Here comes the Hoopla
New homes, rebound from injuries hot topics as NBA camps tip off this week
Sure, the NFL is in the thick of its regular season and the baseball playoffs are set to kick off next week — and with two o local teams likely playing in them, no less.
But don’t forget about the NBA, which saw a few teams begin training camp Friday with the rest getting started Monday. With just four weeks separating the start of camp and the tipoff of the 2015-16 regular season, there’s not a lot of time before the games matter, but there’s still plenty of things to keep an eye on.
10. How will the Spurs use LaMarcus Aldridge?
San Antonio, long known as the team that avoided free agency and big splashes in favor of continuity, went a in on one of the top players available thi summer in Aldridge — who left Portlan to return to his native Texas. Now the ques tion is how he fits into the Spurs’ offense (expect more 3-pointers than long 2s, for starters) and how he will fit next to Tim Duncan in San Antonio’s frontcourt (well, most likely).
9. First glimpses of top rookies
The preseason is usually a time for veterans to rest and young players to strut their stuff. So expect plenty of time for guys like Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves), D’Angelo Russell (Lakers), Jahlil Okafor (76ers) and Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks), among others. We saw them play in summer league in July, but even preseason games have far more structure than any summer league contest, and will offer more of a test.
8. What’s next for Markieff Morris?
When Phoenix traded Marcus Morris this summer, there was little doubt twin brother Markieff wouldn’t be happy, and repeatedly has said his future won’t be in Phoenix. NBA.com reported Friday that Markieff will show up at training camp, but this is a volatile situation.
7. Chris Bosh’s return
Widely consideredOne of the league’s good guys, Bosh announced Thursday he has been cleared to return for training camp this week without any restrictions after missing the final 30 game of last season because of blood clots. Miami has as much talent as any team in the East this side of Cleveland — and arguably has the best starting lineup in the NBA when alla of its players are healthy. At the top of that list is Dwyane Wade, but Bosh’s ability to bounce back could be the key to the Heat challenging for a spot against former teammate LeBron James in the Eastern Conference finals.
6. How does Carmelo Anthony look?
This may be the biggest story in New York, but it also is important around the league. Anthony is one of the most popular players, and when healthy is among the game’s most potent scorers. The Knicks
h ld b b tt thi b t if Anthony proves he is healthy and the Knicks still are mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, there always is the possibility team president Phil Jackson will try to trade him, and that Anthony, who has a no-trade clause, would be open to it for the right destina
tion. But there is no way that will happen if Anthony doesn’t look like the player he was before his injury-shortened season a year ago.
5. Will the Kings self-combust?
After DeMarcus Cousins and George Karl were at odds for much of the summer, the Kings reconvene with their star player and coach still on the roster … not to mention adding Rajon Rondo as part of a busy offseason. This situation seems almost certain to end in disaster, but if the Kings can manage to keep everyone on the same page, they have enough talent to compete for a playoff spot, even at the bottom of the loaded West.
4. What will happen with Tristan Thompson?
There still is no resolution to the contractual status of the Cavaliers
f d h shares an agent with LeBron James and who was crucial to the team’s run to the Finals last year. Though agent Rich Paul has t hreatened Thompson will sign the qualifying offer, it seems far more likely the two sides eventually will agree to a long-term contract.
3. College coaches graduating
Billy Donovan and Fred Hoiberg decided to leave high-paying college jobs with total y (Donovan at Florida, Hoiberg at tate) to leap to the NBA with the er and Bulls, respectively. Given lented both teams are and that both s have strong relationships with their tive general managers, they both wise to do so. Training camp will be st glimpse into how Donovan and g will be running things this season.
his Kobe Bryant’s last season?
e Bryant signed his massive contract on two years ago, he has hinted this — his 20th in the NBA, all with the — will be his last. But there have lenty of doubts — with his old coach mmate, Phil Jackson and Derek Fish-Friday becoming the latest to say he’s o keep playing. After three straight season that ended with debilitating injuries, Bryant first needs to prove he can make it through a season.
1. How is Kevin Durant’s foot?
Like 2010 was the Year of LeBron, 2016 is going to be the Year of Durant. With Durant set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, this season is going to be spent speculating where Durant will go — if he goes anywhere — next July. But first, Durant needs to prove he is healthy after his entire 2014-15 season was marred by repeated issues from a fracture in his right foot. He has been cleared to return, and hopefully that doesn’t change n now and the end of the season.