Crystal Ball Predictions: 2025-26 NBA — Jokic, Tatum, Young

Merlin sees a sweeping season preview that issues bold, team-by-team calls for 2025-26 — from Trae Young flirting with a historic 12+ assists mark and Jayson Tatum possibly returning late, to Michael Porter Jr. chasing 300 threes and Victor Wembanyama bursting into MVP talk. These calls matter because they reshape expectations for stars, rosters and the playoff map before the first tip; as the piece admits, "this may not seem all that bold." Merlin senses the league tilting toward more playmaking and faster player growth: veterans will be tested by injuries and new mates, youngsters like Cooper Flagg and Matas Buzelis could leap, and some rosters (the Kings especially) face midseason reckonings. Expect drama, trades and a few true breakouts that change how the season reads.