Folks, the time is almost here. Media day has come, which means the NBA season is right around the corner. As the season gets closer, there are many storylines going on during training camp. Let’s take a look at some takeaways from Media Day as the NBA season approaches.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are out for revenge: The Cavaliers are coming off of a Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors and are out to reach the Finals for a second straight year. It was easy to see how focused LeBron James is on bringing a championship to his hometown. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are making great strides in their rehabs and should be ready to play when the games start to mean something. Although Irving could possibly be out until Christmas, he will immediately make an impact once he returns. Iman Shumpert will miss about three months with a wrist injury, which damages the Cavaliers defense to some degree. If the Cavaliers are able to stay healthy, they will definitely be playing in June.
Top Takeaways from NBA Media Day
Everyone wants to get paid: During the free agency period, it was surprising to see how much money was being thrown around like it was nothing. It was felt that many players were slightly overpaid, and that is exactly what is going on. The season starts in less than a month and Tristan Thompson has still not agreed to an extension with the Cavaliers. At this point, he is not even showing up to practice. Harrison Barnes and the Golden State Warriors have reached a bump in the road with extension talks as well. When asked about his impending free agency, Derrick Rose made it clear that he wants to get paid. With many players being slightly overpaid in the summer, it is easy to see why these players are fighting for their money. Next year the salary cap should skyrocket with the new television deals. These three players have big roles on their respective teams and feel they deserved to get the big bucks for their contributions. It will be entertaining to see how these situations pan out.
Is this the end for Kobe Bryant?: At Lakers media day, all eyes are squarely focused on Kobe Bryant. He will be turning 36, and the questions about retirement are starting to come. Bryant has suffered season-ending injuries in each of the past three seasons and it is starting to take a toll on his body. He has a lot of miles on him, and it is unfortunately starting to show. Questions have arisen as to whether this could be Bryant’s last year with the Lakers. Luckily, he shut those rumors down really quick. The Lakers have a respectable roster this season, and the playoffs are a possibility. With the young talent on this roster, the young guys will be able to take the load off of Bryant. If this is his last season, it will be nice to see Bryant in the playoffs one more time.
Expectations are high in Oklahoma City: Kevin Durant is returning from multiple foot surgeries, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are in championship or bust mode. Russell Westbrook took his game to a new level without Durant, and it will be fun to watch those two back on the court together. Billy Donovan is the new head coach, and he is bringing a strong vibe to Oklahoma City. Durant will be a free agent next summer and the outcome of this season could very well be the deciding factor in whether he stays or leaves. When healthy, the Thunder are always a threat to make the NBA Finals.
With the NBA season under a month away, these storylines are only going to get more interesting. Buckle up, folks. It is going to be an exciting season.
