NBA predictions 2014/15

Its opening night in the NBA, we’ve been through the NBA draft, free agency and finally preseason, but now the quest for what really matters begins… that NBA championship. For the first time in recent memory there are no clear favourites for the NBA championship, Miami Heat are weaker, Oklahoma City have failed to capitalise and the Indiana Pacers have lost star-man Paul George. It truly is all open this year.

Western Conference Champions

Westbrook and Durant tandem

Oklahoma City Thunder

This team has come so close to winning it all every year since the emergence of Russell Westbrooks and Kevin Durant’s tandem. They have a point-guard who stands alongside the best in the league and potentially the best scorer in the league today with Durant, the Thunder will always be able to rely on his scoring effort. If the Thunder can keep these two crucial cogs injury-free they may just emerge from the talent packed Western Conference with the title. Giving the Oklahoma City team another shot at the big prize, they may see challenge from the San Antonio Spurs but they are an ageing roster who may need some youthful injection to challenge for another championship.

Eastern Conference Champions

Chicago Bulls

Noah and Rose lead Chicago to glory?

Continuity. Continuity is vital in the NBA and the Bulls have that this year. The core of the team has stayed together, unlike most other teams in the conference and they have a returning superstar in Derick Rose, a former MVP in fact. Casual fans forget just how good Rose is, he outbeat LeBron for that MVP award. To add to the returning Rose, they have defensive player of the year Joakim Noah to be an imposing force in the point. The addition of Pau Gasol will give the team experience of how to win a championship, following the Spaniards time with the Lakers. They have a key blend of continuity, youth, talent, experience and an incredible fanbase… the Chicago Bulls will be the force to be reckoned with in the East this year.

Closest Contender

Lilliard a key man

West – Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard is a fully fledged NBA star following last season and is continuing to grow as the franchise cornerstone in Portland. The Trail Blazers still have LaMarcus Aldridge who may be the best big man in the post in the league over the past few years. With the outside shooting talent, playoff experience and presence in the post you cannot write off this Trail Blazers team. Lillard makes the big shots, in the big moments; it is only a matter of time before he drives this young roster right to the top of the association.

Cleveland’s big 3

East – Cleveland Cavaliers

You can never count out a team led by LeBron James. Elation filled Cleveland in the offseason as their prodigal son returned for one final hoorah, forming a new big three for the Cavaliers. With Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Lebron, they might have the most talented starting line-up in the league. But you have to feel this team will need time to gel and get used to playing with each other. If they don’t win it all this year they will definitely challenge, and it is only a matter of time until this franchise take a stranglehold of the NBA.

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

Rose to make monumental return and win MVP

Derick Rose (PG, Chicago Bulls)

It is hard to vote against the likes of Durant and Lebron James, after all they are up there with the all-time stars of the game but the return of former MVP Derick Rose will throw a spanner in the works. Rose dominated the NBA before his injury troubles, far and away the top scoring point-guard in the league. He is surrounded by a good team which will only help his numbers. He shone for the USA international team over the summer and proved he is back ready, albeit against lesser opponents. If Rose can stave off injuries and lead his Bulls to the top of the eastern conference, it would be no surprise to see him win the MVP award come the end of the season.

Rookie of the Year

Andrew Wiggins (SF, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Turbulent offseason sees Andrew with the Twolves

It has been an interesting summer for Andrew Wiggins, being drafted number one overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers and then being shrouded in trade rumours. He has eventually landed with the Timberwolves and they will build their team around the new centrepiece. This means Wiggins will be a focal point of the offense, perhaps a opportunity he would not have got in Cleveland. Wiggins will be given the opportunity to win games on his own back, and I expect him to embrace this role. He is an athletic freak, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a rookie since a certain Lebron James. If the former Kansas man can fulfil his potential he will win the rookie of the year, staving off the challenge from Jabari Parker and Wiggins will soon battle for the MVP award… that is all based on potential at the moment though, it is time for the most talked about prospect in years to prove himself on the court.