NBA Brooklyn Nets

5 Bold Predictions For The Brooklyn Nets 2014-15 Season

5 Bold Predictions For The Brooklyn Nets 2014-15 Season

Brook Lopez Brooklyn Nets
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets are in a strange position entering the 2014-2015 season. Based off their current roster and evaluation of all the "ifs" and questions marks surrounding the team, it is extremely difficult to predict how the Nets season will turn out. A lot of things can go wrong after the mediocre offseason Brooklyn had, but here is a positive outlook on the team and five bold predictions that could occur.

5. Brook Lopez will make the All-Star Team

Brook Lopez
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Brook Lopez will make the All-Star Team

Brook Lopez
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Brook Lopez was an All-Star two seasons ago and definitely deserved to be one. Last year he was on track for another All-Star appearance until a foot injury ended his season in December. Assuming Lopez makes a full recovery, it would be wise to expect that he returns to his status as a dominant offensive and shot-blocking center, and his second All-Star selection will be a result.

4. Deron Williams will be an elite point guard again

Deron Williams Brooklyn Nets
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Deron Williams will be an elite point guard again

Deron Williams Brooklyn Nets
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Deron Williams was plagued with numerous ankle injuries last year that held him back and prevented him from being the point guard he is capable of being. At this point in his career, it is unlikely Deron can return to his old self and re-join the discussion of the game's best point guards. However, a healthy Williams can carry the Nets with his elite scoring and passing abilities.

3. Lionel Hollins will finish top 3 in Coach of the Year voting

Lionel Hollins
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lionel Hollins will finish top 3 in Coach of the Year voting

Lionel Hollins
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Not many people are expecting the Nets to contend this year, but the Eastern Conference is very weak towards the top and Brooklyn could be there if things go right. After the messy divorce with Jason Kidd, the Hollins signing went rather under the radar. Hollins was an excellent coach in Memphis and over-achieved with his teams. If he can implement a similar system, Hollins will have success with Brooklyn and earn respect around the league.

2. Mirza Teletovic will lead the Eastern Conference in three-pointers made

Mirza Teletovic Brooklyn Nets
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mirza Teletovic will lead the Eastern Conference in three-pointers made

Mirza Teletovic Brooklyn Nets
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Mirza Teletovic only averaged 19.4 minutes per game last season. With Paul Pierce now gone, Teletovic will see a significant increase in his playing time. He proved his value near the end of last year and especially in the playoffs against the Heat, where he was draining three-pointers from all over the place. Given the minutes and his green light to always fire away from beyond the arc, Teletovic will lead the East in threes made.

1. The Nets will win the Atlantic Division and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals

Joe Johnson Brooklyn Nets
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Nets will win the Atlantic Division and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals

Joe Johnson Brooklyn Nets
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlantic Division is arguably the weakest in the league, and the door is wide open for the Nets to take control of it. Winning the division would give them a top-four seed in the playoffs and home-court advantage in at least the first round. While the Cleveland Cavaliers are obviously a very scary team, as long as the Nets can avoid them in the second round, they should have a decent shot at winning a series against another team.

Jordan Berkowitz is a Brooklyn Nets and NBA writer for www.RantSports.com

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