Skip to main content

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2021-22 NBA Season

For the first time in as long as I can remember, my New York Knicks have become a bit of a sanctuary for my sports fandom. Everything that has been the New York Yankees summer, and recent elimination, just begs for a proverbial turning of the page. The NBA season is that new chapter. 

The Knicks season is a bit of a conundrum, as they've gotten much better, BUT, so did the rest of the Eastern Conference. I'm feeling confident, but I'm also anxious for more good basketball and hoping that last year wasn't some fluky gift to us Knicks for our patience prior to last season. 

Whatevs...nonetheless, here are my predictions for the upcoming NBA season.

 EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS:

1. Milwaukee Bucks (59-23)

2. Philadephia 76ers (53-29)

3. Atlanta Hawks (52-30)

4. Brooklyn Nets (52-30)

5. Chicago Bulls (48-34)

6. New York Knicks (47-35)

7. Miami Heat (45-37)

8. Charlotte Hornets (40-42)

9. Boston Celtics (40-42)

10. Indiana Pacers (38-44)


WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS

1. Denver Nuggets (57-25)

2. Utah Jazz (56-26)

3. Phoenix Suns (52-30)

4. Golden State Warriors (51-31)

5. Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)

6. Los Angeles Clippers (50-32)

7. Minnesota Timberwolves (45-37)

8. Portland Trailblazers (44-38)

9. Dallas Mavericks (43-39)

10. Memphis Grizzlies (40-42)


SEASON OCCURRENCES

Next Household Name: Jalen Green

Biggest Name to be Traded: Ben Simmons (kind of obvious, no?)

Biggest Story: Kyrie Irving does not play until Spring. 

Scoring Champion: Kevin Durant (34+ ppg)


SEASON AWARDS

All-Star Game MVP: LaMelo Ball 

Coach of the Year: Michael Malone

Most Improved Player: Shai Gigleous-Alexander

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

Sixth Man of the Year: Bobby Portis 

Rookie of the Year: Jalen Green

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant


CONFERENCE FINALS 

Eastern Conference: Nets d. Bucks (4-3)

Western Conference: Nuggets d. Clippers (4-2)


NBA FINALS

Nuggets d. Nets (4-2)

NBA Finals MVP: Nikola Jokic

Labels:

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?
Read more

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...
Read more

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...
Read more