Bold predictions for 25-26 Season

[perks-a-beast]

Give some of your hot take predictions for this season.

- OKC will win 70 games but end up losing to Denver in the playoffs.

- Indiana will be way better than people think. Carlisle will be a COTY candidate.

- Jakucionis will turn out being a steal for the Heat, end up finishing Top 3 in ROTY voting.

- Orlando will finish as the 3rd seed.

- Lakers will struggle and LeBron trade rumors will be a main topic of speculation, with the Warriors being the main team trying to acquire him.

- Reed Sheppard will step up as the starting point guard for HOU and look like the best player from the 2024 draft class.

- Lauri Markkanen will be traded to the Pistons, DET will look like a juggernaut towards the end of the regular season.

- Cleveland will once again fall apart in the playoffs and have to break up the core this offseason, trading Garland and Allen.

- Cooper Flagg will look better than advertised. DAL will look like a serious contender when Kyrie comes back.

- Sacramento will stink and blow it up at the deadline, trading Sabonis, DeRozan, and LaVine.

- Trae Young will absolutely ball out and public perception of him will begin to change.

- Clippers will actually stay healthy and end up with home court advantage in the first round.

- Brandon Miller will make the All-Star team.

[Who]

- OKC will win 70 games but end up losing to Denver in the playoffs.

I can see that one. OKC's young co-stars will have to improve over last season to beat DEN again this season. DEN have improved in the off-season. If they were to play that series again, DEN would win.

- Reed Sheppard will step up as the starting point guard for HOU and look like the best player from the 2024 draft class.

Oooh, that is a big one. Nice.

I am impressed with his defense. Reed looks very good on the defensive end. Strong sturdy build. Fights well on switches. Good hands. Makes defensive plays.

He had a lot of trouble with his shooting. In adapting to NBA level athletes / defenders. In understanding what shots he can get off at this level and what shots he cannot. That is normal enough for a rookie guard.

I was bummed that they pulled him so early in summer league. I think he had 2 games 1 good game 1 terrible game. 1 game that reminds everyone of his potential. 1 game that reminded everyone how much he is still struggling to find his offense at the NBA level. I didn't like that 2nd game. I didn't like HOU pulling him from SL after that 2nd game. If he was struggling like that in SL, they should have kept him playing him and giving the opportunity to learn.

Hmm ... I am more on the cautious / pessimistic side of Reed heading into this year. I want to see some progress but I don't expect a breakout campaign. Just become solid on offense. Be playable. He was not playable last year. Give me 10-12pts per 36 minutes on below average but adequate efficiency. Give me 4 assists per 36min with low turnovers. Nothing special. Just show you can be a role player.

- Brandon Miller will make the All-Star team.

Another big one. I don't think B Miller will make this. His game is too poor. An underwhelming defender & rebounder. A non-passer / black hole. A shot happy player without efficiency. Relies too much on long jump-shots (lower percentage shots) instead of using his size & athleticism to attack the rim (high percentage shots). Doesn't like contact. Soft. Weak mentality.

I don't think he comes good. I think he is a flawed player with bad habits around another flawed player with bad habits (LaMelo) who is reinforcing all his worst characteristics and ruining his development.

I am not sure but .... I think B Miller was still injured all off-season. Not sure if he is even ready to play at opening of training camp. So that might rule him out for a breakout year.

[Who]

- Jakucionis will turn out being a steal for the Heat, end up finishing Top 3 in ROTY voting

I am excited to see what this guy can do too. I think he will be a steal as well. I have him a bit lower as a 5th/6th ROY guy. Someone who is borderline to make All-Rookie 1st team or one of the top guys on All-Rookie 2nd team. A good return on the 20th pick.