The 2014 NBA Finals showcased another meeting between the defending champions Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. However, San Antonio outclassed Miami en route to a 4-1 series win to take the championship back from South Beach.
While the Spurs have kept their team intact with Tim Duncan forgoing retirement, and re-signing Patty Mills and Boris Diaw, the Heat broke apart, setting off the series of chain events that saw LeBron James return home. King James’ business has been settled, along with the rest of the league in this very busy offseason.
With so much change on the wind, it’s a good time to check in with the outlook of the 2014-2015 NBA season, and get acquainted with the new-look odds for the upcoming season.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]NBA 2014-2015 Season Preview
Key Free Agents
LeBron James dominated the headlines as he opted for free agency after bringing the Heat to the Finals in four-straight seasons. After a long guessing game with regard to his destination, King James took his talents back to Cleveland. James’ individual talent alone has made the Cavs instant championship contenders for the coming season, with oddsmakers installing them as +290 favorites for the title.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Carmelo Anthony was hot on James’ heels as the hottest free agent superstar on the market. Proven scorers in their prime, capable of being the difference maker in crucial games aren’t available every year. But after testing the waters in free agency, Anthony eventually re-signed with the New York Knicks to a contract just shy of the NBA maximum.
Another hot free agent was Pau Gasol. The Spaniard left the desolate wasteland that was the Lakers to chase the winning feeling he had in his earlier years in LA, signing with the Bulls who are now serious contenders with or without Derrick Rose, at +750.
Two up-and-coming stars in Chandler Parsons and Lance Stephenson also changed teams – Chandler went from Houston to Dallas while Stephenson went from Indiana to Charlotte – but they won’t make the Mavs and Hornets immediate title contenders. Nevertheless, they should go a long way in strengthening their new teams’ playoffs hopes this year and beyond.
Parsons was one of only seven players in the NBA to average at least 16 points, five rebounds and four assists last season for the Rockets. Meanwhile, Stephenson gives Charlotte an elite stopper on the wing who is capable of functioning as a ball-handler and rim attacker.
Teams on the Rise
Coming off a rare playoff appearance last season, the Charlotte Hornets (+7,000) have done very well to improve during the offseason. They added Lance Stephenson to bring some much-needed offensive firepower to their backcourt, and also signed Marvin Williams to add depth at forward. With a one-two punch of Stephenson and big man Al Jefferson, the Hornets look set to contend for another playoff spot next season in the East, where they are worth a look at +2,500 to win the conference.
The Chicago Bulls (+750 to win the title) will be aiming for more than a playoff appearance next season. Rose will enjoy playing next to (another) All-Star big man in Pau Gasol (averaged 17.3 points and 3.4 assists per game last season) as the former MVP makes his comeback from injury. The Bulls also deepened their bench by signing Nikola Mirotic from Spain, as well as point guard Aaron Brooks.
Devin Harris and Dirk Nowitzki will have something to smile about entering the Dallas Mavericks’ (+4,000) 2014-15 season. The Mavs swung a huge trade with the New York Knicks which saw them reacquire Tyson Chandler, the foundation of their 2011 title-winning team, and point guard Raymond Felton. However, their biggest acquisition is small forward Chandler Parsons, who averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and four assists last season for the Houston Rockets.
Team to Watch – Cleveland Cavaliers
All eyes will be on James as he begins his second stint with the Cavaliers. The four-time MVP will now bring his championship experience to a young but talented team that includes Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, last year’s No. 1 draft pick Anthony Bennett and (probably) this year’s No. 1, Andrew Wiggins.
David Blatt will be tasked with taking charge of the Cavaliers this season as the team’s new coach. Blatt has a stellar coaching record in international basketball. He led his team to become the Euroleague 2014 Champions, and won the Euroleague Coach of the Year award. The Cavs’ new coach also led the Russian national team to a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
With James, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorites to win the 2014-15 season at +290.
To prepare for the coming season, the Cavs are trying to build a championship-caliber team around James. Wiggins has reportedly been offered for Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love. Wiggins is an excellent investment from the NBA Draft, but his best years may not be in the near future. If Cleveland wants the best chance to win this upcoming season, they will need to seal the Love trade.
Aside from James and Irving, the Cavs will be lighting up the scoreboard from the three-point line this season with their arsenal of former Heat gunners in Mike Miller, James Jones and (potentially) Ray Allen.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers are making a lot of noise with the signing of LeBron James and the Wiggins-Love scenario. However, the San Antonio Spurs are keeping quiet en route to back-to-back championships. Take them at +450 for great value on your bet.
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