Aug 26, 2014; St. Paul, MN, USA; The newest Minnesota Timberwolves display their new jerseys (left to right) guard Andrew Wiggins, forward Anthony Bennett, forward Thaddeus Young, and guard Zach LaVine at Minnesota State Fair. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Which two teams will surprise/ disappoint the most this season?
Michael Saenz: I believe the Sacramento Kings are going to surprise some teams this season. I doubt they make the playoffs, mostly because they play in a super conference, but they’ll be better than most expect. So will the Miami Heat. My God, how we’ve exaggerated on the demise of Dwyane Wade.
On the other hand, I believe the Chicago Bulls are going to disappoint a few people next season. Mostly those that believe they’ll be the best team in the Eastern Conference. They won’t pose much of a threat to Cleveland, as may expect them to do. I also believe that Kobe Bryant is going to disappoint some folks. He’s not coming back “better than ever” or as a “20-year-old” Kobe. It’s over. He’s done.
John Armstrong: New Orleans will surprise, although, logically speaking, their eventual explosion shouldn’t surprise anyone. Anthony Davis is already a top-10 talent, and who knows, by next season he might be top-5. It’s a matter of when, not if, with Davis.
As far as disappointing, {Indiana shouldn’t count} I’m thinking Houston. They didn’t really get better and neither will their record. They’ll still make the playoffs, but I’m counting on a lower seed
Morten Jensen: Minnesota will surprise. Don’t underestimate the power of resolution. Kevin Love may be gone, but now they won’t have to deal with distractions. The team is young, they can run all day, and they have players at every position who can contribute, and a surprisingly good defensive bench unit. While it’s unfair to judge the current Indiana Pacers without Paul George and Lance Stephenson, I could see them disappoint even more than originally believed. They still have some players at their disposal who can contribute, but that team could completely collapse if Frank Vogel doesn’t find some kind of offensive formula that can be relied on.
Bryce Olin: I think Oklahoma City will shock people because they didn’t improve this offseason. Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka will be great as usual, but that supporting cast is garbage, other than Reggie Jackson.
Also, in the Northwest Division, Denver is going to surprise people. Most of their roster was injured last season. Danilo Gallinari, JaVale McGee, and Nate Robinson all return after missing at least 40 games last season. Plus, the Nuggets traded for Arron Afflalo and drafted rookie wing Gary Harris to give more on the wings. I like Denver next season!
David Ramil: I believe the Spurs just don’t have it in them to win it all again. I think last year was such a dominant performance that most people will expect them to do it again. They won’t, and so will be a “disappointment” in that they won’t be as great while still being very good. Conversely, Detroit is expected to be a poor team but I have faith that Stan Van Gundy can get the pieces, however dysfunctional they may seem, to fit. Maybe a playoff spot is too far out of reach but even being close to that would be a positive surprise.
Brandon Osborne: The most surprising team should be the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans should contend for a playoff spot and Davis should emerge as an MVP candidate. The team likely to disappoint should be the Rockets. Houston lost one of its best players while also losing key members of their bench. I expect Houston will wear down as the season progresses.