The COVID-19 pandemic sent the 2019-20 season into a hiatus, and hindered the 2020-21 season into a 72-game, fanless format. As the NBA celebrates its 75th year as an association and return to normalcy, fans are preparing for a season that has the makings to be one of the best ever.
Following an off-season full of trades and big free agent signings, the league continues to shift in favor of superstars teaming up. The Lakers added former MVP and all time Triple-Double leader Russell Westbrook to their backcourt, Kyle Lowry left for South Beach, Ben Simmons tried forcing his way out of Philly, and Kyrie Irving will not be extended by the Brooklyn Nets (and may miss the entire season as he refuses to get vaccinated).
After what was an injury-riddled and COVID-plaged 2020-2021 NBA season, teams will have stars returning, bettering their championship aspirations. The Golden State Warriors will see all-star Klay Thompson return to the floor for the first time in two seasons, the Pacers get T.J. Warren back, and LA’s superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis look to return to full-form. Unfortunately, both Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray will miss a majority of the regular season as they recover from torn ACLs late last season.
The league has also implemented rules regarding players’ vaccination status. Following the league’s annual Media Day for each team, there was a clear understanding of how players felt regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. There was an articulate minority including Nets G Kyrie Irving and Magic F Jonathan Isaac that grabbed headlines of the issue as they decided not to receive the shot. Although 90% of the league has taken the shot (according to NBA reporter Michele Roberts), NBA players are not required to be vaccinated. League executives along with the NBPA declined any proposals that required the vaccine. Referees will be forced to get the shot, and have agreed to take any boosters the league feels is necessary. Opposing players that are unvaccinated traveling to San Francisco, New York, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles will all follow separate COVID-19 protocols from their teammates. If players that play within these cities are unvaccinated, they are ineligible to play during their teams home games (Ex: Kyrie Irving cannot play home games for the Brooklyn Nets).
With the Milwaukee Bucks looking to repeat as champions, the rest of the league looks to ruin their hopes of winning back to back titles. Below you’ll find my 2021-22 NBA Season predictions, which feature projected division standings, award winners, and an NBA Finals pick.
Division Standings
Atlantic
(1) Brooklyn Nets: 57-25
Kyrie Irving’s absence will hurt them
(6) Boston Celtics: 45-37
Dennis Schroder and Al Horford provide much-needed scoring off the bench
(7) Philadelphia 76ers: 43-39
This will get ugly if Simmons isn’t traded
New York Knicks: 42-40
They got better, but so did the rest of the East
Toronto Raptors: 31-51
Siakam’s absence and lack of centers will hurt their backcourt
Central
(2) Milwaukee Bucks: 56-26
The defending champs got better
(5) Chicago Bulls: 47-35
Additions of Lonzo and DeMar take them to the playoffs
Indiana Pacers: 41-41
Rick Carlisle is a MAJOR upgrade over Nate Bjorkgen at Head Coach
Cleveland Cavaliers: 38-44
Evan Mobely makes a big impact early
Detroit Pistons: 25-57
A growing year for Cade and co.
Southeast
(3) Miami Heat: 52-30
Tyler Herro bounces back in a big way
(4) Atlanta Hawks: 50-32
The deepest roster in the league
(8) Charlotte Hornets: 42-40
LaMelo Ball is named an All-Star in year 2
Washington Wizards: 35-47
Rui Hachimura takes a big leap
Orlando Magic: 22-60
Another year at the bottom
Pacific
(2) Los Angeles Lakers: 54-28
The addition of Russell Westbrook will take time
(4) Golden State Warriors: 52-30
Klay Thompson makes immediate impact when he returns
(5) Phoenix Suns: 50-32
Deandre Ayton extension isn’t reached
(8) Los Angeles Clippers: 43-39
The Paul George Show
Sacramento Kings: 36-46
Marvin Bagley is moved ahead of the trade deadline
Northwest
(1) Utah Jazz: 56-26
Their bench got even better
(6) Denver Nuggets: 48-34
Michael Porter Jr. takes a big leap following his contract extension
Portland Trail Blazers: 42-40
Damian Lillard isn’t traded
Minnesota Timberwolves: 40-42
Anthony Edwards becomes the face of the franchise
Oklahoma City Thunder: 24-58
They’ll acquire even more picks
Southwest
(3) Dallas Mavericks: 52-30
This is the year Luka wins MVP
(7) Memphis Grizzlies: 45-37
Ja takes the superstar leap
New Orleans Pelicans: 36-46
It’s only a matter of time until Zion forces his way out
San Antonio Spurs: 34-48
Not one top 50 guy on their roster
Houston Rockets: 27-55
Jalen Green will shine and show flashes early
Awards
MVP: Luka Doncic G Dallas Mavericks
DPOY: Giannis Antetokounmpo F Milwaukee Bucks
ROY: Jalen Green G Houston Rockets
6MOY: Patty Mills G Brooklyn Nets
COY: Steve Nash Brooklyn Nets
MIP: Jordan Poole G Golden State Warriors
NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference Finals: Brooklyn Nets OVER Milwaukee Bucks
Western Conference Finals: Los Angeles Lakers OVER Golden State Warriors
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers OVER Brooklyn Nets
Finals MVP: LeBron James
