Riveting NBA Offseason

With the NBA draft behind us, Free Agency well under way, and the Summer League showcasing some of the game's rising talent, NBA diehards are becoming more and more excited for the upcoming NBA season, even though this past season has only recently ended. Although the Miami Heat are reigning two-time champions, it feels like the NBA landscape is shifting beneath them. Teams have made big-time free agent and trade acquisitions to help bolster their chances at taking down the champs. For some, it's not about the moves they made; it's about who's returning that give fans reason for optimism. Here's a look at which teams have given their fans the most to be excited about for the upcoming season:

Houston Rockets

Perhaps the most anticipated move in the offseason was the potential landing spot for Dwight Howard. Howard chose to team up with rising superstar James Harden, signing a four-year, $88 million contract. This seemed like the likely destination all along. He never seemed to fit in with the Lakers, and many believed that he wouldn't accept being second fiddle to a Kobe Bryant. Dallas never really had a chance, while Golden State made a late, intriguing push, but eventually to no avail. For Houston, this is obviously a brilliant move. If they get Orlando Dwight, which I believe they will since I put a good portion of the blame for last year on the injuries Dwight suffered, then Houston is getting the most dominant big man in the game and should position themselves nicely as a top-four team in the West and potential NBA Finals contender.

Brooklyn Nets

The boldest and most shocking move to me this offseason has to be the trade for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, a move that upstaged NBA draft night. They may be old and past their prime but Pierce and Garnett still have two high quality years remaining. Listen, the Brooklyn Nets were a talented team last season. With Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez, they reached the playoffs, losing in the 1st round to a depleted Chicago Bulls team in disappointing fashion (a game 7 loss at home). The main problem with their team was a lack of chemistry, as well as a lack of mental toughness. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett instantly bring that to an already talented team. The question will be if they can all get on the same page by the time the playoffs roll around because on paper, this is the best starting lineup in the NBA. Add to that the additions of Jason Terry and Andrei Kirilenko, and this team now has veteran depth. Pierce and Garnett won't have to expend much during the regular season, relying on the three younger stars. But once the playoffs arrive look out, this team has a chance to go all the way.

L.A. Clippers

Almost unquestionably the biggest change to an NBA team this summer has to be the transformation of the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers were an explosive, "box-office" team to watch last year, earning the moniker "Lob City". Well "Lob City" got into the playoffs, and then got punked by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies out-hustled, out-rebounded, out-defended, and truly outphysicaled the Clippers. But with the arrival of new head coach Doc Rivers, that's about to change. Doc Rivers, known for being "a leader of men", a tough-minded, and defensive coach, will change the culture of the Clippers immediately. Chris Paul chose to remain a Clipper, signing a five-year, $107 million contract. Gone is high energy point guard Eric Bledsoe. In is sharpshooter J.J. Redick, as well as tough-defender and excellent 3-point shooter Jared Dudley and solid backup point guard Darren Collison. The Clippers might finish with around the same record as last season, but these moves no doubt give them a greater chance go further in the postseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers 

The Cavs struck gold once again this year landing the number one pick for the 3rd time in the past 11 years. It's worked out twice before, and I believe that it will work out again this time with Anthony Bennett. Many people were shocked when the Cavs took Bennett, and I'll admit I was as well, but I believe they made the right call, and the fans should trust in (Cavs GM) Chris Grant. Grant said that Bennett was the most talented player in the draft, and I'm inclined to agree. At 6'8'', 240 pounds, Bennett is a load down low, yet can effectively shoot the basketball from range. Some see Larry Johnson in him, some see Paul Millsap. Either would be fine for the Cavs to pair with superstar Kyrie Irving. But perhaps their most shocking move was not drafting Bennett, but signing the oft-injured Andrew Bynum. However, with only $6 million guaranteed going to Bynum, this seems like a genius move for the Cavs. If Bynum can stay healthy, a big IF, then the Cavs got a steal. Jarrett Jack, Earl Clark, and getting a healthy Anderson Varejao back will certainly bolster that bench. This team will go from one of the worst in the East to one of the best 6 or 7 teams this season.

Chicago Bulls 

He's baaaack. Derrick Rose, MVP in 2011, will finally make his return at the beginning of the 2013-2014 season. This is the single biggest addition to a team in this offseason. Sorry Houston fans. The Bulls somehow made the playoffs last year without Rose and actually won their first-round series against Brooklyn before losing in 5 games to the Miami Heat. The Bulls are the toughest, most defensive-minded team in the NBA, coached by the exceptional Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau always gets his guys to play hard, no matter who's on, or in this case not on, the court. The Miami Heat may have run through the NBA the past two years but that was without Derrick Rose. The Bulls always give the Heat trouble, especially on the boards. Even this year, without Rose and Deng, they still managed to give them problems. Rose is the star that the Bulls desperately need to go along with their incredible toughness and defensive grit. He took a lot of flack for not returning in the postseason when it looked like he could. But I think the whole world is in for a treat this coming season when he makes his return. The Bulls are my early favorite to win the NBA title. You heard me.

Other teams to keep an eye on include the Oklahoma City Thunder who obviously missed Russell Westbrook in the postseason. If he comes back healthy, this team will again be in contention in the Western Conference, even though the loss of Kevin Martin will hurt. The Minnesota Timberwolves seem to be making moves every day. Kevin Martin signs with them to add a wing scorer, Shabazz Muhammad is drafted, and Kevin Love returns from injury. Look for them to be a dark-horse playoff team. The Dallas Mavericks didn't miss the playoffs by much, and now they get a healthy Dirk for a full season, and signed an explosive wing guard in Monta Ellis.