Top 10 bold predictions for NBA 2015-2016 season

The 2015 NBA Season has started! The architecture of some teams is almost unrecognizable, while others remained quiet. This year has got basketball fans on the tip of their seats and May just can't come quickly enough. Anyway, let's get to it. Here are my 10 boldest predictions.

#10 The Oklahoma City Thunder won\'t make the Conference Finals.

With the recent emergence of Russell Westbrook, as well as a healthy Kevin Durant, the Thunder are one of the most formidable teams in the league. But they can't beat the Warriors or the Spurs. While Steve Kerr was able to enjoy immense success in his first year, it is unlikely that Billy Donovan will have the same.

Donovan's Thunder is seriously lacking in depth and an injury to either Westbrook or Durant pretty much takes them out of title contention. While they have resigned Kanter and drafted Payne, their bench simply can't compare to those of the Warriors, Spurs, or Clippers. In order to flourish this year, the Thunder will need to deepen their roster and try to get a replacement for Reggie Jackson.

#9 The Milwaukee Bucks will be above the third seed in the East

Jabari Parker returned to the Bucks roster recently

Michael Carter Williams - 6’5”

Giannis Antetokounmpo - 6’11”

Jabari Parker - 6'7”

Khris Middleton- 6’7”

Greg Monroe - 6’10”

This team probably boasts the most versatile starting five in the league and each one of them poses a threat on both offense and defense. The team has lengthy guards, quick athletic guards, and solid big men.

The team also has great depth with Mayo, Henson, and Bayless coming off the bench. Look out for this team and don't be surprised if you see them make a deep playoff run.

#8 New Orleans will reach 50 wins.

They’re 0-4. “Seriously?”, might be an appropriate reaction. But the Pelicans have played 4 games against real playoff contenders, two of which were against the defending champions, Golden State Warriors.

This by no means implies that they will make the playoffs in the tough West, though. But the ceiling for Anthony Davis is just too high. Davis is exactly the kind of person, you would want if you created a myPlayer on 2K. A big that can shoot, handle the ball, and demolish anyone who comes inside. While the rest of the squad is mediocre at best, they have shown that they want free agents and with the Brow patrolling the inside, the Big Easy will become a premier free agent destination.

#7 The Houston Rockets will fall in the first round

The Rockets are good. But the rest of the West is just better. The new Clippers, Thunder, Spurs, and Warriors will in all likelihood take up the first four spots. Even if the Rockets can manage to slip into the third or fourth seed, they will only be setting themselves up with the team that didn't make it or potentially the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that plays hard, grinding basketball which could be a huge challenge for the Rockets.

The Rockets just don't have the depth or the experience to beat any of these teams and I personally believe that this just isn't going to be their year.

#6 Jordan Clarkson will win Most Improved Player

With all the hype over Russell’s debut and Kobe’s comeback, no one’s looking at the most efficient and productive player on the Lakers: Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson dropped 30 against the Nuggets with an over 70% clip, saving the Purple and Gold from a horrible blowout.

We really see that amongst some of the best backcourt talent in the league like D’Angelo Rusell, Kobe Bryant, and Lou Williams, he’s been able to shine, which really exhibits both his motivation and ability.

#5 Jahlil Okafor will win the Rookie of the Year.

The Philadelphia 76ers are awful. But that just means more playing time and more leadership for Jahlil. While Embiid is out, Okafor is the team centerpiece and the 76ers will run plays specifically for him.

While I do believe he will have the best per game averages and he will win the Rookie Of The Year, I highly doubt that he will be the most efficient, due to the lack of support and a point guard to supply the ball to him.

#4 Quin Snyder will win Coach of the Year.

I know. Most casual NBA fans have never heard of Snyder. Hell, many serious fans have never heard of him. Snyder is the coach of the Utah Jazz and over the last couple of months, he did a masterful job.

This year, the Jazz are coming in as major underdogs, even with their unbelievable post-All Star game. Snyder has a record for being a players favorite and I do believe that he can implement team oriented basketball, similar to what Mike Budenholzer did in Atlanta.

#3 Anthony Davis will win Defensive Player Of the Year

The Brow is unstoppable. On defense, he is incredibly versatile. Not many players can guard forwards on the perimeter and come in and destroy any who comes within 5 feet of the rim. There isn't one player in the league who has. Davis isn’t anywhere near his full potential and I expect him to play incredible defense on every opposition.

#2 Anthony Davis will win MVP.

We all know how good Davis is on defense. But his offense is just getting better and as he is working on his jumper, he will be virtually unguardable. A point guard in a big man's body, Anthony Davis can do everything and anything and should be a force for years to come.

#1 The Golden State Warriors will repeat.

When I heard that the Warriors weren't the pick to win in 2016, I was furious. The Warriors were incredible last year. They were easily one of the top-10 teams to ever play and every player had a role and contributed to their success. No team can match up with everything they have.

The Warriors chemistry and their unselfish play makes them the best team in the league and after last season, they should be the pick to win.

Edited by Staff Editor