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The Late, But Still Early 2013-14 NBA Predictions

By Edward Shuler Jr.

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Mar 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward

LeBron James

(6) dribbles the ball against Charlotte Bobcats small forward

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

(14) in the first period at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The first week of the 2013-14 season is in the books, but it’s never too late for predictions. A few of our writers here at Roberto Gato gave their thoughts and projections on the upcoming season, including predictions about the Charlotte Bobcats:

Cody Hodgins:

Bobcats Record: 30-52

With the addition of Cody Zeller and Al Jefferson the Bobcats will have a decent low post game. Because of that, Kemba Walker will continue to improve on his breakout season last year and the bench combo of Jeff Taylor and Ramon Sessions will create head aches for opposing teams. All in all the Bobcats will be able to stay in games longer and close out games a little better.

NBA Champions: Miami Heat

The Heat will win there 3rd championship in a row. I’d love to pick a team like the Pacers to upset the reigning champs in the Conference finals, but Lebron James will find a way to guide that team to Ring number 3. The additions of Greg Oden (if healthy) and Micheal Beasley (if not in legal trouble) will definitely help too.

Edward Shuler Jr:

Bobcats Record: 29-53

Another of season of growing pains is expected. The Bobcats remain one of the youngest teams in the league; their rotation features five players with three years of NBA experience or fewer. The addition of Al Jefferson will help the team immensely, but the Bobcats are more likely to see the benefits of Jefferson next season, when they can add more shooting talent around the big man. Regardless of the win total, the Bobcats will make noticeable improvements defensively and with a few of their young pieces. On more nights than not, they’re still going to be defeated on talent and inexperience. The team can handle that, but they can’t handle players not trusting the coach or giving full effort. There will be a different and more encouraging bounce to the Bobcats this season.

  • Scoring Leader: Kemba Walker
  • Most Likely To Be Traded: Gerald Henderson
  • Biggest Improvement: Jeffery Taylor
  • Team MVP: Kemba Walker
  • Bold Prediction: Jeffery Taylor will finish the season as a starter and will maintain his spot going forward.

NBA Champions: Miami Heat

Miami remains the league overdog until proven otherwise. LeBron James has put his stamp on this era and the Heat have complimented him with a supporting cast of all-stars and sharpshooters. Miami is more than just an offensive attack; they have one of the league’s best defenses and have shown the ability to switch gears in the postseason. While there’s a better chance of a team from the field spoiling Miami’s shot at a three-peat, it’s difficult to bet against James

Jonathan Reekes:

Bobcats Record: 28-54

This season will offer lots of hope for the Bobcats; however, there will be pitfalls for this young team as the grueling season progresses. It’s obvious to many prognosticators that this Bobcats team is a much improved product in comparison to many of the teams that have stepped foot inside Time Warner Cable Arena before them, but they are still a young developing team and injuries will slow vital development and cohesion necessary to mold a winning product.

We have already seen our prized free agent acquisition lose time to a nagging ankle injury, as well as important bench depth in Brendan Haywood lost for significant time. That being said the talent and coaching is beginning to reveal itself and teams around the league have already begun to position themselves for next year’s draft class yielding many more favorable matchups for the Cats this season. Bobcats fans should expect many more competitive games ultimately resulting in some valuable growing pains albeit losses at the final buzzer.

  • Scoring Leader: Al Jefferson, 21ppg
  • Most Likely To Be Traded: Ben Gordon
  • Biggest Improvement: Jeffrey Taylor
  • Team MVP: Kemba Walker
  • Bold Prediction: The Bobcats will have their second all-star selection; with a cast of potential candidates such as Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson the chances are better than ever that we could secure an all-star reserve.

NBA Champions: Miami Heat

What is there to say that has not already been said about the back-to-back NBA Champions, they are loaded with talent and depth. With the world’s greatest basketball player leading this team with a fire and intensity that has not been on display since the days of “his airness” himself, this team’s only threat to a thee-peat will be injuries. The rest of the league will be fighting to keep pace with the Heat all season long, but in the least it will make for some interesting basketball.

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