Is A Team Out East or West On The Verge of A Breakthrough?
We’re only four days away from NBA tip off but before then I will be previewing and offering predictions for all 30 NBA teams for this upcoming 2018-19 season.
We last left off on teams 30 through 25 and today we will pick up with teams 24 through 19. One of these five teams in my mind has the opportunity to be a sleeper in the Eastern Conference.
Good enough to beat Boston, Philadelphia or Toronto? We won’t go that far, but it’s quite possible that the 2018-19 season is a return to familiar territory for a franchise going through a down period.
Without further or do, let’s get started!!!
24. Brooklyn Nets
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 28-54
Win projection for 2018-19: 33.5 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finishing 5 wins above win projection, Finishing in top 10 in assists, seeing development from young core
Prediction: Nets will finish fourth in Atlantic Division
It’s one stacked division when you think about having to compete with the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors. That alone will result in a number of losses for the Nets, but not enough to finish below the Knicks in the standings. Nets are in the middle of a long rebuild and things don’t appear to be getting sunny anytime soon.
23. Cleveland Cavaliers
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 50-32
Win projection for 2018-19: 25.6 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finish 10 wins better than projected win total, finish in top 20 in scoring defense, get consistent production from guard positions
Prediction: Kevin Love averages 23 PPG and double-digit rebounds.
Now that LeBron James is no longer in the fold, Cleveland is set to take a major tumble down the standings. What that also means however is that Kevin Love, who has had to sacrifice his game in his role with LeBron James, can finally play in his role as a No. 1 scoring option.
Love averaged 26 PPG in two of his six seasons in Minnesota, he’ll return back to form with a higher usage rate.
22. Detroit Pistons
Blake Griffin is looking to leave a impact in his first full season as a Detroit Piston. Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 39-43
Win projection for 2018-19: 41.7 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Make Playoffs, Finish in top 10 in FG percentage defense, Lead NBA in dunks off lob passes
Prediction: Detroit finishes with winning record on the road.
The last time Detroit finished a season with a winning record on the road was during the 2007-08 regular-season. That team had Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rashad Wallace, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince still on it. This Pistons team is not on that level, but the Eastern Conference is substantially weaker with LeBron James’ depart.
Here’s one of my surprise teams for this upcoming season. DETROIT … BASKETBALL!!!
21. Dallas Mavericks
Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 24-58
Win projection for 2018-19: 42.1 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Finish 5 wins above win projection, Make Playoffs, Finish among top 5 in assists, balance out minutes with starters and bench
Prediction: Dennis Smith Jr. leads Mavericks in assists
Everyone seems to be expecting Smith Jr. to take a backseat to rookie Luka Doncic when it comes to running the offense. That wouldn’t be surprising, but Smith Jr. is more than a scorer. He’s a willing passer that per 36 minutes last year averaged 6.2 APG.
Smith Jr.’s minutes will increase from last season’s 29.7 during his rookie campaign. I fully believe Dallas has the potential under Rick Carlisle to be one of the NBA’s best passing teams.
20. Chicago Bulls
Photo via nba.com
Record last season: 27-55
Win projection for 2018-19: 19.7 wins
O/U: Over
Successful season: Finish 10 wins over win project, see statistical improvement across the board from young core, improve as a fast break offense
Prediction: Bulls are a inconsistent team
It’s a team with question marks, one being leadership. Where does that come from? The Bulls are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and there will be growing pains there. Still, a healthy Jabari Parker to go along with Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn sounds promising for the Bulls.
19. Phoenix Suns
Photo by Getty Images
Record last season: 21-61
Win projection for 2018-19: 27.6 wins
O/U: Under
Successful season: Finish season with win projection, finish in top 20 in points allowed, finish in top 20 in 3-point field goal defense
Prediction: DeAndre Ayton wins Rookie of the Year
Phoenix won’t be good this season, no matter how much Devin Booker wants to make the playoffs. That may change sooner rather than later, however, with the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft in DeAndre Ayton as I expect Ayton to showcase why he was the best decision for the Suns franchise.
I expect Ayton will average around 16 PPG and close to or around 9 RPG with a block as he takes home the annual honor this season.
What are your thoughts on any of these six teams going into the 2018-19 season? Leave your comments below!