When LeBron James packed up and took his talented back home to Cleveland, it was clear that the Cavaliers title pursuit would be the biggest storyline to watch this NBA season. However, there is still the issue of the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs and their continued dominance, as well as a surprise MVP candidate leading the top seed from the Western Conference. And don’t forget about the Oklahoma City Thunder and their injuries and turmoil.
Are LeBron And The Cavaliers Legitimate Title Contenders?
LeBron James and the Cavaliers admitted from the moment he signed that the road to an NBA title wouldn’t be an easy one. So far, that’s proven to be exactly true. Their growing pains have been the biggest story through the first quarter of the season as every win or loss has been scrutinized under a microscope.
LeBron talked about how they need to be more consistent but also pointed out that it is still early in the season. Cleveland appears to be headed in the right direction, though, despite that they get every opponent’s best punch every night. Kevin Love is still getting used to life in the Eastern Conference and playing with two other superstars. While it will take time the Cavaliers are undoubtedly legitimate title contenders with LeBron leading the way.
Can The Spurs Repeat As NBA Champions?
The Spurs own a 17-9 record despite that not even one of their starters has played in all 25 games. Nobody is concerned yet because we all know defense is their calling card, so as long as they’re strong at that end, they’ll be fine. So far, so good as only the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks have a better combined defensive (and offense) efficiency rating. Head coach Gregg Popovich has done an excellent job handling the minutes of his big three and San Antonio has assembled a solid group of depth players that are getting valuable experience filling in for Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. The Spurs might not lock down the top seed in the Western Conference but as long as they are healthy and rested when they get in, they will have an excellent chance to repeat as NBA champions.
Are Stephen Curry & The Warriors For Real?
Stephen Curry has exploded on to the scene as a legitimate MVP candidate and he is the biggest reason why the Warriors have the best record in the NBA. However, even with Curry and Klay Thompson playing at such a high level, Golden State needs Andrew Bogut to be healthy in order to be a legitimate NBA title contender.
Bogut is dealing with a knee injury and it’s no surprise the Warriors 16-game winning streak came to an end at Memphis this week as he was sidelined. Curry has been outstanding and Golden State has the NBA’s best record but in order to contend for a championship they need Bogut to be healthy.
Is A Healthy Derrick Rose Enough For The Bulls To Win The East?
Speaking of staying healthy, the Bulls have benefited from having Rose in their line up rather than watching from the sidelines this year. Chicago needs Rose to be healthy and playing at a high level in order to contend but it’s about much more than just D12 when breaking down the Bulls title hopes.
Pau Gasol has had a huge impact on Chicago’s fortunes while Jimmy Butler has developed in to a legitimate star. Both of those players will play key roles for the Bulls this season. Rose needs to be their MVP but Chicago’s title hopes also depend in big part on the play of both Gasol and Butler as they look to navigate they way through the Eastern Conference this season.
