NFL
By Monte Perez
The Phoenix Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals. It was the first time that Phoenix appeared in an NBA Finals since 1993 with Charles Barkley.
1) Phoenix Suns (Projected record, 60-22):
Chris Paul is the most underrated leader in sports, He makes everyone around him better no matter where he goes. Devin Booker is a legitimate scorer and Deandre Ayton is a double/double machine. Monty Williams is the best coach no one outside of Phoenix knows about.
2) Utah Jazz (Project record, 60-22):
Utah cares about the regular season. Quin Synder coaches every game like he is in the NBA Finals. Donovan Mitchell is one of the best basketball players on the planet but this team is not built for the post-season. They have Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson who can light up the scoreboard but the rest of their players are shooters or have limited offensive games. Expect them to fade out in the 2nd round of the playoffs. I would be shocked if Mitchell plays in Utah next season.
3) Los Angeles Lakers (Projected record, 58-24):
The Lakers may be old but they have 3 deep at every position. Their roster has scorers, shooters, slashers, and rim protectors. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are still an elite 1-2 punch. Carmelo Anthony, Wayne Ellington and Kendrick Nunn can all shoot the three consistently. Rajon Rondo, Kent Bazemore, Russell Westbrook, and Talen Horton-Tucker can all get to the rim and slash through defenses. Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan are past their prime but they can get a double/double in limited minutes and protect the rim. LeBron always finds a way to get players involved. I expect the Lakers to rest their veterans and have them healthy for the playoffs. If Anthony Davis plays like an MVP, this team could win a title
4) Denver Nuggets (Projected record 55-27):
If Jamal Murray can get back to his old self before his injury, this team could be very dangerous. Michael Porter Jr. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic make for a dangerous front-line. This team is well-coached and hungry for a title run.
5) Golden State Warriors (Projected record, 55-27):
As long as Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are healthy, this team will win at least 50 games. Draymond Green will go back to being a passer and rebounder, Andrew Wiggins can be a 17 point per game scorer and James Wiseman could be a legitimate double/double center. It will be interesting to see how active the Warriors will be at the trading deadline.
6) Los Angeles Clippers (Projected record, 53-29):
Can Clippers fans trust Kawhi Leonard to be healthy in the playoffs? LA added Eric Bledsoe and Justise Winslow. They have interchangeable parts on their front line. Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Serge Ibaka, and Ivaca Zubak all played the center position during the playoffs. Paul George and Reggie Jackson proved they can be a formidable 1-2 punch. If this team falls short in the post-season, they will not return as a unit in 2023. The coaching staff and players are all on the hot-seat.
7) Dallas Mavericks (Projected record, 51-31):
Photo Credit: (SI.Com).
As long as Luka Doncic is on the floor, this team has a chance to beat anyone. Jason Kidd takes over for Rick Carlisle on the bench. Adding Reggie Bullock in the off-season should help with their 3-point shooting. This is a make a break year for Kristaps Porzingis. If the Mavs can play defense and get stops at the end of games, they could be dangerous.
8 ) Portland Trail Blazers (Projected record, 50-32):
The Trail Blazers have a very good starting five. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum can score with any guards in the NBA. Norman Powell, Robert Covington, and Jusuf Nurkic make a solid starting lineup. Portland does not have a 3rd option who they can rely on in the post-season.
On the outside looking in:
Memphis, New Orleans, Minnesota, Sacramento.
Years away…
Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City
Western Conference Finals:
If Healthy, the Lakers and Phoenix should play in the Western Finals.
Lakers in 6.
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