National Basketball Association

Into the Bears' Den: Our 'Hot Take' NBA and Grizzlies predictions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:03 p.m. ET

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Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) and Washington Wizards guard Casper Ware (17) exchanges words during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA regular season is almost here, so we decided to squeeze in a few of our NBA and Memphis Grizzlies hot takes before opening tip-off for this week’s “Into the Bears’ Den” roundtable. Also, Ken Bone.

Ken Bone.

This article isn’t about Ken Bone. If you don’t know who Ken Bone is, I’ll tell you real quickly, though. Ken Bone was at the last Presidential Debate. Ken Bone asked a question about energy policies, but that’s not why Ken Bone is noteworthy. Ken Bone dazzled the United States with his dashingly good looks; Ken Bone also made America laugh with his disposable camera. Ken Bone had few Twitter followers, but now has a lot. Ken Bone’s only previous tweet was at Ariana Grande. Sexy Ken Bone Halloween costumes are available on the internet. Anyways, we over at BealeStreetBears.com thought supporters of Ken Bone, yes, that Ken Bone, would be interested in our roundtable. There’s a good chance you found this by Googling “Ken Bone.” If you found this by Googling “Ken Bone,” I’m sorry to disappoint, but this is not about Ken Bone. This is about the NBA and a little bit about the Memphis Grizzlies, so I hope you set aside your love for Ken Bone for a second to read our writers’ fun NBA predictions.

Ken Bone. Ken Bone. Ken Bone.

Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)

The Lakers are more of a playoff team than the Timberwolves

NBA internet is probably having a panic attack while reading this, because I put down its golden team. However, hear me out, it’s not that crazy to believe that the Los Angeles Lakers can snag an 8-seed.

Yes, the past few years, they have been a punchline. Their young talent makes them intriguing for years to come, but their veteran talent is leaps and bounds better than Minnesota’s vets.

In their starting five, they have Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov, two guys who are playoff-tested. Deng had a superb playoff outing last season (13.3 points on 42.1 percent shooting from 3). Timofey Mozgov was, at one point, a key cog to Cleveland’s Finals run two years ago, before he fell victim to injury and the Warriors’ “Death Lineup.” He can patch the Lakers’ interior defensive deficiencies.

Add those two guys with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, and you have a solid starting five. Russell has shown out so far in the preseason. Granted, it’s preseason, but he’s showing that it’s his time after a horrid rookie season. Jordan Clarkson is one of the most underrated players in the league with his combo guard scoring abilities. Julius Randle was a double-double machine, even during his rookie season.

Off the bench, they have Lou Williams, Larry Nance, Jose Calderon and (at the moment) Brandon Ingram. Williams’ scoring ability is still a commodity for any team’s second unit. Larry Nance has the defensive versatility to become one of coach Luke Walton’s favorite players. Jose Calderon is a capable second unit floor general who can knock down some 3s. If Brandon Ingram is off the bench, he can be brought along slowly, while still contributing at a Rookie of the Year level.

Both of these teams are going to be scary good in the future. However, if any of these teams make the playoffs, I’ll go with the Los Angeles Lakers. Luke Walton should be able to turn this team into a replication of the 2013-14 Phoenix Suns.

Parker’s Grizz Prediction: The Grizzlies snag the 6-seed and make the WCF… And take it to seven games.

A lot of people may think my prediction is completely absurd, but let me explain:

For the Grizzlies, they could meet the Clippers and Spurs in the first two rounds. Both are winnable match-ups but still go in six or seven games. Against the Clippers, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph’s newfound desire to shoot 3s pulls DeAndre Jordan out of the paint and opens that area for cutters like Tony Allen, Chandler Parsons and JaMychal Green. Gasol is one of the best high-post passers in basketball. If the Grizzlies could capitalize on this, they could take a playoff series against the Clippers.

Since the 2011 upset, the Spurs have had the Grizzlies’ number. This year, they could re-live some 2011 magic. Even though Kawhi Leonard will probably shut down Parsons, Mike Conley should have a field day against offensive-minded, aging point guard Tony Parker. In addition, Pau isn’t the defender that Tim Duncan was. Marc could find have a big series against his brother. What it’ll come down to is Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and their bench. If the players not guarded by Kawhi Leonard are on the A+ game, the Grizzlies take this one in 6.

Now, in the Western Conference Finals, the Grizzlies will face the buzzsaw known as the Golden State Warriors. However, they will be more tired than past postseasons. The Thunder and Jazz/Trail Blazers are tough mismatches for the Warriors. I say the Thunder take them to six games. The second round gets a little tricky. The Utah Jazz 3-out, 2-in offense doesn’t space the court much, but they will have some players supplying lockdown D. If the Warriors try Draymond Green on Derrick Favors or Rudy Gobert, he’ll get dunked on all night. Furthermore, the additions of George Hill, Boris Diaw and Joe Johnson should pay dividends for the Jazz with their playoff experience and versatility. In a small ball lineup, the Jazz could trot out Hill-Hood-Hayward-Johnson-Diaw, which could be a rough match-up for the “Death Lineup.” With the Portland Trail Blazers, you essentially have a weaker 2014-2015 “Golden State Warriors.” Dame Lillard and C.J. McCollum are their “Splash Brothers.” Mason Plumlee is Andrew Bogut. Evan Turner is Andre Iguodala. Al-Farouq Aminu is a poor man’s Green. Moe Harkless is Harrison Barnes. They already have former backup big man Festus Ezeli. Their ability to run up the score just as much as Golden State could favor them into stretching this into a 7-game series.

Now for the Grizzlies: In this WCF, their shooters have to come to play. If they bring their “GNG” top-5 defense and combine that with more 3-point shooting, the Grizzlies will give the Warriors a difficult time before bowing out in Oracle Arena for Game 7.

Ian Pierno (@IanPierno)

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Jennings will win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award

Once upon a time, Brandon Jennings dropped 55 points while being guarded by Stephen Curry. However, it’s been seven years since then. That doesn’t mean Jennings’ spark is gone, he’s only a year removed from averaging 19.4 points per 36 minutes in 2014-15.

Now Jennings is with the team that passed on him in the 2009, in the city that he knows he belonged in all along. The motivation is at a whole new level, which anyone who follows him on Twitter will tell you.

For a player like Jennings who relies on his ability themselves to create points, having the support of fans can be important, and J.R. Smith will be more than willing to tell you that the Garden Faithful are some of the most fickle in sports.

But hey, when they love you, they really love you. The regular season hasn’t even started yet and fans at Madison Square Garden have already chanted the 27-year-old guard’s name.

Acquiring Derrick Rose may have been the move of the summer, but it’s Jennings who has the potential to really make a difference to be the sole spark off of an otherwise weak New York Knicks’ bench. If he’s healthy, which he’s claimed numerous times that he is, Jennings has the potential to be the most electrifying scorer the Knicks have had since J.R. Smith.

Mike Parrott (@MikeParrott_)

Oct 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Rajon Rondo will make an All-NBA team

First of all let’s get this out the way, have I ever been a secret Rondo fan? No. It’s never been a secret, Rondo in his prime was a top-three or even being the best point guard in the league. The last time he was in a full playoff series was 2012, when in my eyes became the best point guard in the league. Especially the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat when he averaged an obscene 20.9 PPG, 11.3 APG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG.

He took one of the best teams in the modern era to seven games and had to do everything for that team. I fondly remember watching the series on television and hearing Mike Breen saying “Rondo doesn’t only have to get a triple-double this game, he has to get a high scoring triple-double.” How many people have ever had that told to them?

Now what does this have to do with Rondo making the all-NBA team? This was four years ago and pre-ACL surgery. The big connector between these two teams is veteran leadership. Since that playoff series, he’s been on the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. On all of those teams they were lacking a veteran to put him in line. Dirk Nowitzki isn’t the kind of veteran who’s going to put you in his place, and the words “Sacramento Kings” and “veteran leadership” have never been in the same sentence.

This changes in Chicago. Dwyane Wade is essentially a 6’4” version of Kevin Garnett in terms of personality. Wade is going to be your best friend if you put in the same amount of effort as he does; but if you don’t, he’s going to put you in his place. And this couldn’t be any better for Rondo, he’s going to be getting back to his old intensity levels of being part of the “big four” in Boston. When Rondo puts his mind to it and plays at his full intensity, he puts up those 2012 ECF numbers.

Now in terms of stats, Rondo will always be in the top-two in assists and that’s not debatable. Now in terms of points, rebounds, assists and team record, all these should rise. His points should rise the least with his career high only being 13.7 and he’s coming off a 11.9 PPG season. His rebounds shouldn’t see any drop off and will stay at around 6 RPG with Chicago’s pace surely to soar with Rondo manning the point.

Team record is huge, though. This newly revamped Chicago Bulls team looks much better than last season’s counterpart that barely missed the playoffs with a 42-40 record. With major improvements at the point guard, center, and small forward positions, surely their record will also rise.

Overall, I see the Bulls winning at least 50 games (prediction being 52-30) with Rondo averaging 13.1 PPG, 12 APG, 5.7 RPG, and making the All-NBA third team while also being an All-star.

Ryan Schmitz (@XC_Gang_Schmitz)

Oct 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dances with Trail Blazers

Trail Blazers will be second best team in the Western Conference

The West may be up for grabs behind the Warriors this season. The Spurs continue to age while also losing Tim Duncan this offseason. The Thunder lost Kevin Durant and won’t be contending with his new team any time soon. The next best team in the West behind the Warriors is up for grabs, and I think it’s between the Spurs, Clippers and Trail Blazers. The Blazers took the fifth seed last year when the oldest role player on the team was 26. Now you add Festus Ezeli and Evan Turner to the core that can still grow, and I think they may shock a lot of the NBA. Damian Lillard can ball and when C.J. McCollum and him are hot, they’re tough to beat. I am going to refrain from listing all the players, but they can outlast injuries with the amount of talented players they have. Of course an injury to Lillard could hurt this whole thing, but if he stays healthy, I think they finish behind Warriors. Turner can be one of the primary ball handlers, setting up the offense when Lillard is on the bench.

Although I really like the plethora of bigs the Blazers have, Ezeli could shore up that position if he can stay healthy. The Clippers have never been fully healthy in a season and have a few weaknesses, especially the small forward position. The Spurs are the opposite of the Blazers; aside from Kawhi Leonard and a few other players, they are aging rather than growing. As this team grows, their poor assists numbers should rise with the chemistry they have will continue to develop. An underrated point is that the Blazers didn’t lose any real key members to the team from last year, whereas even the Warriors lost guys like Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut.

Ryan’s Grizz Prediction: D.J. Stephens will play meaningful minutes by the end of the year

Oct 3, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard D.J. Stephens (20) dunks the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green (34) and forward Cliff Alexander (2) and forward Arinze Onuaku (21) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis beat Orlando 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

In the start of the preseason, I heard D.J. Stephens may not have developed like fans had hoped. Everyone has recognized the world-class athleticism, but he hasn’t turned that into becoming a top-notch NBA player. This is the year I think that changes. He has seemed to do better and better as the preseason has gone on. Stephens remind me a little of Demarre Carroll–they have the same size and are both athletic. Stephens can shoot the 3 which is what made Carroll become a key piece with both the Hawks and Raptors. If Stephens can consistently shoot from behind the arc while also using the athleticism to become a key defender, he could easily get time. Carroll was also a late bloomer kind of like what Stephens is at the moment. The Grizzlies have a ton of forwards, but none offer quite what Stephens could. I could easily see Stephen jumping Ennis.

Stephen is versatile as well. He could potentially guard wing players or play a big forward in small ball. Fizdale wants to develop players and if any player could use development to become great, it’s Stephens.

Ryan Snellings (@rsnellings25)

September 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) reacts during media day at Clipper Training Facility in Playa Vista. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Griffin wins MVP. Golden State has too many voters angry at their situation (Honestly, I’m mad at Durant, not the Warriors. Who wouldn’t sign him?). However, both Durant and Curry’s numbers SHOULD go down and some expect Kerr to rest players more willingly during the year. Westbrook may put up numbers, but will the Thunder even be good enough to warrant him MVP considerations? The same goes for James Harden. LeBron James will be resting and biding his time for yet another Finals appearance, so he won’t produce at the level he’s capable of, at least in the regular season. The only other real threat is Kawhi Leonard, but with the ways the Spurs share the ball, putting up gaudy stat line will be tough.

This leaves the field wide open for Blake. Expect him to look at the chance to win MVP like this.

Chris Paul will gladly take a seat and coast if Griffin wants some revenge. Remember, he finished 3rd in MVP voting only two seasons ago and prior to injuring his quad last year, he was averaging 23.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG and 5 APG on about 51 percent shooting. Did I mention he’s been working on a 3-point shot in the offseason? He went 2-for-3 againt Tornoto a few days ago. Expect him to put up around 25 PPG, 9 RPG and 6 APG this year as the Clippers take the 2-seed out West.

Ryan’s Grizz Prediction: Grizzlies struggle and barely claim a 7 or 8-seed

Oct 11, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) dribbles as Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

REMINDER: Our prompt for this week’s discussion was to make “a semi absurd prediction that may be true but is mostly just fun.” I don’t think this one becomes a reality (Griffin is totally winning MVP, though), but let’s explore this further. The West is deep. Outside of the Lakers, Kings and Suns, what team doesn’t have a chance to make some noise and make the playoffs? A few things bounce the right way for some teams and they could easily climb up the ranks.

Memphis has a new head coach and uncertainty with their bench unit (Though, I think moving Randolph to the second unit was a great move). They are transitioning away from the Grit ‘n’ Grind culture to become more of a shooting team and should injury setbacks occur (god forbid) or they don’t adjust to the new style quickly, the Grizzlies could easily find themselves fighting for a shot in the playoffs. The West is truly wild and predicting anything out there past the 1-seed is honestly impossible. Memphis needs to get adjusted quickly and bring their ‘A’ game every night so they can grab the 4 or 5-seed and get an easier first round match-up.

However, getting the 8-seed would not be a death sentence. Memphis has just as good of a shot as any to take down Golden State. They have the ability to defend the 3 if they play it right.

Ian’s Grizz Prediction: Chandler Parsons, not Ken Bone, makes the NBA All-Star Game

I’m going to say it, guys, I’m going to say a Memphis Grizzlies-related milestone is reliant on someone staying healthy. I’ve yet to see Chandler Parsons play in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform, but after watching the Grizzlies’ preseason game against the Thunder and the spacing they had on offense, I immediately saw where Parsons would fit in. He’ll have a plethora of open 3s to take, and also room to drive after a pump fake from the perimeter.

Sep 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) poses for a picture at Don Poier Media Center. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

With the increased spacing comes more passing, and that could help Parsons’ passing statistics. If he gets minutes at power forward, which we fully expect, his rebounding stats will go up, too. He’s not a point guard, so he doesn’t have to fight through the Western Conference’s eliteness at that position like his teammate Mike Conley.

He’s not an elite defensive player, but wouldn’t that make Parsons all the more fitting for an All-Star Game?