Guess what’s arrived for a couple teams and will arrive for everyone early next week? You guessed it — NBA training camp. To celebrate, I’ve offered a sneak peek (OK, the entire episode) of the new Amico Hoops podcast.
I discuss the opening of camp, the Cavaliers, the Lakers, the overall parity of the NBA and the new salary cap rules. Check it out directly below.
In a nutshell, what do I think of the NBA season ahead? Well, the Celtics are the favorites, but beyond that, it’s really anyone’s guess.
There will undoubtedly be a lot of competition at the top of the Western Conference. The Mavericks, Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Suns all have a shot at the Finals, I’d think. I am also not about to count out LeBron James and the Lakers. You can consider them a sleeper, along with the Pelicans and maybe the Kings, Rockets and Warriors, too.
In the East, you have the reigning champion Celtics, the 76ers and Knicks and Bucks. And you’d better watch out for the Pacers, Cavs, Magic and even Heat, too.
With races as presumably tight as these, health is going to play a major factor. So will chemistry. Remember, what looks good on paper doesn’t always work out on the court.
When making predictions, though, I always refer to what Celtics legend Kevin McHale once said: “All that matters is you play your best in May and June.”
Of course, you have to play well enough to get to May and June. Finding out who will do that is a ways off. But hey, at least now we are getting to start, and that’s always the first step.
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