The bright side: A positive storyline for every NBA team
We probably know most of the negatives by now, so here's at least one positive storyline for every NBA team heading into 2017-18:
The first phase of Philips Arena's renovation will be ready for this season, providing a distraction from the Hawks' rebuilding project on the floor.
Four years of asset collection and allocation has led to this - the Celtics finally have their star (Kyrie Irving) and their supporting actor (Gordon Hayward).
With their disastrous 2013 trade finally receding into the rearview, the Nets appear to be slowly building something with GM Sean Marks, coach Kenny Atkinson, and players like D'Angelo Russell and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Giggle if you must, but if Dwight Howard can refocus on defense, he could be a great fit with an already sound defensive squad and his former assistant coach from Orlando, Steve Clifford.
It's tough to find silver linings in messy rebuilds, but Zach LaVine could be ready to make a leap.
Tyronn Lue will need to get creative with lineups for as long as Isaiah Thomas is out. With Jae Crowder utilized and LeBron James often handling the ball, Kevin Love will get more touches, and that could be a fun thing.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Entering season 20, Dirk Nowitzki has probably been in a Mavs uniform for as long as you've been an NBA fan, or alive - so appreciate it. Dennis Smith Jr., too.
A frontcourt of Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic? Yes please.
Andre Drummond is promising a bounce-back campaign, in part due to offseason surgery to correct a deviated septum. This is still the player who led the league in rebounding in 2015-16, when he recorded five 20-20 games.
Look, love them or hate them, you're watching one of the most dominant - and revolutionary - teams in NBA history.
Teaming up James Harden with Chris Paul to challenge those Warriors? Let's get weird.
Myles Turner has shown a tremendous eagerness to make the Pacers his team in the wake of Paul George's exit. He's ready.
Milos Teodosic has been called the best passer in the world, and if that's the case, the Clippers could have one of the most likable backcourt rotations in the NBA.
Forget the year's worth of hyperbole and just let Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram get minutes together.
Sign of things to come? Lonzo to Ingram#NBASummer pic.twitter.com/hHGp0znlfA
— NBA.com (@NBAcom) July 8, 2017
I could listen to David Fizdale talk about the federal tax code and it would still be interesting.
While playing at a faster pace last year, Goran Dragic statistically replicated the season that really put him on the map with the Phoenix Suns in 2013-14.
| Goran Dragic | GP | PTS | AST | STL | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-14 Suns | 76 | 20.3 | 5.9 | 1.4 | 40.8 |
| 16-17 Heat | 73 | 20.3 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 40.5 |
Another season, another step up for the young Bucks. Here's to full health for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, and Co.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
Reunited and it feels so good. Tom Thibodeau and Jimmy Butler figure to set an example for the young, up-and-coming Wolves.
It's New Orleans, so embrace the unorthodoxy of starting two bigs (Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins), and two point guards (Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo).
Thirteen blocks from Madison Square Garden at 44th and 9th is the legendary bar, Rudy's.
Some may feel sorry for them, but fans in Oklahoma City have had some breathtaking talent to cheer for over the years. Russell Westbrook and Paul George may be the most intriguing combo yet.
Remember how good Nikola Vucevic looked three years ago? He made strides defensively under Frank Vogel, so if he can just get back to 2014-15 form offensively ...
A healthy Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, and Dario Saric alongside a veteran like J.J. Redick? The Process may be proceeding.
Two words: Devin Booker.
A full season of Jusuf Nurkic up front with Dame and C.J. in the backcourt sounds pretty great.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
Not unlike Dirk, Vince Carter may be embarking on his final season - so cherish the things of your youth. And also like Nowitzki and Smith, Carter and the Kings have an exciting young point guard, too (De'Aaron Fox).
There's little doubt the Spurs are about to tie the Blazers' modern NBA record for consecutive seasons in the playoffs (21).
As T.I. once said, stop looking at what you ain't got and start being thankful for what you do got - and DeMar DeRozan gets buckets.
It may be too soon to speculate about the "Ewing Theory," but Hayward's departure won't strangle Utah. The Jazz still have Rudy Gobert's stout defense and an improving offense.
Otto Porter's back, and John Wall and Bradley Beal are coming off their most successful season together. This may be the most harmonious thing in D.C. these days.