As if the shaker had been shaken, mixed its ingredients and randomly distributed the results, preferably aligned in pairs, the latest trend in the NBA: the 'Big Three' were left behind. Start the 2019/2020 course with as many incentives / questions as you don't remember. A considerable reset, from the new era of who dominated lately (Warriors) until the emergence of a new guest at the party, who was always the poor brother in Los Angeles (Clippers) . From the first steps of the new star, Zion Williamson, to the following of Doncic, the strides of Antetokounmpo, the last and threatening throbbing of LeBron James, etc ...
The interest is triggered when starting from the base of which, probably, neither of the last two finalists repeat in the summits of the new season. That at least is what the predictions ensure. The Raptors, the current champion, do not glimpse even among the top 10 favorites. The departure of Kawhi Leonard , the first MVP of the Finals who changed teams after getting it, is too heavy.
The Warriors played the last five finals consecutively and won three rings. A dynasty that will be remembered with time and not only by conquests, but also by forms. They moved from Oakland to San Francisco, to the brand new Chase Center , and what were perhaps their two most important signs on the way, Stephen Curry on the track and Steve Kerr on the bench, remain. Also Draymond Green and even Klay Thompson, although he is not waiting until February. But Kevin Durant's lost final and goodbye - Iguodala and Livingston also marched - have sown an end-of-something seed in the franchise. Or start? Obviously, they no longer start at number one on the pole as usual, despite the arrival of D'Angelo Russell and the threatening state of Curry: “He is at his best both physically and mentally. By age, strength, conditions, defense ... You are ready to have a great year », warns your technician. The challenge of maintaining its validity may be the greatest of its actions.
End to the curse of the Clippers
But the spotlight has moved a few miles to southern California. Lakers and Clippers never met in a series of playoffs, but they have made Los Angeles the most talented city along with perhaps history. The Staples will be a permanent fireworks gateway.
Year II of LeBron in the Lakers is a promise of strong emotions. By his own ambition, frustrated after an initial season in which the team did not lift his head after his injury at Christmas. And for the arrival, so desired, of Anthony Davis . The franchise did not succeed in trying to recruit another superstar and DeMarcus Cousins broke his knee in August, but with Frank Vogel at the controls they will look for ring 17, which matches the eternal rivals (Celtics), after such hard years as they were not remembered in Hollywood: they accumulate six courses without stepping on playoffs, an unprecedented drought.
The competition will be very close, also in terms of glamor. Because the most desired dance girl left the Clippers side. Movements that change history, that make a franchise cease to be forever cursed. More so if Kawhi Leonard (57 million for two years) was joined by another big fish like Paul George . The offensive mix that Doc Rivers can make of them will be the key; Defensively there is no doubt that few will be equal. For the NBA General Managers, they are the favorites.
The West returns to concentrate most of the power, because the Rockets were not left behind. James Harden, who has been advancing from record time to record, was joined by Russell Westbrook , perhaps the most explosive duo of all. Not forgetting the Jokic Nuggets, the Lillard and McCollum Blazers or the Doncic and Porzingis Mavericks.
Bucks and Sixers in the East
On the other side, the attention is divided into two powerful projects, especially since Kevin Durant may not play any games of the next course with his new shirt, the Nets. The focus, of course, for the Bucks of the impressive Giannis Antetokounmpo , only stopped last year by the Raptors despite starting sending the Eastern final 2-0. A solid project that has only lost one important piece (Malcom Brogdon) and which has been named the best NBA coach in 2018 and 2019, Mike Budenholzer.
A priori, the Sixers will also fight against that power, also ruined in the past playoffs for the genius of Kawhi and that basket for the story about the seventh horn. They lost Jimmy Butler, but his staff scares: Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons and their partner in the painting were renewed with the arrival of Al Horford - along with Joel Embiid - is devastating.
Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant have opened the NBA, wide open.
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