The NBA's Biggest Storylines Heading Into The 20/21 Season
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The NBA season is coming in fast. The offseason was shorter than usual but it saw a ton of action, and with the preseason starting this Friday I just wanted to talk about the biggest storylines heading into, what is sure to be, a wild NBA season.
Drama In Houston
The fireworks are exploding down in Houston. With the owner Tilman Fertitta being a Trump supporter, there has become ascension amongst the ranks, Russell Westbrook was sent out the door and former MVP James Harden went AWOL for a brief moment in time. Of course, he did finally show up to Houston’s facilities, but this is definitely not a good look for the Rockets.
The Rockets future hinders on what they do with Harden, the team did acquire former all-star John Wall and signed Demarcus Cousins, but the Harden-Wall era might not last long. Trade rumours are swirling around Harden, and subsequently will be a huge storyline this season. The Rockets won't rush trading Harden, and that will keep everyone's eyes gazed upon Houston.
Clippers Looking for Redemption
The LA Clippers were the favourites to take home Larry OB last season after signing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, however after a subpar regular season by their rosters standards, the wheels fell off in the playoffs. What made matters even worse was PG’s struggles.
Reports of Kawhi and PG getting special treatment, it’s no surprise this team crumbled when things were going down hill. This crumbling cost Doc Rivers his job and in turn left the door open for Tyronn Lue to take over.
The Clippers said goodbye to Montrezl Harrell but managed to add some more fire power to replace him. With the additions of Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Tatum the Clippers are looking to bounce big time, and if they don’t Kawhi Leonard could be taking his elsewhere as well.
Return of Durantula
Kevin Durant's return date is still up in the air, but many have speculated his first game back could be against his former team Golden State in February. Still, the Nets and Durant will have a huge microscope on them this season, especially given Durant hasn't played since game 5 of the 2019 finals.
Will Durant recapture his old form? That’s the real question. It's an injury that many have not come back from, but it has to be said Durant is a special player so he’ll more than likely come back with a vengeance. But as a basketball fan seeing Durant come back will be a great sight, especially if Durant can still be the player he once was.
Giannis Pending Free Agency
The last few years the Milwaukee Bucks have been primed to for a championship run, but given their past failures they needed to make some moves to save face. This started with the addition of all-star Jrue Holiday and former first round power forward Bobby Portis. Will it be enough? Who knows, but they are doing everything they can to convince Giannis it is.
Giannis has captured back to back MVP awards and his contract happens to be up after this upcoming season. The pressure is on the Bucks to perform, and another failed postseason run and their franchise player could be leaving.
Lakers Repeat?
The Lakers are coming into this season looking to defend their title and what’s really scary is that they look better on paper compared to their championship season. Adding the likes of reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroeder, Wesley Matthews and Marc Gasol, the Lakeshow looks to continue their reign over the league.. Of course, the re-signing of Anthony Davis was a nice cherry on top.
It's hard to bet against LeBron and AD, they’re both fantastic players and they have fantastic chemistry together so what else could really want. AD looked dominant in the playoffs and LeBron re-signed for another two years. The Lakers look poised to repeat and can anyone stop them?
