This season was a very unique one in the NBA, full of decisions, trades, and surprises. In the most anticipated season in NBA history, we were certainly not disappointed, as new heights were reached, and we now have a taste of what the future might offer.
1) "The Decision"
Close your eyes Clevelnd fans, this may be hard to read. LeBron this year decided to "Take his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat." After months of testing the free agent waters and exploring his options, LeBron took it a step further when he and Jim Gray got together, on national television, to give the world what they had been waiting for. After growing up in Akron, carrying the Cavaliers to the finals, and putting the city of Cleveland on the map, LeBron left all of this for the sun and shores of Miami.
While most people believed that this decision would be the final chapter, and we could just get on with life, Cavalier fans had another opinion. They were offended by the way James had drug Cleveland through the mud, took them on ESPN, and made them America's pity town of the decade. After "The Decision", LeBron underwent the most intense scrutiny of all, called a "coward", that he couldn't win a championship by himself, he was never going to be in Michael Jordan's league, and that he was unfaithful to his hometown team, especially after he had promised them a championship. Now, the NBA landscape has been flipped upisde down. Miami is the new 1927 Yankees, while the city of Cleveland looks destined to never win any sports championship, and the Cavaliers are just another bottomfeeding team in the NBA's cellar, which, in this day in age, is nearly impossible to get out of, considering the fact that most big time NBA superstars are taking their talents to major media markets, such as New York, L.A., and now, of course, Miami. One can only wonder what might have been if LeBron had made his decision in private.
2) Blake Griffin takes NBA by storm
Blake Griffin is the next Shawn Kemp. Is that an insult or a compliment. Now keep in mind, Shawn Kemp was an outstanding player, one of the most aggressive and intense of the last 30 years. However, put Blake in a league of his own when it's all said and done. I mean, what kind of rookie competes in the Rookie/Sophmore challenge, wins the dunk contest, plays in the NBA All-Star Game, and puts on a show for all three days? Blake Griffin stole All-Star weekend. Who averages 20 and 10, while still able to display his arsenal of rim rocking slams. Out of the top ten dunks this year, you will see Blake Griffin at least in six of the ten highlights. What he did as a rookie took the NBA by storm, put the Clippers on the map, and inspiring the imagination of their loyal fans, who are sick of their team being looked down upon as Los Angeles' "other team".
3) Carmelo Anthony traded to Knicks
Yes, the Knicks missed out on the LeBron and were extremely disappointed. However, it seemed ater one or two weeks had passed in the regular season, the Knicks were already eyeing the superstar shown above. Despite already have Amar'e Stoudamire, the Knicks felt that they could revmp their roster even more with the addition of another superstar. With the trade deadline approaching, the Knicks were almost a shoo-in to land Carmelo, after rumors that he may go to New Jersey and even the L.A. Lakers in a blockbuster deal that would have included Center Andrew Bynum. However, Melo landed in New York, and now it seems as if the Knicks will be a legitimate contender for years to come in the NBA. Despite struggling when Anthony arrived, the Knicks have showed spurts of success, but conistency will be the key if they want to be a legitimate title contender. However, one thing is sure, the Knicks are a better basketball team with Carmelo.
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