Having covered the basics of the 2019/20 season in Part I of our NBA preview, it’s now time for some bold predictions. Part II covers the battle for L.A., the relentlessly chugging hype-train that is Zion Williamson as well as what to actually expect from some of the most intriguing teams going into the season!
THREES! TONS OF THEM, ACTUALLY!
While overreacting to events from the pre-season is only human, we should try our best to get neither too high (New Orleans) nor too low (Utah) about what we have seen before the games actually start to count on October 22nd. Historically, however, pre-season games are noteworthily accurate in predicting the way the game is played during the following season. And judging from this year’s campaign, the upcoming 2019/20 NBA season will see more three-pointers taken than ever before with up to 40% of shots being launched from beyond the arc.
THE BATTLE FOR L.A.
With both the Clippers and the Lakers having turned over their rosters so dramatically this summer, the Los Angeles rivalry is easily the most anticipated matchup of 2019/20! However, the games at Staples Center— conveniently scheduled for weeks 1, 10, 15, and 20 — will get more meaningful as the season progresses. While both teams share a sense of urgency after having traded away boatloads of first-round picks, the Lakers, as well as the Clippers, will prioritize having a reliable eight- or nine-man rotation come playoff time over regular-season records. Also, it’s important to note that neither roster is complete (or healthy), yet. Expect both L.A. teams to be major players at the trade/buyout market (free Iggy!) before becoming major players in the postseason.
THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Anthony Davis can claim to be a four all he wants (and HC Frank Vogel will most likely start the Brow at P.F.). But the most efficient lineups of A.D.’s previous NO teams have all featured him at the five — and that’s where Davis will finish games for the Lakers. LeBron’s 35th birthday (after one-third of the season) and the king’s ransom the team paid to get A.D. through the door puts the Lakers non-negotiably in win-now mode. Therefore, the best performing lineup regardless of positional promises will be on the floor for the purple and gold during the Playoffs — and Davis might walk away with an MVP trophy as a consolation prize.
THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Despite giving up an unprecedented amount of draft capital, the Clippers managed to maintain most of their depth while adding two two-way superstars. As a result, they’ll have the ability to load-manage the living hell out of Paul George (returning from double-surgery in Nov.) and Kawhi Leonard, who underlined the validity of the approach with his play during last year’s championship run. Given essentially only a two-year window to win the franchise’s first title, the Clippers are putting a successful Playoff run above all else.
THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS ZION WILLIAMSON
After he delivered a pre-season that was literally re-writing the record books, a knee-injury will cause season one of Zion to kick off without … well, Zion Williamson. Once the most-anticipated rookie of the last decade does step on the floor, though, expect him to make an impact right away. Beyond his mind-blowing athleticism, the No.1-pick brings quick feet, solid defense, and an eye for his teammates from day one. If healthy, he’ll be the real deal!
However, throw out the LeBron- and Shaq-comparisons! If we’re comparing him to anyone, Charles Barkley makes the most sense. Despite all the (legitimate) buzz, eighteen, six, and two would be a solid (and realistic) stat line for the 19-year-old in year one. Taking part in the Dunk Contest would be a bonus (and a game-time decision, according to Zion himself) even though Jordan Brand would love their new poster-child to take part in Chicago. Who can blame them?
THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS
While most of the offseason-talk in Milwaukee has centered around the statement that Giannis has only reached 60% of his prime (which would be a scary thought in itself), much of the Bucks‘ success in 2019/20 will depend on the supporting cast around their generational talent. With opposing defenses increasingly swarming in on and playing physical against Antetokounmpo, other Bucks will have to step up. With an allegedly easier division-schedule, Milwaukee will be in the running for home-court advantage in the East regardless.
THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Holy hole in a doughnut, Batman! With the acquisitions of Josh Richardson and Al Horford, the 76ers can not only vary rotations and rest schedules throughout the season but also trot out one of the most intimidating lineups in terms of size and defensive abilities. And that’s even before factoring in the promising Rookie Matisse Thybulle. With Ben Simmons shooting threes now (apparently) and Joel Embiid shooting for the high seventies in games played (apparently), the road to the Finals in the East unquestionably goes through Philadelphia.
THE DALLAS MAVERICKS
The last time Kristaps Porzingis scored an NBA basket, “The King” was still ruling “The Land” and “The Klaw” was still playing in the lone star state. The next time Kristaps Prozingis will score an NBA basket, it will probably be following a gorgeous assist by Luka Doncic and symbolize the future of the Mavericks. While the roster is at least a year away from contention, the pick and pop/pick and roll opportunities of Dallas’ dynamic duo will make for an exciting league pass team while the front office figures out subsequent moves.
THE NEW YORK KNICKS
Unless you’re interested in the world’s most extensive collection of mid-level Power Forwards (both in terms of salary and talent), the Knicks don’t have a lot to offer … again. To put things into perspective, the Seattle SuperSonics have won more Playoff games than the Knicks since the 01-02 season. No, that does not include the Thunder. Yes, this will still hold true in 2020. Time to toss the keys to the young talent and let RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, & Co. take it from here.
If you haven’t already, check out Part I of our BSTN NBA preview! Let the games begin!
