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Old Faces In New Places

Reasons why this upcoming NBA season is going to be highly anticipated.

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Old Faces In New Places
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The 2015-2016 NBA season has come to an end and it was one of the best seasons the NBA has seen in years. Whether it was Kobe Bryant's amazing 60 point finale, the Golden State Warriors record-breaking season and LeBron James leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the city's first championship in 52 years, this last season was nothing short of incredible. But the 2016-2017 season should be even better. It's only been a month into the NBA off-season and the fireworks and storylines have been nonstop. With all the trades, rumors and free agent signings this season will be very interesting. Here are 10 reasons why we should look foward to the 2016-2017 NBA season.

10. Golden State Loses Some Warriors

The reason for the Golden State Warriors success hasn't just been in the hands of Steph Curry, but their team depths. Over the last three years the Warriors have had one of the most elite benches and overall teams in the NBA. No wonder why the team's slogan was named "Strength in Numbers." But the Warriors have lost a few key pieces. Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut both signed with the Dallas Mavericks, who were key contributors in the Warriors championship run. Players like Leonardo Barbosa(Phoenix Suns), Festus Ezeli ( Portland Trailblazers), Marreese Speights ( Los Angeles Clippers) and Brandon Rush(Minnesota Timberwolves) who gave huge energy off the bench have all went their separate ways. Sure, the Warriors will still be a great team but they lose some firepower off the bench to free up cap space for a certain high quality player.

9. Atlanta Signs an Eight-Time All Star.

Another star has made their way back home. Dwight Howard is who was born and raised in Atlanta signed a three-year, $70.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. After moving on from the Houston Rockets it seemed as if Howard needed a fresh start. Why not go where it all started? Howard might not be the same player he was years ago but he still has the potential to be a formidable "big man" in today's NBA.


8. New Beast in the East

We all know that Lebron James and the Cavaliers are the kings of the eastern conference. But the Indiana Pacers have made some strong moves this offseason to be a legitimate contender in the east. The Pacers have signed Jeff Teague, Thaddeus Young and Al Jefferson. Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird is doing whatever he can to make sure his star, Paul George has the necessary help to finally take the Pacers to the top. Teague, Young, and Jefferson are great pieces and don't be surprise if the Pacers compete at a high level this season.

7. Show me the Money!

It is a great time to be a NBA player. With the cap going up and the new television deals coming in these NBA contracts will make anybody smile. Players like Demar Derozan(five-year, $145m), Andre Drummond( five-year, $130m), Bradley Beal( five-year, $128m) and Hassan Whiteside (four-year, $98m) have hit the jackpot. This summer we witnessed Mike Conley, a decent NBA point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies receive the biggest NBA contract ever, with an eye opening five-year $153 million deal. For a guy that has never made a all-star team with a career average of 14.3 points I can say that is a very great pay day. But who am I to count a another man's money. Even players like Matthew Dellavedova( four-year, $38m) and Timofey Mosgov (four-year, $64m) who are below average at best players make more than the reigning two-time MVP Stephen Curry. Hopefully that will change.


6. A New Boston Big Man


The Boston Celtics have been looking for a superstar talent for years and yet it again they have missed at that chance. But for Celtics fans there is a little hope because the Celtics have signed four-time all-star and former Atlanta Hawk, Al Horford to a four-year deal worth $113 million. Horford is considered a hardworking and skillful star forward. Look for him to do great things on his new team.



5. Pau Gasol is Headed to Texas.

With the great Tim Duncan retiring the San Antonio Spurs are in need of a skilled "big man." They already have LaMarcus Aldridge but to make the frontcourt even more versatile the Spurs signed Pau Gasol to a two-year $30 million deal. The Spurs always keep themselves relevant.


4. Lightning but no Thunder.


In a matter of weeks, the Oklahoma City Thunder have gone from one of the best teams in the NBA to a team that may struggle to get into the playoffs. The first blow was trading away Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic who was a one of the best players on that team for nine seasons. But in return they get Victor Oladipo, a talented shooting guard that could help Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. The second and biggest blow was losing Kevin Durant. With Westbrook being a free agent next summer, the same might happen with him. The Thunder may have a rough stretch ahead.



3. The New Look Knicks


Honestly I'm pretty excited for the New York Knicks this season for the first time in a long time. Signing a former MVP Derrick Rose, a former defensive player of the year Joakim Noah and a solid shooting guard Courtney Lee have gave this franchise some hope. With Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis as the focal points, adding these players can potentially bring this team to relevanc. The Knicks got better because they can't be any worse.


2. Dwyane Wade leaving the Miami Heat

Arguably the the most significant and surprising free agent signing this offseason was Dwyane Wade signing a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls. Sometimes loyalty isn't enough, Wade sacrificed financially year after year so the Miami Heat could have a winning team. After 13 years he wanted to get rewarded for his play and sacrifice. But it didn't happen, so Wade departed as unquestionably the Miami Heat best player in the franchises history. Wade will join Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler in Chicago to play for his hometown squad. Hopefully we will still see the "Flash" in the Windy City.


1. The Ultimate Warrior


This summer was all about Kevin Durant. He was the cream of the crop in this year free agent class. Numerous teams set aside money and time to try get their hands on him because getting a player of Durant's caliber changes any team to an immediate winner. The seven-time all-star and four time scoring champ decided to join the Golden State Warriors to try and win that elusive first ring of his career. People have questioned Durant's decision to leave behind a great team in Oklahoma City but he believes going to the Warriors was best for him. The Golden State Warriors have Steph Curry and without Kevin Durant won 72 games and were three points away from becoming back to back champions. But with Durant the Warriors are destined for great things.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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