I know I talk a lot of sh*t on this blog, presenting myself as a basketball guru, but it's all in fun anyway, since I'm not getting paid for it. And honestly most of my predications, even the really bold ones, do come true in some way, shape or form. But I'm also man enough to admit when I'm wrong, and of course there are times when I totally miss the mark, if you want to put it like that. And below are what I feel were my three worst predictions as far as the now-past 2022-23 NBA Season was concerned.
THE TIMBERWOLVES WOULD WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
I don't think I ever actually said that the Timberwolves would actually win the championship. But early in the season, I did voice my belief that they had the most-talented starting five in the NBA. But I'm also pretty sure at the time that I noted there may be compatibility issues along the way.
I consider myself a D'Angelo Russell fan, but remember that the only time he's made the allstar team thus far was when he was the undisputed alpha (of the Nets). When you place alongside other players who are just ass or even more talented scorers, his efficacy drops. That's why I believe that Brooklyn should've never traded him to begin with and should've rather built on that foundation with him as the cornerstone.
Anyways, Minnesota did eventually rectify that situation by bringing in Mike Conley, who's more of a traditional PG. And for awhile, they did excel. But injuries, as well what I believe was a lack of favor from the NBA powers-that-be, derailed their season. So I was really happy to recently hear that their braintrust intends to run it back next season with Gobert + Kat + Edwards + Conley (in addition to having re-signed Naz Reid), because now I'll really get to see if my prediction was true or not.
THE HAWKS WOULD BE ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN THE EAST
I also foresaw that there might be compatibility issues between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, but I never would have thought in a million years that the Hawks would miss the playoffs altogether. And even then, I can't confidently say that they flunked due to compatibility issues.
I didn't get to peep a lot of Hawks' games last season, but based on what I can gather their issues are threefold. First is lack of consistent effort. For instance, I remember during one of those play-in games, DeAndre Hunter was a total nonfactor. I even called him out in this blog, that maybe Atlanta should think about benching him or some sh*t. Then the very next game, he came out and dropped like 26 points.
Secondly - and this perhaps their biggest issue - the Hawks play like they don't have any actual, consistent strategy, like their offense is all impromptu. But it's hard to condemn them for having this fault, because most teams play like that these days. On the surface, that would even be the reason why the Celtics lost to the Heat.
And third, they seem to have developed this tendency, whether intentionally or not, of making John Collins the scapegoat. If there's one player I would like to see get traded it's Collins, so that finally he can be vindicated from all this BS. But I also love the way he and Young connect sometimes. When they do on increasingly-rare occasions, they're arguably the most exciting tandem in the NBA. And the said thing about it is that if you look at Atlanta's roster, like there really isn't anything wrong with it. Given their talent and age, they should be like perennial contenders. So it'll be interesting to see what their braintrust does this offseason.
THE SUNS WOULD WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP ONCE THEY GOT KD
Of all the bold predictions I made last season this is the one I'm most ashamed of, because in hindsight I did so with my heart more than my head. I love KD as a person, but as a team player not so much. From what I can gather he's the type that, if he doesn't believe his team can win, will quit instead of trying to emerge victorious anyway, like Lebron would. And imo even during last season's playoffs he gave up on the Suns.
But that's not the reason I feel bad about making that prediction. Rather, I should have foresaw that KD wouldn't be compatible with Chris Paul, because Durant is yet another one of those NBA superstars who, despite being mad tall, plays better when he controls the ball. The Suns got the message and got rid of CP3, and now it looks like their starting five may be devoid of a true PG which, considering that Booker and Beal are also around, would be for the best. Let's just hope that they don't get off to a slow start, or else someone may be demanding a trade soon.
CONCLUSION
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, here comes my first bold prediction for the 2023-24 NBA Season. Victor Wembanyama, under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich, is going to be in the MVP conversation. Remember that you read it here first!
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