Oct 4, 2013
NBA training camps are opening up across the country. We are in the month of October, the month when NBA season kicks off. We know what is out there and while things can change drastically during the preseason, there’s still time to make some early 2013-14 standings predictions. Here’s our prediction for the East standings in 2013-14:
1. Miami Heat – Regardless of whether the risky signings of Greg Oden and Michael Beasley work out, Miami’s ‘big three’ will get it done in the regular season and finish as the #1 seed for the second straight season.
2. Chicago Bulls – This prediction is based on the belief that Derrick Rose will come and will come back strong. He has a tough supporting cast with Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah patrolling the front court. The Bulls showed last season that they are a tough, physical and strong defensive team.
3. Indiana Pacers – The bench is slightly improved and the probable return of Danny Granger as a serious scoring threat behind Paul George should only make last year’s Eastern conference finalists better. They will be even tougher in a seven-game playoff series.
4. New York Knicks – A lot of predictions suggesting that the Knicks will drop back seem to forget the presence of Carmelo Anthony on this roster. They are pretty much unchanged, but Andrea Bargnani and Metta World Peace were not horrible pick-ups either.
5. Brooklyn Nets – Not buying that this team can stay healthy and a little skeptical that Jason Kidd can make the transition to coaching smoothly enough to win home court advantage. If they make it to the playoffs healthy then watch out for a team with a starting line-up of Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett, Brooks Lopez, Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson.
6. Washington Wizards – The Wizards have gone for it signing John Wall to a major contract extension. If he can stay healthy then he should enjoy a true breakout season in 2013-14 supported by Bradley Beal and a pretty talented young line-up.
7. Atlanta Hawks – The Hawks had to re-tool during the offseason missing out on their big targets. Still, Jeff Teague should cope on the front court, while Paul Millsap and Al Horford form a pretty strong front court tandem.
8. Detroit Pistons – That ultimate question, who will grab the eighth seed? There are probably five teams in contention for this spot, but the Pistons led by additions Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith will be able to grab it. Don’t under-estimate the importance of the return of Chauncey Billups either.
9. Milwaukee Bucks – They’ve got a physical front court that can play defense led by Larry Sanders, while Luke Ridnour and Brandon Knight should form a decent point guard tandem. O.J. Mayo can score from the 2-spot too. This team grabbed the eighth spot last year and could sneak in their again in 2013-14.
10. Toronto Raptors – The Raptors probably don’t have enough star power to break into the playoff spots. Jonas Valanciunas should take a step forward and Rudy Gay is obviously a very good player. Unfortunately it will be another ‘almost’ year for Toronto fans.
11. Boston Celtics – This team is better than many people are already expecting. Rajon Rondo misses the start of the season, but Boston will win plenty of games once he returns, unless of course GM Danny Ainge decides to blow the team up.
12. Cleveland Cavaliers – Can Andrew Bynum stay healthy? What impact with Anthony Bennett have? There are questions that if answered positively could make the Cavaliers a surprise team in 2013-14. Kyrie Irving could soon be considered a legitimate superstar and Dion Waiters is pretty good too.
13. Charlotte Bobcats – Kemba Walker and Michael-Kidd Gilchrist are joined by draft pick Cody Zeller and free agent Al Jefferson. There is something finally emerging for the Bobcats, but they still need quite a bit more time.
14. Orlando Magic – Victor Oladipo has a good chance of one day being a part of the solution for the Magic, but they have at least one season of not being competitive ahead of them for now.
15. Philadelphia 76ers – Thaddeus Young, Michael Carter-Williams and Evan Turner could all become trade bait during the season for a 76ers team that starts the year as favorites to end up with the first overall pick.
