We are just days away from the start of the NBA regular season, and it could be one of the most intriguing and exciting ones in recent memory.
One reason is that there is no dominant team or clear-cut favorite to win the world championship, and instead, there are several squads that could end up hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy next summer.
But there are also several interesting storylines that fans will want to follow.
From continued uncertainty in Hollywood, a possible return of dissension in another huge market and a new saga for a team that has seen lots of success in recent years, the NBA definitely knows drama.
Will The Brooklyn Nets Be Able To Keep Things Together?
For much of the summer, it looked like the beginning of the end of the Kevin Durant–Kyrie Irving experiment in Brooklyn.
Durant requested a trade, while the Nets reportedly flirted with sending Irving to the Los Angeles Lakers.
But both apparently recommitted themselves to the team, and instead, the Nets are coming into the new season trying to contend for the NBA title they have never won.
Brothers. pic.twitter.com/IP5KPWz0gs
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 9, 2022
It will be easy for Durant, Irving and crew to be positive and harmonious when things are going well and they’re winning games in bunches, but what will happen should they hit an extended slump?
Even more importantly, if Brooklyn fails to reach even the Eastern Conference Finals, will Durant and/or Irving renew their efforts to leave the New York City area?
To add another layer of complexity to what the team is dealing with, it is attempting to integrate the enigmatic Ben Simmons, a player who could either be the missing piece or blow it all up if his head isn’t on straight.
Who ever said things are boring in the Big Apple?
How Long Will Russell Westbrook Last In L.A.?
Most agree that the Los Angeles Lakers made a big mistake when they traded three good, young role players and a first-round draft pick for Russell Westbrook last summer.
So far this preseason, Westbrook has shown an apparent willingness to tweak his game and do more of the unglamorous things new head coach Darvin Ham wants him to do, but it remains to be seen if he will do them and for how long.
Russell Westbrook heard the disrespect and is back
— 🌩⚡️ (@thundercudi) October 4, 2022
Even if Westbrook becomes a perfectly good soldier, the fact is the Lakers are one or two two-way wing role players short of being a title contender, and the 2017 league MVP could be the only viable trade chip they have to acquire those missing pieces.
L.A.’s acquisition of Dennis Schroder and Patrick Beverley, as well as the return of Kendrick Nunn, could expedite a Westbrook trade if he doesn’t perform well or if a can’t-miss trade offer presents itself.
Trouble In Paradise For The Warriors
By now, just about everyone has seen the leaked video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole during a Golden State Warriors practice session.
Was this an everyday flare-up that was much ado about nothing, or is this the first sign of cracks appearing in the foundation of their dynasty?
Both Green and Poole are due for contract extensions, as both can become free agents at the end of the season, and the team may have to choose between them for financial reasons.
It appears Golden State isn’t just leaning towards choosing Poole, but it may be about to pay him very soon.
“The Golden State Warriors and guard Jordan Poole reportedly are expected to agree to a contract extension in the next week,” wrote Peter Dewey of Ahn Fire Digital.
“‘I do expect a contract extension to happen in the next week,’ The Athletic’s Anthony Slater recently said. ‘Maybe Jordan is waiting for that to finally speak to us about the entire saga that has been this entire 10-day period for him.'”
Does this mean the Warriors won’t even make an attempt to retain Green next summer?
If so, is it possible they may even trade him beforehand in order to get some type of a return for him?
NEXT: Jeff Green Lost A Hilarious Bet To DeAndre Jordan