Bold Predictions for 2023-24 NBA Season
Another NBA season is here, and we've got some fairly bold predictions for 2023-24:
Mavs Fire Jason Kidd In-Season
There's usually at least one in-season firing, but one may tend to believe a coach such as Chicago's Billy Donovan is on more tenuous ground. Kidd did have a very successful first season with Dallas in 2021-22, leading the team to a Western Conference Finals berth.
However, last season was a complete disaster for the Mavericks. This year will carry lofty expectations with the re-signing of Kyrie Irving and what's expected to be a roster that compliments the two stars better.
Don't be surprised if Kidd is the scapegoat if Dallas struggles in the early parts of the season.
Oklahoma City Finishes Top-6 in the West, Avoids Play-In
Oklahoma City finally broke out and made the 2023 NBA play-in tournament after two years of having a razor-thin roster and suffering the worst defeat in NBA history at one point.
The Thunder are headlined by superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plus young studs Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren, along with very solid reinforcements behind the foundational pieces.
Many are predicting OKC to improve off of last season's success, but the West being so competitive is making those same pundits hesitant to actually place the Thunder into the top 6 of the standings.
The Thunder may not be as talented as a team such as the Clippers, per se, but also don't have the same health concerns. Chet Holmgren also looks to already be an elite defender from day one. Josh Giddey has shown steady improvement over two seasons.
Luguentz Dort is an uber-physical specimen that makes life as difficult as possible for opposing teams' top ball handlers. Jalen Williams is one of the most underrated players in basketball and is a prime sleeper candidate for the NBA Most Improved Player award.
Moral of the story: don't sleep on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Victor Wembanyama Named All-Star, All-NBA as Rookie
Wembanyama is the most hyped-up prospect since LeBron James. It's typical that players with that much fanfare coming into the league generate increased intrigue for their team. This is no different with San Antonio.
A team that won around 20 games last year could see one of the largest upticks in wins from last year just due to Wembanyama's presence complimented by a bevy of good-not great young players.
If the Spurs win upwards of 35 games this year, it can certainly be assumed that the French phenom had a phenomenal rookie year, potentially one good enough to be an all star and All-NBA selection.
Devin Booker Finishes Top-3 in MVP Voting
This may not seem like a bold take on the surface, but Booker is coming into the season rarely being mentioned in serious MVP conversations. The nine-year vet also doesn't have many believers in Vegas either, usually placed near the back end of the top 10 in odds on most sports books.
Much of the underestimating can presumably be attributed to the presence of Durant and Beal, but it's reasonable to believe both will miss some time this season. If Booker can make small improvements to his already great all-around game, it's not out of question that he could join the 30 points a game club.
Booker already has finished fourth in MVP voting before and now is an undeniable draw for national media and awards voters. Don't be surprised if the Suns franchise player is in position to bring home the MVP trophy.
This Season is the Highest-Rated in NBA History
The most insane NBA season ever is about to tip off. That isn't an understatement. Parity in the league is likely at an all-time high. Upwards of 90% of the league will be competing for play-in spots, due to new lottery odd rules and a relatively weak 2024 draft class.
There's still player-driven drama dragging into the season (James Harden) new players in compelling places (Lillard, Beal, Holiday, etc.) and as many as seven true contenders this year. There's likely never been as many true stars in the league as there is now.
Teams such as the Knicks and Lakers presumably boasting strong teams also boosts intrigue both domestically and internationally. The ratings should go through the roof, even in the regular season.
Here's to hoping this season is as exciting as anticipated, and it ends with a Phoenix Suns championship run.
