Jock Itch Why it's time to care about the NBA again

For many sports fans, the NBA of the last few years has lacked the allure it once boasted. Perhaps this is owed to the departure of basketball’s greatest heroes; or maybe it’s symptomatic of an 82-game season in a world that, more than ever, demands instant gratification. It could even be the disparity between teams, with many dwindling into mediocrity or worse while the same few teams make it to the finals each year. Whatever the reason, the NBA just hasn’t been relevant for the casual basketball observer for quite some time.

However, this past year saw a change in that ambivalence, as the season and offseason played out like a Shakespearian drama rather than an average stroll through June. First, the Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable, playing Luke Skywalker to the Miami Heat’s evil empire. A short time later, the lockout shenanigans took place, causing many fans to reevaluate their passion for the league following the most exciting playoffs in recent memory. And most recently, with the NBA officially given the green light (albeit in shortened format), an insane string of trades and free agent signings has shaken up the league. This was highlighted by NBA Commissioner David Stern’s intervention in a (to borrow the only suitable cliché) blockbuster trade that has landed stud PG Chris Paul in Los Angeles, playing not for the storied Lakers but rather for the NBA’s Bad News Bears, the Los Angeles Clippers. With so many intertwining, dramatic narratives, Christmas Day—the first day of this year’s NBA season—promises to be the start of something special. 

These are the top five team storylines to watch this year. As luck would have it, each of these teams plays on Christmas Day.

Miami Heat: So, the Big Three (oh, and the other guys who were apparently on that team) didn’t win it all last year, but most would argue that it’s simply a matter of time until they do. However, the interest arising here is about whether the Heat can be beat, as LeBron’s infamous move down South quickly alienated fans who’d once considered James to be king. Not a soul outside of Miami was rooting for the Heat last June, and it’s a safe bet that whichever team reaches the finals opposite the Heat will become America’s next favorite team, at least for that series.
Christmas Day Game Time: 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC vs. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks: Everyone seems to be writing off the Mavs’ championship victory as lightning in a bottle, which has already set off the likes of forward Shawn Marion, who is demanding that everyone address him and his teammates as “World Champions.” True, the Mavericks lost a few pieces in the offseason, most notably their big man, Tyson Chandler; but the players the team has added have the potential to make Dirk Nowitzki and company an even stronger offensive threat. While not the player he once was, Vince Carter should help out at either the shooting guard or small forward position, and Lamar Odom will look to do damage against the Lakers—who tried to dish him off to New Orleans—in both the regular season and playoffs, should they meet.

Then there’s Nowitzki, finals MVP and arguably the best shooter in the game. His performance against the Heat last year was nothing short of legendary, and it’s doubtful that Nowitzki did anything other than fine-tune that lanky stroke during the lockout.
Christmas Day Game Time: 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC vs. Miami Heat

Chicago Bulls: Last season, Derrick Rose became the youngest player in history to win the MVP award, and though many considered him to be less than deserving, the fact remains that Rose is slowly inching today’s Bulls toward being more like the Bulls of yore. It’s unlikely that Chicago will ever experience the same success as it did during the Michael Jordan era, but Rose and company have been making considerable strides, finishing last season with the best record in the league. Should the stars align, we could see the Bulls back where they once belonged.
Christmas Day Game Time: 5 p.m. ET on ABC vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder are one of the NBA’s big, buzz-worthy teams, because they’re young, talented, and keep improving with each new season. Russell Westbrook significantly increased his PPG last year, while James Harden increased both beard length and efficiency. Then there’s Kevin Durant, who looks to win his third scoring title in a row at the ripe old age of 23. It’s almost scary to think how good this team could be in the next few years.
Christmas Day Game Time: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN vs. Orlando Magic

Los Angeles Clippers: It suffices to say it was huge news when the Lakers organization said it would basically trade anybody but Kobe to get Chris Paul and Dwight Howard in purple and gold. For a brief, shining moment, it looked as though another Lakers dynasty was in the making. Then—boom!—in comes The Commissioner like a trust-busting Teddy Roosevelt (not really), nixing the trade. The irony of it all is that CP winds up in Los Angeles anyway, much to the Lakers’ chagrin.

Again, this is another young team; so while it’s too soon to say for certain, the combination of Paul and Blake Griffin could turn what is historically the worst team in professional basketball into, at the very least, a playoff contender. Locals are already raving that there’s a new No. 1 in L.A., and fans around the country are drooling at the possible alley-oops from CP to the reigning dunk champ.
Christmas Day Game Time: 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN vs. Golden State Warriors