If you've listened to any sports talk show, you'd know that this upcoming NBA season has a lot of hype. There are many teams capable of taking home the Larry O'Brien trophy this next season. But beyond that, there are some wishes I have for players and teams going into this season. Here they are:

Wish #1: Andrew Wiggins becomes the player we've all been waiting for

Wiggins is being labeled now with one of the worst contracts in the league, being owed $122 million over the next four years

After breaking out as an apparent "elite" scorer in 2016, NBA fans and media believed Wiggins would be turning into the star the former #1 overall pick was projected to be. Unfortunately, Wiggins only went downhill from this season. He got worse in almost every aspect of his game. With the emergence of Karl-Anthony Towns into stardom, he was no longer the franchise star in Minnesota. People since then, have been questioning the drive of Wiggins and whether or not he can still become the player we all thought he'd be. Therefore for this next season, I want to see Wiggins become that true second star in Minnesota. My wish would be for Wiggins to return to a 20 ppg scorer, as well as being a capable NBA defender. I believe this needs to be the Timberwolves biggest wish too. In my opinion, I believe Towns will be demanding a trade out of Minnesota at the end of next season if he doesn't see Wiggins do a 180.

Wish #2: The Jazz finish top 3 in the Western Conference / Donovan Mitchell makes his first all-star appearance

Heading into his third season, Mitchell is expected to take a leap in play, having the strong support of stars Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gobert alongside him

From the minute Donovan Mitchell exploded onto the NBA scene, I became a big fan for his play. I'm also a believer in him, as I believe one day he will be an All-NBA caliber guard. But for next season, I'm hoping that he can reach that status in just his third season. Along with being named to an All-Star team, I believe Mitchell alongside a strong supporting cast can finish top three in the Western Conference standings. Even though this is a wish, I just believe that all the right pieces are in place for Mitchell's success. Playing with Conley will elevate his play tremendously, as Conley will take defensive attention away from Mitchell. I also think that the fresh, young legs of Mitchell and Gobert will be able to endure the long season. I imagine teams like the Clippers, Lakers, and Warriors will be monitoring the loads of their star players. This is the best Jazz team in a while, and I'm hoping Quin Snyder and the Jazz can deliver this next season.

Wish #3: Kristpas Porzingis comes back healthy and forms the league's most versatile duo with Luka Doncic

A disgruntled Porzingis was dealt last season to the Mavericks, with hopes he can return back healthy and pair with dynamic guard/forward Luka Doncic for the foreseeable future

With the new trend of NBA star duos, I believe the Mavericks tandem are being severely under looked. This is happening though because of the health of 7'3" Forward Kristpas Porzingis. Amidst an All-Star season in 2017-18, the Latvian native suffered a severe knee injury. Missing the whole 2018-19 NBA season, Porzingis was dealt to the Mavericks once he informed Knicks officials he desired a trade. This season though, it is expected the Porzingis will return to the court alongside Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic. If Porzingis comes back being the same player he was in that All-Star season, I think these two will run the NBA this upcoming decade. With Porzingis' two-way abilities (and ability to stretch the floor) and Doncic's crafty offensive skill set, these two look to be must watch basketball. Everything falls in the hands of Porzingis and the Maverick's training staff to return a healthy player. If so, Dallas will look to have a similar pairing to that of Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki of years ago.

Wish #4: Nikola Jokic wins MVP

Perhaps the greatest passing big of all time, Jokic seems poised to build upon an All-NBA first team selection next year

There's no denying that Nikola Jokic is a generational type talent. Due to the fact that he plays on a smaller market team in the Denver Nuggets, the average NBA fan will only know Jokic's name from the magical highlights he produces game in and game out. Putting up averages of 20 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists is just absurd for a player of his size. This is something you'd expect out of a player like LeBron James or Russell Westbrook. But no, this is coming from a foreign big man who was drafted in the SECOND ROUND. With all of his talent and the supporting cast he has around him, I think Nikola Jokic has a strong chance with winning the Most Valuable Player award next season. The MVP tends to be the best player on one of the best teams in the league. Going into next year, the Nuggets may very well be one of the best teams in the league. With Jamal Murray returning after a strong 2018-19 campaign, as well as the debut season of Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets are one of the most promising teams next season. Don't be surprised if they walk away with a top three seed in the Western Conference as well. If Jokic can have a stat line of 22-24 points, 10-12 rebounds, and 8 assists, I'd have no problem with seeing Jokic walk away with this award. Go do it Jokic, I believe in you.

Wish #5: Lonzo Ball flourishes in New Orleans, averaging a double-double and receiving All-Defensive honors

Ball had a rather rough stay in Los Angeles, not living up to the absurd expectations he had

Lonzo Ball finds himself on the New Orleans Pelicans now, being a part of the Anthony Davis trade. The Lakers traded away a lot of talent to acquire Davis, and it's time for players like Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball to prove the Lakers wrong. Despite having two underwhelming seasons on the Lakers, there's no hiding the fact that Ball has evident potential. Back on the UCLA Bruins, Lonzo proved that he was worth the #2 pick, leading a high-powered Bruins offense to the tournament. On the Lakers, Lonzo showed flashes of elite defense and a natural ability to elevate the play of his teammates around him. Now that he is on the Pelicans, I believe that Lonzo can work on his game in the shadows of Duke superstar Zion Williamson. Ball looks to be the starting point guard next year, playing alongside two-way specialist Jrue Holiday to help better his game. Ball and Holiday have a strong possibility to form the best defensive backcourt in the league. Along with displaying his elite defense, I can also see Lonzo putting up double-digit points and assists next year. The points should be easy to come by, with the defense focusing more on containing the offensive stars around him. The assists should be easy as well, as Ball will be able to dish out lobs to players like Williamson and Hayes, as well as pass out to shooters like Redick and Hart. Hopefully Lonzo can come around and turn into the pure point guard prospect he appears to be.