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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 Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images)
(Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images) /

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs keep on keepin’ on, largely due to Gregg Popovich’s adaptability as head coach. He’s able and willing to change styles, acquiescing to new players every season. San Antonio still has the talent, the mindset, and the leadership to compete for a playoff spot in the West.

On one hand, it’s difficult not to give the No. 8 spot to a more exciting team. Luka in Dallas, Zion in NOLA, De’Aaron in Sacramento. All three teams have more on the horizon than San Antonio — a clear path forward and future talent to build around.

The Spurs, however, are the Spurs, and there’s something to be said for San Antonio’s remarkable consistency over the years. LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are bona fide NBA stars, no matter how you slice it. Dejounte Murray’s return, paired with Derrick White’s evolution, makes for an exciting backcourt pair.

San Antonio’s defensive potential stands out. While age continues to sap away athleticism, Aldridge is still a formidable presence in the post. Murray and White are burgeoning two-way stars, both of whom have received All-Defense consideration in recent seasons.

Popovich will anchor the offense around Aldridge and DeRozan, with the occasional set for White and Murray on the perimeter. If DeRozan continues his development as a playmaker, it should counteract his disconcerting three-point struggles.

On a spacing-challenged team, the presence of Marco Belinelli, Bryn Forbes and others in the second unit remains essential. People peg the Spurs as an ‘old-fashioned’ and ‘mid-range,’ team, but in reality, threes are still important. They’re just not coming from the stars.

Final record prediction: 42-40, No. 8 seed Western Conference