NBA Preview...What to expect?

what can we expect for the upcoming
 NBA 2010-2011 season?

          With the 2010-2011 NBA season about to tip off, what can all the eager and loyal fans expect from their team this season? Although some teams such as the Lakers or the Celtics are always assumed to set the standard for the East and West Conference, new teams have risen to the challenge and created a buzz around the NBA. The biggest news across the professional league of basketball pertains to the new and surprising team Miami Heat. With Lebron James (former Cavalier) and Chris Bosh (former Raptor) merging forces with Miami star Dwayne Wade, this season is bound to be one of the most exciting. It is still unknown how the Heat will compete around the league, but it is predicted that they will win around 45 to 50 games; at least. But the lack of the bench players/depth may be an issue as these three superstars cannot possibly play all 48 minutes. Mike Miller, a new addition to the team, has already suffered a severe thumb injury causing the Heat to sign Jerry Stackhouse in his place whose contribution as a player is not the best the league has seen. But with hard work and maybe a lucky free agent signing here or there, the Heat may just have a chance to contend for the title this season.
          Not only are the Heat the talk of the NBA, but the Los Angeles Lakers are on track for a 3 peat if no one can stop their recent dominance the past few seasons. Even though Kobe's knee and increasing age may create some anxiety for all the Laker fans, there truly is nothing to worry about. Now get this, i am not a Lakers fan at all but I need to give them props; they are a legit team and have a very strong chance to make it back to the NBA finals and get a 3peat...I don't like saying that, but that seems like the most likely situation to occur in the West Conference. With two solid additions; Matt Barnes and Steve Blake, the Lakers have no reason to not make to the Western Conference Finals this season.
          Although I believe the Lakers may win the title a third year in row, it wont happen without a tough journey. The Oklahoma City Thunder are an up and coming young team that has tremendous potential, especially with Kevin Durant playing out of his mind. Kevin Durant has finally evolved into a solid and reliable player that just may be the face of the franchise the Thunder have been looking for...this seems like the perfect time for Durant's breakout season to show that he is a great and consistent player. This is the first time the Thunder have real expectations and have a chance of playing deep in the playoffs; past the first round unlike last year.

Who will steal the Title this year? Possibilities are nearly endless...but only one team can come out on top.

          The Dallas Mavericks sure have had their ups and downs throughout the past few seasons or so...or maybe 10. The Mavs are the only team to have have 10 consecutive 50 win seasons without a single championship. Hopefully the veterans such as Dirk Nowitzki and Kidd can finally get that upper edge on their opponent and make it back to the Finals which they have missed ever since 2004 and Dwayne Wade's comeback. With the Mavericks, you really never know what you are going to get...maybe this is the year they step it up in the playoffs, because that is where they seem to struggle the most.
          The Los Angeles Clippers also pose an interesting team with the return of Blake Griffin after his rookie season ending knee surgery. Is it possible that the beast Griffin will stay consistent and dominant all season? And which Baron Davis will we really see? It is hard to tell but I don't see the Clippers getting more than 35 wins this season...but definitely a team to watch out for in the future.
          With so many teams in the NBA from the West and East conferences, I cant elaborate about them all, but I feel this year will definitely be an interesting season to say the least. With the dominant Lakers aiming for another championship to the new and posing threat Miami Heat, who will bring it home this season? Only time will tell....What are your thoughts?



pictures courtesy of espn.com