Why now is the best time to start watching NBA again
The NBA's 2017-18 regular season is currently in week three and already looking like a rollercoaster ride. Here are a few reasons why you should start watching the NBA, if you don't already.
Off-season movement
There were some huge moves which occurred during the build-up to this season. Chris Paul finally decided to leave Blake Griffin and the LA Clippers, moving to join James Harden at the Houston Rockets.
Kryie Irving surprised many by requesting a trade, as he reportedly wanted to be the main star in a team once more. Leaving LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, he joined direct rivals Boston Celtics as Isaiah Thomas went the other way.
Carmelo Anthony is now part of a big three at Oklahoma City Thunder alongside last year's MVP Russell Westbrook and another summer acquisition in the form of Paul George. This completely changes the dynamics of teams, makes the NBA so much more competitive and fun to watch as a result.
Is this the season of rookies?
The rookies from this year's Draft look very polished this season, with plenty of excitement about their respective futures in the game. Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown have both walked into the starting five at the Celtics with no issues whatsoever. Lauri Markkanen has utilised Chicago Bulls' issues to good effect, establishing himself as a starter and playing consistently well.
De'Aaron Fox has made a strong start at Sacramento, while Kyle Kuzma is impressing critics and fans alike with the LA Lakers. No-one has made a better start than Ben Simmons, though. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner is flourishing with the Philadephia 76ers, averaging at least a double double every game.
Fight for the Western Conference title
Golden State Warriors have been the comfortable winners in the Western Conference of late, with nobody able to cope with the star power they've progressively accumulated.
The only real competitor was Gregg Popovich's San Antonio Spurs. However now, plenty of sides have strengthened significantly and GSW's route to the finals this season doesn't seem so clear-cut. Paul's partnership with Harden looks promising, Minnesota Timberwolves managed to secure a trade for Jimmy Butler from the Bulls while OKC's big three all look dangerous.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nothing more can be said about this man. Dubbed ''The Greek Freak", Milwaukee Bucks' small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is probably the star attraction of the NBA this season at the age of 22. With even Kobe Bryant expecting nothing less than the MVP award from the 6'11 beast, he continues to shine both home and away.
If you have nothing else to watch the NBA for, watch this guy surpass records as he challenges himself against the best on his way to the top.
All in all, this is shaping up to be one of the best seasons in a while. At least six teams are all fighting for top spot in each conference while it's crucially not just seen as a Warriors vs Cavaliers final that everyone has come to expect in recent times.
All pictures' source: Getty