5 reasons we can't wait for the NBA to return

A kiss from a (Derrick) Rose

THE EASTERN CONFERENCE of the NBA is as competitive as it’s ever been but, given that the Bulls made it to the second round of the playoffs last year without Rose, you can only imagine what their goals are for this season with the 2011 MVP back in the line-up.

After scoring 22 points in 22 minutes of his pre-season return, Rose told ESPN: “I think I’m way more explosive now.” The rest of the NBA should be very scared indeed.

New York, New York

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Both New York teams look good enough to keep things exciting in the city that never sleeps. With the addition of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Kidd as head coach this summer, the Nets are poised to run their city rivals very close in 2013.

Riggin’ for Wiggins

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Of course most eyes will be on the race for the NBA championship but the battle for last place is just as interesting with Canadian sensation Andrew Wiggins almost certainly going to be the number one pick in the 2014 Draft. Any one of the 76ers, Suns, Magic or Jazz are likely to be rewarded with the future star.

The Doc will see you now

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Doc Rivers has already made an impact in LA, ensuring the Lakers’ championship banners and retired jerseys are covered up when his Clippers side are playing in the Staples Center. The former Boston coach makes the Clippers — boasting Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, et al — genuine title contenders this year.

The Three-peat?

Great teams are not measured by one championship, they’re not even measured by back-to-back wins. No, great teams win three in a row. Can Miami do it this year? Can LeBron James win one more ring before going back to Cleveland? Who knows, but the fun will be in watching them try.