Joe's Predictions for 2014

I always thought there should be more posts here for discussions and so I asked Chuck if I could be a contributor. As a first post, I thought I would make some predictions for the year.  

Spicy picks:

Anthony Davis will have a big year: This is the consensus probably anyways, but I am talking 2nd team NBA and Pelicans make the playoffs big year. In college, he was a matchup nightmare and I think this continues in the NBA. Even though he was hurt last year, he was the best rookie. He had both a better PER rating and wins share percentage than Damian Lillard. He's ready to make the leap and to let everybody know to respect the brow.

Pacers underachieve: The Pacers won't live up to everybody's expectations of them because for one, they weren't that great of team last year.  Their PG play is still questionable, and they seem to go on long stretches without scoring. They will still make the playoffs no doubt, but once Hibbert and West get called for 2 bad screens every game, you will see the result in the win/loss column.  I think calling cheap picks will hurt a lot of players this year (*cough* Garnett) but Hibbert and West seemed to do it a lot also.  They did play the Heat tight but I think that was really more about the matchup per position and not so much on their overall talent level.  Playoff seed somewhere around 4-6 but not top three in the East.

Bold Picks:

Rondo gets traded to the Mavericks: Rondo is going somewhere and Cuban has been silent too long.  Dirk is in a contract year and so they will resign him at a lower price, get Rondo, and then have some room for a FA next year. I can't see Lebron really going there but maybe a Bosh.  Not sure that would make the Mavs good, but if they added some pieces around a Rondo/Dirk setup, I would watch it.

Kobe kind of comes back, but can't do it anymore: Kobe comes back and looks pedestrian.  Like MJ 2001 Wizards pedestrian.  I think people, along with Kobe himself, are underestimating what a ripped achilles does to the actions you perform on the basketball court.  Google it if you want but it's not good.  Say he doesn't have a first step anymore, and can't jump.  The Lakers probably won't ever trade him but maybe they will put him in the WNBA.

Wizards get the #4 seed in the East: Can you say Polish Hammer? Gortat will help the Wizards establish a spot in the playoffs.  I love him as an NBA player, and the Wizards are ready to move on up. Wall has been due to make a splash and this year is it.  He probably still can't shoot but he gets easy transition buckets off steals, and is faster than most of the people guarding him.  Beal is a sophomore which always is a big stat boost.  No real bench but just play the starters all night and see what you get.  

A1 picks (Bold and Spicy):

Kevin Durant gets hurt and Westbrook comes back to lead the team: Durant is due for an injury and while it may be longer, I expect him to miss 15-18 games this year.  Hopefully for the Thunder, Westbrook comes back to take his place.  He will end up having a monster few games while Durant is gone paving the way for controversy which leads to Westbrook leaving down the road.  On a plus note, Steven Adams looks good for a Kiwi.

Warriors win the West (and maybe the title): Way out of left field but I think they have a good shot.  I think they match up well with most teams and can outscore most anybody.  They will win the West on a great season by not only Curry, but a healthy Bogut.  Iggy will do enough on defense that they won't need his points on offense.  Also, as much as I hate UNC guys, Barnes should have a better year too.  Heat still are the champs and they are tough to pick against but I will take the Warriors over everybody else.  Iggy is good but no one can keep LeBron in check.

If you disagree, discuss.