2020 NBA Preview

Story by: Ashton Olson

As COVID-19 continues to impact our lives, the demand for escape with sports persists. One of the first major sporting organizations to return after shutting down in March was the NBA. They designed what they call “The NBA Bubble” located at the Walt Disney World resort sports campus in Florida. Not only was this place big enough to house all the NBA personel Disney was not allowing any guests.. The rules and regulations for the bubble were strict. Teams could not leave the complex or have visitors.When this idea was presented to the media prior to the playoffs last year it was met with a lot of negative feedback; however, it was arguably the most successful opening up of a major event in this pandemic.

“I think the bubble was a scary idea, but I think they executed it very well,” said Junior Camden Ridinger.

No player is forced to play in the bubble if they do not wish. A portion of their pay will be deducted however.

With college basketball concluding prematurely, the 2020 NBA Draft was one of the most unique in the league’s history. The first overall pick was claimed by the Minnesota Timberwolves and they went with the Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards. James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball followed shortly with the former being selected by the Golden State Warriors and the later by the Charlotte Hornets..

“The ‘Wolves are gonna be a good team don’t get me wrong, I just don’t think they will win more than 45 games,” said Ridinger.

The Warriors are coming off of the worst season seen by them since the 1952-53 season. A long way off from the dominance they had from 2012-2019.. Star shooting guard Klay Thompson got injured in the finals in the 2018-2019 season and did not return all of last year. He originally was set to return at the start of the 2021 season but unfortunately tore his achilles in a workout causing him to miss the 2021-22 season.

“With Klay continuing to get injured, if I am Golden State I trade Klay and some picks and try to win now before Steph gets any older,” stated Junior Dayton Fraser.

Hopefully with Stephen Curry returning this year he can come back better than ever, just to be accompanied by a brute force in the paint like James Wiseman. I’d say the Warriors have a chance to win 40-50 games depending on Curry’s season.

The Hornets were not the greatest team as of the 2019-20 season, but with them picking up Ball, and Hayward, they could turn things around for their franchise. Lamelo Ball was listed at 6’8 and likely to play the point guard position. It will be interesting to see Ball under Michael Jordan’s Hornets.

Another notable return is Kevin Durant, who finally suited up in a Net uniform for the first time in the 2020 preseason. Durant suffered an achilles injury in the 2019 finals. The most egregious of injuries in basketball, it will be interesting to see how the Nets look with a healthy Durant.

“The Nets are a very dangerous team. I think KD will come back and be a very lethal player despite his injury,” said Ridinger..

Kevin Durant prior to injury was a top 3 player in the league and someone anyone would hate to have to guard. Him being paired with such a crafty guard like Kyrie Irving is bone chilling. Let’s hope they can make something big out of the talent that they have in Brooklyn.

James Harden has made it obvious that he wants out of Houston. He continues night after night to put up MVP caliber numbers and they always fall short. There are rumors of him possibly going to the Philadelphia 76ers, the issue on Houston’s part is if he wants out and refuses to play for them then a team is gonna be able to get James Harden for pretty cheap. I hope to see Joel Embiid and James Harden play side by side. The back to back MVP of the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is a free agent this year, Lots of scary places he could end up. The question is will he stay in Milwaukee?

“I think Giannis is going to need a big check to stay in Milwaukee. They just can’t win,” said Fraser, and it’s true.

Giannis won back to back MVPs clearly being the most dominant player in the league yet still can’t make it to the finals. If I was him something got to change. The Bucks have brought in some new talent to surround Giannis this year I think to try to keep him to stay. If i’m Giannis and the Bucks don’t make it to the finals at least this year, i’m gone. I’m taking my talents elsewhere.

Regardless the pandemic the NBA is working very hard to keep everyone safe and happy. This upcoming season is one for the books as well as last and the upcoming seasons. I’m excited to see what the NBA has in store for us.