NBA Season Preview

Courtesy of NBA.com

With the start of the season on December 22, 2020, NBA.com has predictions and analysis for the season.

It has been quite a peculiar offseason to say the least. Just over two months ago, Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned champions in the NBA Bubble. A lot can happen in two months. Russell Westbrook was shipped to Washington in exchange for John Wall and draft picks. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball headlined the virtual draft, and both look poised to start their careers off with a bang. Reigning back-to-back MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks added star point guard Jrue Holiday this offseason as well. What does all of this mean? Well, let us find out.

Who will be taking home the championship this year?

The Lakers sit as current favorites with the majority of their championship roster returning, in addition to getting Dennis Schroeder, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol. The Nets have former MVP, Kevin Durant returning from injury to go with a jam packed roster including Kyrie Irving, Deandre Jordan, and Caris Levert. The Clippers, who had a disappointing second round exit in the playoffs last season, have their sights set on bringing a championship to their fans. Two time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and fellow All-Star, Paul George are running out of time to meet their expectations. The pressure is on for the Clippers. Giannis and the Bucks will most likely take the number one seed in the east this year, but can they win in the playoffs? Fresh off of a 228.2 million dollar deal, Giannis will have to earn his worth with a championship to be seen on the same level as other former MVPs. Other teams worth mentioning are the eastern conference champion, Miami Heat, the rejuvenated 76ers, a young and well coached Boston Celtics team, and a plethora of franchises in the West who could make a jump this year. This includes the Mavericks, Suns, Nuggets, Jazz, and debatably the Warriors.

Who will win MVP?

It goes without saying that Giannis is the favorite. You do not win two MVPs by accident, and his dominant play has shown no signs of slowing down. The scary thing is, he is only twenty-six. LeBron James is not worried about MVPs, he is worried about championships. However, this has not stopped the league from giving him the award in the past. Every year fans expect James to slow down a little, regress, but he never does. He seems to get better through his late thirties which is something that not too many others can say. Luka Doncic is another rising star with the potential to take home the award. In just his second season, he averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game while leading the Mavericks to a 43-32 record in the shortened NBA season.

One thing is for sure, this NBA season will be like none other. However, this does not mean that we will not see some spectacular dunks, buzzer-beaters, and behind-the-back passes. Whether you are the defending champs, or had the first pick in the draft, all teams have something to prove. Who will succeed in this goal? Let us find out.