Here’s my early take on what’s in store for NBA 2017-18.
1. Boston Goes From Contender to ….
Don’t be surprised if Boston is a 2/3-seed in the East.
It only took roughly 6 minutes to completely change Boston’s fortunes for the season. Losing Gordon Hayward will not change Boston’s win-loss record drastically, but it means that the Celtics won’t pose a substantial threat to LeBron and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference come playoff time. But don’t count out the Celtics, at least not yet.
2. Golden State’s Defense Is Just Not the Same
Defense is what kept the Golden State Warriors dominant in recent years. Last year the Warriors were ranked 11th in OPG (Opponents Points Per Game) at 104.3 and 2nd in Defensive Rating at 104.0. I know we’re only a few games into a very long season, but we’ve never seen a Golden State defense like this — at least not since the era of dominance began. So far Golden State is giving up over 117 points a night! That’s more than their dynamic offense can put up on average! Keep an eye on key guys on the defensive end–Thompson and Green–to see if they can turn around what’s happening.
3. Phoenix is Already Blowing Up The Season
Watson’s out in Phoenix (photo, Fox News)
Saying it “doesn’t look good” for Phoenix this year is an understatement. After losing by a whopping 42 points to the Clippers in LA, the Suns’ management decided to fire Head Coach Earl Watson. But what sense does it make to re-sign Watson in 2016 only to fire him three games into the season? Granted, Watson didn’t have a lot to work with, but will his firing fix what’s broken? Consider how the Suns are handling Eric Bledsoe. They had the guard sit out Monday’s game against the Kings–after Bledsoe and the team had a meeting. In the coming week I look for Bledsoe to have a new home and for Phoenix to stockpile more assets.
4. The 2017-2018 Rookie Class Looks Promising
Assuming no injuries happen (knock on wood), a lot of rookies look like they’ll have promising NBA careers. In most years, young players blossom as roles become larger later in the year. But this year looks to be quite different. Two rookies–Ben Simmons and Lauri Markkanen–are taking on starting roles. Both players are averaging at least 15 ppg and 10 rpg in about 35 minutes of action. Dennis Smith Jr. can be added to the list, too. Smith already has a double-double but, unfortunately, he has only played in only one of three regular-season games so far. And the list of talented rookies doesn’t stop with those three. Add Kyle Kuzma, De’Aaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, and John Collins, too.
5. MVP Race is Going To Be Good
We have Giannis averaging 38+ ppg thus far. Westbrook is averaging nearly a triple-double a night. And throw in the dominating play of Harden, James, Curry, and Davis. It all makes for an interesting MVP race. The talent in our league is so deep. If all of these players can stay healthy, then the MVP race probably won’t be decided until season’s end.
Courtesy: NBA.com
