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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are… good? OKC managed to trade Paul George and Russell Westbrook, hit a hard reset button, and still end up with a reasonably competitive basketball team. Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams combine to make a strong trio. The supporting cast isn’t far behind other Western Conference contenders.

If there were more certainty in OKC’s position, I might bump their record prediction up a few ticks — perhaps even to postseason level.

Paul is on a steep decline, but he’s still CP3. He’s one of the smartest, craftiest guards in basketball, and his playmaking will get more room to breath as OKC’s top option.

Gallinari was arguably L.A.’s best player last season. He’s a supremely skilled offensive talent who, when healthy, can score with All-Star-level volume and efficiency. A silky 3-point stroke, a vintage mid-range game, and endless touch at the rim characterize Gallo’s skill set.

OKC has Dennis Schroder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Terrance Ferguson and Nerlens Noel in key reserve roles — all talented players in different capacities. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the prize acquisition in the Paul George trade, and any minor overlap with CP3 shouldn’t limit his playing time or impact.

At some point, OKC will heavily investigate trading Paul. It’s not unfeasible to put Gallo and Adams in the same category — valuable trade assets who might appeal to contending teams in need of a boost. Miami seems like a team desperate enough to, if the season starts slow, take a swing on Paul’s gargantuan contract.

If OKC manages to properly blow it up, their record will take a hit. If the roster stays intact all season, add the Thunder to a long list of potential playoff teams in the West. Unfortunately, only eight teams can make it.

Final record prediction: 40-42, Miss NBA Playoffs