If Golden State wants to repeat here are a few of the teams they will have to go through
NBA Season has officially begun, so who are the title contenders since there is some amazing basketball being played? The reigning champions Golden State Warriors have basically started where they left off last year with 3 dominating performances in the first week of the season. Teams are finally healthy and it looks like it could be one of the best seasons in recent history. So every year people talk who is the best and what team will get to the Finals this year after all of the transactions and free agent pickups. This season is packed with competitive teams and contenders for Golden States title.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have been going through some rough years as of late due to injuries to both of their stars in the last 2 seasons. Now they are finally healthy and have so much to prove after losing long time head coach Scott Brooks this off season. Last year without former MVP Kevin Durant in the lineup they failed to make the playoffs by 1 NBA game to the New Orleans Pelicans. Although, all was not lost last year with the team because dynamic point guard Russell Westbrook spread his wings and became arguably the most dominating point guard in the game last year. Racking up triple doubles and being an unstoppable force on both sides of the ball. The thunder also added D J Augustine which gives them much needed depth at the point guard positon. If they can stay healthy the Thunder will challenge the Warriors for a Western Conference Championship this season. I believe Westbrook will win MVP this season with a record number of Triple doubles to go with it.
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Chicago Bulls
After finally getting their star player Derek Rose back for the bulk of last season the Bulls look to be a strong contender out of the East this season. The emergence of Jimmy Butler has given them another threat to create and make buckets. Pau Gasol and Joekim Noah make for one the best big man tandems in the NBA. Their ability to pass and finish is only matched by Memphis Grizzlies big men Mark Gasol and Zach Randolph. New head coach Fred Hoiberg has opened up the offense making room for last year’s unproductive bench players like NCAA All American Doug McDermott to finally make an impact. The Bulls should return back to the Eastern conference finals anything less will be a disappointing season for the franchise.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have a lot to prove this year. I personally believe it is championship or bust for them this season. Adding two All Star big men David West from Indiana and Lamarcus Aldridge from Portland to their already stout team gives them a big edge in the season. You still have the big three of the last decade Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker and the GOAT Time Duncan plus a supporting cast that has no rival. The addition of young talent to the old crafty veterans has put the Spurs in the driver seat to win another NBA title and allow Tim Duncan to leave the game on top. Kawhi Leonard’s defense and control on offense gives them a go to guy who can also lock down the other team’s best defender. Should be a great year for the Spurs.
Los Angeles Clippers
The clippers have done the most adding and subtracting over the summer. After blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets in last years’ playoffs the clippers have a lot of making up to do. They went out and got the veteran Paul Pierce and a young gunner in Lance Stephenson to strengthen their line up for a long season. They were able to convince Deandre Jordan to stay in LA and now have a real chance to pursue a championship for the newly owned franchise. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will still be the focus of the offense and leaders of the team but they have enough help to alleviate any excuses. The clippers must get it done this season or we may see this team finally break it up.
There are a few sleeper teams that I like that I will discuss in a later post. These are the teams I feel will give the Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors a run for their money this season. I am excited about the basketball season and can’t wait for these teams to play each other when it all matters. So since the NBA season has begun, who do you think will be the title contenders? Leave a comment and let me know.
