Check out our other NBA season predictions below.
Top Five NBA Title Contenders for the 2020-21 Season
2020-21 NBA Western Conference X-Factors
2020-21 NBA Eastern Conference X-Factors
2020-21 NBA Breakout Candidates
2020-21 NBA Rookie Breakout Candidates
Five Sleeper Teams for the 2020-21 NBA Season
Can the Los Angeles Clippers Remain Title Contenders?
What to Expect From the Golden State Warriors
Should the Brooklyn Nets Trade For James Harden?
If you thought last season was crazy, just wait for the 2020-21 NBA season to start. This upcoming season is going to be very interesting – not just because teams will be playing a 72-game season. It’s going to be interesting due to a number of factors: players playing a full season without a bubble despite COVID-19 numbers going up, new superstars such as Russell Westbrook and John Wall on new teams, and teams such as the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans ready to take the next step. The Western Conference has outperformed the Eastern Conference for the past couple of years. Heading into this season, it’ll be just as hard to be one of the eight playoff teams in the West. Let’s take a look at the Western Conference X-Factors for each team.
Michael Porter Jr., Forward, Denver Nuggets
Once a potential No. 1 overall pick, Michael Porter Jr. fell to the Denver Nuggets at No. 14 due to a back injury suffered in college. There was even debate on whether Porter Jr. would sit out his rookie year. Instead, he played limited minutes throughout the season; only surpassing 20 minutes in 14 games. That is, until the NBA restart happened, where Porter Jr. played great off the bench for a Nuggets team that made the Western Conference Finals. Porter Jr. should start this season and we’ll get to see him on full display.
Ricky Rubio, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves brought back fan-favorite Ricky Rubio in a trade this offseason that could prove pivotal for the franchise. Adding Rubio allows D’Angelo Russell to play more off the ball, which suits Russell’s skillset better. Rubio had a similar effect in Phoenix with Devin Booker. With Rubio running the point, along with the pieces around him, the Timberwolves may very well see themselves in playoff contention.
Luguentz Dort, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
The man known as “Lu Dort,” Luguentz Dort made an impact for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the playoffs, doubling his points per game total from the regular season (6.8 to 12.5). He may not be the number one option, but Dort can easily be the number two in the one-two punch that has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the top option. Look for Dort to elevate the young Thunder team to new heights and be the team’s X-Factor.
Derrick Jones Jr., Forward, Portland Trail Blazers
The reigning Dunk Contest Champion Derrick Jones Jr. was a key contributor to the Miami Heat making the playoffs last season. However, once they got into the playoffs, Jones Jr. rarely saw the court. Miami didn’t have room for Jones Jr. in the rotation, but the Portland Trail Blazers do. As a starter last year, Jones Jr. shot 55% from the field. With his electrifying dunks, Jones Jr. brings young talent and unmatched energy to Portland.
Mike Conley, Guard, Utah Jazz
Mike Conley might be one of the top five active players without an All-Star appearance. Conley’s first season with the Utah Jazz wasn’t how the veteran guard wanted to start off, but he bounced back towards the end of the season into the playoffs. If Conley is able to come out firing to start the season, the Jazz will be in a better spot than having their season determined by a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Forward, Golden State Warriors
When it was announced Klay Thompson was out for the season, the Golden State Warriors were able to recover nicely by acquiring Kelly Oubre Jr. via trade. Oubre Jr. elevated his game as a full-time starter last season, averaging 18.7 PPG and shooting 45.2% from the field. After suffering a knee injury in February, Oubre Jr. sat out the rest of the year including when the NBA returned in the bubble. Oubre Jr. has big shoes to fill in place of Thompson, but should add a different dynamic to a Warriors team trying to get back into the playoffs.
Serge Ibaka, Center, Los Angeles Clippers
Serge Ibaka is one of the better shooting big men in the league, eclipsing 35% from deep in seven of his 11 years in the league. With that in mind, having Ibaka on the floor will give the Los Angeles Clippers an opportunity to run a five-out offense while still having solid rim protection.
Dennis Schröder, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers
When a team loses three starters in the offseason (Avery Bradley, Danny Green, and JaVale McGee), the team usually gets worse. However, it seems the Los Angeles Lakers have gotten better as they look to repeat as champions. Adding Dennis Schröder and his playmaking ability will be key in the Lakers success; not to mention the fact that Schröder is an excellent scorer. If he plays well then the Lakers will be even more dangerous.
Jae Crowder, Forward, Phoenix Suns
Jae Crowder was a huge pickup for Miami at the trade deadline, as Crowder played a key role in the Heat reaching the NBA Finals. The Phoenix Suns signing Crowder not only adds a great veteran presence, but Crowder also brings versatility to a team that was so close to making the playoffs last season. Crowder should slide into the starting lineup opening night.
Tyrese Haliburton, Guard, Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Haliburton is the second rookie to appear on this list, but rightfully so. It’s clear De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield will start, but Haliburton has the opportunity to force the Kings to play a smaller, much quicker lineup with him starting lineup. Playing alongside Fox and Hield, their speed on the court together would be unmatched, making it difficult for opposing teams to keep up on the offensive end.
Josh Richardson, Guard, Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks moved Seth Curry to the Philadelphia 76ers in favor of Josh Richardson and the draft rights to Tyler Bey. Bringing in Richardson adds a great defensive player to a Mavericks lineup. Curry is the better shooter, but Richardson is the better overall player and should greatly help the Mavericks.
John Wall, Guard, Houston Rockets
John Wall hasn’t played an NBA game in two years. Similar to Kevin Durant, Wall is a superstar who, at his healthiest, is one of the top players in the league. I believe this is an upgrade for the Houston Rockets – not because Wall is a better player than Westbrook, but that I believe Wall is better fit to play alongside James Harden. That could be the key to the Rockets finally getting over the hump.
Desmond Bane, Guard, Memphis Grizzlies
This rookie is a dark horse, but Desmond Bane could help his case this upcoming preseason to start for the Memphis Grizzlies. Bane is an athletic guard that shot a career 43.3% clip from three at TCU. If Bane flourishes during the preseason, the Grizzlies will definitely be making the playoffs this year.
Steven Adams, Center, New Orleans Pelicans
With Derrick Favors leaving in the offseason, Steven Adams should slide into the starting role for the New Orleans Pelicans. Adams is an improvement at the five and should play extremely well surrounded by an already talented Pelicans roster. Adams will be a great defensive fit for the Pelicans.
Dejounte Murray, Guard, San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs brought back almost everyone from last season; giving them a chemistry head start over other teams. This plays in favor of the young guard Dejounte Murray, who can really elevate his game. The Spurs missed the playoffs last season for the first time since the 1996-97 season. If Murray is able to make the next step, the Spurs can find themselves back in the playoffs.
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
