To say 2020 was a difficult year, is an understatement. While there are substantially more important things in the world to think about, basketball is a great escape from the everyday. It also gives us a sense of community, whether cheering for one Team, one player, many players, or the entire league.

Let’s start off by congratulating the 2019/2020 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Playing in the ‘bubble’ was no easy task. They overcame many challenges and at the end of it all were able to raise the Larry O’Brien trophy as the leagues best Team.

This season looks like teams will be as competitive as ever! In the East… KD finally takes the court in Brooklyn with former MVP Steve Nash as coach. Miami will continue to build off its Finals appearance and will dominate the conference & league! Giannis will be Giannis and could finally take the Bucks to the finals. Washington along with Atlanta will make strides with all their off-season transactions and Toronto, as the forever underdog, will no doubt be a top tier Team.

In the West.. the Lakers have improved substantially from last year. Yes, you read the right, they’re better than last year and will be defending their title! The arena sharing Clippers also made changes and should compete for the top spot in the conference. Portland will not surprise as Lillard & Co. will show everyone again what ‘Dame Time’ is all about. Golden State is back, Steph Curry and the Warriors will remind the league how good they are. In Dallas, Luka will be an MVP candidate as he continues to take the Mavericks to a deeper competitive playoff run. In Phoenix, the addition of Chris Paul, to an already impressive talented young lineup, will certainly make them an even better Team than last year, as they will in no doubt make the playoffs this year.

While this season may have its various issues, we hope it doesn’t, as the NBA is always great at what they do, especially in implementing procedures & strategies. Fans have a lot to look forward to this year and we know this season will be another great one!

Predictions for the season…
MVP: Luka Doncic (Dallas)
Defensive: Bam Adebayo (Miami)
Most Improved: Kelly Oubre (Golden State)
Sixth Man: Montrezl Harrell (L.A. Lakers)
Coach: Erik Spoelstra (Miami)
Rookie: Patrick Williams (Chicago)
Rookies of note: Anthony Edwards (Minnesota) / James Wiseman (Golden State) / Devin Vassell (San Antonio)

Eastern Conference
1. Miami Heat
2. Milwaukee Bucks
3. Brooklyn Nets
4. Toronto Raptors
5. Boston Celtics
6. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Washington Wizards
-Atlanta Hawks (Play in Round)

Western Conference
1. L.A. Lakers
2. Denver Nuggets
3. L.A. Clippers
4. Utah Jazz
5. Portland Trailblazers
6. Golden State Warriors
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Phoenix Suns
-New Orleans Pelicans (Play in Round)

Eastern Conference Finals: Miami/Milwaukee
Eastern Conference Winner: Miami
Western Conference Finals: L.A. Lakers/Denver
Western Conference Winner: L.A. Lakers 
NBA CHAMPIONS: L.A. Lakers