10 Bold Predictions for the New NBA Season: James announces his retirement mid-season and the Warriors miss the playoffs

As the preseason is in full swing, the US media "fansided" published 10 bold predictions for the new NBA season, including James announcing his retirement mid-season and the Warriors missing the playoffs.

Prediction 1: The Magic are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference

The Magic spent a lot of money to introduce Bane during the offseason, and signed Jones, the "King of Assist-to-Turnover Ratio" in the free market. In addition, they selected the rookie Jace Richardson, and Suggs is healthy again. The Magic have received comprehensive reinforcements and are ready to compete for the championship.

Prediction 2: The Thompson brothers will be selected to the All-Stars together

In the absence of Van Jordan, Amen is bound to play a larger role and is very likely to be selected for the All-Stars in the new season.

In contrast, Osar's growth has been delayed due to blood clot problems, but he also has exaggerated basic physical fitness and athletic talent. As the dark horse Pistons improve their competitiveness, Osar and Amen hope to be selected as All-Stars together in the new season.

Prediction 3: Tatum returns and the Celtics miss the playoffs

Tatum suffered a serious Achilles tendon rupture and is expected to miss about a year. However, in the latest video, Tatum recovered quickly and was able to complete dunks, and plans to return in the new season.

However, he obviously still needs several months to recuperate, and coupled with the running-in time after returning, he may not be able to help the Celtics break out of the encirclement in time.

Prediction 4: Flagg is selected as an All-Star

The last rookie to do this was Griffin. Flagg is expected to be the next one. He showed his comprehensive ability in the preseason. In the absence of Irving, Kidd is also trying to let him assume a larger ball-holding role and create a stage for him to show himself.

Prediction 5: The Hawks get the top four picks in the Eastern Conference + the No. 1 pick

The Hawks became the big winner in the offseason. Not only did they introduce strong players such as Porridge and Alexander Walker, but they also obtained the Pelicans' 26th-year first-round pick through a trade.

This means that the fully upgraded Hawks can not only compete for the championship in the Eastern Conference in the new season, but also bet on the rebuilding Pelicans to compete for the 26th No. 1 pick.

Prediction 6: The Warriors will miss the playoffs

The Warriors are a severely polarized team. Because the core players are too old and the Kuminga problem has not been resolved, there is a huge gap between the upper and lower limits of the Warriors.

If the core can stay healthy for a long time, and if Kuminga is packaged to upgrade the wings in the middle of the season, the Warriors will be a reasonable championship team. On the contrary, if they suffer from injuries and internal strife, the Warriors may miss the playoffs in the meat grinder-like competition in the Western Conference.

Prediction 7: James announces his retirement in the middle of the season

Except for Doncic's improved condition, there is no actual difference between the current Lakers team and the team that was eliminated in the first round last season. James is even one year older.

If the Lakers are unwilling to continue to strengthen in the new season, then imitating Kobe and announcing his retirement in the middle of the new season will be a reasonable choice for James.

Prediction 8: The 76ers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals

There is no doubt that this is a very bold prediction. After all, the 76ers have huge injury risks.

But if Embiid and George can recover and return, coupled with the addition of young blood such as McCain and Edgcomb, the fully-blooded 76ers will have an extremely exaggerated lineup configuration, and ideally, they are fully capable of competing for a seat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Prediction 9: Antetokounmpo will be traded before the deadline

Even if the Bucks sign Antetokounmpo again, making the three Antetokounmpo brothers join the same team, Antetokounmpo's desire to compete for the second championship in his career is visible to the naked eye.

The Bucks' current lineup is too weak to support Antetokounmpo's championship goal. It is most likely only a matter of time before the two sides break up.

Prediction 10: Wenban wins MVP

Wenban Yama is already a DPOY-level defender, and he has improved his core strength and muscle content in the offseason. He showed terrifying offensive dominance in the preseason.

In addition, the Spurs are ready to return to the ranks of competitors. With the two-way improvement of personal ability and team competitiveness, Wenban is ready to compete for MVP and NBA appearance.