Here is a continuation of my column where I will predict Eastern conference standings, giving analysis for each team along with predictions for awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, MIP and DPOY.
At the end of the year we will look back at some of my predictions and give a score for each prediction (1-10) and add them all up to see how I did.
Eastern Conference Predictions
#15 Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are the prototypical rebuilding team in 2023. They have a ton of young and highly touted players such as Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and former #1 overall pick Cade Cunningham. Even so, getting high draft capital is still a top priority for this developing team, as the absence of consistent high-level players puts them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Record Prediction: 23-59
#14 Orlando Magic
The Magic share many similarities with the Pistons as they have lots of young talent but are still amidst a rebuild. The Magic do have a few proven NBA guys such as forward Franz Wagner and center Wendell Carter Jr, along with some aspiring young talent in former #1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, guard Cole Anthony, and Jalen Suggs. With that being said, this team is still developing and might really struggle with consistency.
Record Prediction: 26-56
#13 Washington Wizards
The Wizards roster is straight-up bad. Despite that, I believe the recent acquisition of Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones will allow them to compete game in and game out more than the Magic and Pistons. Even so they are still a bottom lottery team that will struggle to surpass 30 wins.
Record Prediction: 27-55
#12 Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are a young developing team that has been infected with chaos. Last year the Hornets lost their best player, Lamelo Ball, to a season-ending injury. With this they struggled mightily, finishing with only 26 wins. From their misfortunes, they were lucky enough to get the #2 overall pick, in which they selected 6 ‘7 SG/SF Brandon Miller, a premier scorer from Alabama who should fit in well beside Lamelo Ball. With all the youth on this team, there is a good chance they exceed expectations if a few guys can break. Even so I expect this to be a development season.
Record Prediction: 34-48
#11 Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have a lot of talent but it just doesn’t seem to fit winning basketball. The SG/SF duo of Lavine and Derozan contribute the most to the offensive end. On defense, Caruso is the only elite defender on this team. The rest of the team feels mid, and it shows they only won 40 games last year. I think that if they start the season off weak, they could enter a rebuild at the trade deadline.
Record Prediction: 38-44
#10 Indiana Pacers
The Pacers shoot the 3 and allow the 3. This team’s perimeter defense is nonexistent with Haliburton, Hield, and Mathurin defending the arc. On the contrary, they make it rain, making them the 6th most in the league. They also have Myles Turner, the prototype of a modern center as he defends the rim and stretches the floor. With this, I expect them to compete all season on the shoulders of All Star Tyrese Haliburton and eclipse 40 wins. Sneaking into the play in the tournament as the 10th seed.
Record Prediction: 41-41
#9 Toronto Raptors
The Raptors always just find a way to stay competitive. The offense looks a bit weak as there is not a proven shot-creator for this team. Even so, the defense looks very solid with All Star PF Pascal Siakam and new acquisition Jakob Poetl anchoring the paint. Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby also play super-valuable defense on the perimeter. With this, they should have a chance to beat almost any team in the league and sneak into the playoffs as a 9th seed.
Record Prediction: 41-41
#8 Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young and their use of pick and roll define this solid Hawks team. The Hawks ranked 1st in pick and roll rate at 28%, with All Star PG Trae Young as the main conductor, and center Clint Capela setting the screen and rolling to the basket. Dejounte Murray is a fantastic partner for Trae Young in the backcourt providing solid defense along with scoring. This team hasn’t really improved since last year: if anything they’ve gotten worse. Once again, the 8th seed as a play-in team.
Record Prediction: 41-41
#7 Brooklyn Nets
Mikal Bridges is the truth. The Brooklyn Nets might be the most fun team in the league after trading away their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Since being traded to the Nets, Mikal Bridges has averaged 26 PPG compared to just 18 PPG in Phoenix. They also have Nic Claxton, a top 5 defensive center in the NBA, who has the athleticism to switch off a center onto a forward along with defending the rim at an elite level. Cam Thomas should also provide valuable scoring throughout the season as he is just a straight bucket-getter. Overall fun young team with solid defense and scoring who will compete all year.
Record Prediction: 43-39
#6 New York Knicks
The Knicks are straight-up solid. Power forward Julius Randle made his first All Team last year and even if he doesn’t play at that level, they should still be fine. Brunson is a fundamentally great PG who provides top-tier scoring along with great playmaking that ascended this team into the playoffs last year. RJ Barrett will also be a very solid 3rd option who will provide a valuable 18 PPG along with good shooting and defense. This team will beat great teams and hopefully hold off the bad teams, putting them into the playoffs.
Record Prediction 44-38
#5 Miami Heat
The Heat are an excellent playoff team, but they almost always wait until then to show their full potential. They are coming off a finals loss to the Nuggets after being the 8th seed going into it. Jimmy Butler is a superstar and Bam Adebayo will provide all-star caliber play at center for this team. Even so, I expect them to kind of coast until the playoffs.
Record Prediction: 44-38
#4 Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are the first of the elite teams in the East. Center Joel Embild won MVP after averaging over 30 pts and 10 rebounds, along with providing great defense. With the departure of Harden, Maxey should become the primary ball handler which could allow for a more explosive offense. Nick Nurse was also hired as their head coach, which should pay dividends as he is a much better coach than Doc Rivers. Overall, this team should be competing for the top of the Eastern Conference the whole season.
Record Prediction: 53-29
#3 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup provides exceptional scoring from their 2 guards, Mitchell and Garland, while also having elite interior defense with Mobley and Allen. After a breakout 2023 season, I expect the Cavs to keep up their great regular season play through 2024. If Garland and Mitchell can be efficient this team should be a top 4 team in the East. If not, they will be around the level of the Knicks.
Record prediction 54-28
#2 Milwaukee Bucks
Coming off a first-round exit in last year’s playoffs, the Bucks were looking to make a move that would give Giannis a true second star. Over this offseason they did that, acquiring Damian Lillard and giving up Jrue Holiday along with a plethora of future picks. On offense, Giannis will provide incredible slashing ability. Dame should play well off that, as he is a historically elite perimeter scorer and shooter. On defense, Lopez and Giannis provide tremendous interior defense and Middleton is no slouch on the perimeter. The Bucks are elite, but are not making the finals this year, falling short of expectations.
Record Prediction: 60-22
#1 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics somehow got even better over the offseason, acquiring an elite perimeter defender in Jrue Holiday, along with 7 ‘3 shooter Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics won 58 games last year, behind now perennial All Star Jason Tatum and alongside Jaylen Brown. Both players excel on both sides of the floor in almost every aspect (Jaylen Brown can’t go left) but have been shaky scorers in the playoffs. They also have guard Derrick White and center Al Horford who will provide high IQ basketball on both sides of the ball along with a great veteran presence. This team is extremely complete and should compete for a championship.
Record Prediction: 61-21
League Predictions
MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo: With the voter fatigue with Embiid and Jokic, Giannis is the next base player in the MVP race. Giannis plays Defensive Player of the Year level defense, along with averaging 30 points and 12 rebounds per game almost year in and year out. With this, he will always be in contention for MVP. His team should also be at the top of the East (alongside the Celtics) with the addition of Damian Lillard.
Sleeper: Shai Gilgous Alexander
Shai made his first all-NBA team which was the first team last season. His scoring is incredibly impressive, as he is an incredible finisher with great body control, along with elite ball-handling skills and good shooting. A statline of 30pts-6 AST-6 REB with above-average defense leading an up-and-coming Thunder team absolutely puts him in contention for MVP.
Defensive Player of The Year: Evan Mobley
Mobley came in 3rd in 2023 in DPOY voting at the age of 21. He not only provides elite rim protection, but he can also switch onto the guard in the pick and roll. 2 blocks a game and a steal anchoring a great defense make him my frontrunner.
Sleeper: Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren was the best defender in college basketball in 2022. With this, he should be the anchor to a very solid Thunder defense, providing excellent rim protection.
Most Improved Player: Mikal Bridges
Bridges will have the opportunity to show his incredible 2-way capabilities this season. Bridges stands at 6’6 with a 7’1 wingspan, which allows him to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. Bridges’ biggest improvement since joining the Nets is his offense. He averaged over 25 pts with incredible efficiency after being acquired at the deadline, and I expect him to keep up to that elite level.
Rookie of the Year: Victor Wembyanama/Chet Holmgren
Victor Wembyanama: Victor Wembyanama is the most highly touted prospect since Zion, and this is for good reason. Wemby is 7’ 4, an incredible rim defender, can shoot the 3, and can handle and run the break as if he is 8 inches shorter. His revolutionary skillset will force teams to adapt how they gameplan and he should provide impact from game 1.
Chet Holmgren: Chet Holmgren also needs a shoutout, as he provides a similar skill set to Wemby with incredible rim protection, but I think he is more proven in the pick and roll and will provide impact on a much better team.
