One bold prediction for every NBA team heading into next season

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 09: Al Horford #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder: Al Horford will get OKC another first-round pick

The Thunder are the NBA team engaged in the most aggressive rebuild. As a result, they took on Al Horford’s bloated contract from the 76ers in exchange for draft compensation from Philadelphia.

The beauty of this move from the Thunder perspective is that Horford has a chance to rehabilitate his value in Oklahoma City. When he does, a playoff team will part with a heavily protected first-round pick to add his veteran leadership to their squad.

Orlando Magic: Chuma Okeke beats out Aaron Gordon

Gordon has never turned into the sort of transcendent star the Magic hoped he would be coming out of Arizona. This will be the year where his time in Orlando hits rock bottom.

His need for a change-of-scenery will send his play spiraling. That will give Okeke, a highly-touted rookie a chance to grab his spot in the starting lineup. Gordon could be an intriguing trade candidate after he falls out of favor with the Magic.

Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons shoots 100 3s

At some point, Simmons has to attempt to expand his offensive game past the elbow. This season seems to be the perfect opportunity for the talented distributor to expand his scoring prowess.

He’s not going to start bombing shots from distance like James Harden, but he is going to take multiple attempts per game. He won’t shoot a good percentage, but his mere willingness to shoot the ball from behind the arc will add to the 76ers’ offensive prowess.

Phoenix Suns: Chris Paul will get the Suns a top-four seed

It’s hard to overestimate how much Paul will help Phoenix this season. If he can stay healthy, he’s the absolute perfect fit for a talented young team that needs a healthy dose of leadership.

A simple look at the Suns’ starting five illustrates how dangerous they can be in the West. Paul combines with Booker to be one of the league’s best backcourts. Deandre Ayton anchors the frontcourt at center while being supported by Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder. This team will play with maximum effort in the regular season and be rewarded with homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Portland Trail Blazers: Zach Collins will fall out of favor

Portland’s front office has done everything possible to help Collins succeed. Their continued attempts to establish him as a starting power forward have arguably hurt the team’s regular-season win total.

This will be the season when Portland finally gives up that dream. Robert Covington and Carmelo Anthony will soak up all the minutes at the four. That will relegate Collins to strictly playing as a backup center behind Jusuf Nurkic.

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