5 NBA predictions for 2022

As unpredictable as professional sports leagues can be, it's still possible to form educated guesses about what the next year could have in store for the NBA.

Here are five predictions for what the Association may look like in 2022.

Pop calls it a career

Gregg Popovich has seemingly done it all over his 26-year run as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. He's won five NBA titles, a record-tying three Coach of the Year awards, and last summer, the 72-year-old added an Olympic gold medal to his illustrious resume.

If things go according to plan, Popovich will soon pass Don Nelson as the league's all-time leader in regular-season wins. With San Antonio in rebuild mode, there really is no reason for the legendary bench boss to return for another year. Popovich is a surefire Hall of Famer and can walk away at the end of the campaign with his head held high.

Grizzlies win at least 1 playoff series

The Memphis Grizzlies have steadily improved under Taylor Jenkins and look poised to take another step forward this season. Ja Morant is playing his best basketball, averaging career highs in points (24.5 per game), 3-point percentage (38.3%), and steals (1.5). Morant's been especially lethal when attacking the rim, with only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recording more points per contest off drives.

However, a recent 10-2 stint without the electric guard proved the Grizzlies' success extends beyond Morant. Jaren Jackson has been an elite rim protector, Dillon Brooks is affecting the game immensely on both ends, and Desmond Bane has established himself among the NBA's top sharpshooters. Memphis is for real, and the squad has the pieces to make a splash in the West.

Beal opts out, leaves Wizards

Bradley Beal retained some flexibility regarding his long-term future with a $36.4-million player option for next campaign, as part of the two-year contract extension the D.C. stalwart signed with the Washington Wizards in 2019. Beal will turn 29 by the time free agency opens up, so it makes all the sense in the world for the three-time All-Star to opt out in search of a lucrative max deal. But staying put in the nation's capital may no longer be the right move.

Beal has seen countless different iterations of Wizards squads throughout his tenure, going from the John Wall era to unsuccessfully carrying the roster solo to co-starring with Russell Westbrook. Now, he's leading a mish-mash of younger talent on a side that started the season playing well together but currently hovers around a .500 record. Beal's repeatedly stated his desire to retire in Washington, but the hunger to win usually - eventually - trumps loyalty in the Association.

Mobley matches Duncan as All-Defensive rookie

No first-year player has made the All-Defensive team since a fresh-faced Tim Duncan nonchalantly burst onto the scene in 1998. Evan Mobley's on pace to snap that rookie rut.

Mobley ranks third in the league in contested shots per game with 13, and he's the only player who ranks inside the top 10 for both contested threes and contested twos per game, highlighting his remarkable ability to defend multiple threats as a 7-footer. The USC product's defensive game has brought unexpected on-court success to a young Cleveland Cavaliers club, too, and he's the chief reason why the Cavs boast the league's second-best defensive rating so far.

For all of Duncan's incredible instincts, the Spurs icon had to settle for All-Defensive second-team honors. Mobley, however, may likely merit a first-team selection if he continues to frustrate opponents as he has all year long.

Simmons gets moved by trade deadline

Ben Simmons is the ultimate wild card of the 2021-22 campaign. The former No. 1 overall pick could be a real difference-maker if he returns to the Philadelphia 76ers or the organization deals him elsewhere. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has maintained a high asking price for the three-time All-Star, but it's unlikely any franchise will cave in to those demands.

Philadelphia has managed to remain competitive without Simmons and is arguably a piece or two away from contention status. The 76ers can't afford to waste a year of Joel Embiid's prime and should focus on getting something in exchange for Simmons, especially with no guarantee that he'll suit up for the club again.