A new championship squad, a young Thunder team in total disarray and dismay, a season by LeBron James concluding with his elusive title ring – last season was full of headlines and energy at the end of the playoffs. The summer proved to be even more so.
During the off-season, there were many pivotal moves throughout the NBA that altered the perception of certain teams heading into the new season. The Lakers obtained two of the best players in the league at their respective positions in Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. While trading away Andrew Bynum, a young star on the rise, the team was able to gain arguably the best center in the NBA in Dwight Howard.
Accompanying Dwight Howard will be Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, whose intangibles that he brings to the team cannot be matched. His point guard assets will suit Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard very well.
Along with the supporting cast of Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol, the Lakers look like serious contenders in the Western conference.
The reigning champion Miami Heat team did not settle down during the summer either. They snagged two great shooters in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, hoping to re-shape the major flaw in their offense: shooting. With key players remaining on the team, the Heat seems to be destined and poised for yet another championship run.
The Rockets landed phenomena Jeremy Lin, a guard who hopes to carry the team to new potential and higher levels.
The Hornets took full advantage of the draft, drafting both Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers, two rookies set for big production in the upcoming season.
And the Brooklyn Nets? Well, they had arguably the best off-season out of all thirty-two teams. The Nets re-signed their star point guard Deron Williams, who initially had thoughts about playing for the Dallas Mavericks under vocal owner Mark Cuban. They also re-signed seven-footer Brook Lopez, who is expected to have a big upcoming season, as he missed most of last season with a foot injury. Gerald Wallace and Kris Humphries also signed new deals to remain with the Nets and accompany the team on its move to Brooklyn.
Finally, the Nets acquired veteran all-star shooting guard Joe Johnson to accompany Williams in the backcourt.
With so much boiling up in the summer, we must ponder the questions: Will certain teams live up to their expectations? Will unexpected squads arise? What surprises and drama will the new NBA season bring? This all culminates on October 29th, when the first jump ball is played, and the NBA season becomes BIG.
