Let’s quickly recap last season in the NBA, shall we. The fear of having the season thrown away due to a lockout was on most fans minds early on. Fortunately, the owners and players hammered out a deal after vigorous negotiations and a 66-game schedule started on Christmas Day.
The 2011-12 season included to some spectacular talent and riveting storylines. Jeremy Lin, remember that name? Of course you do. The New York Knicks point guard became a household name with jerseys selling off the shelf and “Linsanity” becoming an oft-quoted phrase. Lin got his chance because of an injury to Baron Davis. Highlights included a buzzer beater shot against the Raptors in Toronto and a career-high 38 points against Los Angeles Lakers.
Finally, the playoffs, one word: sensational. Both Oklahoma City and Miami had incredible playoff runs. Miami came up on top in finals, taking the series in five games. LeBron James finally got his ring, and the well-deserved MVP status.
What’s in store for 2012-13? Rookie talent, including No. 1 pick Anthony Davis and the new and improved Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis, who was selected first overall by New Orleans Hornets, is coming into the NBA after winning the NCAA Men’s Division 1 Championship with Kentucky University. He was also part of the U.S.’s gold-medal team at the London Olympics. Standing six foot 10 with an arm span of 7-3, Davis is just 19 years old. Last year, he averaged 14.2 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 4.7 blocks per game, a field goal average of 62.3 per cent. Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of the uni-brow.
When I heard the Los Angeles Lakers were retooling their roster, I was shocked. Steve Nash (Kid Canada), Dwight Howard (Superman), Chris Duhon, Antwan Jamison, and Jodie Meeks have been added to a team that already includes Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the one and only Metta World Peace, who is always making highlights for NBA content creators.
Howard is still recovering from his back surgery, while Bryant is now dealing with soreness in his right foot. Once they come back, will they dominate with all this talent or will they crash and burn?
Let’s be honest, we all want to see Nash win a ring, and see Kobe add to his five championships.
Fresh off a fantastic season, LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are ready to defend their title. They will be tough to beat, especially with the additions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.
Another team to look out for this season is the Los Angeles Clippers. They re-signed Chauncey Billups, acquired Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes in the off-season and could be give the Lakers all they can handle in the Western Conference.
This will be a season full of skill, talent, comebacks and new beginnings for most teams. Things I never thought I would hear: Steve Nash to the Lakers, Grant Hill to the Clippers, Ray Allen to the Heat, and the best one of all … Lebron James with a championship ring.
