Flip Saunders’ passing from cancer casts a big shadow over the start
of the NBA season tonight. It usually is one of my favorite times of year as my
cousin Mirko, his best friend Lubo, and I make our pre-season picks.
There’s no money involved, only love of the game and some bragging
rights. Flip’s passing hits closer to home as Lubo’s friend, Zarko, is
Director of International Player Personnel and a scout for the Minnesota
Timberwolves. Flip Saunders, RIP.
With a heavy heart, these are my fearless picks for the NBA season.
Eastern Conference :
(1) Cleveland
(2) Atlanta
(3) Chicago
(4) Miami
(5) Toronto
(6) Milwaukee
(7) Boston
(8) Washington
Dark Horses : Indiana, Detroit, Orlando.
We’ll see how Porzingis plays for the Knicks and Carmelo’s return from
injury. If the Knicks gel quickly, they can make a playoff push.
Eastern Conference Champion : Cleveland.
Western Conference : This is much harder to pick.
(1) Golden State
(2) Oklahoma City
(3) San Antonio
(4) Los Angeles
(5) Houston
(6) Memphis
(7) New Orleans – I would have ranked them higher if it weren’t for injuries.
(8) Utah
Dark Horses : Sacramento, Dallas, Phoenix.
Western Conference Champion : Oklahoma City. I considered Golden State,
Clippers, and San Antonio in this position. Last season’s first round
playoff between the Clippers and Spurs was a conference or NBA quality
final. The playoff drawing is critical to who survives the West.
NBA Champion : Cleveland. A healthy Kyrie and Love will help LeBron
bring an NBA Championship to long suffering Cleveland fans.
