NBA: The 10 Biggest Storylines of the 2012-13 Season

Well, it is almost that time of year again.

Basketball season is much closer than we can all imagine and like any die-hard NBA fan, I can't wait for it to begin.

There are so many great question marks heading into next season that have the potential to change the landscape of the NBA for years to come.

Here are the ten biggest storylines of the upcoming 2012-13 season.

No. 10: Are the Spurs and Celtics Legitimate Contenders?

The Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs both had successful seasons that ended in despair, after both lost in the Conference Finals after holding advantages against the Heat and Thunder respectively.

Both seemed to be in control in the Conference Finals, but were unable to close out their young opponents, likely because they ran out of gas at the wrong time.

Can Boston or San Antonio win a championship this season?

I am inclined to say yes, just because both have the talent to do so. While the Celtics rebuilt their bench, the Spurs kept the same pieces in place from last year.

With two great head coaches in Doc Rivers and Gregg Popovich in charge, never count these teams out of the title chase.

No. 9: Is Anthony Davis as Good as Advertised?

OK, Anthony Davis is very good. He might even be the best rookie entering the league since LeBron James.

The expectations on Davis are huge and might actually be bigger than he might imagine. Is he the next Bill Russell?

It is hard to say at this point, especially since the former Kentucky forward has yet to even play a minute in the NBA. Look for him to struggle early on the offensive end of the floor as he adjusts to the physicality of NBA players.

Don't get me wrong, Davis has the ability to be an elite player in the league, but he might not put it together as fast as we might want him to.

Just ask John Wall.

No. 8: Will Jeremy Lin Prove That "Linsanity" Was Not an Abberation?

Jeremy Lin's season was one of the biggest storylines of this past year, after he lead the Knicks on an impressive run in February, when they rode a seven-game win streak despite the absence of Carmelo Anthony.

In February, Lin averaged a remarkable 20.9 points and 8.4 assists and looked like the answer at the point for New York.

However, after a knee injury that derailed his season and the Rockets overpaying for him, New York was forced to sign a cheaper alternative in Raymond Felton and cut ties with Lin (via ESPN NewYork).

Will Lin be able to put it all together for a full season?

As someone who watched him play when he was in high school, I certainly hope he can. However, the expectations might be too astronomically high.

No. 7: How Will Howard and Rose Play After Major Injuries?

There was certainly a damper on the 2012 NBA Playoffs after the game's two biggest superstars, Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard suffered season-ending injuries.

Both of their teams lost in the first round and gave the Heat and Celtics an easier path to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In an age where medical technology is constantly advancing, it would be hard to believe that either player will not be able to play long-term in the NBA.

However, the question looms whether or not Rose and/or Howard will be nearly as effective as they were.

Let's hope that both have speedy recoveries and are able to continue their illustrious NBA careers.

No. 6: Will the Thunder Have to Choose Between Serge Ibaka and James Harden?

Before fans pencil in the Oklahoma City Thunder as the next great NBA dynasty, they need to understand OKC's major problem.

If they re-sign Serge Ibaka and James Harden, the Thunder will likely be way over the cap and might even have to pay the luxury tax.

As great as it would be for Thunder fans, I would say it is a definitely possibility that Oklahoma City will have to choose between their two young stars.

With Harden already stating that he would play at a discounted rate, GM Sam Presti better hope that Ibaka follows suit.

If the Spanish national signs a maximum-contract next offseason, Oklahoma City might have to let him go.

No. 5: Who Is the Toast of New York and Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets have long been in the shadows of their bigger-market neighbors, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.

With the Nets moving to the New York borough, re-signing Deron Williams and Brook Lopez and acquiring Joe Johnson, the case can be made that they are better than the Knicks.

Same goes for the Clippers, who will return with a point guard/big man duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, while also bolstering their roster by adding Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford and Grant Hill (via ESPN).

Are they on the same level as the Lakers?

Time will tell as the season continues, but for the first time ever, all four big-market teams are relevant playoff contenders at the same time.

No. 4: Will Chris Paul Commit Long-Term to the Clippers?

Chris Paul is a top point guard in the league and one of the 10 best players too. He led the Clippers to the Western Conference Semifinals this past season.

With Paul, the Clippers are a championship contender and has the ability to remain relevant for the near future.

Without CP3, the "other" Los Angeles team is a fringe playoff team that will struggle to contend with the big boys in the Western Conference.

Re-signing Paul is probably the biggest moment in Clippers history, because it would signal that this team might become a free agent destination for the future.

While it is likely Paul sticks around, teams like Dallas will be calling for his services in the summer of 2013.

No. 3: How Will Oklahoma City Respond to Huge Expectations?

The Oklahoma City Thunder made the NBA Finals with a very young core that just did not seem ready for the big moment.

Luckily for Thunder fans, this team is very young and has the potential to continue to improve. The coaching staff will not change next season and Scott Brooks and Maurice Cheeks are great role models for this young team.

However, next season will be the first season when Oklahoma City will feel the pressure to get past the hump and win a title.

With the possible departure of either James Harden or Serge Ibaka, how will they respond to these immense expectations?

From now on, it is "title or bust" for this roster. There is no looking back.

No. 2: Will the Heat Repeat?

LeBron James won his first title in the grandest of fashions, slaying the "media dragon" with a virtuoso performance in the playoffs and the Finals.

He took home the Finals MVP and proved that he was the best basketball player on the planet, even though he did not have to do so.

With this in mind, can James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh put it together for a second-straight title?

As of now, they are the odds-on favorite, especially after adding Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis in free agency.

Teams, like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers (if they add Dwight Howard) and the Oklahoma City Thunder, will still be threats to Miami in 2013.

A mini-storyline might be whether the Thunder's new member Perry Jones III will be able to show that the Heat made a big mistake by passing on him.

If PJ3 pans out, Miami better watch out.

No. 1: Where Will Dwight Howard Play This Season and Beyond?

I know that it is an old story. I know everyone is sick of Dwight Howard.

However, superstar centers do not come along very often, especially ones of the caliber of Howard.

He has the potential to swing the competitive balance of the NBA in a certain direction, likely putting the team he signs with in title contention.

His two biggest suitors, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, would give D-12 a great chance at winning multiple championships.

However, other teams loom in the chase. Dallas has the cap to sign him long-term in the 2013 offseason and will definitely make a play. Could you imagine a Dirk Nowitzki-Howard frontcourt?

Even the Clippers might decide to part with Griffin in exchange for Howard.

At the end of the day, when he changes teams, the impact he will have on the league can only be compared to LeBron James' when the small forward left Cleveland.

Your Biggest Storylines

What are you looking forward to this NBA season?

Let me know in the comments.