As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with predictions and speculations. It is always a clean slate for everyone to start things off, forgetting the failures of past. Fans too, are busy predicting the teams that can go the distance this season. Among the voices in the crowd, unfurling jerseys of their icons and cheering pom-poms, one stands out – Stephen A. Smith.

Smith, a renowned sports journalist known for his insightful and often bold predictions, unturned his cards of the probable shockers this NBA season. This time, he’s got some intriguing picks for the season’s sleeper teams.

Stephen A. Smith’s list of the biggest sleeper teams heading into this NBA season

Smith’s definition of a sleeper team isn’t currently in the contender picture but has the potential to surprise everyone by sneaking into the playoffs and possibly knocking off some of the favourites. So, who are these potential dark horses according to Stephen A. Smith? In his recent Instagram post, he said, “Imma tell you that Minnesota Timberwolves if Anthony Edwards truly elevates his level of play and they figure out how Karl Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert can be on the court together. Minnesota can make some noise, they could knock off somebody.” He believes that the Timberwolves could make an unexpected mark provided they utilize their arsenal well.

Further, he said, “But for me personally, even though they got bounced out in the first round, the team I look at is the Sacramento Kings.” Smith also lauded De’Aaron Fox for the way he led the Kings to the No. 3 seed in the West, and added, “De’Aaron Fox is that dude.”

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The ultimate pick from the East

Finally, we have a pick from the Eastern Conference – the Brooklyn Nets. While Smith criticized their lack of personnel, he added, “If I had to look at anybody, it would probably be Brooklyn. I don’t think they have what it takes. I don’t think they have enough personnel. But I think praying that Ben Simmons becomes relevant again and wants to help out Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson and those boys. I mean, I think they could do some things. I think Brooklyn could do some things. They can make this season interesting, to say the least.”

These teams may not be the favourites heading into the season but Stephen A. Smith believes that they have what it takes to disrupt the status quo and make this NBA season an interesting one. And as he says, they can be the real shockers.

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While these predictions might seem bold now, only time will tell if they come true. With every team putting their best out and leaving no stone unturned, one thing is for sure – with these potential sleeper teams in the mix, the 2023-24 NBA season promises to be an exciting one.

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