Hot Takes For The 2019-20 NBA Season
The NBA is a league full of surprises. There are a lot of pre-season predictions that are made. Every year there are some bold statements that come true, while some are just so out-of-this-world they can’t possibly happen. What are some of the hottest takes for the 2019-20 season?
1. Utah Jazz Will Win The West
A bold take indeed, as the Jazz aren’t talked about with the Clippers and Lakers. However, this might be the league’s most dangerous team. With an All-Star caliber PG in Mike Conley and All-Star caliber C in Rudy Gobert, and an All-Star caliber SG in Donovan Mitchell, this is a roster meant to win the big games. Not only are they full of star power, but this team also has a deep roster poised to take the West.
With the teams potential All-Stars, the Jazz also features a potential deadly unit with Bojan Bogdanovic, Jeff Green, Ed Davis, Emmanuel Mudiay, Joe Ingles, and Dante Exum. There aren’t too many rosters that can match this depth. The Jazz might be the deepest team in the league.
With the Warriors weekend, the Lakers relying on two stars and a not as deep roster behind them, Denver still unproven in the playoffs, the Rockets chemistry coming into question, the Blazers are a Damian Lilliard injury away from the lottery, the Clippers and Jazz are the toast of the conference. And in a seven-game series, the depth of the Jazz will play a factor in a series with LAC. Expect Utah to overcome the odds and win the West.
2. Zion Williamson Won’t Win ROY
All the hype on Zion Williamson and he’s not going to win the Rookie of the Year. At least not with a healthy Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett. Those two first-year stars are going to be the class of the 2019 Draft class. It all starts this season, as Morant and Barrett will both lead their teams in scoring. That’s going to be enough to get one of them the award.
Zion might not be the player we think he is as a rookie. There’s a lot of fans in NOLA who expect a Hall of Fame like the first season. That won’t happen, especially given the Pelicans’ other weapons. While Willamson might have a great career, his first season won’t garner him the hardware.
3. Indiana Pacers Will Surprise As Top-3 Team In East
There’s a team in the East that will fly under the radar. When all is said and done, the Pacers could be a top team in the conference. Obviously Milwaukee has the East on lock, however, the Nets, Raptors, Celtics, 76ers, all will fight for the second and third. Count the Pacers in that mix.
Even without Victor Oladipo, Indiana has upgraded with Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, and T.J. Warren, and pairs that with Damontis Sabonis and Myles Turner. Not to mention Oladipo will be back at some point in the season. There’s the reason to believe the Pacers will sneak into the second or third seed in the East.
4. Damian Lillard Wins MVP
This is actually more likely to happen than you think. Lillard is the glue that holds the TrailBlazers together. His averages last season of 25.8 points, 6.9 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 3 three-pointers per game put him in the upper echelon of players.
He’s leading a Portland team that’s vastly improved over last season. And while Lillard’s points might drop due to some additions, his assist totals will increase. If he’s a 23 point, 9 assist, 5 rebound player, he’ll be an MVP. Not because his stats are better than someone like James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he’s an elite player on a Portland team that has title aspirations.
There are so many other interesting possibilities this season. The NBA is always good for a few surprises each year. The 2019-20 campaign will be no different.
Image Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
