2017-2018 NBA Season Preview
The wait is finally over! The NBA Season is back tonight! This season is without a doubt going to be a more exciting, more intense, and more fun than last year's season. Let’s look at some of the big moves that have happened this offseason and what we expect to see this year in the NBA:
Kyrie leaves Cleveland, Hayward leaves Utah, go to Boston to look for new hope
Kyrie decided that he wanted to be the face of a franchise and not be behind a great legend like LeBron. Hayward went out to free agency and left the Jazz to go to a team that is more likely to get a title. The Celtics are looking like the favorites to win the Eastern Conference this year.
Boston new Big 3: Irving, Hayward, Horford
Biggest Loss: Isaiah Thomas
Record Last Year: 53-29
Andy’s projected record This Year: 60-22
Seeding in the playoffs last year: 2nd
Andy’s projected playoff seeding this year: 1st
Russell not alone anymore, George and Anthony join Thunder
Russell Westbrook is finally not alone in Oklahoma anymore. Although getting MVP last year, the Thunder did not do as well as expected last year. This year, that all changes. George was traded to Oklahoma and Anthony finally decided a few weeks ago to move to Oklahoma as well. I have high hopes for the Thunder this year!
Oklahoma new Big 3: Westbrook, George, Anthony
Biggest Loss: Victor Oladipo
Record Last Year: 47-35
Andy’s projected record this year: 62-20
Seeding in the playoffs last year: 6th
Andy’s projected playoff seeding this year: 2nd
Timberwolves looking good, form a new Big 3
The Timberwolves made some really great moves this offseason. They got Jimmy Butler, got a good draft choice in Justin Patton, and resigned Andrew Wiggins. This year should be a huge year for the Timberwolves
Minnesota new Big 3: Anthony-Towns, Wiggins, Butler
Biggest Loss: Ricky Rubio
Record Last Year: 31-51
Andy’s projected record this year: 55-27
Seeding in the playoffs last year: Did not make playoffs
Andy’s projected seeding in the playoffs: 4th
#TrustTheProcess this year in Philly
That’s right, believe in the hype for this year. This could finally be the year that they end their big slump and make the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-2012 season.
Philly new Big 3: Okafor, Simmons, Fultz
Biggest Loss: No losses in offseason
Record Last Year: 28-54
Andy’s projected record this year: 43-39
Seeding in playoffs last year: Did not make playoffs
Andy’s projected seeding in playoffs this year: 7th
Rockets pick up Chris Paul
The Rockets picked up Chris Paul this season to give them another guy that can pass, shoot, and did I mention pass? Harden and Paul were both on top of the assists leaders last year.
Rockets new Big 3: Harden, Paul, Gordon
Biggest Loss: None
Record Last Year: 55-27
Andy’s projected record this year: 59-22
Seeding in playoffs last year: 3rd
Andy’s projected seeding in playoffs this year: 3rd
I can’t wait for the season to start this year! It’s going to be even better than the last! Check Upstate Sports Zone for coverage of the NBA season throughout the year!
