Predictions thread

[Ming Kong!]

Our standings range: 5-7th in the West.
With Nowitzki out for 6 weeks, plus Rubio and Love out, there is zero chance of slipping into 8th, unless ofcourse we have any major setbacks (knock on wood). Anyways, I could see us squeeking by one or maybe even two of the teams ahead of us.

Standings:
1. OKC
2. LAL
3. SAS
4. LAC
5. DEN
6. MEM
7. UTA
8. DAL/MIN/GS? Beats me, tough to tell with so many injuries, plus up and coming teams like SAC and NOH. Almost open to any of the remaining teams in the west.

Player predictions:
I don't expect gradual improvements from Favors, Burks, and Hayward, but nothing too drastic, but mainly cause I don't see their usage going up very much. Though with Bell outside the picture, Hayward and/or Burks could have a breakout year. I expect Kanter to have a big season, for obvious reasons, his new body providing improved quickness and full summer to train with the Jazz has shown remarkable progress early on.

As far as new comers, Mo and Marvin seem like great fits for the running style Utah seems to want to play this year, but I can see Marvin Williams in the running for MIP. He's in very good shape, will have increased usage as we're very thin at SF. He's only 26 and perhaps a new system was what he needed to start displaying the potential scouts saw in him in 2005.

I see Jefferson or Millsap becoming our MVP for the first half of the season with their contract years, if I had to choose one, probably Jefferson, as Millsap will be fighting for minutes with Favors a whole lot more than Jefferson with Kanter. For the second half of the season I can definitely see Favors breaking through if we move out Jefferson, who I think is most likely out. Ofcourse, we don't know who will be coming in, and if he'd be an immediate fit.

Outside of the Jazz, I see Lebron as the MVP, but I can see Howard making a run if the Lakers can finish out on top of the West, especially since he's expected to start the season (he's back today).

MIP: Bledsoe or Pekovic. Bledsoe, well you've seen him, and without Eric Gordon the Clippers likely give him the majority of the playing time at SG. No Love for 6-8 weeks, so Pekovic will get tons of more usage and will be able to roam free in the paint for rebounds.

ROY: Admittingly, I don't know too much about the rookies, but Anthony Davis has shown that he is NBA ready playing for team USA. I would give him the benefit of the doubt.

COY: Tough award to give out before the season starts as it's based off team performance, but with the Heat, Lakers, and OKC as leaders of the pack, I guess Mike Brown will make a strong case if he can get all the egos to work together. If Utah SOME HOW is able to sneak into the 4th seed, then I could definitely see Corbin making noise.

Last but not least: Finals will be Lakers and Miami. OKC definitely stands a chance, but I like LA more as long as it doesn't become Shaq and Kobe (ego wise) all over, and these guys are not the two most talented players in the world like Kobe/Shaq appeared to be during their dynasty. An OKC and Miami final will spell any easy victory for Miami IMO, while LAL vs MIA could be one of the better finals we've had in a very long time. For now I'll give Miami the benefit of the doubt, but I can easily see LAL coming out as champs.

[Neon Black]

1. LAL
2. OKC
3. SAS
4. LAC
5. UTA
6. DEN
7. MEM
8. MIN

Yep. It's a bold prediction for the Jazz. I don't care. I'm really not on the Denver train.

A full training camp, full season and lots of practices for Ty Corbin to really do his thing. Drastically better perimeter shooting, faster, more opportunistic offense, more defensive focus, the rise of Kanter and Favors, a fresh, new and ideal setting for a career year form Marvin Williams. There's just so much room for optimism.

I do think this is an extremely important year for Hayward. He's shown he's skilled...now will he be the Assertive, aggressive, confident, and consistent leader the Jazz need? We'll know a lot about Gordon's all-star potential when this season is over.

Rudy Gay has been turning heads thus preseason and may be ready to take his game to the next level, in which case Memphis may make some noise.

[Ming Kong!]

1. LAL
2. OKC
3. SAS
4. LAC
5. UTA
6. DEN
7. MEM
8. MIN

Yep. It's a bold prediction for the Jazz. I don't care. I'm really not on the Denver train.

A full training camp, full season and lots of practices for Ty Corbin to really do his thing. Drastically better perimeter shooting, faster, more opportunistic offense, more defensive focus, the rise of Kanter and Favors, a fresh, new and ideal setting for a career year form Marvin Williams. There's just so much room for optimism.

I do think this is an extremely important year for Hayward. He's shown he's skilled...now will he be the Assertive, aggressive, confident, and consistent leader the Jazz need? We'll know a lot about Gordon's all-star potential when this season is over.

Rudy Gay has been turning heads thus preseason and may be ready to take his game to the next level, in which case Memphis may make some noise.

No problem, I'm optimistic too, I don't think the Jazz be lower than the 7th, and a spot or two to me is VERY much in their reach. I'm just not SURE. For one, for as confident as I was with Favors, I don't see any progress, and as good as looked for moments, he wasn't great for long periods of time, so no consistency yet coming into the 3rd season. Hayward is still a question, he definitely seems to improving, but he still doesn't have the jumpshot he seemed to have in college, and his size seems to have affected his game a little too, not all good though. He needs to learn how to finish with more consistency at the rim. Jefferson and Millsap will have to perform well since it's a contract year, but at the same time the team knows that there will be a lot of talk come the deadline, and that usually spells distractions for the team. We don't have a true PG outside of Tinsley (pretty much the same as last year). I guess you can say Watson when he comes back, but I'm not very big on him anyways.

I know that we will be better, but how much is the question. Our range is 5-7, I guess I'm just being a bit conservative at 7, but I'm definitely confident that the kids have the right mindset and I think our staff will get them there, but things take time. Also while we might have a head start because of all the injuries, we might (hopefully not) get a taste of the injury bug ourselves.

[Neon Black]

Agreed...i really hope Favors and Hayward reach their potential. Like I said, this season will be telling about how good Hayward can become. Favors, on the other hand, needs a couple more years.

[Ming Kong!]

Agreed...i really hope Favors and Hayward reach their potential. Like I said, this season will be telling about how good Hayward can become. Favors, on the other hand, needs a couple more years.

Yeah Favors seems to have some confidence issues or something. The kid should be demanding the ball like Kanter. The thing is WE KNOW he has the size, athletism and even the skills to rack up points in the bunches in the post. Most of his points seem to come from plays not set up for him, like tip ins. Hayward seems to ride on adrenaline and emotions more than what's usual. For example, if he's blocked or misses a shot, he will more often than not come back on the very next play VERY aggressively, looking to score. Then at moments he'll pass the ball on 2 on 1's when he could easily score or atleast get to the line. The kid should be DOMINATING the opposing player. He's atleast 220lbs, maybe 225-230. He should have no trouble getting past a big with his quickness, and overpowering and shooting over guards. Some how it's not happening. They are playing good defense though, and I could definitely see Favors becoming a premier defender in the future.

[babyjax13]

Standings:
1. LAL
2. OKC
3. MEM
4. LAC
5. SAS
6. DEN
7. GSW
8. UTA

Player predictions:
Young guys: Kanter is going to get more time, so he should have a better season. I think Favors will be a bit more consistent than last year, but his production won't increase all that much. I think Burks and Hayward will be a solid tandem at the 2/3. Jeremy Evans will look good in spot minutes, probably earn a longer term contract and give us the flexibility to make some trades. I think he's a small forward, though.

New Comers: Mo isn't a true point guard, but I don't think it's going to matter so much. I'm not too crazy about any of the additions we've made, but I don't think any of them will be bad.

Jefferson vs. Millsap: One gets traded at the all star break, and I'd be willing to bet it is Millsap. Jefferson seems to want to be here long term, I think he is a better fit next to Favors and can work well enough with Kanter.

MIP: Maybe Goran Dragic? I'm struggling to think of anyone I think is set to have a breakout season.

ROY: Donatus Motiejunas....jk, jk. I think it's Davis, but Motiejunas is my pick for the player that gives him the best run for his money.

COY: Scott Skiles

Finals: LAL/MIA; Lakers win.

Rotation at the end of the year:
Mo Williams 30/Randy Foye 12/[Watson/Tinsley] 6
Gordan Hayward 14/Randy Foye 14/Alec Burks 20
Marvin Williams 30/Gordan Hayward 18
Derrick Favors 32/Al Jefferson 10/Jeremy Evans 6
Al Jefferson 24/Enes Kanter 24

I think Millsap will be traded for some combination of picks and possibly a young project player at point guard.

[SoCalJazzFan]

I see SAS, OKC, Lakers and Clippers if they get all bodies on board as the top 4 in the West. During the summer, I thought that Denver, Memphis, Jazz, GS, Minn and Dallas would fight for the remaining spots. I thought that making the playoffs again would be a pretty good outcome for the Jazz with the competition and improved teams in the West. But, with injuries to GS, Minn and Dallas, I think that Utah will end up 6th or 7th, and with their deep bench and different style of play/shooters, they could surprise and end up 4th or 5th.

[DelaneyRudd]

I am always a prognostication homer, and my gut says middle playoff position, below OKC, LAL, LAC. I think Denver, Utah, and SAS are fighting for position. Dallas took a step back, Minnesota could still make a step forward, but I think they need more time to put it together. Houston does nothing for me. Phoenix and Portland will likely be in the low lotto. Sac and GSW will be lower. GSW will keep their pick. Their fans will be smug in their continued futility, since another year, another rookie equals hope.

[DelaneyRudd]

Oh and the Grizzlies.... they errrrrr...... all die in a plane crash. (I'll feel terrible if they do)

[Paper Face]

1. LAL
2. OKC
3. SAS
4. MEM
5. JAZZ
6. DEN
7. LAC
8. DAL

Marvin Williams will thrive with the Jazz. He, Hayward, Mo, and Jefferson will start as long as they aren't injured. Millsap and Favors will battle it out all year, and Favors will be starting by Christmas. The Jazz' bench will be strong, and the starters will remain fresh as a result. There will be few injuries as a result, but if they come the roster is basically injury proof at every position. The Jazz will be competitive every night, and that may be enough to crack the top four.

I think the Clippers are just waiting around for the next serious injury. They won't last 82 games without one. The Jazz will battle Denver and Memphis all year to fill the void left by LA, who will still make the playoffs. Dallas will do better than Minny, which will also struggle with injuries all year.

If Nash and Howard stay healthy, the Lakers will beat Miami in the finals.

[Jefff]

i feel this year we have a more balanced, deep team. So i expect 7th to 5th seed.

[Ming Kong!]

You know who I think may make that 8th seed? The Sacramento Kings. They are a very young group, so I expect all around improvement from youngs, atleast enough to gain a few extra wins. Then you got Thomas Robinson who's looking very good and they got Aaron Brooks without really loosing anybody. I don't know if all the pieces can work together, but they sure as hell have a lot of talent. Not going to say they are quite good enough to top Minnesota, Dallas, or Golden State, but they are my dark horse.

[carrottop12]

I think we're quite a bit better than we were last year. Kanter has been really good, and Favors will return to shape, and our 3 point shooting is so much better than it was last year we're bound to pick up several wins because of it alone.

We replaced CJ and Josh Howard with a very good Marvin Williams, Mo is a much better fit than Devin, and our bench looks much improved.

I think we were on pace to win 44 games last year, I wouldn't be surprised to see us pick up 5 more this year.

[Ming Kong!]

CJ/Howard/Bell are gone. That means SOOOOOO much. Not to mention we wont depend on Watson so much, and like you said, Mo is a better fit than Harris. It's a real shame that we never got the Harris of yesteryear, but we had to know that there was a good chance that we were getting a Harris who's better days were behind him.

How I hope we end up getting GS's pick this year and we're able to pick up a real PG. Kind of glad we didn't get the pick this year, cause by the looks of it, we had no shot at getting Lillard, unless we traded up with Portland. This kid is looking good.

[Neon Black]

^ I desperately wanted the Jazz to pick up Lillard in the draft. It hurts to watch him play so well for Portland. It hurts even more to see him tear it up next to Matthews. The kid is such an NBA talent. *Sigh*

On a brighter note, how many assists do you think Mo Williams averages this year? I actually really like what I've seen in the preseason and guess around 6.5-7, with 8 being a complete dream. What did Harris get, like, 4 apg?

[Ming Kong!]

I don't think he will get more than 7apg, that's for sure. He wont handle the ball enough to get more, plus he's not a pass first type. I'll allow him to get those 3-4 buckets though as long as he shoots respectably.

[El Turco]

i think Jazz have enough talent to get the third seed.

[Jazz_Man_86]

noboby can't even think about that we might miss a playoffs?

[DelaneyRudd]

That's no fun. I am not a Warrior fan.