By William Burgess ’22
As teams wrap up their preseason season games, the tip off to the 2018-2019 season begins. With Golden State winning back to back championships the past few seasons, the upcoming Boston Celtics, the addition of Lebron in the western conference, and career changing trades, this season is said to be one for the ages.
For the last decade and a half, Lebron James winning multiple MVPs, and All-Star appearances, dominated the league, but most specifically the Eastern Conference. Due to conflicts with Cleveland’s organization last season, James was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason. This sudden shift in power now leaves the east open to any team good enough to take the top seed. Considering the amount of history behind this team, fans are eager to get back into the playoffs with James leading the way. The Lakers though, already had a decent roster that includes Ingram, Ball, and Hart. With James and other key players like Rondo and Stephenson they have the chance to be a great team in the west.
During this offseason, the Warriors picked up the all-star center Demarcus Cousins to add to their already well-developed starting five. As a team they are shooting 38% from the three and 91% from the free throw line. They are predicted to get the first or second seed in the western conference and go to the finals later this season. To get there, they’ll need the efforts of the two-time finals MVP Kevin Durant, and the perimeter shooting of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Already the Warriors have put their team in a position to be one of the best Basketball teams in history, but will they win another championship this year?
Another story going around during the offseason is Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves demanding a trade. He’s arguably a top 20 small forward in the league and he brings a winning mentality to this team. After many arguments between Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, and Butler the relationship became more and more fractured. Since its obvious that Butler wants out of Minnesota, Thibodeau can either trade him now for another asset or lose him due to free agency later next year.
“It {The Relationship} could be {fixed}. It could be. But do I think so? No. Because you got to be honest. I’m being honest.” (The Words of Jimmy Butler during an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols)
In the East, Boston seems to be the next big thing now that James is away in LA. This team has a great balance between the experienced players and talented rookies. Comparing them to other teams in this Conference, the depth on this roster is something to acknowledge. With their best players back from injury (Irving, Hayward) they will be a significant challenge to the Warriors and are the favorites to win the East this season.
Right behind Boston is Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors as the runner ups (second seed). In comparison between the two teams, Toronto’s bench is just as efficient. The trade between San Antonio and Toronto had the league gossiping about whether Kawhi was going to fit in with this talented team; especially since he was injured last season. So far Kawhi looks like his old self dropping around 28 points a game and 11 rebounds. Right beside him is the defensive playmaker Kyle Lowry averaging 8 assists and a steal.
For anyone who has really followed the NBA knows that the offseason is always long, and anything can change overnight. This summer was no different as trades and contracts were being dealt with and players prepared themselves to hit the court. With the seventy second NBA season well underway as fans all we can do is sit back and watch.