The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch

The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch

The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch

NBA Preview

As Lebron would say, not one, not two, not three but 149 days after the players were locked out, the NBA is finally back. Starting Christmas day, the abbreviated regular season tipped off with the New York Knicks edging the Boston Celtics. Long removed from NBA action, most fans probably forget what’s going on around the league, so here are the top five things to watch for this season:

  • How will the Miami Heat respond to a tough Finals loss?

Miami went all out in the 2010 off-season but have no ring to show for it. Amid heavy scrutiny, the newly re-signed Dwayne Wade alongside high profile acquisitions Lebron James and Chris Bosh, came up short in the NBA finals against the Dallas Mavericks. This season we will see if the big three can bounce back and lead Miami to an anticipated championship. More specifically, we will see if LeBron can redeem himself of a pathetic Finals performance?

  • The Clip Show

It appeared as if elite point guard Chris Paul was headed to the Lakers in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets until commissioner David Stern squashed the deal. In a quick turn of events, the other LA team, the Clippers, acquired the four-time All-Star days later. Now powered by the duo of Paul and Blake Griffin, the Clippers may finally dethrone the aging Lakers as LA’s main showcase.

  • King Irving

Just a year after losing their beloved superstar LeBron James, Cleveland won the rights to another number one overall pick. This time around the Cavs took Duke point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving has big shoes to fill as Lebron won two MVP awards and led Cleveland to their first NBA finals appearance in franchise history. This season will be telling as to whether Irving can take on the reigns left by King James.

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  • Can Dallas defend their title?

Due to the departure of Tyson Chandler, Jose Barea and Caron Butler, the Dallas Mavericks are once again underdogs heading into the season. Off-season addition Lamar Odom will help Dallas fill some of that void, but in order to overcome the talent of Oklahoma City and both LA teams, the Mavs will need special performances  from supporting cast players such as Jason Terry and Brendan Haywood.

  • Where will Dwight Howard end up?

Frustrated with the limitations of a small market team, Dwight Howard has made it known that he wants out of Orlando. Despite general manager Otis Smith’s claim that he is done listening to trade proposals, rumors continue to swirl of a possible transaction with the LA Lakers. Trade or no trade, Howard will almost definitely relocate within the next year due to his impending free-agent status this off-season. We shall see whether Orlando will pull the trigger and get trade compensation before he’s out of team control.

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