Well folks, today is opening day for the 2008-09 NBA regular season; and as such, I, along with many of you out there have made predictions for this season.  Today, I am going to make some bold predictions as to what should happen this season.  Having said that, here I go:

NBA MVP: Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers.  I know that a lot of you will probably think, “Why just him?”  Don’t get me wrong, there are other worthy players out there (Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, etc.).  But also understand that James has lots of motivation.  For starters, the Cavaliers have upgraded their lineup; that alone will allow King James to step up his overall game (as if that is actually possible).  Also keep in mind that his contract is about to expire, so add that to his motivational “to-do” list.

NBA Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley.  Beasley brings a lot to the table – scoring, rebounding and a motor that won’t quit.  I am certain that he will be able to help take some of the load off of Dwyane Wade which, at the end of the day, will allow the Miami Heat to improve as a team.  Don’t be surprised if the Heat win 35-38 games this season.

Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers.  A factoid for all of you stat junkies out there: in the three years that McMillan has been in Portland, the team has increased their win totals (from 21 to 32 to 41), so apparently he’s doing something right.  Also factor in the fact that he has a plethora of young talent to work with (Oden, Aldridge, Roy) which makes for an exciting mix of players who should realize success sooner rather than later.

Most Improved Team: Indiana Pacers.  I know, you laugh with my selection of the Indiana Pacers.  And admittedly, I’m a big Pacers fan.  But being a homer really doesn’t have much to do with this selection at all.  Consider that the team traded for T.J. Ford (Jamal Tinsley‘s days are numbered) and have an underrated player in center Roy Hibbert (He’s a Georgetown product, so you know he will succeed).  Mike Dunleavy should improve over last season and let’s not forget Danny Granger – a future All-Star.  While the Pacers won’t win the division (Cleveland has that locked up), they should make some noise within the division and secure a wild-card berth in the Eastern Division.

Most Disappointing Team: Houston Rockets.  The Rockets, without a doubt, have talent on their squad.  I think more than anything that injuries and keeping newly acquired forward Ron Artest in check will be the key to any success they hope to realize this season.  Should Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming stay relatively healthy and Artest behaves himself, then the sky’s the limit for Houston.  If not, then they’re going to be a visitor to the NBA lottery.  I don’t like their chances.

NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers.  Boston should cakewalk their way to the Finals while the Lakers will actually have to work their way there.  The Celtics I expect to remain hungry (a carryover from last season) and it will show as they win yet another NBA title.