The NBA season is almost upon us, and I cannot wait for tip off. With so many story lines this season — the return of Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard's first season in Houston and Kobe Bryant's recovery from an Achilles tear — it is bound to be very interesting.
But the most important story line of all is the Miami Heat's pursuit of their third straight championship. Reigning MVP Lebron James, along with former all-stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, will be leading the Heat once again this season.
The Heat have been active this offseason, signing free agents Michael Beasley and Greg Oden. These signings are the definition of low-risk, high-reward for the Heat.
However, a fourth trip to the Finals (and a third championship) in as many years will be Miami's toughest yet. Chicago added its former MVP, Derrick Rose back to their line up, the Brooklyn Nets made a blockbuster deal for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, and the New York Knicks still have a man named Carmelo Anthony.
If the Heat do make it out of the Eastern Conference, winning the Finals will be a tough obstacle, too. Whoever comes out of the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs or some other dark horse, will be a handful for Miami.
But as long as Miami has a healthy James, I predict an unprecedented three-peat for the Miami Heat. I'm ready for some basketball, are you?
Reach the reporter at Avery.Feyrer@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @coffeeblack
