10. Kevin Durant's continued rise
- nobody made more of an offseason impression than KD. Now that he's back on NBA courts will he take over the league and continue his momentum?
9. The Mavericks attempt to defend their title
- there will be no asterisk on the 2012 title and everybody is gunning for the championship like every other year. How will the rock-solid champs respond?
8. Players return from overseas
- the flood of players back from overseas will showcase the varying experiences and skills players have picked up across the big salty. Players with opt-out clauses that is... how will teams whose players signed overseas contracts without out-out clauses react to the loss of their players for the entire season?
7. The new Lakers
- after last years' playoff exit, Phil Jackson is out and Mike Brown is in. Does this mean Kobe will go for 32 per night? or will they deal Odom/Bynum for Dwight? if they get off to a slow start will they take dramatic action or maintain status quo?
6. New Raptors coach Dwane Casey
- in Raptorland we're still a year away from Jonas Valenciunas, and are still looking forward eagerly to next years draft. So basically the same as every year. But, the biggest change will be Dwane Casey's team philosophy and how that translates on the floor. Will the Raptors defense improve?
5. Could-be free agents
- guys on the bubble of free agency like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams could ride it out or try to force their way out like Carmelo did last year. Will the new restrictions under the new collective bargaining agreement keep them with their current teams, or do they even want to leave?
4. The Phoenix Suns
- there are many teams right now seemingly without a real direction sitting in the middle of the pack including Detroit, Atlanta, Denver and Orlando, but Phoenix intrigues me. Will they finally part ways with Steve Nash, and will he find a suitable playoff team to finally lead to glory?
3. Free Agency Frenzy
- with training camp and free agency opening simultaneously on December 9th, teams will be scrambling to pick up the pieces that could make all the difference this season. Who will make the big signings and who will wait it out?
2. LeBron and the Heat
- can LeBron finally shut up his critics? The guy (and whole team) gets more hate than he (they) deserves. If he can win a title and graciously accept it without rubbing it in his doubters faces he will show the class and professionalism they all lack. Stick it to 'em LeBron! And if he doesn't win it will be just as fun.
1. Christmas
- let's just get it started already! See you on Santa Day!
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