And So It Begins: 5 Awesome NBA Story Lines this Season

'Twas the night before tip-off, and the man told his spouse
I'll watch Monday Night Football, then the lights will go out;
The Bud Light and Mikes Hard were chilling with care,
In hopes tomorrow evening soon would be there;
The man was all nestled all snug in his bed,
Dreams of And-1's, crossovers and fast breaks in his head...

The NBA season tips off tonight with Heat versus Celtics followed by Lakers versus Rockets on TNT. I don't really know if it could get any better than that.


Fresh Starts
John Wall, Blake Griffin, Yao Ming make debuts (Of some sort)

Three players that have, had or might have potential are making first appearances of some sort this season. The beast from the East, Yao Ming makes his return against the Lakers after missing an entire season due to a recurring foot injury. Blake Griffin, last years number one draft pick did not play one regular season game because of a freak injury in the pre-season. This year he gets another chance at his rookie season. John Wall, this years number one draft pick looks to lead the Wizards to a bounce back season. He looked impressive in the pre-season--what about when it counts?

No More Mr. Nice Dwight
Will we see a more aggressive, no-nonsense Dwight Howard?

Since his debut in the NBA, Dwight Howard's toughness has been questioned. He responded the first time by bulking up and becoming the defensive force we all knew he had the potential to be. Now we're waiting for his offense to blossom. Last year in the playoffs, as they were on the verge of losing to the Celtics, we saw flashes of a mean, almost "dirty" Dwight Howard on the block. Will this season be more of the same or will he falter to all the criticism?

Defying the Obvious
Will the Knicks STILL miss the playoffs?

Now I'm no Knicks hater, but I must admit it's funny to watch them consistently implode on themselves and continue to miss the playoffs despite Mike D'Antoni's expectations. Additions of Raymond Felton, Amar'e Stoudemire and potentially a late season acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, I'm excited to see if they can somehow STILL miss the playoffs. (However, I just traded for Raymond Felton on my fantasy team so I'm kinda in his corner).

Respect the Redick
Will J.J. Redick finally have a breakout season?

J.J. Redick looked like the missing piece for the Magic last year in the playoffs. He out shined Vince Carter in the Celtics series and earned himself a shiny new contract in the off-season as the Bulls, Magic and other teams bid for his rights. He's growing as a defender and his off-the-dribble skills have significantly improved. Will he finally emerge as the J.J. Redick that broke record after record at Duke?

Who's house is this?
Who will emerge as the "king" of south beach?

We know a lot about Miami even before the season started. They'll be covered more than old school rock songs on Glee. They'll likely sell out every game they're involved in. The Christmas Day match up against the Lakers will be the most watched NBA game in a long time. But what we don't know is who will emerge the "king" of South Beach. It's Wade's house going into the season, but many eyes will be on Lebron. Nike contributed to that even more last night with it's new "Rise" commercial. As a Dwyane Wade supporter, I can only hope a battle for "team captain" doesn't distract from the goal of winning a championship--but I can't help but think it might get a little competitive.

Get excited. NBA season tips off tonight at 7:30 p.m. et on TNT.

Lebron's Leaving?: 4 Reasons Lebron Should've Stayed Home

At long last, Lebron James has decided to join forces in Miami with Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh. But was it the right move? Here’s why I think Lebron didn’t necessarily make the storybook move that some fans wanted him to, and why he might have been better off just staying home.

1.) It’s still Wade County

First and foremost, Lebron has always been about the legacy. From his self proclamation as “The Chosen One” to his 1-hr ESPN special to tell everyone where he wants to play. However, it’s still Wade County and he will always be in Wade’s city regardless of his accomplishments.

Secondly, it can be assumed the days of back to back MVP’s are gone with such a balanced trio of talent in South Beach. It’s Kevin Durant’s MVP to win this season. Although, we can throw the Black Mamba’s name back into the running as well.

2. Never-ending PR nightmare

Burning jerseys, nasty letters from owner Dan Gilbert and disappointed fans across the nation isn’t necessarily the best lasting image to leave your hometown team—especially in a city that’s experienced so much heartbreak in times past.

By leaving Cleveland after his less than stellar performance against the Celtics, it’s safe to make the analogy that Captain Lebron boarded the lifeboat on his own sinking ship. I’m not saying it wasn’t a better career move if he really just wants to win, but there were certainly better ways to go about parting ways and still keep the Lebron Brand in relatively good graces.

3.) Premature Championship talk

Contrary to popular belief, while the Miami Heat might be a pain in the ass on NBA 2k11 (Good thing I was already a Miami fan ^_^), they are still a 3-man roster who hasn’t had any time to gel—4-man if the Mike Miller signing has been confirmed.

That’s why they call them Championship “Teams”, not Championship “Trios”. There are still a host of teams to compete with Miami in the eastern conference. There’s Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, and a ticked off Cleveland who will still be relatively competitive. Oh, and the Lakers are still the champs.

Maybe in a year or so, a few more pieces and Pat Riley steering the reigns we can talk dynasty. Until then, Lebron, Wade and Bosh have to cope with the pressure of championship expectancy in Miami for years to come.

4. “We’re not your friend anymore”

It’s funny how quickly people will turn on you. In the amount of time it took Lebron to say, “Southbeach”, fans went from “We love you Lebron! Come play for [insert team]” to “%^@%# Lebron! I hope you never win a ring”.

Granted he did seemingly string every potential candidate along for weeks, and even years about the prospect of him playing for their team.

In the “Post Decision” NBA, the Miami Heat have become the team to beat, and hence the villain. Everybody will be out to “Beat the Heat”, and won’t be very nice about it.

A Step Back

In the midst of all this basketball drama, as people will rip or revere Lebron for his career decisions, I want to remind everyone of a couple things.

1. Lebron is still human being and nobody but Lebron understands the pressure he was under for the past several months. So be easy on the guy.
2. ATTN: This just in! Lebron has made his decision and life will go on as usual.

P.s. Winning can make people forget--really quickly.

Thanks for reading.

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