown is the second string center. 4) Overload at the power forward position. I’m not sure why they have five power forwards on their roster, none very promising. The 76ers are looking at an awful year. The only good thing about that is they have a shot at Andrew Wiggins.
DERRICK ROSE HAS A POWERFUL RETURN AND WINS 2nd MVP
The return of Derrick Rose dramatically changes what the Eastern Conference looks like. Before his injury, Rose was the NBA’s MVP. Though we have not seen Rose on the court in a while, he has been working very hard for his return. I believe Rose has been preparing his return to come back as powerful as he left.
Rose has bee working on his shooting, court vision and explosiveness. I would not be surprised to see Derrick Rose increase his career shooting percentage along with averaging at least 9APG. I predict that Derrick Rose will be in MVP contention this upcoming season. The Bulls are going to be a very passionate, energetic, physical and talented team led by Derrick Rose.
ROY HIBBERT WINS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
I’m going to make a bold prediction and say that Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers wins this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Now that he has brought it to our attention, when Hibbert told media “ya’ll mother*ckers don’t watch us play”; I’m sure more eyes will be on him this season. This award tends to favor heavy shot blockers. Last year, Hibbert was second in shot blocking and I predict Hibbert to continue to improve his shot blocking. Hibbert should rack up over 215+ blocks this upcoming season.
Hibbert is a great offensive rebounder and this season Hibbert will increase his defensive rebounding. He will average 13RPG and 6RPG at least on the defensive end. Hibbert has one of the most dominating and intimidating interior presences in the NBA. He made a step to stardom during the playoffs and I predict him to keep taking those steps. I am predicting that this upcoming season, Roy Hibbert will receive his first Defensive Player of the Year Award.
KAWHI LEONARD WINS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Courtesy: CBS Sports
I predict the Spurs’ upcoming star, Kawhi Leonard, will win this year’s Most Improved Player award. During last season’s playoffs, we saw the San Diego State University baller evolve into a dominating player, who demands success and respect. Last year, he averaged 11.9PPG, 6.0RPG, 1.4APG and 1.5STPG.
I predict that this season Leonard make a giant jump and increases his talent as a basketball superstar. He will slowly become the new face of the San Antonio Spurs. I truly enjoy making Leonard play; he is equipped with all types of skills. Leonard first caught my eye when he drained a game winning three against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season he will fall right behind Tim Duncan as the best Spur. I am predicting that Leonard averages 16+PPG, 8.0RPG, 4+APG, and 2.5STPG, as he takes home the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
All statistics credited to basketball-reference.com
