A Hurricane of an Offseason: NBA Predictions (Part 1 of 2)

3. Hornets

Chris Paul's experience in Beijing should assist him in elevating his game even higher. He emerged as the go-to point guard as the tournament went on, seeing most of the fourth-quarter minutes in key games.

I also expect bigger things from Tyson Chandler and Julian Wright. Tyson will look to show he can block more than one shot a game, since that—along with his terrible free-throw shooting—is what kept him off this summer's Redeem Team.

Julian Wright quickly developed into a true spark off the bench. and he should make strides based on experience alone.  The addition of James Posey will give this team the playoff X-factor and swagger they lacked last year.

Prediction: Will challenge for the top seed, but will have to settle for second. Experience and durability will be their big test in the playoffs.

4. Spurs

The Spurs will do the same thing they have done for about the last decade—they will be consistent till about January, then pick up their intensity and take it to another level, entering the playoffs on a high.

It remains to be seen how long Ginobili will be out, but it would be surprising if it was more than two months from now, which would only mean him missing the first couple of weeks of the season.

Roger Mason Jr. replaces Brent Barry, and this should help the Spurs. Mason established himself as a guy that can fill it up off the bench with the Wizards last season, and his ability to shoot the three as well as handle the ball should take pressure of both Tony Parker and Ginobili.

Prediction: I expect the Spurs to be solid as usual and finish as the 5th-best team in the West,  but will eventually fall to one of the "new" contenders of the West.

5. Jazz

Like with Chris Paul, expect Jason Kidd's tutelage to rub off on Deron Williams this season. D-Will showed that although his playmaking skills aren't quite at the level of CP3's, his jumper is definitely better.

Boozer was truly devoted to the team cause at the Olympics, but will be eager to seize this season as an opportunity to show he was deserving of more minutes. The two All-Stars combined with Okur and Kirilenko gives them possibly the best Fantastic Four in the league, but they need to win on the road!

Brevin Knight will be a solid veteran addition to the locker room, but I expect Ronnie Price to grab the reserve minutes after impressive performances in the postseason.

Prediction: Will settle into the fourth seed by virtue of winning the Northwest division. Winning on the road has been their Achilles heel, though—and they will have to put that demon to rest if they are to emerge at the top of the heap.

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