We’re rolling in the 2nd half of the season. Teams are positioning for the playoffs (and for ping pong balls in the draft lottery). Let’s look at a coupe of things that I predict will happen.
Prediction #1 – Minnesota will soon change coaches
The writing of this sensitive subject is long overdue. I don’t subscribe to saying this coach and that coach should be fired. However, I am aware when a sports situation has run its course. This one is very similar to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Sean McDermott had coached the Bills for a long time, quite successfully too. But, he had arguably the best player (Josh Allen) in the NFL in his prime for the past few years, and never reach a Superbowl. The writing was on the wall.
It’s the same with Chris Finch. Anthony Edwards is arguably the best individual talent in the NBA and definitely a top 5 player. But the Timberwolves seem to underachieve in the regular season. Sure they had a great run to the Western Conference Finals last year, but they always seem to be a team trying to figure things out. And that’s regardless of whether Karl Anthony Towns was on the team or whether it’s Julius Randle. And don’t forget about Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Divencenzo and Naz Reid being major contributors and crunch time players. They never consistently look like a team that’s headed towards challenging for an NBA title. We also never see any other young guys being developed to contribute to the team’s success. And when this year’s run fizzles out, the choice will be obvious. Sorry for being the bad guy here. This little exchange below is the next to last nail in the “bye-bye, see ya later” coffin.
Very BOLD Prediction #2- Chris Paul will come out of retirement
You know who he’ll be playing for when he does? The Rockets! This all continges on CP3 and Durant’s relationship. Not too long after Durant came to Phoenix, CP3 was traded away in the offseason. I don’t know if Durant had something to do with that or not. Durant can be a little put off by leadership advice. And lord knows CP3 is a freaking irritant that doesn’t know when to just sit back and chill. But Houston needs another point guard who can help them out in the clutch minutes of games. There’s no way Houston should have lost to the Knicks a week ago after holding an 18 point 4th quarter lead. Not having someone to keep you organized in stressful moments will do that to a team. And judging by this little interaction last year, this reunion of sorts may not be in the works.
Maybe Chris Paul doesn’t come out of retirement to play for Houston or any team. But if Houston doesn’t get themselves another reliable PG to play 10-15 minutes a game, they are toast in the playoffs. I’m talking about a 1st round exit, fam!
I’m sure there will be more things to keep our eye on, like the Knicks and the Spurs. Or whether OKC will be healthy enough to repeat. But for now, those are a couple of things I would keep my eye on. Talk to you next time.