THE PREDICTIONS ARE IN!

Another NBA Season is amongst us, and the anticipation is almost over. So many great story lines this year and maybe none better than "The Return" of Derrick Rose. While Rose is returning there are some players waiting to make their return to the hardwood as well. Kobe Bryant, Rajon Rondo & Russell Westbrook are all out to start the season, but will return at some point. With all the coaching changes, player additions and subtractions that occurred in the off season this year is shaping up to be one of the best we've seen in recent years. With that being said here are my predictions for the upcoming season.

Rookie of the Year

Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic

Defensive Player of the Year

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Coach of the Year

Kevin McHale, Houston Rockets

6th Man of the Year

Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers

Most Improved Player

Javale McGee, Denver Nuggets

Executive of the Year

Billy King, Brooklyn Nets

MVP

LeBron James, Miami Heat

ALL NBA FIRST TEAM

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference 

1. Miami Heat

2. Brooklyn Nets

3. Chicago Bulls

4. Indiana Pacers

5. New York Knicks

6. Toronto Raptors

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

8. Washington Wizards

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Heat vs. Pacers

Nets vs. Bulls

Eastern Conference Finals

Heat vs. Bulls

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Clippers

2. San Antonio Spurs 

3. Houston Rockets

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

5. Golden State Warriors

6. Denver Nuggets

7. Memphis Grizzlies

8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Western Conference Semi-Finals

Clippers vs. Thunder

Spurs vs. Rockets

Western Conference Finals

Clippers vs. Rockets

NBA Finals

Heat vs. Clippers - Heat 3-peat and LeBron James is named NBA Finals MVP

My predictions are in and I'm ready for the opening tip-off. Plenty of exciting basketball to be played throughout this season with great story lines that need an ending. Only about a handful of teams have been able to 3-peat, and I believe that we will see it happen again with the Miami Heat. Call it what you want, but I just don't believe there's a team out there that can beat them four times in a series. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm right but come June there can only be one champion. Who will rise to the top? Only time will tell.