Hoop fans, the NBA season is upon us, and it is going to be one for the ages.
As we all know, the NBA’s landscape changed dramatically after one of the biggest and wildest free agency bonanzas in recent memory capped by the formation of a “super team” down in South Beach. In a widely controversial and unpopular move, two-time reigning MVP Lebron James has decided to join forces with superstar Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in hopes of leading the Miami Heat to multiple NBA titles.
However as the saying goes: “To be the man, you have to beat the man,” or in this case, the team. Until they are dethroned, the back to back to champion Los Angeles Lakers holds the title of “best team in basketball.” The potent combination of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol will be leading the charge for Los Angeles again this season. With the return of head coach Phil Jackson, the re-signing of key free agents and solid bench acquisitions, the Lakers look primed to win a third straight championship like they have earlier in the decade.
Their only threat in the Western Conference seem to come from a young Oklahoma City Thunder team led by rising star Kevin Durant. Durant became the youngest NBA Scoring Champion last season and finished the summer by leading the United States to a Gold Medal performance at the FIBA World Championships. He is expected to be a top MVP candidate this coming year. Keep an eye out also for the Portland Trail Blazers. With a healthy Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, they could make some noise come playoff time.
Back in the Eastern Conference, most experts pick the Heat to come out on top. However, after last year’s improbable run to the Finals, the veteran Boston Celtics should never be counted out. With their addition of Shaquille O’Neal, they sport a sizeable front court that can better match up against the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard. Look for the Chicago Bulls, who added a low post presence in Carlos Boozer to go along with Derrick Rose to be the dark horse in the Eastern Conference race.
Despite a looming lockout next year, this season will prove to be a memorable one. With all the games and storylines to be played out, the 2011 NBA season is going to be a spectacle to watch.
Three peat ? (Photo Courtesy of thejimromeshow.com)
