2014-15 NBA PREDICTIONS

It's that time of the year again folks! The 2014-15 NBA season is set to tip off tonight, and I'm excited to see how the year unfolds. This season we have the re-return of Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant, the Spurs are looking to repeat, and let's not forget the biggest move of free agency with LeBron James going back home to Cleveland. The Chicago Bulls strengthened their chances of coming out the Eastern Conference by signing Pau Gasol, while their central division counterpart Cleveland Cavaliers managed to acquire Kevin Love for #1 pick Andrew Wiggins. Some injuries have also set a couple of teams back to start off the year. That list includes: Kevin Durant, Paul George, Rajon Rondo, and Bradley Beal. Hopefully these players can make a speedy recovery and get on the court where they belong. Taking all things into consideration here are my predictions for this upcoming NBA season.

Rookie of the Year
Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks

Defensive Player of the Year
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

Coach of the Year
Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

6th Man of the Year
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs

Most Improved Player
Terrence Ross, Toronto Raptors

Executive of the Year
David Griffin, Cleveland Cavaliers

Most Valuable Player
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

ALL NBA FIRST TEAM
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
James Harden, Houston Rockets
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

ALL NBA SECOND TEAM
Russell Weatbrook, OKC Thunder
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

ALL NBA THIRD TEAM
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Washington Wizards
4. New York Knicks
5. Miami Heat
6. Toronto Raptors
7. Charlotte Hornets
8. Atlanta Hawks

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Cavaliers vs. Knicks
Bulls vs. Wizards

Eastern Conference Finals
Cavaliers vs. Bulls

Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Clippers
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Golden State Warriors
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. New Orleans Pelicans

Western Conference Semi-Finals
Clippers vs. Thunder
Spurs vs. Rockets

Western Conference Finals
Clippers vs. Spurs

NBA Finals
Cavaliers vs. Clippers - Cavs win first title in 6, LeBron James named NBA Finals MVP

These are my predictions and I'm sticking to it. Basketball fans are set to witness some great basketball this season, and I believe that every team to make the Playoffs in the Western Conference will win 50 games just like the 2007-08 season. History has shown that the Spurs don't repeat as champions and I'm not going against that this year. I'm eager to see how this season plays out with all of the story lines, but there can only be one champion crowned in June. You have my pick, what's yours?

BATS UP, GUNS DOWN

It's no secret that Chicago's gun violence has made national headlines much too often. It's to the point where many believe it's safer to be in Iraq then it is in Chicago. With all the violence going on it makes it that much tougher to even watch the news. Kids are losing their lives far too early to gun violence, which is giving a terrible image to one of the greatest cities in the world. While we were caught up with the violence happening in not only Chicago, but Ferguson as well there was a Little League team from the south side getting ready to make history. Jackie Robinson West Little League took the world by storm as they became the first all African American team from Chicago since 1983 to qualify for the Little League World Series. It was clear from the first game in Williamsport, PA that these boys meant business, and came to win it all. Watching these kids play took me back to my Little League days when my dad was my coach. Playing baseball on those Saturday mornings and afternoons was one of the best times of my life, and I was glad to see JRW go out and represent the city of Chicago in such a positive light. 

Not only was JRW making history this year, but I would be insane not to mention the impact Mo'ne Davis (Philadelphia) had as well. She became the first female in LLWS history to throw a complete game shutout, and was the first little leaguer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. In route to the winning the U.S. Championship JRW had to beat a tough Nevada team who gave them their first loss of the tournament. These boys from the south side had a never back down attitude and played with so much heart and passion. The parade that's going to take place for these kids today is pretty awesome if you ask me. The positivity that they have brought to the city has been remarkable. Chicago has welcomed them home and they will get the type of parade that only champions deserve. I'm excited to see young African American men doing something positive with their lives and making their city proud. This JRW team should be an example to all about what hard work and dedication can get you. SKY IS THE LIMIT!

RETURN OF THE KING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

2014 NBA free agency is officially underway in my book. LeBron James has announced his return home to Cleveland where he plans to right his wrongs. I would be lying if I said I was originally for James returning to his hometown. I thought he would be delusional to go back, especially after going to four straight NBA Finals with the Miami Heat. What I realize now that I didn't realize a couple days ago is that James going back to Cleveland is much bigger than basketball. James says in Sports Illustrated, "I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead." It's obvious that James feels he owes this much to the city on and off the court, not to mention the desire of wanting to raise his own family in his hometown. Of course we can never forget "The Decision" four years ago when James broke Cleveland's heart in front of the world. This go round LeBron took a completely different approach. His decision was sent to Sports Illustrated in which he wrote an essay explaining his decision. No interviews, guaranteed championships, or press conferences for James, which shows his maturity and how he's learned from his mistakes four years ago.

It now seems as though King James has now resurrected his image amongst many in the basketball world. Those who lost respect for LeBron's decision to go to Miami seem to have now gained that respect back in his return to Cleveland. Owner Dan Gilbert and James have met and settled their differences from the past and it feels that all is "FOR6IVEN." The fans in Cleveland are excited about the return of their hometown hero, and who can blame them. They've done nothing but suffered since LeBron's departure.  The Cavs have already gone to a 4/1 favorites to win the NBA Championship with the acquisition of James, while Miami took a dive to 50/1 favorites. Whether you're a LeBron fan or not, one thing you can't deny is his impact on the game of basketball, and this free agency has shown just that. In my eyes Cleveland was the only team James would've left the Heat for without receiving backlash. I'll be the first to say I'm not sure if the Cavs will win a NBA Championship right away, but one thing is for certain. The King is back and the city of Cleveland is on the map once again!

Sterling Gets LIFE

Technically, Adam Silver has been the NBA Commissioner since February 1st, but yesterday he finally got a chance to earn his stripes. He hasn't been faced with many challenges until the recent racial comments by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Commissioner Silver laid down the law by banning Sterling for life from the NBA, and fining him $2.5 million (maximum under NBA Constitution). All eyes have been on this situation since TMZ received the audio of the conversation between Sterling and his girlfriend. In this audio, Sterling made it clear that he felt minorities were inferior, and that he didn't want his girlfriend bringing African Americans to his games. These comments didn't come as a shock to some due to the fact that Sterling has had a history of alleged racism towards minorities. He's been sued for housing discrimination, and a wrongful termination suit was filed against him by the legendary Elgin Baylor who had served as General Manager for 22 years. There's a saying that goes "what's done in the dark will eventually come to the light," and I believe that's exactly what has happened with Sterling.

I truly do believe that there are more owners in the sports world that have the same ideas and thoughts as Sterling. Unfortunately for Sterling, he's the first one to get caught and be made an example. Some people feel as though how can you punish a man by making him sell a team that's now worth over $500 million, but to me it's about making a stand. Sterling may be rich financially, but he's poor in so many other areas that money can't buy. By making him sell the Clippers the NBA would be showing that this type of ignorance will not be tolerated. I applaud Commissioner Adam Silver for his disciplinary actions towards Donald Sterling. For many this is just the beginning, and justice won't be served until Sterling is forced to sell the Clippers and I couldn't agree any more.

UNDER THE RADAR

With two games remaining in the regular season the San Antonio Spurs sit on top of the Western Conference with a modest 62-18 record. Not to mention the 19 game winning streak that was just snapped just over a week ago. Greg Popovich, who in my eyes is the best coach in the NBA just continues to get the most out of his players no matter the circumstance. With all the media attention in the NBA going to teams such as the Heat, Knicks, Thunder, Lakers, and Pacers the Spurs seem to just keep piling up W's. Tim Duncan has turned to the fountain of youth, while Manu Ginobili is being his usual self, and Tony Parker continues to be the playmaker that he is on the perimeter. These Spurs aren't the most athletically gifted team in the league by any means, but they have their execution and fundamentals they rely on every night to keep them in games. With the Playoffs just under a week away the Spurs have as good a chance as any team to win it all. However, I do believe that there are a few teams that can give them trouble along the way. Those teams being the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Houston Rockets. Here's a look at the Spurs record versus these teams during the regular season.

• 0-4 vs. Thunder
• 0-3 vs. Rockets (Final meeting tonight at 7:00PM on NBATV)
• 2-1 vs. Clippers

I'll be the first person to tell you that regular season wins don't necessarily translate to winning in the Playoffs, but it's all about matchups. As great as the Spurs are they tend to struggle against teams that are more athletic. Out of these three teams the two that I believe the Spurs will have the most trouble with are the Clippers and Thunder. In my pre-season predictions I had the Rockets in the Western Conference Finals, but they have shown that they can't guard a nosebleed and that type of defense won't get it done in the Playoffs, especially against the Spurs. However, the Thunder just seem to have that firepower with Durant and Westbrook that I don't believe the Spurs will be able to match. Many people aren't believers in the Clippers just yet, but I do think Blake Griffin has improved tremendously and his improvement along with DeAndre Jordan is what can take the Clippers to the next level. While the Spurs have maintained to stay under the radar once again, their road back to the NBA Finals won't be an easy one. The Western Conference is stacked, and will be MUST SEE TV come April 19th. The Playoffs are finally right around the corner, and I can't wait!!! I LOVE THIS GAME!

A NEW BREED

It's every childhood basketball player's dream to play in the NBA. At a young age you're taught the fundamentals of the game and are told that with these fundamentals, hard work, and dedication you can go a long way. Unfortunately, in this new era of basketball it seems that the fundamentals have been completely thrown out the window. From high school all the way up to the NBA it's obvious that the fundamentals aren't being taught, and being athletic is the only aspect that matters. Whether you want to admit it or not, the NBA brand is suffering with these players entering the draft early when they clearly aren't ready. While some of you may be sad that the NCAA Tournament is coming to a close tomorrow night I will be relieved in some ways. From terrible free throw shooting, lack of court awareness, and just flat out poor execution watching these games can be more frustrating than entertaining to watch. There were so many examples of these scenarios happening in the tournament, but one that sticks out in my mind is the game between Iowa State and North Carolina.  ISU's DeAndre Kane put the Cyclones up 85-83 with 1.8 left in the game. You would think right after the basket one of the Tar Heels would've signaled for a timeout to orchestrate one last play, but that wasn't the case. UNC raced the ball to half court before calling a timeout. With so little time on the clock by the time UNC got the ball to the half court the game was over. Not to just pick on the college kids but even at the pro level these superstars lack fundamentals as well. When I was younger I was taught never jump to pass the basketball and stay away from one hand cross court passes. You see these exact things happen all too often while watching NBA games. You can look at the best player in the world LeBron James and see even he lacks fundamental discipline on the court. With the younger kids looking up to these NBA players they tend to often imitate what they see their favorite player do on the court, whether it's good or bad.

 This upcoming NBA draft has developed hype with the anticipation that players such as Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker will go pro. With Wiggins declaring for the draft not too long ago people are awaiting Parker's decision. Personally, I believe Wiggins could use more development on the college level as well as Parker. There's speculation that Parker is leaning towards coming back for another season at Duke which I would be a great move. Don't get me wrong though, I would never knock a player for leaving college early for a chance to provide for their families, but at the same time college basketball isn't what it use to be with all these one and done players. The lack of player development in the NBA is one of the reasons I believe Commissioner Adam Silver may raise the age limit for players to enter the NBA. What ever happened to the back to the basket big men? The mid range jumper? The only answer I have is that these fundamentals are no longer being taught at a young age and it's a shame. Bring back the fundamentals!