5 Bold NBA Predictions: Victor Wembanyama is crowned the DPOY, and Steph Curry dominates to earn his second scoring title

Oct 26, 2023

I have conflicting emotions about making predictions but can't resist doing it for the new NBA season. It’s part of the fun. While a big part of me always hesitates to make predictions of an 82-game regular season, a bigger part just can’t help it. Predicting stuff in the NBA is part of the excitement of the NBA season.

So, I've made some projections here. They're informed opinions, but opinions. One doesn't have any education. You’ll see which one, but it’s based on nothing more than an inkling, and, in fact, there’s little to no evidence to support that inkling.

The rest will probably happen without a doubt, which means one or two of them will. I’m sure this isn’t the first prediction article you’ve read, but nonetheless, this is how I view a few things going down at this moment.

These are my 10 fearless predictions for the upcoming NBA season.

1. Victor Wembanyama claims historic Defensive Player of the Year.

I had a moment of overthinking the Rookie of the Year race, thinking Scoot Henderson would consistently have the ball and opportunity to excel. But that was a very dumb thought. If Wembanyama stays healthy, the Rookie of the Year is a landslide. Wemby is too adaptable of a player, and think that at this point in his career, he is more versatile than LeBron James was coming into the NBA. That is an absolutely scary thought.

But Wemby won’t stop there. I honestly believe he will become the first player in the 41-year history of the award to win the Defensive Player of the Year as a rookie.

Wembanyama will not stop there. In the 41-year history of the award, he will win the Defensive Player of the Year as a rookie, with numbers that are ridiculously impressive. I did not stutter. Is it possible to stutter while typing? Oh well, I'm getting sidetracked.

The guy's length is mind-blowing. The thought itself is agonizing. Without stepping beyond the 3-point line, he can dig down and disrupt drivers in the free-throw area. He excels at defending against 3-point shots. He's quick enough to defend guards and wings and can still block or affect their shots from a distance. His impact on defense will be disruptive at every level, and his wingspan will pose problems for opposing teams.

Let's dive into the topic of a 7-foot-4 human skyscraper with an eight-foot wingspan that moves like someone a foot shorter. Combine that with his elite instincts, and it changes offensive geometry in how Steph Curry changed defensive geometry. There is just so much more space an offense has to account for when determining whether Wembanyama is within a reasonable range of impact.

He can be on the other side of the court, and you still have to worry about what he’s doing, same as Curry on offense. It’s going to create legitimate paranoia in the minds of would-be creators. Where the hell is Wemby at? And can I possibly get this shot off fast enough, or high enough, to avoid him? The answer: probably not. The battle of the minds is going to be legitimate when he is on the court.

2. Steph Curry secures his second scoring title.

Klay Thompson might be past his time when it comes to 20-plus points a night on an excellent performance. Chris Paul is assuredly past his prime in scoring; in the preseason, he looked like he had an arduous time separating for his patented mid-range jumpers. On most nights, the Warriors are going to be more undersized than the opposition, therefore, they will fight a skyward battle. Winning the scoring title will come out of the prerequisite. Curry is going to have to be at his best each night.

Curry's high-scoring performance is vital for the Warriors to make the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference. The Warriors will be on the play-in line for most of the season unless Jonathan Kuminga has a breakout year. As a result, Curry will have to fixate on scoring. Thirty-plus points per night is going to be in play, and that will win Curry his second career scoring crown.

3. Nicola Jokić wins 3rd MVP

Only eight players in NBA history have won at least three MVPs, and Jokić is about to develop into the ninth. He gets it purely because he’s the best player in the league, and the Nuggets are the toughest team.

Don't make the mistake of presuming that Jokić's sole focus is on his horses. I believe the guy is a competitor, and this team has something to prove again. I think it propels them to get near 60 wins. If that happens, Jokić has to be MVP, as you can already lock in the stats.

4. Grizzlies will be in the play-in

Ja Morant is suspended for the first 25 games. Assuming he misses at least a handful more for injuries or rest, Memphis will be without its best player for more than a third of the season. That is substantial.

Now Steven Adams is out for the season, as is Brandon Clarke. There goes the offensive rebounding that has atoned so much for Memphis’ middling half-court offense.

Say what you want about Dillon Brooks, but he was a big part of Memphis’ defense and overall energy. He’s gone, too.

Marcus Smart is not capable of covering all of this. Memphis is expected to be in search of a big man. But, as it stands right now, the Grizzlies are behind the eight ball in a Western Conference that allows no room for error. A top-six seed is a tough ask under these conditions.

5. Hawks will be a Top-5 seed

I'm in a precarious position on a ledge. I've always had doubts about Trae Young's shooting ability. But now, under Quin Snyder, Atlanta will play faster and prioritize shooting more 3-pointers. It should stretch the floor and create easier half-court looks, and, quietly, I like the competence of the defensive parts of this team outside of Young.

For Atlanta to succeed, they need Young and Murray to alternate on offense and have an influential defense. It won't be surprising if this happens. Moreover, there are concerns in Philadelphia, and both Cleveland and the Knicks may have a drop in their performance. Philadelphia has apprehensions, and both Cleveland and the Knicks may experience a drop in their performance.

Young's upcoming year will be exceptional as he makes smarter shot choices and improves his 3-point efficiency. The team also has other talented shooters and a strong offensive rebounding advantage with Capela and Okongwu.

An overlock is guaranteed with the Hawks' win total at 41.5. I can guarantee you based on your relative health.

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