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The 2018-19 NBA season is just around the corner and hoops fans just can't wait to watch their favorite stars and teams back in action soon. Last season we witnessed some special players do what they do best.
James Harden finally won the MVP award after finishing runner-up in the 2017 season, LeBron James once again proved that he is the best player on the planet after playing in all 82 games in his 15th NBA season and led his team to the NBA finals putting up monstrous numbers.
The Celtics and 76ers proved that their young core can compete with the top teams in the league and the Warriors won the championship again for the second consecutive time. With that being said, here are five things to look forward to this upcoming season.
#1 A three-peat on the cards?
The Golden State Warriors are a juggernaut. They have made it to the NBA finals four consecutive times since 2015 having won the Championship thrice (2015, 2017 and 2018).
The Warriors will have the opportunity to become just the 6th team in NBA history to win the Championship three times in a row, a three-peat. Just when you thought that having four All-Stars in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant on one team was dangerous for the entire league, big man DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Warriors this summer making them arguably the greatest sports team ever assembled. The Warriors are clear favorites to win the title yet again.
#2 The era of La-Bron begins
On July 9th, 2018 LeBron James officially signed a four year, $153.3 million deal to join one of the most decorated franchises in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers. The move sent shock waves across the league and changed the entire landscape of the NBA.
James had definitely earned the right to do what was best for him and his family after delivering on his promise to bring a Championship to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. James joins a group of young and talented players like Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart.
The Lakers also added veteran players such as Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Micheal Beasley to their roster this offseason. In Rondo and James, the Lakers arguably have the greatest basketball IQ at their disposal.
The city of Los Angeles is buzzing and excited with James's arrival as this is their best shot at the championship since the Kobe Bryant era. Can James lead this team to glory? Let's wait and watch what is the end product of this ground-breaking trade.
#3 The new look Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets came very close to beating the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals last season. The series went to a game seven with the Warriors eventually prevailing.
A lot of people said that Chris Paul's injury in game five was a big reason why the Rockets lost. Nonetheless, the Rockets have moved on and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the game, Carmelo Anthony, has joined the team this off-season.
His arrival will surely reduce the scoring burden on Paul and reigning MVP James Harden. It will be interesting to see if he starts or comes off the bench. The Rockets probably have the second-best roster in the league including players like Eric Gordon, Clint Capella, P.J Tucker and Gerald Green. They will pose a serious threat to the Warriors' ambitions this season.
#4 The Eastern Conference now becomes competitive
With LeBron James heading to the western conference to join the Lakers, the Eastern Conference will now be fun to watch. Fans were used to seeing LeBron destroying the hopes of teams and making it to the finals, eight consecutive times.
This season, the story will be different. With the Boston Celtics at full strength heading into the season and the Toronto Raptors adding the former Defensive player of the Year and finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to their team, this could form an intense rivalry between the two teams to be the top team in the east.
Not far behind are the Philadelphia 76ers led by Rookie of the Year, Ben Simmons and All-Star big man Joel Embiid. The Washington Wizards too could look to surprise many this season with the addition of former All-star Dwight Howard, who will play alongside the talented duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal.
#5 Who will take home the MVP honors?
Some of the players who are most likely to be in contention for the award are LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kevin Durant. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis will not be far behind.
The two of them had fantastic seasons last year. Giannis averaged 26.9 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists and Anthony Davis averaged 28.1 points and 11.1 rebounds. It will definitely be a tough choice as both of them will look to lead their teams in their respective competitive conferences.
Grab your popcorn ladies and gentlemen as this upcoming season promises to be nothing short of spectacular!
