Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant both signed with the Brooklyn Nets this past summer. Combined, these two have played in more playoff games than the Nets franchise history and 3 NBA Finals with a combined 6 Final appearances.
Three years ago the Nets had the worst record in NBA history. That left general manager Sean Marks with the responsibility to revive the losing team, which resulted in new rosters and a playoff appearance. Gaining two of the NBA’s best players this season is a solid progression for this franchise.
Less than a year ago, Irving said he would be resigning with the Celtics, but the two friends were already in talks to play together in the future. The duo is an offensive force to be reckoned with. Irving has immense handle with the ball and Durant has always had a vast shooting range, so NBA fans can expect a fresh, versatile offense in the near future for the Nets.
Durant is out until the 2020 season after rupturing his Achilles in the NBA Finals against Toronto. Irving might miss time after suffering a facial fracture during the preseason. After recovery, the duo will be in full force in 2020.
Prediction: The regular and playoff season will be determined by the ability for these two star players to lead a franchise that has been in the backdrop for quite some time. Their offenses put together will be a huge factor, but the locker room culture can determine if they will bring a title to the other New York team.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook
James Harden and Russell Westbrook seem to be the definition of being “reunited and feeling so good”. The two former MVPs previously played together for the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as in the London Olympics.
With the news of the Paul George trade to the Clippers in the summer, it is no surprise that Westbrook was in conversation to leave. Fans could see it was likely that he would be the next one to be moved once the Paul George trade happened. He was already leaning toward the Miami Heat, but the Houston Rockets gave OKC an offer hard to turn down. Westbrook became the face of OKC after Kevin Durant left, but wanted to reunite with his long time friend. Houston has been relying on the high-scoring Harden for the past three years, however they have yet to appear in the NBA Finals.
It has been 7 years since the two have played together. The Rockets’ preseason resulted in lots of turnovers due to the rebuilding of chemistry for Westbrook, Harden and the rest of the team. However, the triple-double king still is a machine on the court. NBA fans can expect increasing chemistry between them, as well as a more assertive presence by Westbrook closer to the basket.
Prediction: Together these stars will provide the offense needed to succeed, but it will depend on the Rocket’s defense whether or not they can truly beat the Western powerhouses.
Lebron James and Anthony Davis
Unable to lead their teams into the postseason, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are looking for an NBA title in 2020. After publicly requesting a trade out of New Orleans, Davis got his wish this summer.
The Lakers had hope that their young team in the previous season, which included Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, would result in dominance with argueably the best player in the league, LeBron James.Unfortunately, the team could not even make it to the playoffs. Anthony Davis wanted out, so the franchise offered him a place where superstars have played in the past. Instead of building from a young team, they went back into their playbook and traded for a top-five player in the league.
According to the LA Times, Davis has been following James’ lead in LA, looking toward him for leadership. He anticipates that they will feed off each other and be able to dominate opponents on the court. James is an offensive powerhouse. Even at 34 years of age, while he has slipped defensively he can be a dominant defender when he wants to. Davis is coming from leading the Pelicans offensively and defensively for seven seasons. NBA fans can expect a more commanding offensive presence on the court, as well as an elevated defense that will be led by Davis, which will undoubtedly motivate James.
Prediction: Things are looking up for the Lakers this season, and with the new offensive addition, they have nowhere else to look but up.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
Kawhi Leonard is ready to come back after an NBA title and an NBA Finals MVP award. Paul George is coming via trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder that essentially assured the Los Angeles Clippers ability to sign Leonard during free agency.
The Clippers have never made it past the Western Conference Finals, and were willing to spend the big bucks for the 2 time NBA Finals MVP and MVP. Paul George has a versatility on the court that will undoubtedly upgrade the team offensive and defensive. Kawhi is a multi-faceted player that is coming off of a momentous high. This assures Doc Rivers to have the most talented team he has had since his time with Boston’s Big Three.
Prediction: The Clippers are coming out of the backdrop this season. The talented duo combined with the coaching of Doc Rivers will surely bring even more competition for the Western Conference title.
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