5 NBA Teams to Watch in 2014
The 2013–2014 season tips off in just over a week! Here are some of the teams I am watching:
Miami Heat
This pick needs no explanation; in the last three seasons the Heat has won 74% of their regular season games and has made it to the Finals twice. They are playing an older roster, so I don’t expect too many surprises. But that could be the team’s downfall. If the Heat can stay healthy, we may be looking at a repeat of last season’s domination, their second longest winning streak in franchise history. I think the Heat will make it to the Playoffs a third time, especially if James, Bosh, and Wade can continue to work their magic on the court, and if new additions like Greg Oden and Michael Beasley step up to show they have what it takes to play on a championship level.
Brooklyn Nets
The offseason was full of big moves for the Nets, acquiring a full roster of legitimate players, including some league veterans (ahem…about half the Celtics’ starting lineup). Welcome to Brooklyn, KG (who I saw the other night at a restaurant here in NYC) and Paul Pierce. They, along with Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, and Deron Williams, lead this team into the 2013–14 season and are generating a lot of hope for Brooklyn fans. And welcome new coach, Jason Kidd, who coached from the sidelines as a player for years. It’s hard not to be excited about this new lineup and to see how it’s all going to play out. (I also happen to love Barclay’s and it’s like 4 subway stops from my apartment).
Houston Rockets
Having successfully wooed Dwight Howard away from the Los Angeles Lakers during free agency this summer, the Rockets are almost guaranteed to improve their lacking defensive end and to improve their shot blocking. If Howard can stay healthy and remain focused, I think the Rockets will have a solid team, big man and all. Playoffs — I think so. I should add that I am a big James Harden fan and having traveled to China this past year, I know there are like 1.43 billion people over there still cheering for Jeremy Lin. (I got to see Jeremy Lin play in college — Harvard vs. George Washington University — and I was quite impressed with him at the time). Also worth noting that Chandler Parsons is an underrated playmaker who I think will quietly contribute with open three pointers and dunks, and will help keep the Rockets at the top of the league in points. Add all those pieces together and I think Houston just might have what it takes to rule the West.
Oklahoma City Thunder
With All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the court and Serge Ibaka blocking shots, I’m still excited about the Thunder. If Westbrook stays healthy and Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha continue to play D like they did last season, the team could have a shot at a title in 2014. Truth be told, their roster hasn’t changed much since last season (with the exception of the loss of Kevin Martin and the addition of veteran Ryan Gomes and a new batch of rookies). Thus, I think they can capitalize on their 2013 Playoffs experience and go further this year.
LA Clippers
Doc! There’s a new boss in town and I like it. Along with their new coach, the Clips are coming into this season with their best team ever — and Chris Paul seems to agree, having signed a long-term contract extension before free agency even started. I see no reason why the Clippers shouldn’t dominate the Pacific Division. The team added some impressive talent to the roster including (Dukie) JJ Redick, Jared Dudley, Darren Collison, and Byron Mullens, while cutting tabloid favorite, Lamar Odom. This team has the superstar players, depth, and quality coaching needed to make a legitimate playoff run. I may just have to bust my Clipper Nation shirt back out again.
CP3 seems happy to stay in LA.
Honorable Mention
Honorable mention goes to Sacramento, whose fans have been amazing to me this year. I’m actually more excited about the Sac fans right now than I am about the team’s prospects for a Playoffs spot this year. But I will say this: the team under new direction and with some promising young talent — like’s Kansas’ Ben McLemore — can only get better from here. So if you think Sac fans are loud now, just give ’em a couple seasons and they may really be making some noise.
