Category Archives: Pau Gasol

Earlier this week I predicted the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference next year. Now it’s time to get to work on my Western Conference predictions. Post your picks in the comment section. Let the debate begin!

#1. Oklahoma City Thunder– After last year’s loss in the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot wait for the season to start. With the same core of players, we should expect similar results. And with more playoff experience, I expect this young team to learn from their mistakes. The Thunder are the most talented team in the West. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are hungrier than ever, and this team still has great size with Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Projection: 61-21

#2. Los Angeles Lakers– After a disappointing post-season in 2012, the Lakers went out and got veteran point guard Steve Nash to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. This team has become extremely dangerous with Gasol and Bynum down low, and the addition of Antawn Jamison. If Nash and Kobe can stay healthy, the Lakers will be a serious contender. Projection: 57-25

#3. San Antonio Spurs– The Spurs tied for the best record in the NBA last year. However, they are all now a year older, which draws some concern for Tim Duncan. Without Duncan, this team is significantly worse and I just don’t see Timmy having another spectacular year. He’ll average 12 points and 8 rebounds but wont be the same guy we are all used to seeing. San Antonio will still be a good team led by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Projection: 52-30

#4. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers look great on paper and should be able to repeat a successful season. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the League, and the big man combo consisting of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, have welcomed CP3 to Lob City. The Clips have a solid back up for every single position including power forward, now that Lamar Odom has returned to the team that drafted him. If Billups and Crawford can play consistently at the 2 guard, this team could surprise people come playoff time. Projection: 51-31

#5. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a solid team and Zach Randolph has become an elite power forward. Marc Gasol is one of the better big men in the league, Tony Allen is a stifling defender, and Mike Conley is a solid point guard. Oh, and they have Rudy Gay too who is an absolute stud. However, the Grizzlies do not have a deep bench. My biggest concern for them is that they are not deep enough. If Memphis wants to make some noise in the post-season, they will have to lean on Gay and Randolph. Projection: 49-33

#6. Denver Nuggets: George Karl will lead another mediocre Denver team to the post-season yet again. With no superstar, the Nuggets are a great example of a team that thrives off of team work. Denver is lethal from downtown and led the league in points per game last year. But this team still needs work, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ty Lawson will have his best season yet. Projection: 44-38

#7. Utah Jazz: After losing Deron Williams, everyone assumed that the Jazz were a sinking ship. However, Utah still made the playoffs last year and I believe they will do it again in 2013. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are great big guys to have and the acquisition of Marvin Williams has filled the small forward position. Mo Williams will start at point guard and will have to keep the big guys involved if Utah wants to sneak into the playoffs. Projection: 43-39

#8. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a great offense last year led by Ricky Rubio and Olympiad Kevin Love. Love is one of the best rebounders in the league and Rubio can be great assuming that he is healthy. With many up and coming youngsters on the roster such as Derrick Williams, Alexy Shved, and Robbie Hummel of Purdue, this team should be exciting to watch. And the addition of Andre Kirilenko will help the Timberwolves get past the Hornets, Mavs, and Warriors, for the last seed in the Western Conference. Projection: 42-40

Earlier this week I predicted the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference next year. Now it’s time to get to work on my Western Conference predictions. Post your picks in the comment section. Let the debate begin!

#1. Oklahoma City Thunder– After last year’s loss in the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot wait for the season to start. With the same core of players, we should expect similar results. And with more playoff experience, I expect this young team to learn from their mistakes. The Thunder are the most talented team in the West. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are hungrier than ever, and this team still has great size with Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Projection: 61-21

#2. Los Angeles Lakers– After a disappointing post-season in 2012, the Lakers went out and got veteran point guard Steve Nash to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. This team has become extremely dangerous with Gasol and Bynum down low, and the addition of Antawn Jamison. If Nash and Kobe can stay healthy, the Lakers will be a serious contender. Projection: 57-25

#3. San Antonio Spurs– The Spurs tied for the best record in the NBA last year. However, they are all now a year older, which draws some concern for Tim Duncan. Without Duncan, this team is significantly worse and I just don’t see Timmy having another spectacular year. He’ll average 12 points and 8 rebounds but wont be the same guy we are all used to seeing. San Antonio will still be a good team led by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Projection: 52-30

#4. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers look great on paper and should be able to repeat a successful season. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the League, and the big man combo consisting of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, have welcomed CP3 to Lob City. The Clips have a solid back up for every single position including power forward, now that Lamar Odom has returned to the team that drafted him. If Billups and Crawford can play consistently at the 2 guard, this team could surprise people come playoff time. Projection: 51-31

#5. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a solid team and Zach Randolph has become an elite power forward. Marc Gasol is one of the better big men in the league, Tony Allen is a stifling defender, and Mike Conley is a solid point guard. Oh, and they have Rudy Gay too who is an absolute stud. However, the Grizzlies do not have a deep bench. My biggest concern for them is that they are not deep enough. If Memphis wants to make some noise in the post-season, they will have to lean on Gay and Randolph. Projection: 49-33

#6. Denver Nuggets: George Karl will lead another mediocre Denver team to the post-season yet again. With no superstar, the Nuggets are a great example of a team that thrives off of team work. Denver is lethal from downtown and led the league in points per game last year. But this team still needs work, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ty Lawson will have his best season yet. Projection: 44-38

#7. Utah Jazz: After losing Deron Williams, everyone assumed that the Jazz were a sinking ship. However, Utah still made the playoffs last year and I believe they will do it again in 2013. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are great big guys to have and the acquisition of Marvin Williams has filled the small forward position. Mo Williams will start at point guard and will have to keep the big guys involved if Utah wants to sneak into the playoffs. Projection: 43-39

#8. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a great offense last year led by Ricky Rubio and Olympiad Kevin Love. Love is one of the best rebounders in the league and Rubio can be great assuming that he is healthy. With many up and coming youngsters on the roster such as Derrick Williams, Alexy Shved, and Robbie Hummel of Purdue, this team should be exciting to watch. And the addition of Andre Kirilenko will help the Timberwolves get past the Hornets, Mavs, and Warriors, for the last seed in the Western Conference. Projection: 42-40