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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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Brooklyn Nets

There are some who believe Kevin Durant will return during the regular season and others who don’t. At this stage, it’s foolish to expect the Brooklyn Nets to rush Durant in any fashion — they’re playing it safe with Durant’s health as his age advances.

If Durant misses the whole season, the Nets should be fine. Last season’s team was a surprise competitor who put together a valiant first-round effort against the Philadelphia 76ers. Another year of development, plus the major upgrade from D’Angelo Russell to Kyrie Irving, leaves Brooklyn on the precipice of a major leap forward.

Irving should explode. All wacky storylines aside, he’s an absolute killer. A dynamic playmaker who has grown, both as a facilitator and as a defender, in recent seasons. He will bring new life to a fun-to-watch Nets offense, breaking down defenders in a fashion even Russell couldn’t match.

Caris LeVert is healthy and, following an electric postseason, earned a new extension over the summer. He’s a neat wildcard — the second-best player on the roster until Durant returns, as another twitchy shot-creator who doesn’t damage those around him. Spencer Dinwiddie is a prime Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

The Nets’ decision to pay DeAndre Jordan was a curious one — I’m not sure he’s on Jarrett Allen’s level at this point. But it’s a necessary evil when the reward is the arrival of Irving and Durant, two top-15 NBA players.

Brooklyn’s offense is rooted in analytics, which means pace and three-point attempts are at a premium. As the younger core rounds into shape, the arrival of Irving as a jailbreak offensive talent — not to mention Durant’s eventual return at some point in the future — launches Brooklyn to a new stratosphere.

Final prediction: 50-32, No. 3 seed Eastern Conference