2016-2017 NBA Predictions

#53
#53
My pre-midseason predictions:

West

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Clippers
4. Jazz
5. Grizzlies
6. Rockets
7. Blazers
8. Thunder

East

1. Cavs
2. Celtics
3. Raptors
4. Pistons
5. Pacers
6. Hornets
7. Hawks
8. Wizards

ECF: Cavs over Celtics
WCF: Warriors over Clippers

NBA Champion: Golden State Warriors

MVP: Kawhi Leonard (LeBron if he plays hard all year, but I doubt it)
DPOY: Kawhi Leonard
ROY: Joel Embiid
Most "Improved": Dennis Schroder
 
#54
#54
So I don't think we've really talked about it...but the only thing holding Russ back from MVP is OKC finishing outside the top. If OKC can somehow in the top 2, maybe 3, I don't know how you don't give it to someone averaging a triple double or extremely close. No one in the league outside Lebron or Draymond could put up those numbers, and those two won't do it because of other reasons.
 
#55
#55
LittleCat said:
So I don't think we've really talked about it...but the only thing holding Russ back from MVP is OKC finishing outside the top. If OKC can somehow in the top 2, maybe 3, I don't know how you don't give it to someone averaging a triple double or extremely close. No one in the league outside Lebron or Draymond could put up those numbers, and those two won't do it because of other reasons.
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Agreed. I think there will be guys with huge numbers on mediocre teams (Russ, Davis, Harden) and guys with worse numbers on great teams (Leonard, LeBron, Durant, Curry), which should make the MVP race really interesting.
 
#57
#57
LittleCat said:
So I don't think we've really talked about it...but the only thing holding Russ back from MVP is OKC finishing outside the top. If OKC can somehow in the top 2, maybe 3, I don't know how you don't give it to someone averaging a triple double or extremely close. No one in the league outside Lebron or Draymond could put up those numbers, and those two won't do it because of other reasons.
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Barring significant injury, it's Russ's to lose. He's got the ability, the right situation, and the storyline
 
#59
#59
95 Vol Alum said:
You fine people have made me sick of Russ already.
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#60
#60
NashVol11 said:
Agreed. I think there will be guys with huge numbers on mediocre teams (Russ, Davis, Harden) and guys with worse numbers on great teams (Leonard, LeBron, Durant, Curry), which should make the MVP race really interesting.
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I think OKC will end better than you think, 4th or 5th, maybe 3rd if the Clips have their usual injuries. They have maybe the best trio of perimeter defenders and a solid rim protector in Adams, so I think they end up a really good defensive team. People point to the year KD was out, but they won 61% of their games in which Russ played. This team is more talented than that one and the West is weaker.
 
#61
#61
n_huffhines said:
Barring significant injury, it's Russ's to lose. He's got the ability, the right situation, and the storyline
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Pretty much this he will put up insane numbers, and the team is built for his style, and the world has flipped their view of him. KD leaves, everyone assumes Russ will too and he doubles down, perfect storm for him to win.
 
#62
#62
BadJerry20 said:
I think OKC will end better than you think, 4th or 5th, maybe 3rd if the Clips have their usual injuries. They have maybe the best trio of perimeter defenders and a solid rim protector in Adams, so I think they end up a really good defensive team. People point to the year KD was out, but they won 61% of their games in which Russ played. This team is more talented than that one and the West is weaker.
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I kinda think they'll be better than where I have them too, I just don't want to lower Portland too much and feel like Utah and Memphis have more depth. I'm expecting something like 6th for OKC, but with their length and athleticism they could be even better.

I think there's a dropoff after the top 3 though.
 
#63
#63
NashVol11 said:
I kinda think they'll be better than where I have them too, I just don't want to lower Portland too much and feel like Utah and Memphis have more depth. I'm expecting something like 6th for OKC, but with their length and athleticism they could be even better.

I think there's a dropoff after the top 3 though.
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I agree with the top 3. Going to be an interesting battle for 4-8, probably have 7 teams battling for those 5 with any of them able being 4 or 8. They all have good potential but questions. Should be a fun year.
 
#66
#66
NashVol11 said:
My pre-midseason predictions:

West

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Clippers
4. Jazz
5. Grizzlies
6. Rockets
7. Blazers
8. Thunder

East

1. Cavs
2. Celtics
3. Raptors
4. Pistons
5. Pacers
6. Hornets
7. Hawks
8. Wizards

ECF: Cavs over Celtics
WCF: Warriors over Clippers

NBA Champion: Golden State Warriors

MVP: Kawhi Leonard (LeBron if he plays hard all year, but I doubt it)
DPOY: Kawhi Leonard
ROY: Joel Embiid
Most "Improved": Dennis Schroder
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As of now:
1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Clippers
4. Rockets
5. Grizzlies
6. Jazz
7. Thunder
8. Blazers

Not too bad...I apparently should have had more faith in my Knicks though
 
#67
#67
NashVol11 said:
As of now:
1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Clippers
4. Rockets
5. Grizzlies
6. Jazz
7. Thunder
8. Blazers

Not too bad...I apparently should have had more faith in my Knicks though
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Kyle O'Quinn is balling out. I figured they'd be about a .500 team at full strength, but that Noah would miss a bunch of games.
 
#68
#68
n_huffhines said:
Kyle O'Quinn is balling out. I figured they'd be about a .500 team at full strength, but that Noah would miss a bunch of games.
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Me too. O'Quinn and Justin Holiday were two guys who someone (maybe Zach Lowe?) mentioned a year ago as rarely-used players who showed the promise to potentially succeed in bigger roles. Seems like that's been the case so far
 
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