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NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit’s First Quarter NBA Survey

By Michael Shearer

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit's Quarter NBA One Survey
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 24: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakersl against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 24, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana, NBA Predictions. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement, NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit’s First Quarter NBA Survey. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

NBA Predictions and Reactions: Which player or team has been the biggest disappointment so far?

Shearer: The Pelicans. The train wreck started right off the bat with the crazy stories about David Griffin, continued with their poor offseason choices, peaked with the ongoing Zion Williamson injury debacle, and sustained itself with the ugly play in his absence. This team was poised to be a fun, exciting squad just a few short months ago. They can’t admit this publicly, but it’s clear that they’re counting ping-pong balls and looking at new GM candidates.

Jeter: Los Angeles Lakers. Yes, having LeBron James’ services for only 11 games has contributed to the Lakers’ slow start, but even when he’s played, this team hasn’t looked particularly impressive. The offense is repulsive and lacking in spacing, the defense is on autopilot far too often, and it all combines to create an unappealing final product. They still have LeBron, so they’ll probably be okay, but how they’ve looked so far shouldn’t inspire any confidence that they will.

Rausch: Considering I picked the Los Angeles Lakers to make the NBA Finals before the season, watching them struggle to win games at all has been disconcerting. For years, simply betting on LeBron James to figure out even the most concerning roster constructures was safe. So far this season, that could not be further from the case.

Harris: On the flip side of the previous question is a team that has not meshed well so far – the Los Angeles Lakers. It is looking like it may have been the wrong decision to trade for Russell Westbrook rather than another star, and it appears this may be another year of LeBron’s career down the drain.

Marcus: It’s really hard to not feel disappointed by my Los Angeles Lakers. While I don’t think they will be this bad all season, their track record so far is very disheartening considering the talent they have. This is a case of a team not gelling together very well right away. They still have time, but the clock is ticking away.

O’Keefe: Although the Portland Trail Blazers 11-11 record isn’t surprising, the disappointment comes from the fact they’re not actually doing anything to change things. How is this at all appeasing Trail Blazers fans, or for that matter, superstar point guard Damian Lillard? I recently wrote about how they’re stuck in the middle and have been for a while, not competing for a deep playoff run nor bad enough to have access to top draft talent.

Simone: The obvious answer is the Lakers, but I’ll go outside of the box for this one. Zion Williamson has been hurt, but the Pelicans have still been horrendously disappointing. They have enough talent to compete for a play-in spot, and they have been one of the worst teams in the NBA. That’s just rough. They need to turn things around.