[JDB12Participant]

 What are some bold predictions and some unpopular opinions that you have for this NBA season?

My bold predictions are that Zach LaVine has a 50 point scoring night, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a quadruple double, and Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, and Ricky Rubio all play greater than or equal to 70 games this season.

My first unpopular opinion is that the Bulls finish the regular season with the best record in the east.  I’m not just saying that because they beat the Cavs the first game this year, but I think this new Fred Hoiberg system is going to be very good for the Bulls.  If they stay healthy, they’re going to be a tough team.  My second unpopular opinion is that Stephen Curry repeats as the leagues MVP.  A lot of people are sleeping on him, but I think he increases his scoring and efficiency this season as the Warriors take the best record in the west again.

What are some things that you think will happen that will surprise people this season?

 

 

 

[T Rex]

Advanced stats will show Porzingis to be at the level of Rudy Gobert on defense last year, but way better offensively.

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

Advanced stats will show Porzingis to be at the level of Rudy Gobert on defense last year, but way better offensively.

 

 

 

 

[Rip256]

 Every one of my opinions is unpopular…

Except this one!

Steph Curry is only the best shooter ever because referees give so much protection to jump shooters now.

Dennis Rodman would foul out in 5 minutes in todays NBA.

 

 

 

[Rip256]

 Every one of my opinions is unpopular…

Except this one!

Steph Curry is only the best shooter ever because referees give so much protection to jump shooters now.

Dennis Rodman would foul out in 5 minutes in todays NBA.

 

 

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

I was a huge fan of Zach Lavine coming out of college, I thought he was going to be elite guard with a smooth stroke, but he has tunnel vision and his IQ is so poor.  He is one of those guys at the playground that goes 100 mph all the time but really has no idea, he iisn’t comfortable.

So as dazzling as his dunks are, I don’t think he’s smart enough to get 50.  He doesn’t know when to pass/when to shoot.  I think he and Hezonja play similarly, but Hezonja is better.  Hezonja getting 40 is possible.  Minnesota also is just raw, everyone on that team needs to learn their roles.  Wiggins was supposed to be the next Lebron, but he’s more of a defense first guy, not the Alpha dog, Towns should play a Pau Gasol role for them.  

Giannis getting a quadruple double will not happen this year, he isn’t particularly great at anything at this point, just a freak of nature build-wise.  One of those hasn’t arrived yet guys.

My bold prediction is Marcus Smart wins MVP, lol.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

I was a huge fan of Zach Lavine coming out of college, I thought he was going to be elite guard with a smooth stroke, but he has tunnel vision and his IQ is so poor.  He is one of those guys at the playground that goes 100 mph all the time but really has no idea, he iisn’t comfortable.

So as dazzling as his dunks are, I don’t think he’s smart enough to get 50.  He doesn’t know when to pass/when to shoot.  I think he and Hezonja play similarly, but Hezonja is better.  Hezonja getting 40 is possible.  Minnesota also is just raw, everyone on that team needs to learn their roles.  Wiggins was supposed to be the next Lebron, but he’s more of a defense first guy, not the Alpha dog, Towns should play a Pau Gasol role for them.  

Giannis getting a quadruple double will not happen this year, he isn’t particularly great at anything at this point, just a freak of nature build-wise.  One of those hasn’t arrived yet guys.

My bold prediction is Marcus Smart wins MVP, lol.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[OhCanada-Participant]

 GSW repeats. Curry repeats MVP.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 GSW repeats. Curry repeats MVP.

[BEARDED-DRAGONParticipant]

 i dont know about how unpopular it is…. fairly i suppose. but, after nearly 70 years two rookie coaches met in last years finals for the first time since the nba’s inaugural season… and this year it happens again.

[BEARDED-DRAGONParticipant]

 i dont know about how unpopular it is…. fairly i suppose. but, after nearly 70 years two rookie coaches met in last years finals for the first time since the nba’s inaugural season… and this year it happens again.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 Not just two rookie coaches but two former college coaches facing off in the nba finals. Not sure if that happened before though.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 Not just two rookie coaches but two former college coaches facing off in the nba finals. Not sure if that happened before though.

[MopgrassParticipant]

 Kobe will not make it to 70 games. Not if he plays like he did for the opener. In pre-season he was amazing. He played like a very good role player. He never smushed the issue and didn’t take any forced shots. I couldn’t believe it: Kobe playing without the ball in his hands. He’d never done that in his career. And it worked. He even scored a bit that way. Instead of looking like the Lakers would be the 5th worst team, they played like the 14th worst (marked improvement).

However, when the 1st game of the season came, he went back to isolation and jacked up a boatload of I’ll-advised, challenged shots. 8 for 24. They would have won if he didn’t play. Byron Scott said something against Kobe for the 1st time in the history of Byron Scott. He said Kobe shot too many 3’s. It’s nice to see a change. Heck, they let Lou Willisms take the last shot of the game. That’s new. 

Still, Kobe played 30 minutes. What? Someone should tell Scott to learn from past mistakes. Kobe will not hold up for 70 games: not if he plays those minutes and does all that isolation. If he played in the system like a normal human being, he wouldn’t be so taxed and he’d play better. But the guy still wants to chuck 25 shots a night. If that keeps going, Scott should bench him. 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 Kobe will not make it to 70 games. Not if he plays like he did for the opener. In pre-season he was amazing. He played like a very good role player. He never smushed the issue and didn’t take any forced shots. I couldn’t believe it: Kobe playing without the ball in his hands. He’d never done that in his career. And it worked. He even scored a bit that way. Instead of looking like the Lakers would be the 5th worst team, they played like the 14th worst (marked improvement).

However, when the 1st game of the season came, he went back to isolation and jacked up a boatload of I’ll-advised, challenged shots. 8 for 24. They would have won if he didn’t play. Byron Scott said something against Kobe for the 1st time in the history of Byron Scott. He said Kobe shot too many 3’s. It’s nice to see a change. Heck, they let Lou Willisms take the last shot of the game. That’s new. 

Still, Kobe played 30 minutes. What? Someone should tell Scott to learn from past mistakes. Kobe will not hold up for 70 games: not if he plays those minutes and does all that isolation. If he played in the system like a normal human being, he wouldn’t be so taxed and he’d play better. But the guy still wants to chuck 25 shots a night. If that keeps going, Scott should bench him. 

[theballerwayParticipant]

But Im predicting Carmelo or Westbrook to be in the top 3 for MVP consideration..

[theballerwayParticipant]

But Im predicting Carmelo or Westbrook to be in the top 3 for MVP consideration..

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Andre Drummond is a top 25 player. Leonard is top 10. Westbrook is the best player in the NBA. 

Knicks and Lakers making the playoffs. 

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Andre Drummond is a top 25 player. Leonard is top 10. Westbrook is the best player in the NBA. 

Knicks and Lakers making the playoffs. 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

D Rose, Kobe, and Rubio might play 70 games combined…

[ZachAttackParticipant]

D Rose, Kobe, and Rubio might play 70 games combined…

[barbabodomParticipant]

We´ll have a 5×5 this season and a PG will near a quad-double (Wall, Westbrook, CP3…)

[barbabodomParticipant]

We´ll have a 5×5 this season and a PG will near a quad-double (Wall, Westbrook, CP3…)

[T Rex]

 People really going out on a limb here and predicting the reigning MVP and NBA Champions will be good this year.

That’s about as bold as predicting that tommorrow will be Saturday, except when people predict that, they don’t pat themselves on the back for being so "bold and unpopular".

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 People really going out on a limb here and predicting the reigning MVP and NBA Champions will be good this year.

That’s about as bold as predicting that tommorrow will be Saturday, except when people predict that, they don’t pat themselves on the back for being so "bold and unpopular".

 

 

 

[B-dizzle97Participant]

 I’ll probably get some thumbs down for this one but here are my predictions.

1. Ricky Rubio plays 75 games this season and is top 3 in most improved voting.

2. Timberwolves compete for a play off spot.

3. Zach Lavine drops 50 points in a game.

4. Kristops wins rookie of the year.

Any thoughts on those predictions?

[B-dizzle97Participant]

 I’ll probably get some thumbs down for this one but here are my predictions.

1. Ricky Rubio plays 75 games this season and is top 3 in most improved voting.

2. Timberwolves compete for a play off spot.

3. Zach Lavine drops 50 points in a game.

4. Kristops wins rookie of the year.

Any thoughts on those predictions?

[bumbleb33Participant]

 I’d be surprised if timberwolves win 30 games tbh. and only way zach lavine drops 50 is if they are tanking and give him free rein on offense to jack up shots. 

[B-dizzle97Participant]

 I think if they keep playing the way they are they could compete for a play off spot. Of course there 2 wins are against the Nuggets and Lakers, but they look good so far from what I’ve scene. KAT looks like a future superstar and Ricky looks like the passing prodigy he did when they drafted him.

[T Rex]

 I can’t wait to see the Wolves and Jazz go at it.

 

 

[T Rex]

 I can’t wait to see the Wolves and Jazz go at it.

 

 

[B-dizzle97Participant]

 I think if they keep playing the way they are they could compete for a play off spot. Of course there 2 wins are against the Nuggets and Lakers, but they look good so far from what I’ve scene. KAT looks like a future superstar and Ricky looks like the passing prodigy he did when they drafted him.

[bumbleb33Participant]

 I’d be surprised if timberwolves win 30 games tbh. and only way zach lavine drops 50 is if they are tanking and give him free rein on offense to jack up shots. 

[JDB12Participant]

 T Rex, there’s a difference between bold/unpopular and unrealistic.  For example, me picking Stephen Curry to repeat as MVP is a very unpopular opinion.  Clearly, everyone knows he’s good enough to do it, but people are higher on players like Harden, Davis, James, Durant, and even Westbrook to win it before Curry.  That’s why it’s unpopular.  If you want me to say the the Sixers are winning the title and Brian Scalabrine is gonna make a comeback and win MVP then you’re sorely mistaken.

[JDB12Participant]

 T Rex, there’s a difference between bold/unpopular and unrealistic.  For example, me picking Stephen Curry to repeat as MVP is a very unpopular opinion.  Clearly, everyone knows he’s good enough to do it, but people are higher on players like Harden, Davis, James, Durant, and even Westbrook to win it before Curry.  That’s why it’s unpopular.  If you want me to say the the Sixers are winning the title and Brian Scalabrine is gonna make a comeback and win MVP then you’re sorely mistaken.

[T Rex]

 Keep patting yourself on the back, especially after Curry scored 20+ in the first quarter of his first game this year.

 

 

[T Rex]

 Keep patting yourself on the back, especially after Curry scored 20+ in the first quarter of his first game this year.

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Predictions I am sticking with from several weeks ago: Jahlil Okafor will be an All Star.  Blazers in the playoffs.

from a week or so ago: Warriors over Heat for the title.  Pelicans situation is tenuous.  I think I have had the Jazz in the 7th or 8th seed.  I think the Kings also might be ahead of the Pelicans in the standings.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Predictions I am sticking with from several weeks ago: Jahlil Okafor will be an All Star.  Blazers in the playoffs.

from a week or so ago: Warriors over Heat for the title.  Pelicans situation is tenuous.  I think I have had the Jazz in the 7th or 8th seed.  I think the Kings also might be ahead of the Pelicans in the standings.

[Toronto16Participant]

Blazers nab the 8th seed in the west.

[Toronto16Participant]

Blazers nab the 8th seed in the west.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

1. I really really like Anthony Davis but I think his defense is a bit overrated. He’s a capable defender right now, but I don’t see him as elite. He gets steals and blocks, but he doesn’t shut anybody down. He has the agility and the length, but it seems the IQ hasn’t caught up yet. 

I would be opposed (not that it matters) to name him the MVP since his team won’t probably get in the playoffs. He could be the most amazing player in the league, but not the most valuable…yet.

2. Marcus Smart will regress. I know some people here are very fond of him, but I don’t see him sustaining his amazing (yet average) 3pt shot. His defense will be OK and that probably makes him a taller and stronger Avery Bradley… which is good, but not good enough for a star.

3. Porzingis and Hezonja will be pretty good by the end of the season. Meaning teams will take deeper looks at the international draft pool. That’s good news for players like Luwawu or Bender.

4. By the end of the year, the consensus will be that Jordan Clarkson is a more valuable assett than Russell. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be better long term… just the general perception.

5. Lebron won’t be the MVP. It seems he has lost a lot of athleticism. His midrange will be OK, his ball distribution will be great as always, but I don’t think he will put mind-blowing stats like he used to. He will still be in the conversation.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

1. I really really like Anthony Davis but I think his defense is a bit overrated. He’s a capable defender right now, but I don’t see him as elite. He gets steals and blocks, but he doesn’t shut anybody down. He has the agility and the length, but it seems the IQ hasn’t caught up yet. 

I would be opposed (not that it matters) to name him the MVP since his team won’t probably get in the playoffs. He could be the most amazing player in the league, but not the most valuable…yet.

2. Marcus Smart will regress. I know some people here are very fond of him, but I don’t see him sustaining his amazing (yet average) 3pt shot. His defense will be OK and that probably makes him a taller and stronger Avery Bradley… which is good, but not good enough for a star.

3. Porzingis and Hezonja will be pretty good by the end of the season. Meaning teams will take deeper looks at the international draft pool. That’s good news for players like Luwawu or Bender.

4. By the end of the year, the consensus will be that Jordan Clarkson is a more valuable assett than Russell. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be better long term… just the general perception.

5. Lebron won’t be the MVP. It seems he has lost a lot of athleticism. His midrange will be OK, his ball distribution will be great as always, but I don’t think he will put mind-blowing stats like he used to. He will still be in the conversation.

[TrillaParticipant]

 1.) May not be so bold because its coming from Sacramento, but my prediction the Kings trade Ben McLemore for a vet. I think Vivek is way too anxious to make the playoffs and sees an opportunity at the 8 seed. 

2.) Austin Rivers becomes someone who legitimately helps this Clippers team

3.) GMs are upset the passed on giving Derrick Williams a shot

4.) Portland wins a lot more games than people expect

[TrillaParticipant]

 1.) May not be so bold because its coming from Sacramento, but my prediction the Kings trade Ben McLemore for a vet. I think Vivek is way too anxious to make the playoffs and sees an opportunity at the 8 seed. 

2.) Austin Rivers becomes someone who legitimately helps this Clippers team

3.) GMs are upset the passed on giving Derrick Williams a shot

4.) Portland wins a lot more games than people expect

[river09Participant]

 Bold:

Rubio will be an all-star and lead the team in 3s made.

Shabazz will lead the team in points and offensive rebounds.

 

Unpopular:

Rubio will be the only starter from the opening day lineup to still be starting at the end of the year (yes Towns/Wiggins will be moved to the bench).

Local hero Tyus Jones will never play in a wolves uniform.

 

[river09Participant]

 Bold:

Rubio will be an all-star and lead the team in 3s made.

Shabazz will lead the team in points and offensive rebounds.

 

Unpopular:

Rubio will be the only starter from the opening day lineup to still be starting at the end of the year (yes Towns/Wiggins will be moved to the bench).

Local hero Tyus Jones will never play in a wolves uniform.

 

[Rip256]

Damn Philly.

Stop wasting my Saturday morning by putting up a performance that wouldnt win in the Indonesian League.

I always watch the Jazz..but Im almost tempted to switch to the Bulls Pistons game.

[Rip256]

Damn Philly.

Stop wasting my Saturday morning by putting up a performance that wouldnt win in the Indonesian League.

I always watch the Jazz..but Im almost tempted to switch to the Bulls Pistons game.

[Author]

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