10 NBA Things I’m Looking Forward To

The 2017 NBA season is almost upon us. With the first games kicking off in less than a month I thought I’d put together a list of things I’m most looking forward to.

There’s been some big stories already; Ben Simmons is out and Phillys bad luck with Rookies continues. Someone in that organization must have hooked up with one of the B’ball god’s wives, because they’re being punished severely.

Will JR Smith re-sign with The Cavaliers? Or marry a Kardashian and pass out in a whore house... Oh that may have happened already?

Anyway on with the list…

10. The Clippers

You get the feeling this could be the last chance saloon for the core group at The Clippers. They’ve had some bad luck for sure, but they’ve also underachieved. With CP3, Blake, DeAndre, Reddick, and 6th man Crawford on the roster, they should’ve made a finals series. Doc Rivers, and Paul Pierce add championship experience as well.

Still you get the feeling something’s not quite there and Blake could wash up on Hollywood boulevard after a 4-day bender dressed like a woman asking for a trade to OKC.

I’d actually like them to win, just so they can roll past Kobe’s house with the trophy.

9. James Harden

There has been a state of emergency in Houston over the past 4 months. Large groups of military and police have been out searching for Hardens defensive game.

Hopes are high within the Rockets organization it will be found before the season kicks off.

There are reports coming out of Oklahoma that it originally went missing there and Houston may need to widen the search.

I hate players who only play one end of the court. Hated it when I played (badly), hate it when I’m watching. I also hate games that are full fouls and free throws. So yeah, that's all you James and your stupid beard. I’d be happy if he is banished to the NBA wilderness.

Here’s a non highlight reel for you.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves

I really like this team, there young core has excitement and highlight reel written all over them. Philly fans must be looking over and saying; why the fuck is our team not like this?

KAT could be anything, and if Wiggans can make more jump shots this team could be relevant for a number of years to come. Thats if Tom Tibedou doesn’t flog them to death.

Also they have this guy….

Ewwww! That’s some sick shit.

7. Anthony Davis

I’m a big Davis fan, the kid has everything and I’m expecting a big year from the him.

All the recent talk has been about Towns and how far he can go, a couple of years ago it was all about Davis. If he can stay injury free expect the big man to come back with a vengeance.

The only real thing holding him back is his coach, the rest of his team, and the front office. Other than that he should be sweet.

Depending on where I am in my fantasy draft I’m gambling and going big on Davis.

Here’s a reminder of what he can do….

6. Brooklyn Nets

There a two major things I’m looking forward to this year from the Nets.

One, can they have the worst season in NBA history? My main interest here is because The Celtics still own their first round draft picks. Coming last means a better chance in the 2017 lottery.

The second thing is; how well Sean Marks will go with the shittiest team in the league. I’m sure he’s learnt a lot at The Spurs, I mean how could you not? The major difference he’ll have is The Spurs won, and unless Brooke Lopez turns into Teen Wolf The Nets ain’t winning shit. Kia kaha Sean.

5. Russell Westbrooke

I don’t think I need to say too much here. If you aren’t interested in seeing how Russ goes after KD’s departure you don’t like basketball. He’ll have a chip the size of the Golden Gate Bridge on his shoulder, and no need to share the ball.

Personally I reckon he’s going all John Rambo on their asses.

4. Boston Celtics

This pick is self-indulgence as the Celtics have been my team since NZ had 1 game a week televised on a Sunday afternoon. As a kid I watched them go head to head in the famous clashes with The Lakers. Bird v Magic, Kareem v Parish, The Garden v Staples Centre, I loved it.

This year could be the year we come back into relevance. There’s a lot to like about our roster, and team environment. As a coach Brad Stevens could be heading in the direction of someone like Greg Popovich. Big statement I know, but he gets the players to buy into a team first culture. Remind you of anyone?

Add that chemistry with the fact we still have 67867857686 first round draft picks, including those from the tanking Nets, the future looks bright.

3. Kevin Durant

The reaction to Durant leaving OKC wasn’t quite as crazy as LeBron heading to Miami, but it was close. The locals of Oklahoma did the burning jersey thing and bagged him out as a traitor etc. But at the end of the day there really is very little loyalty when millions of dollars are at stake. Fair enough too, the dude has to make choices that he thinks are best for him. Plus, I really don’t think Durant & Westbrook had a relationship like; Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kidd or Riggs and Murtagh or even John Key and a ponytail. It was more like Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte in 48hrs, they had to work together to get the job done, but at the end of the day we ain’t hitting the club.

So how will Durant go in Golden State? There’s even more players to share the ball, limelight, shoe sales, with and if he doesn’t do what’s right for the team Draymond will probably kick him in the nuts.

Only time will tell.

2. Golden State Warriors

Following on from Durant, it’s going to be an interesting year for The Dubs. So many stars, only one ball.

This isn’t the first time a super team has been put together, The Lakers with Kobe, Shaq, Payton, Malone, Horace Grant, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher (pre being punched out by Matt Barnes) and Luke Walton, (ok so Luke Walton did fuck all, I just put him in for a laugh). Were supposed to win it all, they got their ass handed to them by Chauncey and The Pistons. I loved every minute of that series.

I digress, can this super team work together and can Steve Kerr manage all these egos? Personally I hope they have some issues, I couldn’t stand another season of Draymond telling everyone else how amazing they are. You could see by the way Cleveland acted throughout the 2016 finals there’s no love for The Warriors in the league.

But hats off to them they play some attractive basketball and will be favorites to win it all this season.

1. Steven Adams

Could this guy get any more chilled? He makes it seem like he’s playing back in Rotovegas with the boys on a Tuesday afternoon.

He made huge strides in the playoffs last year, banging with the best players in the world. He didn’t back down to anybody on defense and his offence went from strength to strength.

There will be more expected of him this year, especially on offence. For me he needs to average a double/double for OKC to be relevant.

Mostly I’m just looking forward to seeing a Kiwi make it in the NBA. Seam Marks had a long career without too much game time. Steven could potentially play for the next 10 years at least and make 100 million dollars plus.

Go get it big man, more throw downs on this idiot please…..

Rents