The 2013-2014 NBA season is almost here!
Today marks day one of training camp across the league, and you know what that means? Prediction time!
Today, I start with the Pacific Division. Every day this week, I'll give my prediction for each division. I wrap up the week with my predictions on the major awards.
Here goes nothing!
Los Angeles Clippers
2012-2013 Record: 56-26
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Key Additions: Antawn Jamison, Darren Collison, J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley
Prediction: 58-24
Scoop: If the Clippers want to join the upper echelon of the NBA, it has to happen now. They have their coach (Doc Rivers), reinforcements (see key additions above), and their stars. Now it's just a matter of putting it all together. Rivers had this same task back in 2007-2008 with the Celtics, and look how that turned out. It's not going to be a matter of talent with this team: it will be a matter of how bad they want it. And with Rivers at the helm, that shouldn't even be a problem.
Los Angeles Lakers
2012-2013 Record: 45-37
Head Coach: Mike D'Antoni
Key Additions: Chris Kaman, Nick Young, Jordan Farmar
Prediction: 39-43
Scoop: It's the fall of the Roman Empire. Or it's just the Clippers taking over Hollywood. The Kobe Bryant-Lakers are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just ask Dwight Howard, he saw it. There's no doubt in my mind that when he does eventually return, Kobe Bryant will return to form. Pau Gasol should be better. But what else do they really have? Steve Nash will turn 40 in February, and he's coming off an injury-laden season. Do they have the pieces to contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference? Eh, not so sure.
Golden State Warriors
2012-2013 Record: 47-35
Head Coach: Mark Jackson
Key Additions: Andre Iguodala, Marreese Speights
Prediction: 50-32
Scoop: The sky's the limit for this promising franchise. In my mind, the signing of Andre Iguodala was the best move of the offseason. They nearly eliminated the San Antonio Spurs from the playoffs last season, and they didn't lose any of their key players. Under the guidance of Mark Jackson, this team should blossom into one of the best teams in the West in the next few years. That progression will continue this year.
Phoenix Suns
2012-2013 Record: 25-57
Head Coach: Jeff Hornacek
Key Additions: Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Green, Alex Len
Prediction: 24-58
Scoop: Good news Suns fans! Channing Frye said he's playing this season! Best regards!
Sacramento Kings
2012-2013 Record: 28-54
Head Coach: Michael Malone
Key Additions: Ben McLemore, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Greivis Vasquez
Prediction: 27-55
Scoop: Other than Victor Oladipo, Ben McElmore is the most polished rookie in the NBA. He and Oladipo should duke it out for Rookie of the Year. Maybe he can save basketball in the golden state's capital. Other than that, there's not much else with this team. They finished with the worst defense in the league last year -- last in the league in points allowed per game -- and were in danger of losing their team. Gotta feel for DeMarcus Cousins. He's now trapped there for four more years after signing a lucrative extension. Poor guy.
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