Interview with Troy Justice on the 2013-14 NBA season - 'The Heat can three-peat'

Troy Justice – NBA Sr. Director, Basketball Operations (International)

The 2013-14 NBA season is just around the corner and 30 teams will battle it out for a spot in the Playoffs, and ultimately for the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy.

I had a chance to talk to Troy Justice, the NBA Senior Director, Basketball Operations (International). In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Troy Justice tells us his thoughts on the new NBA season and what we can expect in the coming months.

The big question on everyone’s minds – can the Miami Heat do a three-peat?

The Heat are definitely in a position to accomplish a three-peat. Their roster has remained consistent and their current performance levels are good. They’re the top team in the NBA and are definitely a front runner for the title.

Who, in your opinion, are the biggest contenders in the East and the West?

In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be big contenders provided Russell Westbrook is healthy. With him and Durant in the team, they will be tough opponents to beat. The San Antonio Spurs are always there in the mix. They’re a team that is always underestimated and they prove themselves up to the challenge time and again. The Los Angeles Clippers could also mount a challenge. They’ve got a new coach and players who can compete.

Many of the teams in the East are rebuilding this season. Apart from the Miami Heat, as I said earlier, only the Chicago Bulls look like they are contenders. That is provided they can stay healthy throughout the year.

As many as 13 teams have new head coaches this season. Do you see any of these teams struggling or getting better?

One team which I think will see some improvement is the Detroit Pistons (under Maurice Cheeks). They have made a lot of progress with their roster.

The Brooklyn Nets will be interesting to watch. They are unpredictable and there are a lot of dynamics to consider. They look good on paper but they have an older roster compared to the other teams. If Jason Kidd can coach as well as he played, they will do well.

One other team that is up and coming is the Boston Celtics. Under Brad Stevens, I think the Celtics can perform better than people expect.

Can Doc Rivers handle the dual responsibility of being the Head Coach AND Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations at the LA Clippers?

It will be interesting to watch. Doc is one of the top coaches in the NBA. He has that respect and experience in the League and he has an excellent track record. It will be a difficult proposition. Others have tried before and it is not easy. It is difficult to manage both responsibilities.

But Doc Rivers is one of the few men who can do that. It adds a sense of excitement and drama to the NBA – kind of like a sports reality show on TV (laughs).

We saw a lot of players being traded in the past few months. With players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Dwight Howard and Andre Iguodala making moves, which trades have impressed you the most?

The Brooklyn Nets have done a great job signing players like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. They are a top team with the roster they have. I believe the Houston Rockets is the right team for Dwight Howard. He will feel at home and considering that it is a smaller market, he can quietly go about his work.

The Andre Iguodala trade was great business. He was the missing piece for the Golden State Warriors and they are a much stronger team with him in the line up. He is exactly the athletic front line player the Warriors needed in the roster.

Who is your choice for MVP this season? Will LeBron James run away with the award again?

I’m going to go out and say Kevin Durant. LeBron James is the best basketball player on the planet by far, but if not LeBron, then it has to be Kevin Durant. The OKC Thunder could have a shot at beating the Heat in the Finals this season.

I’m a big Kevin Durant fan. He has all the components for a basketball player – not just his skills on the court, but his leadership qualities as well. When he’s on the court, he makes everyone around him better.

Derrick Rose has looked good in pre-season. What are your thoughts on his return? Can he lead the Chicago Bulls to the Eastern Conference finals, and maybe the NBA title?

Definitely. With Rose in the team, there are many more scenarios to consider. And his presence lifts the entire team. The Bulls play so much better with him on the court – be it scoring, on defence or creating shots for the others.

The time off he took to recover from his injury meant he had that much extra time to recover and set himself up for a good year. That was critical to him and the Bulls because if he had rushed back, it would have been difficult for him as a lot is expected of him on the court.

What are your thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers? Will it be a season in transition?

The Lakers will definitely be in rebuilding mode this season. There are just too many changes to the roster which casts a doubt on the future. After a long time, the Lakers might even miss the NBA Playoffs this season. I can’t remember the last time they missed the Playoffs.

Do you think Kobe Bryant will be the same once he’s back from his injury?

Kobe suffered an injury to his Achilles (tendon) and it is tough to come back to your best after an injury like that. I don’t think we will see the same Kobe Bryant when he is back. You don’t get the same lift on your jump as much as you used to.

But he is a big competitor and he will do all he can to carry his team when he’s back. He’ll somehow find a way to come out on top.

A lot of All-star players (like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony) are free agents in 2014. Do you think this will be a make-or-break season for them?

I think, yes. All these guys are in a situation where they are looking for championships. They’re on the lookout for the next opportunity to win something. We may see two or three free agents getting together in 2014. It has been a pattern in the NBA in recent years. LeBron James did it, and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce also did something similar.

Which rookies do you think will impress this season?

Anthony Bennett of the Cleveland Cavaliers for one. He was the number one pick in the 2013 draft. He is your NBA prototype player. He’s physically strong; he rebounds well and can play defence in many positions.

Another player is Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic. He’s a player who gives everything in every game. He’s getting better and could surprise people this season. He could have been the number one pick in the draft and he’s one to watch this season.

Then there’s Kelly Olynyk. He’s a skilled and crafty player who can score at the NBA level. He’s versatile and can play in a variety of positions. This could be a break-out year for him.

Coming to the man who has been in the NBA for a long, long time – David Stern; he will be stepping down after 30 years as the NBA Commissioner in 2014. Can you comment on his impact in the League?

David Stern has really transformed the League and made basketball a global sport. Basketball games were not televised when he started his stint as the Commissioner and he changed that. It’s unique to see someone in charge for 30 years and see the kind of impact he made in the NBA and sports in general.

He brought sports business and entertainment together. He is a constant innovator in sports management and he really set the bar high. It is an honour and privilege to work in the NBA at this time, when he was in charge.

My final question: who will you be rooting for this season?

My favourite team; the Minnesota Timberwolves. I think they have a chance to make the Playoffs this season if they stay healthy. The roster looks good, especially with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love. Coach Rick Adelman also looks good to take this team far.

Apart from them, I’ll be keeping an eye on the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs as well.