The NBA is back!

Sportsfans!  A handshake deal has been made between the NBA players and owners.  A 66 game season is in the works and the NBA finally looks like it's ready to launch on Christmas Day!  So, now what?  Free agency and training camps are scheduled to begin on Dec 9th.  It will be a wild 2 weeks before the season starts, with a lot of player Movement and players trying to get themselves back into shape before the new year.

So, before all of the trades happen and training camp starts...I'd like to know.  Who are your favorites for the title this year?

Here's my top 5 teams before the madness begins:

1.  Dallas Mavericks - In a lockout year, this veteran team has the best chance to repeat.  The leadership, chemistry and roster is basically already in place.  Their biggest issues will be trying to re-sign Tyson Chandler and Caron Butler.  If they can manage that, then I believe that they can come out of the West and win the whole thing again.

2.  Miami Heat - With the Big two and a half, they still create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses and they're only going to improve.  Their biggest issues are their lack of depth and need for a quality starting center.  If they can sign a center like Samuel Dalembert and sign some cheap quality players then I think they grab the number one seed in the East.

3.  Chicago Bulls - With the reigning MVP and a healthy roster, the Bulls are ready to make the next step.  Very good coaching, defense and they had the best record in the league despite the injuries to Boozer and Noah. Their biggest issues are consistency and their lack of a perimeter scorer to take the pressure off of D-Rose.  If they can sign or trade for a scoring SG and get Mr. Boozer back to his Utah numbers...they will be hard to beat by either conference.

4.  Oklahoma City Thunder - With the leading scorer, an all-star combo guard and a talented young nucleus, the Thunder have become one of the scarier teams to face in the league with their size and speed.  Their biggest issue is figuring out what role best suits Russell Westbrook and their starting lineup.  They currently like running the floor with Westbrook, Harden, Durant and Ibaka...but they got a lot slower when they traded for Kendrick Perkins and it definitely changed their team's dynamic.  It's time for Harden to be a starter.  If they can get take care of those issues then they can make a heavy run in the playoffs.

5.  Los Angeles Lakers - With a defensive minded coach, a top five power forward and up and coming center, you can never count out the Lakers.  Oh, did I forgot to mention the Black Mamba is still on the team and in my opinion is still a top the league (overall).  Their biggest issues are their age and their coaching staff.  Mike Brown does know defense, however he's never been the best offensive mind and he has a reputation of being a fan and walking on egg-shells with star players...enter Kobe...could be interesting.  Too much talent not to be in it.

So, here it is.  These are my top five team that are ready to win the chip as of today.  On Christmas Day, I will update this list after the free agency.  Until then, get you league pass back people, the NBA is back!

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