The National Basketball Association (NBA), where the best of the best takes on one another, will be looking forward to its 69th season beginning on October 28, 2014. The people of America will be eagerly waiting for this upcoming season to start and one of many reasons is due to the shocking trade of ten-time All-Star, LeBron James that had happened this summer. Another key factor of why this NBA season will be one to remember is because of the special matchups such as, the defending NBA champs, the San Antonio Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks on opening day.
The NBA Draft took place on June 26, 2014 in Brooklyn, New York. Andrew Wiggins, the number one pick of the draft, was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was tremendous news for the city of Cleveland not only because of the pick of Wiggins, but also because of the return of veteran, LeBron James, to the Cavaliers. The news about the homecoming of LeBron James, aka “King James,” and the newcomer, Andrew Wiggins, brought a huge spark back to Cleveland.
However, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a deal with the Cavaliers a few weeks later regarding a trade deal. The Timberwolves were willing to trade three-time All-Star, Kevin Love, to the Cavaliers for the number one pick, Wiggins. The talk about this possible trade went viral instantly. People all around America were waiting anxiously to hear the final trade decision. This was a very difficult decision for the teams to make because Wiggins and Love were two valuable players on the line.
On August 24, 2014, the Timberwolves had announced that they had traded Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade. As the Timberwolves received Andrew Wiggins; Anthony Bennet, the small forward, was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Thaddeus Young had gone to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Wiggins does not get to play with LeBron James and thestar point guard, Kyrie Irving, Wiggins has a very bright future ahead of him and is expected to perform outstandingly in this season.
As of right now, the face of the NBA is LeBron James. James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. After losing multiple times in the playoffs, James knew it was time to start a new chapter in his life and play for a different team. On July 8, 2010, James had announced his decision about taking his talents to the Miami Heat. James played a total of four seasons with the Miami Heat and won two NBA Championships. However, on June 25, 2014, James opted out of his contract and decided to go back to his hometown Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers. Once again King James left America speechless, but proud. The nation thought King James made the right choice by going back home to Cleveland.
There was other news that also caused uplift with fans. It was announced over the summer that three-time All-Star, Derrick Rose, will be making his official debut back this season. Derrick Rose was in an injury plague for approximately two and a half years, with a torn ACL and partial meniscus tear. Rose had played in the FIBA World Cup, which had recently ended with USA brining home the gold medal. Rose performed substantially, leaving ESPN and fans in awe. Averaging 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, Rose is healthier and stronger than ever and will definitely impact this years NBA season.
The 2014-2015 NBA season will undoubtedly be entertaining and spectacular. Everything regarding the trades, the returns, and changes that took place over the summer will make this season memorable and worth watching.