Predicting the 2022-2023 Season

Predictions for the 2022-2023 Season

With the 2022 NBA season winding down, it's time to look ahead to next year's season. Here are my predictions for the 2022-2023 NBA season.

For the 2022-2023 season, I think the Boston Celtics will win the NBA Finals. As of June 1st, 2022, the Celtics and the Warriors are playing in the Finals. I see the Warriors winning it because of their experience and star power. But for the 2023 season, the Warriors are getting older and worse while the Celtics still have a young team improving. However, for the Celtics to improve, they need to improve their bench. The first position they should consider to improve their team is a backup center. Currently, they have Daniel Theis as their backup center, which is average but to become a championship team, they should look to improve.

For the 2023 MVP award, I predict Jayson Tatum to win it. This season, Tatum averaged 26.9 ppg, 8.0 RPG, and 4.4 APG on 57.8% ts (1.2% rts) while leading his team to a 2nd seed. I foresee Tatum securing the MVP award next season because the Celtics have created a team around him filled with young stars and great veterans. I project Tatum averaging around 27.6 ppg, 7.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG next season.

For the 2023 DPOY award, I anticipate Draymond winning the accolade. Before he got injured, Draymond was the frontrunner to win the prize, and since his return, he has put on a defensive masterclass. In addition to Draymond being a good defender, the Warriors are also a fantastic defensive team which will help Draymond look even better as a defender.

I believe Paolo Banchero comes home with the prize for the ROY award. Paolo has all the tools to become an MVP in the future and is easily the most talented player in the draft. In addition to Paolo having the most potential, he also is the most NBA-ready player, which is why I see him winning ROY.

I believe the 2022-2023 Most Improved Player of the Year award goes to Tyrese Haliburton. Because the Pacers are not looking to compete for a championship next season, Haliburton will be playing as a first option which will most likely lead to an increase in his stats. We've seen talented players like James Harden go from a team where he was underutilized to a team without another star and flourish.

For the 6th Man of the Year award, I have Jordan Poole from the Warriors winning it. Poole has been on a hot streak averaging 18.5 ppg, 4.0 APG, and 3.4 RPG from the beginning of the season. Ever since the return of Klay Thompson, Poole was sent to the bench, but he has still managed to stay efficient with fewer minutes which is why I believe he wins the award.

I have Taylor Jenkins winning next year's Coach of the Year award. This year, not many people predicted that the Grizzlies would win more than 50 games, but they managed to win 56. Although Monty Williams took home the prize, many people, including myself, thought Taylor Jenkins deserved to win it. He took a team that was the 8th seed to the 2nd seed the previous season.

The 2022-2023 season has the potential to be one of the greatest NBA seasons of all time. With the Warriors dynasty coming to an end and the era of superteams dissolving, the Larry O'Brien trophy is up for grabs. The following season will be crucial for the legacies of young stars who will rule the NBA for the next generation.