NBA: New Season's Biggest Storylines

The NBA season is finally upon us and I am very happy.  The NFL is cool, but basketball has always been my first love.  This season should be one of the most interesting in recent history.  Let’s discuss some of the season’s biggest storylines.

Miami Heat: Championship or Bust

Will Miami repeat?  That is the million dollar question. I believe they have positioned themselves to do so.  They did not lose any key players from the championship team.  In fact, they added Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, two outstanding shooters who can space the floor even more for Lebron and D. Wade.  Further, Lebron is in a different stratosphere right now, and he is focused to become the best of all time.  Wade appears to be healthy and when he is, he is a top 5 player.  Chris Bosh has had another year to adjust to playing the center position.  The bench now boasts the likes of Haslem, Cole, M. Miller, R. Allen, R. Lewis, and J. Jones.  They may have the best shooting team, from top to bottom, in the entire NBA.  I am predicting another championship for the Heat.

Los Angeles Lakers: Reminiscent of the 2004 Team?

On paper, the Lakers look like a championship ready team.  But, will they live up to the lofty expectations, or will they underachieve?  Be clear, underachievement for this team means anything short of winning an NBA championship.  They were constructed to win, and win now.  Kobe is a year older, and Nash is just old.  Dwight Howard recovered earlier than expected and I expect him to clean the glass and block a lot of shots.  They have a serviceable bench with A. Jamison, S. Blake, J. Meeks, and J. Hill.  But, as with any other team in the league, they are one injury away from a Kobe Bryant temper tantrum and a Mike Brown firing.  We shall see.

Oklahoma City Thunder:  The End of a Dynasty?

I have been following the Thunder closely during the off season.  Throughout the summer, there were consistent rumblings that James Harden may not re-sign with OKC.  I honestly thought they would lose him in free agency, but I did not think he would leave before the beginning of the season.  Well, it happened and he is gone to Houston.  The Thunder signed Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb to replace Harden.  Also, they signed rookie, Perry Jones III, who has the potential to be a really good NBA player.  Eric Maynor has returned from offseason surgery and Serge Ibaka has signed a long term deal.  In terms of talent, I think they are in a good position, but, in terms of chemistry, the Harden departure may have a lasting negative impact.  We shall see.

Los Angeles Clippers: Ready for the Bright Lights?

The Los Angeles Clippers made many significant offseason moves.  They may have the deepest team in the league at this point.  They signed G. Hill, L. Odom, J. Crawford, M. Barnes to contracts and E. Bledsoe is still under contract.  Blake Griffin signed a contract extension and if this season is a good one, Chris Paul will likely sign a contract extension as well.  If Blake Griffin can develop a few back-to-the-basket moves to go along with his immeasurable athletic ability, he can make a leap as a player.  I am expecting Chris Paul to have an even better season than he did last year.  If the Clippers can win 53 or more games, I think he will have to be considered a heavy favorite for a Most Valuable Player award. 

Boston Celtics: A Year Older; A Year Wiser?

What an offseason for the Celtics.  They signed Jason Terry, Courtney Lee and Jeff Green. They lost Ray Allen, who has been involved in a war of words with members of the Celtics.  Kevin Garnett, in typical KG fashion said that he no longer has Ray Allen’s telephone number.  Rondo has been referring to him as “number 20.”  The Heat and Celtics never liked each other, and with Ray Allen changing teams, it will be even more contentious during the opening night game.  As an aside, I do not think Rondo is a top 3 point guard.  He is too limited because he simply cannot shoot the ball and he is a terrible free throw shooter.  That said, this is his year to emerge and prove people like me wrong.  Maybe.

Knicks or Nets: Battle of the Big Apple

New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets?  Before the injury of Amare Stoudemire, who is becoming an overpaid, unhealthy bum, things were looking good for the Knicks.  Without him providing scoring, the Knicks won’t be better than a number 6 seed in the Playoffs.  The Brooklyn team has some talent, but they are unproven.  D. Will is a really good player, and Joe Johnson can play as well.  They have good coaching with Avery Jonhson and a solid low post presence with Brook Lopez and Chris Humphries.  I think Raymond Felton is going to have a very good year for the Knicks, but, without Stoudemire, the Knicks won’t advance and Carmelo with be blamed for it all. 

Peace