Starting with the Eastern Conference number one seed we have the Cleveland Cavaliers. Honestly, they would've been the number 1 team last season if it didn't take them so long to get in the groove later in the season. The absolute tear they went on last year leads me to believe they can go very far this year, and be the best team in the league.
The #2 seed this year will be the Chicago Bulls. I know this is
kind of a risky pick considering Derrick Rose will probably get injured, but he still will get in his share of games. Plus, I feel like the Bulls have built a franchise that has learned to effectively play without Rose in the game. And since they play in the weakest conference I have ever seen, they have a good chance to be high up in the rankings.
My pick for the #3 seed this year goes to the Indiana Pacers. I know it's kind of crazy to have the top 3 teams all from the same division, but just hear me out. Obviously we can blame them missing the playoffs last year on Paul George being out. Before that they were the only team in the east that had a shot of beating the Heat, and I think it shouldn't take them too much time to get back to that stage.
My pick for the #4 seed in the east this coming season is the Atlanta Hawks. Sure there not the most talented team, but they have a magnificent post game. They also work together really well. Let's admit it. Anyone who wins 60 games one season will be good the next season, especially if they are playing in the east and didn't lose anyone huge.
At the number 5 seed I have the Washington Wizards. They look pretty good, and I don't think they'll be any worse than a five seed. That being said, I just can't see them outplaying any of the four teams
above them. The Hawk's post game will be too much for them. They won't be able to contain Paul George. And the Bulls and Cavaliers are just flat out too good for them to be able to take the season series.
Going up against the Pacers at the #6 seed, I have the Toronto Raptors. I honestly don't really see a team that is a true threat when I look at the Raptors, But that doesn't mean they won't do alright. I just think that with the Conference there in, there isn't really a team to give them a true challenge for that position.
Squaring off against the Bulls at the #7 seed, I have the Miami Heat. This team has been struggling ever since the departure of LeBron James, missing out of the playoffs when they only needed 38 wins to qualify. That being said, there just like the Bulls in that
they are learning to play without LeBron, and I think they'll have another decent year followed by many better years after.
And finally at the #8 seed, I have the Charlotte Hornets. 4 from the Southeast? A little crazy, but yes, I think so. I just think they have young talent in Noah Vonleh, Kemba Walker, Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. they also have veteran Al Jefferson. I think it's finally time to take that next step, get some playoff experience, so next season they can go for more.
Starting off my western conference bracket with the Golden State Warriors. After a 67 win, NBA championship winning season, they've got to be the favorite. In fact, I may put them as the favorite to win the whole thing given there roster, experience, and play making ability.
At the #2 seed in the west, I have the San Antonio Spurs. They've got the best coach in the history of the NBA and maybe all of sports. They also have one of the most talented teams after adding LaMarcus Aldridge to there rotation. Finally, they have a team that has been together of decades, so you can't really see them slipping down to anything lower than this seed.
At the #3 team in the west, I have the Oklahoma City Thunder. We of course all marveled at Kevin Durant's play a couple of years ago in his MVP run. Then last year we saw Russell Westbrook put up a good fight for the MVP honors. Unfortunately, we saw Kevin Durant get injured, and the western conference proved to be too much (even though they would've been a 6 seed in the east). But now, we get to see two MVP candidates on the same team. Add that in with there big man duo of Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter, there in for a great season.
The 4th and final seed to have home court advantage, I have the Houston Rockets. If they were in the east, they'd be my 2 seed. I just feel like they won't be able to keep up with the 3 powerhouses ahead of them. But still a title contender despite the seed.
Taking on the Rockets at seed number 5, I have the Los Angeles Clippers (I know they changed there logo, but I like this one a lot more). This whole lob city idea was genius, and I feel like giving Chris Paul multiple options down low in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan will make him a deadly passer. Plus, add in Lance Stephenson, who'll add in the athleticism they need to get a pretty high seed in the playoffs.
At the 6 seed and taking on the Thunder, I have the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, they lost Rajon Rondo, but they did get Deron Williams in the offseason, which, although he's not outstanding, will add a little athleticism. With Dirk Nowitski leading the way with Tyson Chandler, Dallas should have a stellar home record and an away record good enough for them to make the playoffs.
Coming in the 7 seed position and taking on the Spurs, I have the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis is an absolute beast all around. add that in with the athletic Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans guard combo, New Orleans should ant least have a playoff berth.
And finally, in the #8 seed and taking on the Warriors, I have the Memphis Grizzlies. This team has one of the best Power forward/ center game in the NBA, and with Mike Conley and Tony Allen helping out on the perimeter, the Grizzlies could be in for a playoff berth.
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