My New York Knicks are the third favorite for the NBA Title.
That's wild! In some ways unfathomable. I'm excited. But it's also scary. A Knicks season with the ultimate expectation? What is this, the 90s?
I've said my piece on the Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo swap for Karl-Anthony Towns. I've accepted what is, and I appreciate Randle for everything he was during his time as a Knick.
But again, the Knicks are set up for the next four years to make a run at a championship.
We've got our captain. We've got our core. I anticipate a few additions this season, via trade, or buyout. We're going for it. I'm here for it. And come April, I'll be going through severe anxiety.
Here are my 2023-24 NBA Predictions, with some wild guesses as well.
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EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS
1. Boston Celtics (63-19)
2. New York Knicks (56-26)
3. Milwaukee Bucks (51-31)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (49-33)
5. Orlando Magic (47-35)
6. Philadelphia 76ers (45-37)
*Play-In Teams*
7. Indiana Pacers (42-40)
8. Toronto Raptors (38-44)
9. Chicago Bulls (38-44)
10. Charlotte Hornets (34-48)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (62-20)
2. Sacramento Kings (55-27)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (55-27)
4. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
5. Denver Nuggets (49-33)
6. Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)
*Play-In Teams*
7. New Orleans Pelicans (46-36)
8. Golden State Warriors (44-38)
9. Los Angeles Lakers (44-38)
10. Phoenix Suns (40-42)
SEASON OCCURRENCES:
Next Household Name: Jalen Williams
Biggest Name to be Traded: Kevin Durant
Biggest Story: Can the Celtics Repeat?
Scoring Champion: Luka Doncic
SEASON AWARDS:
All-Star Game MVP: LeBron James
In-Season Tournament Winner: Sacramento Kings
Coach of the Year: Joe Mazzula
Most Improved Player of the Year: Cade Cunningham
Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis
Sixth Man of the Year: Naz Reid
Rookie of the Year: Zach Edey
Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
WILD GUESSES:
- Hornets Pull it Together
I feel like the Hornets have been looking to make an arrival for a long time. A bunch of lottery picks each year would be a fair assumption. Sarcasm aside, I see this as they year they do it. Not only will LaMelo Ball look like the player we expect him to be, but Brandon Miller will emerge as the lead candidate for "franchise player".
- Kevin Durant Exits Phoenix
The Suns will have a decent year. So decent, that Kevin Durant trade talks bubble to the point where it actually happens. Durant once again becomes a mercenary for a team at the deadline. And that team? The Warriors. Durant helps save the Warriors season getting them into the playoffs. That would be a great storyline, wouldn't it?
- Wembanyama Takes THE Leap
Of course, we all expect Wemby to take yet another step to eventual total domination. MY wild guess here is he doesn't just take a step or jump another level, but he jumps right into the discussion of the best player in the league. Chris Paul is going to be amazing for him.
- LeBron Evades Father Time (Again)
I mean, at this point, it's probably safer to bet the other way until it actually happens, right?
- The 2024 NBA Draft isn't as bad as we all thought
We all sort of gave this past draft the "Ehhhh" awaiting the Ace Baileys and Cooper Flagg prizes in 2025. Well, what if it ain't so bad. Zach Edey will make the low-post big man sexy again, and Alex Sarr will have us wondering what's possible for his seven-foot frame.
- Ben Simmons becomes productive
This is a wild one. The Nets will move Ben Simmons is expiring contract to a contender where...gulp, Simmons is a productive piece off the bench for a playoff team.
It is his contract year.
- Klay Thompson finds new life
He's going to make those absurd 0-10 internet memes/comments go away. Old Klay ain't coming back, but I can see a Ray Allen-like conversion to a spot-up-knock-em-down type of play next to Luka. Warriors fans will regret letting Klay walk this year.
CONFERENCE FINALS:
Eastern Conference: Knicks d. Celtics (4-3)
Western Conference: Mavericks d. Sacramento Kings (4-3)
NBA FINALS:
New York Knicks d. Dallas Mavericks (4-2)
Yup, I'm just going there. I'm prepared to get hurt.