This girl is “Jazzed” (sorry) for the 2018–2019 NBA season
When I think back on the 2017–2018 NBA season, there’s a part of me that thinks it can’t be topped.
It was a special season, though it had a somewhat un-special ending (besides all those J.R. & LeBron memes, of course) as the Warriors and Cavs met in the finals for about the billionth time in a row.
Regardless, the 2017–2018 season was serving drama, it was serving reality shows streamed exclusively on Facebook, it was serving injuries and trades galore. It blessed us with a few new “superteams” (RIP) and a gosh-damned bouquet of rookie talent (For me? You shouldn’t have!).
Last season will be hard to surpass, but that doesn’t mean I’m not beyond pumped for October 16th. I’m chomping at the bit for that “Opening Day” feeling, and there’s so much to look forward to in 2018–2019.
To me, 2017–2018 was Chapter 1 of my revived fandom, and this is Chapter 2. So choose your protagonist. This plot ain’t done thickening.
1. The Utah Jazz
The Jazz are coming off of their most exciting season in years, and Utah hasn’t been so enamored with a squad since the era of Stockton and Malone. Last season’s end was simultaneously disappointing and infinitely better than most of us could have hoped for post-Hayward, and the Jazz — much like their City Edition jersey + homecourt combo — are coming with heat.
Last season was just a sample. Don’t sleep on the Jazz.
2. The New Era of LABron
Now how on Earth is this gonna go? LeBron’s move to LA has tilted the equilibrium of the entire world of basketball, and his success with the Lakers really could go either way. The supporting roles filled by Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo are promising, but will they be enough to get LeBron back to the finals? And will young guns Zo, Kuz & Co. be able to keep up?
It’s not terribly likely, but this could be the beginning of the end for LeBron James. More likely, his time with the Lakers will simply add an exclamation point to the end of this best-ever career, and everything will be fine.
Either way — whether they crash and burn or rise to the top — I’m betting it’ll be hard to look away from the LA Lakers.
3. Post-Carmelo OKC (and, on that note, Rocket Melo)
It’ll be interesting to see how OKC fares without the seemingly-superfluous Carmelo Anthony of season past. Once Russell Westbrook gets on the court (after missing the first few games of the season, which is a bit of a bummer.) millions will surely tune in to see what he and Paul George can whip up now that there’s one less cook in the kitchen.
And will the Carmelo Experiment fare better in Houston? Is he as cursed as he seems? Only time will tell.
All I know is that Clint Capela is probably my favorite center in the league and I hope he’s having a good day today.
4. We Have No Idea What the Celtics Are Capable of
Think about it: These guys made it to the Eastern Conference Finals without, debatably, their two best players. Both Gordon and Kyrie will be back, and in the wasteland that is now the LeBronless East, it’s hard to imagine anyone but them taking the Eastern Conference.
But you never know.
5. Kri-Finally-”stops” Playing With My Heart
Kristaps Porzingis was one of my favorite things about the early 2017–2018 season. A tall-as-all-get-out, skilled and maneuverable center with a devastating 3-point shot and admirable leadership qualities? Sign me the frick up. And the dude is only 23. The potential is insane.
When he was downed with an ACL tear in early February, my heart audibly broke. The east had a tough year last year — its troops were all but mowed down by injury and misfortune. But with Kristaps Porzingis back, there’ll be at least one more lanky dude shooting threes and showcasing his two-inch vertical to dunk on literally everyone.
6. The Milwaukee Freaking Bucks
If you don’t like high-potential young teams and some of the dirtiest dunks you’ll ever see in your life, look away from Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
They weren’t a major piece of news in the offseason — no major trades, not much drama — but I’m no less excited to see what they do in the East. Giannis, Thon Maker, John Henson, and Tony Snell make up just a few of this tall-ball squad, with a combined length and athleticism most teams would kill for.
It won’t be too surprising to see the Bucks making a Finals run in the next few years. With Giannis remaining loyally at the head of the franchise, I expect the Bucks aren’t far from developing the last few pieces that will crack the code.
7. WHO WILL BRING THE WARRIORS TO THEIR KNEES?
Part of me wants to say that it’s a shame they’ve gone this long as the somewhat undisputed “best team in the league”, another part of me wants to say that the longer they go on like this, the more satisfying it’ll be when they fall.
So someone. Anyone. Please. It’s time. Watch these gifs to fuel your hate fire.
8. The Spurs Post-Ginobili & Co.
Wow. The Spurs may be experiencing the most dramatic “New Look” the league has seen in a while. Without the timeless trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili — not to mention the departure of the man they’d banked their future on: Kawhi Leonard — this Spurs team is almost unrecognizable, especially to longtime fans.
All good things must come to an end, though, and the most disciplined, respected and successful franchise in the league is far from dead. LaMarcus Aldridge is a powerhouse, and DeMar DeRozan is obviously no joke. Besides, everybody trusts Coach Pop.
Add Patty Mills and Jakob Poeltl to the mix, and you’ve got an above-average team with everything they need to hold their own in the south.
9. The Continued Manifestation of the Fabled “Process”
Whatever slightly negative opinions I may have about Benjamin David Simmons (*cough* not my RoTY *cough*), even I have to admit that he’s a phenomenal player, a lot of fun to watch, and this 76ers squad is a dang good time.
Similar to the Jazz, last season was just a sample of what the up-and-coming Sixers will be capable of. And if Embiid, Simmons, and Markelle Fultz can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for Philadelphia.
10. Will Kawhi Leonard Ever Smile Like He Means It?
Doubt it, especially given that the rumor is he wanted to go to LA with LeBron and ended up in Toronto, Canada instead. Toronto, as far as I know, is kind of the opposite of LA. So stay tuned for Kawhi’s almost certain displeasure.
