TheSportsPACK

Football is upon us but it's never a bad time to talk NBA hoops. A lot has change in the NBA since the Spurs won the title in June over the Miami Heat. LeBron's return to Cleveland, Carmelo staying in NYC and a host of other off season moves have most NBA teams feeling good about their chances to make a title run. Things can change between now and the tip-off of a new season but here are my five predictions that most NBA fans will not see coming. 1 . The Raptors will make the Eastern Conference Final The Toronto Raptors are coming off a surprising season finishing 3rd in the East with a 48-34 record. Despite getting knocked out in the 1st round by the more experienced Brooklyn Nets in 7 games, the Raptors have been quiet but very productive this off season. Resigning "boarder line all-star" Kyle Lowry was top priority for the Raptors who will also have the services of all-star and FIBA World Cup participate DeMar DeRozen. To boost their depth in the backcourt ...

If Kevin Durant wants to win a title he has to leave OKC. That roster is not championship built, starting with the coach.  Scott Brooks is a great coach if you want to develop young talent and teach them the ways of the NBA. It's only a handful of coaches that's at a championship level and he is not one of them. Brooks lets his team run wild in close games and that will not beat the Spurs or Heat.  Trading the 6th man of the year in James Harden for practically nothing was the straw that broke OKC back. That moves is as questionable as the Cavs picking Anthony Bennett! Surge Ibaka is a great defender but his offensive skill set is limited. He can't even run a pick and roll but is getting paid 12 million to block shots. Bad investment in my opinion. KD and Westbrook are the only two players on that roster than can score a point consistently. Jeremy Lamb STILL isn't confident with the ball in his hands and his lack of offensive development is another hindrance in OKC...