Whats up my peoples! With a new NBA season upon us, we here at SportsEffectLive know that as exciting as last season was, this year has a whole new set of storylines which could make for one of the great years in NBA history.
Heres our SELive Hot 10 Storylines in the 2013-2014 season
1. Can LeBron, DWade and Co. win their third straight title?
With Miami now winning not one, but two titles now, really loosens the cloak around LeBrons neck, which could really be a problem for the League this year; If things fall right (healthy Greg Oden, inspired Michael Beasley, new DWade) we could be looking at a 70- win team this season. If things fall flat (hurt Oden or DWade), look for Heat to struggle to win a 3-peat. Anything in between? Dont bet against it.
2. Which team in the East has the best chance to knock off champs?
There are 3 teams who will look to take the reins from Miami- Chicago, Brooklyn, and Indiana. We think that the Knicks have the players to do it as well, but can they find their chemistry? Brooklyn, on paper, looks great. They have all the tools to get it done (aside from a veteran coach); The Pacers took the Heat to the brink last year; now with a healthy Granger? Things could get interesting. Then there's Da Bulls (see #5).
3. Can Spurs bounce back from epic loss? Or will father time chase them off?The Spurs were 1 rebound, and 1 missed FT away from being champs; instead, they watched Ray Allen drop the biggest 3 in Heat history, then watched LBJ finish em off in game 7. While this was a crushing defeat, bear in mind, that nothing motivates players more than failure. Especially a team like the Spurs. Look for the Spurs to challenge again this year.
4. Can Oklahoma City get back to Finals? Will Westbrook be Westbrook 2.0?
It looked like OKC would be back in Finals, but when Russell Westbrook went down,that opportunity went out the window. The Thunder chances will hinge directly on if Westbrook comes back close to 100 percent. If he still has that explosion and fearlessness, look for OKC challenge the Miami Heat for the NBA title. If he's not a hundred percent? Could be another unfortunate season for the Thunder.
5. Will Derrick Rose be DRose 2.0 after injury?
watching Derek rose in the preseason definitely hyped up the Bulls fans and maybe put the Eastern Conference teams on notice. However it was the preseason, so you can put too much into it. D Rose looked tremendous. a lot of people feel that with a healthy Rose, the Bulls can overtake the Miami for the title. If he's anything like he looked in the preseason, then it could be a good summer for the Bulls to get to the Finals? The supporting cast is primed and ready as well, and u know Bulls coach Thibedeau will be letting the physicality play and the anger boil (starting tnight @ Heats ring ceremony).
Coming Tomorrow:
6. Can Doc Rivers lead Clippers to the promise land?
7. What type of player will Kobe Bryant be when he comes back? & Can the Lakers survive without him?
8. Who will run New York? Nets or Knicks
9. Are the Warriors ready to take the next step? Is Steph Curry a MVP
10. Can the Cavs get to the playoffs? Will Coach Mike Brown & Bynum help get them there?
