We had our say on the 2013/14 NBA season this morning, unveiling our predictions for the coming year. If our opinions are any indication, it’ll be a wide open race for the title this season. Only two of our eight writers are picking a Heat three-peat, with just as many envisioning Derrick Rose capping his comeback with a championship for the Bulls. The Spurs, Thunder, Nets, and — thanks to me — the Pacers received one vote apiece. I hesitated a little after yesterday’s news that Danny Granger will miss the first three weeks, but I’m confident he’ll return to health and that the team’s new-look bench, led by Luis Scola, will be enough to lift the Pacers over the top.
We collectively picked six different contenders, but that might not cover the entire list of teams with legitimate hopes. Among us we’ve named what appear to be the four strongest Eastern Conference teams, but the Rockets, Clippers, Grizzlies and Warriors all seem primed to make runs out of the West. So, I’ve added those clubs as options, too, along with an “other” choice if you think a dark horse will emerge from the pack. Let us know who you think will win, and follow my lead by explaining your choice in the comments.