'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NBA’s exceptional popularity would not be where it is today without storylines that drive the media and fans crazy. Every season is highly anticipated by millions across the globe to check how the stories of their favorite teams unfold.
Last year, questions about how Paul George would respond to adversity after playing poorly against the Denver Nuggets were soundly answered by Playoff P’s latest postseason performance.
The Brooklyn Nets were concerned about chemistry issues when the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden trio was assembled. They simply proved chemistry was a non-issue with one dominating show after another in the minutes that they were together on the floor.
The 2021-22 season is no different when it comes to storylines. There are so many spicy questions that need answers when the NBA begins its 75th season. The world is holding its collective breath waiting for the whistle that signals the start of the season.
A look at the the 2021-22 NBA season’s most pressing questions
#5 Where will Ben Simmons end up?
The question could be completely irrelevant if Simmons gets traded before the start of the NBA season. However, should the Philadelphia 76ers do not back down from their stance, this will be a standoff that could drag on until the trade deadline arrives.
Currently, Simmons is willing to sit out the entire season to get traded. The Philadelphia 76ers are built to win now, so adding a top player can make them a legit title contender. The additional draft picks will give them flexibility and hopefully make them an elite team for years to come if the picks turn out to be players who can eventually contribute.
If Philly struggles to make the playoffs without Simmons, they may be forced to take what is the best option for them. It is an option that could possibly be much lower than what they are expecting. Where Ben Simmons will end up is a riveting question that the whole NBA will be watching.
#4 Will Kawhi Leonard play?
Los Angeles Clippers President of Basketball Operations Frank Lawrence refuses to give a time frame for Leonard’s return. But reports of Kawhi being ahead of his recovery could see one of the NBA’s most fearsome two-way players get back on the court sooner than expected.
The Clippers guarantee that they won’t hesitate to shut down Leonard if there is a development that is not expected. But if it’s all systems go for one of the games’ clutch players, will Tyronne Lue put him on the floor? Additionally, what will Kawhi Leonard look like after another significant injury?
March or April is the most optimistic return for Leonard. If the Clippers struggle in the upcoming NBA season, the front office will most likely wait until next year to bring him back.
#3 Who will be the surprise team that can make a deep run in the NBA playoffs?
Last year, the Atlanta Hawks surpassed all expectations when they reached the NBA Eastern Conference finals.
They faced a rejuvenated New York Knicks team that was hoping to at least pass the first round. Trae Young’s performance in last year’s postseason will remind New York fans what an elite player can do.
Despite Tom Thibodeau's defensive schemes, the Hawks dispatched the Knicks and eventually stunned the 76ers for a place in the NBA East finals.
The Chicago Bulls have been very aggressive in the last few months to get back into playoff contention. Billy Donovan now has a Big 3 of his own to rely on. Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan could be a potential problem in the East.
If Patrick Williams heals from a severe ankle sprain and takes it a step further in his development, the Bulls’ starting five will be a force to be reckoned with. Zach LaVine is out to prove his worth as one of the best shooting guards in the league. Chicago could make a deep run in the East.
The Golden State Warriors could also ruin the West playoff picture. But, it’s not going to be a surprise if they get to the postseason with a healthy Klay Thompson.
#2 How many games will the Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden play together?
Last year, the Brooklyn Nets’ trio combined for only 13 games, counting the regular season and playoffs. Uncertainties regarding chemistry were blown out of the water when KD, Irving and Harden thoroughly outclassed opponents when they shared the court.
Fortunately for the rest of the NBA, they couldn’t stay healthy long enough to run away with the championship.
This year, it could yet be another issue as Irving is dealing with the consequences of refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The cities of New York and San Francisco enacted laws that require players to have at least one dose of the vaccine.
If the mercurial point guard refuses to budge, he could miss all the home games and road fixtures against the Golden State Warriors.
The punishing 82 game schedule could dash their hopes of an NBA title if one of Durant and Harden goes down with an injury. A healthy KD and James might not even be enough to annex the crown.
#1 What is Russell Westbrook’s fit with the Los Angeles Lakers?
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to win a championship with a still capable LeBron James. The addition of Russell Westbrook, however, raises many valid questions about the fit. How would a ball-dominant and poor shooter make the Lakers a true contender for the NBA title?
NBA history shows that King James works best when he is surrounded by shooters. Westbrook is norming 30% from deep. Whether it is catch and shoot or spot up, the percentages from beyond the arc are measly.
The Lakers will have their best chances of winning if LBJ plays the point. It will force Russ to be an off-the-ball threat, which is something he was never really good at. It would be a pleasant surprise if he can change that with the Lakers.
Westbrook’s contribution could very well be keeping LeBron fresh. He is an elite competitor with an almost limitless motor. He is still the NBA's King of Triple Doubles. Allowing James to get some rest and help with playmaking duties could very well be his redeeming assets now.
Perhaps a healthy LeBron would be good enough to carry the team despite a seemingly ill-fitting roster addition in Russell Westbrook.
