The 70th NBA season is set to tip off tonight and there's reason to believe this could be one of the best; and most competitive. One of the reasons for this is the resurgence of the Eastern Conference, which is usually known for poor performances from a majority of its teams.
For the past few years the East has been LeBron Jame's kingdom. James has won the Eastern Conference the past five years but has only captured the NBA championship two of those years.
The East has improved this year. The Milwaukee Bucks are a up in coming young team with the return of Jabari Parker from injury. The Miami Heat have added Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, and hope Dwayne Wade can stay healthy. The Bulls are expected to be competitive once again, but the health of Derrick Rose is always a question.
The real question is can any of these teams beat LeBron Jame's Cavs in the East four times?
Probably not, although I give Miami the best shot if Wade can stay healthy.
The Western Conference is a whole different story. In my opinion there are five teams that can legitimately come out of the Western Conference. The defending Champion Golden State Warriors, Los Angles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Houston Rockets.
Golden State is returning all of its core players so there's no reason to think they wont be a threat, especially with reigning MVP Stephen Curry leading the team. The Spurs added a double double machine in LaMarcus Aldridge and still have the ageless Tim Duncan at the helm.
Kevin Durant is returning for the Thunder to join his partner and crime Russell Westbrook. The Clippers added Paul Pierce to a already loaded roster and the Rockets are returning with good health and hunger for vengeance after losing in the West Finals a year ago.
Did I mention Kobe Bryant is returning in what could be his last season? The Lakers aren't expected to be much this year but they'll be watchable as long as Kobe is on the court.
Expectations for the season are high, and they should be. Competition should be fierce, games should be close and exciting, the NBA should have one of the best seasons yet.
Predictions: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors in NBA Finals
Warriors in 7
