October 25th is the date ballers worldwide have been waiting for. With the new NBA season inching closer and closer, there are some serious questions to be asked and predictions to be made. After blowing a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals last year, the Golden State Warriors will most definitely try to avenge themselves. But how great will the champions of 2015 be with superstar Kevin Durant now in their midst? Will they finish their season with another league record? And what about the Boston Celtics – have they improved so significantly that they can challenge for the Eastern Conference crown? Do the Los Angeles Lakers have a bright future ahead of them even though Kobe Bryant left the Staples Center for good? How far can Russell Westbrook carry the Oklahoma City Thunder? Will top overall pick Ben Simmons coast to NBA Rookie of the Year honors or will another star emerge this season? Questions upon questions…
Although the season has yet to start, NBA experts and fans are already making farfetched suggestions. We are here to shed some light on the upcoming NBA season, superstars in the making and teams in decline. Before we will share our top-secret prognosis with you – spoiler alert: there are some major differences -, here’s all you need to know about the 2016-17 NBA season:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Will THE KING bring the trophy back to Cleveland?
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season, the Cavs were the overwhelming favorite in the East and stormed all the way to their first ever NBA title – the city’s 52-year title drought was finally broken. This year, the gap may be shrinking and the subsequent question to be asked is: Will any Eastern team threaten to dethrone the champions? And what about the mighty LeBron James? After sitting out most of the preseason games, the “Chosen One” will first try to go easy on himself and the competition – but we know that even a chill-mood James is a beast. Predictions have it the Chosen One will once again be the NBA’s MVP! James should definitely be in the conversation, ‘cuz if the guy wants to win MVP, it’s entirely possible that he will. ALL IN is the Cavs’ Slogan and we are excited to see the Wine & Gold and their superstars be all in on their way to their fourth Finals appearance.
Boston Celtics
According to some predictions the Celtics will improve this season once again and break the 50-win barrier. Last year, they didn’t have much offense outside of All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas, but this summer, signing Al Horford, one of the biggest free agents on the market, will sure help to significantly improve the team. Fitting in smoothly with the Celtics, Horford together with Thomas and other added talents should therefore finally get them past the first round after being knocked out of it the last two seasons. The Big Green is a hard working machine, so let’s see how far they will come this year with 2 All-Stars in the team.
Miami Heat
We are pretty sure, the Heat never planned for the Big Three era to end so abruptly. With Chris Bosh leaving (not playing due to health issues) and Dwyane Wade divorcing them so late in free agency for his hometown return, Miami could only fill his salary slot with rather unwanted spare parts. Swapping the star power for Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic, we are skeptical whether the new era will follow up the golden era of one of the most dominant teams in the NBA – back in the day. The Heat will be expecting a lot from Whiteside now designating him as the franchise player, but – without a doubt – we consider him as arguably the best defender down low in the NBA. Watch out fellas, last year number 21 led the league in blocks with almost 100 more than the runner up (269, it is!), but this year he sure as hell is cracking the 300! Ah and by the way, let’s see, if Josh Richardson, raining threes like it was no big deal last season, will emerge as the team’s top scorer in 2016-2017!
New York Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis flying high!
Regarding the win-loss record, the Knicks were the most improved team last season and they have a lot to be excited about this fall: Adding PG Derrick Rose, C Joakim Noah and SG Courtney Lee to the team of Carmelo Anthony & Co., the New Yorkers finally have reason to get their hopes up again. Well okay, first things first, depending on Rose’s health of course.. and we all know that this is quite a touchy subject. Having missed 244 games the past five season, Rose should better stay healthy in his contract year and play every game he is capable of playing. Apart from the All-Star and All-Time-Injured Rose, there’s another player to watch: Kristaps Porzingis balled his way in the hearts and minds of New Yorkers and fans worldwide (me included!). With the 7’3 Latvian already being compared to Dirk Nowitzki, Porzingis is the real deal! He is an incredibly exciting player and already shows signs of being a role player, an All-Star even! My predicitions: Kristaps Porzingis makes the All-Star Team.
Even if the East has the latest NBA Champ of 2015-16 to show for itself, there has always been a trend towards a Western Conference supremacy. Malicious tongues even go so far as to claim, that – due to no serious competitors – it is easy for the Cavs to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals once again while the West is full of big teams fighting for survival (=WC Champs). Let’s see what news we have in the debatable “stronger” conference:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Curry + KD = The new Dreamteam?
Golden State Warriors
Puh! After suffering a historic meltdown during last year’s finals, the expectations for the Golden State Warriors are sky high. Will the Warriors’ superteam with their latest addition, a 2-year/54M$ deal with superstar Kevin Durant, once again battle their way through the rough Western Conference and crack their 70-plus-wins? Who knows, all we know for sure is the record-breaking Warriors will be lit. Having four superstars in their starting lineup, the chances of being back at the top are high, but I am truly not sure, if one of these guys will win the MVP Award – too much star power to balance. This might be the crucial fact why the Warriors could lose to the Eastern Conference Champs (Cavs) in the NBA Finals again: The starting five is ridiculously talented, but taking the second team in consideration, there is not much quality depth. Okay, you have Iggy and Shaun Livingston, but who else? Not sure if I am going too far out on a limb here, but I’d say the bench options of the Cavs aren’t great either but at least they are a more well-rounded group. Sorry, dear bandwagoners!
(One might have come to the conclusion by now, that my heart beats for LeBron & his squad and so it does!)
Los Angeles Clippers
Mark my words, but I bet the Clippers – not the San Antonio Spurs – will be the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. (No need to worry about the Spurs nonetheless, even if their Golden Boy Tim Duncan recently retired – they will sure be part of the TOP3!) Both CP3 and Blake Griffin will probably have one of their best seasons (or THE best) of their careers in 2016-17 and the first Conference Finals appearance in franchise history might not be too far away. And this fact will be crucial for further planning of the Clippers: it’s do or die – whether the superstars will stay in the City of Angels or not probably depends on this season. Moving on seems to be an option both for the players and the front office alike if the season is about to end in an unsatisfying way. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Clippers, but the competition will sure be savage.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Westbrook is on fire!
Despite losing Kevin Durant to the Warriors, OKC is ready for the big games of the NBA Season 2016-17. And especially Russell Westbrook is and will be on fire – having more autonomy now that KD is gone, Westbrook will soon be raking points and his stats will be crazy. Rumors have it, more and more people are rooting for the PG to become the Most Valuable Player this season and they are absolutely right, because last year this guy was insane. Averaging 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.4 assists in 2015-16, this year’s expectations are thus pretty high. Only Problem: OKC might not win enough for Westbrook to snag the trophy, because there is very little history of MVPs coming from a team that finishes outside of the top two in their conference. Most of the Thunder-Fans haven’t overcome the loss of Durant yet, but it is time to move on! Remember – OKC still has some ‘rough’ diamonds like Adams, Oladipo, Sabonis, Kanter & Co. (don’t get me wrong on this one), they just have to be grounded properly. Three to five years from now, they will be Finals contenders again.
Los Angeles Lakers
The end of last season was all about ‘Mamba out’ and his farewell tour! The 2016-17 season will now be the first since 1995-96 without Kobe Bryant taking the court at Staples. But it will give newcomers like D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram the chance to shine in the Laker’s spotlight, even if it will take more than a while to follow in ‘The Black Mamba’s’ footsteps – dunno, if that is even possible! With all their new arrivals – Brandon Ingram, Timofey Mozgov, Jose Calderon, Luol Deng, Yi Jianlian – the Lakers should at least improve their franchise-worst 17 wins last season and start the Post-Kobe-Era on a rocky road into a hopefully bright future. Same as for OKC, it is time to move on for probably the most prestigious franchise of all time. And luckily, they have Luke! Luke Walton, former Assistant Coach with the Warriors, was hired in April as the new Head Coach for the Lakers, starting his duties as soon as the conclusion of the Warriors’ season. He will sure as hell bring the best out of every player. The current roster is a mixture of young talents and experienced veterans – we can’t wait to see magic happen in LaLa Land once again!
MADE IN GERMANY – Our two fav NBA players from Germany
The new starting PG of the Atlanta Hawks!
Dennis Schröder
Dennis Schröder, our boy from Braunschweig, steps into the starting role this upcoming season with the Hawks and we couldn’t be more excited for him. For the first time in his career, Schröder won’t have the experience compared to other superstars at the same position, but I am confident he possesses the skills to be an outstanding PG! Well and apart from that, he has guys like Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver and Dwight Howard right next to him in the starting lineup… He will have to prove his skills every game day, but this is what he was waiting for since being drafted in 2013. His stats have been quite wild last season, improving and decreasing in certain areas, so Schröder has to step up his game in order to prove everyone head coach Mike Budenholzer made the right decision choosing the 23-year-old as a starter. We keep our fingers crossed for him, hope his stats improve and he slides into the starting lineup with ease! Let’s just not set the bar too high for the number one man of the Atlanta Hawks. Yet.
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirkules – the living legend of the MAVS!
The Dallas Mavericks are quite worth a chapter of their own, but we tried to concentrate on our very own basketball legend, Dirk Nowitzki. Affectionally known as Dirkules, our big man from Würzburg starts in his 19th NBA season this year – with the age of 38 years! Apropos age… It is a pretty big issue in Dallas: Dirk turned 38 in June, Deron Williams is 32, Wesley Matthews will be 30 in October and Bogut is turning 32 in November. Having this in mind, Head Coach Rick Carlisle will try to lower Nowitzki’s minutes this season. I do not expect the Hall of Famer averaging more than 30 minutes and I do not see the Mavericks playing any significant role in the playoffs (but somehow they always manage to make the playoffs). Dirkules’ role in the team is unchallenged, but fortunately the Mavericks already made a promising step towards a future without their German power forward, adding Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes to the team. The veteran core surrounding Nowitzki and signed new young talents may arguably be the best roster since their championship team… Let’s see in what condition Dirk will be this (next-to-last??) season – will he get better with time? Last years stats: Dirk being the oldest player averaging 18+ PTS, 44+ FG% and 36+ 3-PT% – sounds promising, don’t you think? We are sure the face of the franchise will be pretty effective even in less minutes!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, HERE ARE THE PREDICTIONS OF THE KICKZ TEAM ON HOW THE NBA SEASON 2016-17 WILL PROCEED:
ROB
– NBA Champion
Golden State Warriors. After losing to the Cavs last season they will come out with a vengeance. Oh, and also they now have a guy called Kevin Durant.
– MVP
Russell Westbrook. You can’t have a greener light than Russ. Without KD he will dominate the ball and put up crazy numbers. I expect career highs in every category.
– Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard. This guy can disrupt an opponent’s offense all by himself. Draymond Green is good too, but kicking people in the balls should not be awarded.
– Surprise All-Star this year
Joel Embiid. If finally healthy he is one of the best big men in the East. On the downside, he’s never been healthy before. Like ever.
– Most Improved Player
D’Angelo Russell. Shut up, I don’t wanna hear anything about no video. This kid is legit and he’s got Walton’s trust to take the wheel on the Lakers/Warriors clone offense.
– Most Improved Team
L.A. Lakers. They have some nice young pieces in place and were so bad last year that the only way is up. I expect them to still miss the playoffs but not by much.
– Going up to elite level
Minnesota Timberwolves. Watch out. These guys are really really good and could have another Rookie of the Year on their hands with newcomer Kris Dunn.
– Coming down to earth
Dallas. I really can’t see Dirk & Co. competing with the high-powered (young) offenses in the West anymore. The addition of Harrison Barnes won’t change that.
– Most Overhyped Player
Andre Drummond. A starting NBA player that shoots 35% from the line? There is no excuse for that. Like, how can you not even hit half of your freethrows? Seriously.
– Most Underrated Player
Devin Booker. Just a rookie last year Booker was pretty good already and he’ll put up borderline All-Star numbers this year.
– I’m buying a beer if…
nobody gets kicked in the nuts by Draymond Green this season.
– I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if…
the Timberwolves make it to the Western Conference Finals.
– Best one-on-one Matchup in the league is…
KD vs LeBron. If these guys make it to the Finals it could be the matchup of the century.
Demarcus Cousins. So much talent so little discipline. If this guy would only concentrate on his game and quit his whining about coaching and refs he’d be MVP caliber.
– The guy I hate to love is…
Javale McGee. This guy is a walking Shaqtin a Fool episode and reminds me that basketball is supposed to be fun. Watching Javale fail is so much fun.
– Rookie of the Year
Ben Simmons. If he is healthy, he could be a mix of Magic Johnson and LeBron James. The Sixers could be on the verge of something good for the first since Allen Iverson.
MAX
– NBA Champion
Golden State Warriors. Why? Easy, because they managed to get Zaza Pachulia. Being a bit pissed after achieving a thing no other team had achieved before – no, not talking about 73 wins -, does the rest. Oh, and Kevin Durant won’t hurt either.
– MVP
I got a feeling that James Harden will have a pretty convincing season and will end up winning the MVP. Mike D’Antoni’s offense should suit the Bearded One, he’s got the green light, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rockets end up a lot better than many are expecting right now – with Harden putting up a double-double.
– Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard might be the best wing-defender since Scottie Pippen. Shawn Marion wasn’t bad either but Leonards defense is simple out of this world. No other player can wreak as much havoc defensively as the always smiling Spur – not even DeAndre Jordan.
– Surprise All Star of the Year
Rajon Rondo. Believe me, chances have never been as high to see the old Rondo. He came to Chicago early to work out with the team. Apparently, he’s as motivated as he has been in years, is playing to stay and should profit from having a coach who will let him do his thing.
– Most Improved Player
Rajon Rondo, nah, just kidding. I’m going with Devin Booker. The Suns guard’s shot is a beauty. He knows how to score and basically already got awarded his starting sport. 20+ points per game incoming.
– Most Improved Team
Chicago Bulls. I know, people keep bragging about the spacing – or rather the lack thereof. But I really got faith in that group. There is no more old against new, no more trying to keep an old hierarchy. The Bulls have lots of talent, veteran leadership and, to me, seem a lot more versatile than many give them credit for.
– Going up to Elite Level
The Timberwolves. It’s gonna be tough a one. But Tom Thibodeau pushing all those young guns, will pay off. The talent’s there. Now they’ve got more experience and a coach who knows how to get the very best out of his teams. Still can’t believe the 2013 Bulls made the second round.
– Coming down to Earth
Derrick Rose. Still like the guy, but it’s going to be tough to find out that the Knicks are pretty good-, yet no superteam.
– Most Overhyped Player
This is from a Mavs’ perspective. I really like Harrison Barnes. He seems to be a good guy and all the fun, people made of him in the last months, wasn’t fair. Yet, to me, the Mavs might be expecting a little too much from Barnes.
– Most Underrated Player
Jae Crowder. He’s been one of the reasons, the Celtics had such a great season. Boston works as a unit, but you could see how crucial the versatile Crowder is, when he went down with an ankle injury and wasn’t his old self, once playoffs came round
– I’m buying a Beer if…
… the Bulls make the Conference Finals. Heck, the whole round will be on me then.
– I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if…
Damian Lillard put himself into MVP-conversation. People still underestimating the Blazers, makes this guy so angry that he will probably have a better year than he has had last season. Dame constantly improved and I’m pretty sure he will again. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blazers missed the playoffs. So it is kind of a double-edged sword.
– The best one-on-one matchup in the league is…
LeBron vs. Kawhi Leonard in the Finals would be so sweet to watch. Can’t get enough of Leonard playing tough defense on LBJ, while James still has an impact. But since Pop might rest Leonard against the Cavs, and the Warriors are the safest bet for the Finals since MJ, I’m going with Iggy vs. LeBron. Similar duel. Unfortunately a little less exciting.
– The guy I love to hate is…
LeBron James. As a lifelong Jordan fan, I’ve never really liked LeBron. But with age came wisdom. Today I really appreciate what he’s doing on the floor. He’s the best player of his generation. I’m even starting to like him. Hate it…
– The guy I hate to love…
James Harden. Always trying to draw those fouls, keeps looking at the refs, let’s the game stop. Still, he is among the most polished scorers we know today. It’s hard to find anyone as versatile on offense as Harden. And I somehow really dig his attitude.
– Rookie of the Year
Since the Sixers apparently have the worst of luck when it comes to rookies, I’m going with Kris Dunn. He might be the most NBA-ready among the top-picks and moreover might get a shot at the starting spot in the course of the season. All that said, Tom Thibodeau is not the biggest rookie fan out there… well, guess, Dunn will have to convince him. If he manages to do so, he sure HAS to win the award.
PHIL
– NBA Champion
Cavs Baby! LeBron will make his 7th straight Finals appearance and dominate KD once again. Back 2 back it is!
– MVP
Close race between Harden and Westbrook. Both will play Point Guard, both will average a double-double. Rockets will make the Playoffs, Thunder won’t. So I’ll go with Harden.
– Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard. LeBron called him the toughest guy to play against. Nuff said.
– Surprise All-Star this year
Kristaps Porzingis. Already a fan favorite last season, I see him being able to become a 20-10 guy this year, which would make him an All Star for sure.
– Most Improved Player
Devin Booker. The Suns’ Klay Thompson 2.0 will score around 22 points per game. Mark my words!
– Most Improved Team
Minnesota Timberwolves. Loaded with talent. Wiggins and Towns will be part of the NBA Elite in the coming years. Back to the Playoffs!
– Going up to elite level
Indiana Pacers. Paul George wants to win MVP. He probably won’t, but the Pacers will win a whole lot of games. Cavs’ biggest threat in the East. Season will end in the Conference Finals though.
– Coming down to earth
Brooklyn Nets. By far the worst roster in the league. Franchise Player: Jeremy Lin. Yikes…
– Most Overhyped Player
Mike Millions aka Mike Conley. Don’t get me wrong, Conley is a very good Point Guard, near All Star Level, but he is not elite. His contract is though…
– Most Underrated Player
Pau Gasol. I don’t like him at all, but you have to appreciate his greatness. If it wasn’t for Dirk, Gasol would be the greatest European big man of all time.
– I’m buying a beer if…
The Mavs make the Playoffs. Let’s get it Dirkules!
– I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if…
The Knicks’ season ends after 82 games. Too much hype in the Big Apple.
– Best one-on-one Matchup in the league is…
Harden vs Westbrook. Superstar Offense and end of the bench defense. I see both of them score 40+ against each other.
– The guy I love to hate is…
Steph Curry. The mouthpiece. Thanking the Man Above after every made 3. I just can’t stand his antics. He can ball though. No doubt.
– The guy I hate to love is…
James Harden. There is nothing he can’t do on offense. But there is also nothing he can do on defense. Worse defender than me…
– Rookie of the Year
Joel Embiid. If healthy, Embiid is a nightmare for any defense. He is huge and has quick feet. Plus he can rebound and block shots.
DUSTIN
– NBA Champion
Golden State. If Kevin Durant fits into Kerr`s system they are too hard to beat and with this sort of roster he can rest his star players enough to minimize the risk of injury and have them fit for the playoffs.
– MVP
Lebron James.
Besides Westbrook Lebron will probably be the most motivated player in the league this season. I think he is hungry for some more records and awards and wants to keep his Cavaliers team in a good rhythm.
– Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard.
He did surprise me more with his offensive numbers last season, and i think he will improve more on that side – but that`s also due to the fact that there is not a lot to do better defensively.
– Surprise All-Star this Year
Giannis Antetekounmpo.
Could be the next Triple-Double Machine – especially when playing Point Guard. Due to his spectacular game also a fan-favorite.
– Most Improved Player
Giannis Antetekounmpo/Carl Anthony Towns
I really expect them both to have their Breakout Season…
– Most Improved Team
Minnesota Timberwolves.
A very young team with potential All-Stars on at least two positions… could be very exciting to watch their development.
– Going up to elite level
Boston Celtics.
Good Coach, solid trades, and the potential to be a very versatile team – similar to the 14/15 Hawks – with 4 players of the starting 5 having averaged 14+ points last season.
– Coming down to earth
Houston Rockets / OKC
It will be very hard for either one of the teams to make the playoffs – both had a bad offseason in terms of adding depth to the roster – or anything.
– Most Overhyped Player
James Harden – He just annoys me on the court.
– Most underrated Player
Damian Lillard.
Clutch Player who can lead his team – does not get the recognition he deserves.
– I`m buying a beer if…
The Rockets make the playoffs.
– I wouldn`t be surprised one bit if…
Joel Embiid claims the MVP Award on social media only 3 games into the season.
– Best one-on-one matchup in the league is…
Kyrie and Steph being on fire
– The guy i love to hate is…
Patrick Beverly – Great energy always going in the wrong direction though – he`s just an A**hole on the court
– The guy i hate to love…
J.R. Smith – I don`t know – i just think he`s funny.
– Rookie of the year
Joel Embiid.
He`s been looking great in the preseason – not only on social media. Could be having a great season after gaining weight and athleticism.
DENNIS
– NBA Champion
GSW: They know what it feels like to win it all – they lost last year’s finals – they added Kevin Durant. What more do I have to say?
– MVP
Russell Westbrook: He can do his thing now and will bust stat-sheets all season long… Has to stay healthy though and needs to lead his team to the playoffs to get the trophy. Something that is not too easy in the strong Western Conference.
– Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard: Dude will go for the Defensive Player of the Year Three-peat and hunt is opponents on the court and off the court in their dreams.
– Surprise All-Star this year
Derrick Rose: At his new home in New York where the focus and pressure is shared between D-Rose and Melo, Rose will have a healthy season and come back to his All Star level.
– Most Improved Player
Dennis Schröder: With the trust of his Coach and Dwight Howard on his side he will show the league that it was the right decision to put ATL in his hands.
– Most Improved Team
Philadelphia 76ers: With an uprising Rookie and one of the worst seasons in NBA history, there is only one possible way to go; and that is the way up.
– Going up to elite level
Atlanta Hawks: Schröder and Howard are ready to take over in Atlanta. Howard can play again without a Superstar pushing him around and Schröder is ready to show what he is.
– Coming down to earth
Houston Rockets: The Harden driven Rockets will see that one All Star is not enough to stay amongst the best in the west.
– Most Overhyped Player
James Har(d)en. Offense wins Games, but Defense wins Championships… and rings talk.
– Most Underrated Player
Pau Gasol: The perfect replacement for Timmy D. He will be a perfect fit to the team and help San Antonio to stay a dominant powerhouse in the west.
– I’m buying a beer if…
… the Sixers suck again
– I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if…
… this years All Star Game ends with 200+ Points for one team.
– Best one-on-one Matchup in the league is…
KD vs. LBJ. No explanation needed.
– The guy I love to hate is…
James Harden. Start to play some defense!
– The guy I hate to love is…
Rajon Rondo. One of the leagues best PGs but has to find his discipline again. Maybe D Wade can help him to reach his full potential again.
– Rookie of the Year
Joel Embiid: After two years of recovery and just watching the others go, he is ready to show his talent and will help his 76ers at both ends of the court.
SOPHIA
– NBA Champion
Cavs!!! Even now with ankle breaker Dellavedova gone (hahaha), the Champs will still rise to the throne in 2016-17! Back at it again, Wine & Gold – I’m ALL IN!
– MVP
I’d love to name my LeBron James here, but truth be told, Russell Westbrook is the man for this year’s MVP. I’d expect him to be on fire every second on court and to collect triple-doubles like nerds collect stamps.
– Defensive Player of the Year
Since everyone is probably going with Kawhi Leonard, I won’t let you read the same text over and over again. So here’s my bold prediction: Rudy Gobert! If Utah finally takes to the playoffs in 2017, their 7”2 frenchman will sure be the driving force. (but ofc I know, Kawhi Leonard will still make Defensive Player of the Year haha)
– Surprise All-Star this year
Kristaps Porzingis it is! The guy had a superb rookie season and I’m pretty sure he carries his incredible success into the next season – it’s All-Star time for the 21-years-old Latvian!!
Fear the dear! I expect 2017 to be the year of the Milwaukee Bucks and especially, of Jabari Parker! Parker has a huge breakout potential, so I can’t wait for him to transform into a young star and together with the “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo, eventually make the playoffs.
– Most Improved Team
I’ll go with the NY Knicks. I truly hope that Porzingis and his squad will be able to skyrocket their averages, play an incredible season and keep both D-Rose and Joakim Noah healthy!
– Going up to elite level
Giannis Anteto… whatever the name is! Name as well as the man are a phenomena. He has pretty much set off the fireworks last year already, so this season is all about exploding – btw, YAHN-iss ah-deh-toh-KOON-boh is the right pronounciation!
– Coming down to earth
Dallas Mavericks – sorry, Dirk! But I would be quite surprised if they manage to make the playoffs this season…
– Most Overhyped Player
James Harden – sorry, but I just can’t stand ‘The Beard’!
– Most Underrated Player
It’s time Gordon Hayward makes an appearance in the big game. Neither the Utah Jazz nor Gordon Hayward are underdogs anymore this upcoming season!!
– I’m buying a beer if…
Derrick Rose stays healthy throughout the entire season – even if I’d love to see the internet going crazy and getting creative with memes about D-Rose, the All-Time-Injured, again.
Zach LaVine wins this year’s Dunk Contest for the third time in a row – this guy is epic!
– Best one-on-one Matchup in the league is…
LeBron vs. KD – no more words needed!
– The guy I love to hate is…
Russell Westbrook
– The guy I hate to love is…
Russell Westbrook
– Still not sure, whether I adore him deeply or think he is the total jerk (#fashionking) – but all in all, this guy is electrifying on and off court, so I should probably go for “the guy I hate to love”!!!-
– Rookie of the Year
Sorry Thon Maker (just kiddin’), but Joel Embiid will win Rookie of the Year. He had enough time to recover from several injuries and setback, so his arrival now will have been worth the wait!
In cooperation with FIVE Magazin!