I know the NBA season is still two and a half months away, but diehard fans like us are already counting down to some must see court clashes this fall. There will be many marquee games on the calendar, but here are our top five can’t miss regular season matchups.
5. Lakers vs. Celtics
The best rivalry going in the league gets an added twist this season, as former Laker and Kobe sidekick Shaquille O’ Neal joins the C’s in hopes of securing the elusive fifth ring.
4. Thunder vs. anyone
Watch out for the Thunder this year. Last season, Oklahoma City took many casual fans by surprise, as Kevin Durant became a household name, competing for the scoring title, and helping the Thunder secure a playoff spot. This year, expectations are higher, and Oklahoma City will aspire to land homecourt in the first round.
3. Heat vs. Celtics
Over the past three seasons, Boston has held onto the title as “Beasts of the East”, thanks to the original Big 3. This summer, Miami created their own version, with the signing of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to assist Dwyane Wade.
2. Heat vs. Cavaliers
LeBron goes back home for the first time, to face his former employer. All the drama of a Lifetime movie.
1. Lakers vs. Heat
The league has been dying to get Kobe and LeBron in the Finals, and this might be the year that we see it. While many see the Heat as the favorites entering the season to make it out of the East, their measuring stick of how good they really are won’t happen until Christmas Day when they head out west to face Kobe’s crew.
Life after LeBron in Cleveland has been a somber one for a city reeling after their favorite son left them for the beaches of Miami. With a team that bolsters a respectable roster, it is not out of the question that by adding a scoring threat or two on the perimeter to take LeBron’s place, Cleveland can still be a playoff team. While Dan Gilbert looks to rebuild his franchise, there are four players that need to rebuild their careers, and calling Mr. Gilbert may be a good move.
1. Gilbert Arenas
Agent Zero really needs a new lease on his NBA life, and the Wizards would love to give it to him, via a trade. Washington ushered in a new era last month when they drafted John Wall, and contrary to what they may be telling fans, Arenas would be gone if they could get a taker. If Cleveland was game, Arenas could relish as the man who became the new hero in Cleveland.
2. Allen Iverson
A.I recently tweeted that he wants to come and play for a contender that needs his services, and while most around the league don’t think he will get a lot of calls, the Cavs could give Iverson a chance to redeem himself, while providing a scoring punch as the first option on offense. One glaring potential problem – Iverson and Mo Williams or Daniel Gibson on the floor together? Small-Ball….
3. Tracy McGrady
T-Mac had expressed interest in signing with a contender as well, however he also said he wants to start. That would eliminate interest by the Lakers, Jazz, Spurs, or Heat. His stint with New York last spring was underwhelming, so Cleveland would have to look at a one or two year deal at the most.
4. Vince Carter
Vince may have already worn out his welcome in Orlando, after his lackluster performance in last seasons playoffs. There were some rumblings about Hedo Turkoglu coming back to the Magic, in which Vince would be shopped, but Hedo had a change of heart, and Orlando(for now) is stuck with Carter. If you are Dan Gilbert, how many wins does Carter add to your team?
Of course, the option that some believe Cleveland may go with is to literally tank next year, with hopes of landing a top lottery pick. The Cavs have acquired additional picks in the draft via the sign and trade for James, and may begin a youth movement, unloading marketable talent (Anderson Varejao, J.J Hickson) during the All-Star break for additional picks or expiring contracts.
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