The Biggest Storyline for Every NBA Team Heading into Next Season

With the NBA Summer League in the rear view mirror and most of the Association's big name free agents settling into new contracts, the attention now turns to next season and all it has to offer.

From the Dwightmare to Steve Nash's new beginnings to Chris Paul's supposed patience, there is no shortage of thickening plots to monitor, nor is there a single team exempt from being subject to internally pressing and unresolved matters.

So, as we anxiously await the start of the new season and the rigorous competition it will undoubtedly present, let us not lose sight of some of the daunting tasks and imposing questions at hand for each of the league's franchises.

Because before teams can truly move forward with or actualize their blueprints for success, they must first be wary of—and prepared to cope with—the most prominent storyline set to follow them into next season.    

Atlanta Hawks

Biggest Storyline: The mysterious case of Josh Smith

Just this past year, the volatile Smith was unhappy with the situation in Atlanta and not only open to, but prepared to embrace a trade to another team.

Lo and behold, though, all it took was the departure of one volume—and sometimes disappointing—scorer in Joe Johnson for Smith to change his tune and embrace his current surroundings.

But what happens from here? With a wealth of cap space at the Hawks' disposal next summer, it's easy to understand why Smith is excited about the team's direction.

However, it's up to Atlanta to actualize this direction.

Will that involve bringing in another star-caliber talent this season? Or maybe rolling the dice, standing pat and exploring its options next summer? Or will the Hawks opt to cut their losses and deal Smith rather than to risk losing him for nothing?

Only time will tell. 

Boston Celtics

Biggest Storyline: Life after Ray Allen

Despite a flurry of offseason movement, no one has dared to short-change the Celtics' potential.

Last summer, Boston was too old to contend for a title, but now, it's quite the opposite; even in the absence of Allen, the Celtics are supposed to make some noise next season.

That said, the same issues from last year—or rather issue—still limits the amount of optimism we can throw Boston's way.

The Celtics are still old, regardless of how sparse talk along that line has become. Players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry are liable to taper off completely at any time. But they're also capable of securing Boston's spot amongst the NBA's elite.

Which one is it?

We'll just have to wait and see. 

Brooklyn Nets

Biggest Storyline: The battle for New York

Re-signing Deron Williams was key to the Nets' future, as was bringing in Joe Johnson, but Brooklyn's offseason activities don't ensure the balance of power has shifted in New York.

For once—until at least January—Dwight Howard won't be the most pressing matter the Nets need to tackle. That honor belongs to the Knicks.

The Knicks—in all their tainted glory—remain the unquestioned kings of New York until the Nets prove otherwise.

And whether or not Brooklyn has the tools necessary to prove otherwise—both in terms of talent and a loyal fanbase—remains to be seen. 

Charlotte Bobcats

Biggest Storyline: Quest for redemption

After posting the worst winning percentage in NBA history, the Bobcats cannot dig themselves a deeper a hole than they're already in. But that doesn't mean complacency is a viable option.

Charlotte has a solid core of young guns with vast individual potential. That said, the Bobcats need their inexperienced youth to thrive early, and as a collective, or risk remaining at the bottom of the league's barrel.

Does Charlotte have what it takes to sidestep a second straight year of complete and utter chaos and the severely damaging consequences that come along with it?

Michael Jordan sure hopes so.

Chicago Bulls

Biggest Storyline: Life without Derrick Rose

Rose isn't expected to return to the hardwood until March, leaving the Bulls with a slew of unanswered questions.

Though we watched Chicago persevere through 27 games without Rose last season, posting a record of 18-7, this is much different. 

The Bulls, especially without the refreshing presences of John Lucas and C.J. Watson, suddenly seem vulnerable. Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah are all household names, but it's unclear whether they can all stay healthy enough to consistently lead Chicago to victory.

Do the Bulls already have an eye on next summer, rendering the 2012-13 campaign a bust or will they shock the basketball world without their true leader once again?

We'll have a better idea how to answer that well before Rose's return to action.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Biggest Storyline: The ability to stay relevant

Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers made some noise early on last season, but they ultimately fell out of playoff contention well before they would have liked to.

Cleveland appears to be a heartbeat away from something special, but it remains to be seen whether Dion Waiters is enough assistance for Irving or if the addition of a more established star player is what's necessary.

The Cavaliers are more than two years removed from LeBron James' infamous decision, but the bitter taste of his departure and what it did to the franchise still lingers.

It will be interesting to see if this is the year Cleveland remains relevant long enough to officially reverse its fortune.

Dallas Nowitzki

Biggest Storyline: The transition into a new beginning

Optimism hardly ran rampant through Dallas after Deron Williams spurned the Mavericks for the Nets.

However, with some deft patchwork, Dallas was able to assemble a supporting cast worthy of taking the court alongside Dirk Nowitzki and talented enough to re-instill a sense of hope into its loyal fanbase.

How far can Nowitzki, Chris Kaman and O.J. Mayo carry this band of essential misfits, though?

That cannot be determined until next season is underway. 

Denver Nuggets

Biggest Storyline: The case for championship contention

The post-Carmelo Anthony era has looked great for the Nuggets.

Denver's balanced core of selfless youth and ego-less experience has carried it to two straight playoff berths. And by re-signing JaVale McGee and Andre Miller with the intent of retaining Ty Lawson, the Nuggets have made it clear they believe in this team.

Will that belief carry them past the first round of the playoffs and into the realm of title contention?

That's certainly the plan. 

Detroit Pistons

Biggest Storyline: Andre Drummond's development

The Pistons could have played it safe by drafting John Henson or Meyers Leonard, but they opted to take a chance on the raw potential of Drummond.

Detroit already knows how important the task at hand is. For the team to establish a truly formidable stake in the East, a tandem of Drummond and Greg Monroe must not only work, but flourish.

And while the Pistons already know what they have in Monroe, Drummond is a complex project and an enormous question mark on his own.

One that won't present any sort of clarity on his or the Pistons' future until he takes the floor next season.

Golden State Warriors

Biggest Storyline: Integration of Andrew Bogut

Stephen Curry barely took the court last season, but his role in the Warriors' cause is already known. The man they dealt Monta Ellis for, Andrew Bogut, however, is a different story.

When healthy, Bogut is a defensive juggernaut, but he's hasn't quite reached his full potential, especially on the offensive end.

Though his size will be a valuable commodity, Golden State put all its eggs in one basket, banking on Bogut fueling the team's return to prominence.

And, more than fittingly, the entire league will watch as Golden State's blueprint for future—good or bad—begins to unfold. 

Houston Rockets

Biggest Storyline: The return on their investments

It began by stockpiling draft picks and will culminate in accomplishing the seemingly impossible—prying Jeremy Lin away from the Knicks–and perhaps the unmatched signing of Omer Asik as well. I'm referring to, of course, the Rockets' quest for a new identity.

Regardless of whether Houston eventually lands Dwight Howard or not, a new era is officially being ushered in. The Rockets have a pile of money wrapped up in Asik and Lin, an erratic scorer in Kevin Martin and a handful of unproven rookies in hand.

Will this current core render Houston's slew of activity successful or will its efforts ultimately prove unjustifiably futile?

Stay tuned.

Indiana Pacers

Biggest Storyline: Taking the next step

The Pacers made some serious headway last season, securing a spot amongst the best in the Eastern Conference. That said, duplicating last season's performance won't earn them much praise next season.

Larry Bird has moved on, and Indiana must follow suit. While the Pacers have a talented roster, they lack the killer instinct necessary to legitimately contend with the likes of the Heat, as we saw in the playoffs this past May.

If Indiana wants to separate itself even further, its key players—most notably the behemoth that is Roy Hibbert—are going to have to reach new heights and establish new levels of chemistry with their teammates.

Will such a vision become a reality?

After two giant steps forward last season, the Pacers sure hope so.

Los Angeles Clippers

Biggest Storyline: Chris Paul's future

Despite coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career, Paul has not signed an extension with Clippers, deciding instead to explore his options at the end of next season.

Though it's difficult to imagine this not being a a way for Paul to maximize his earning potential—he can re-sign this summer for five-years and $108 million—Los Angeles must proceed with caution all the same.

Paul has already plotted his escape from one franchise and while the Clippers have talented pieces in place for the future, becoming a consistently dominate force on the basketball court is the only way to take any remaining guesswork out of this equation.

Is Lob City prepared to keep up with teams like the Thunder?

They can't afford not to be at this point.

Los Angeles Lakers

Biggest Storyline: Steve Nash's integration

We all know what Steve Nash is capable of, but we hardly have an idea of how he'll fare at the age of 38, on the Lakers, next to Kobe Bryant.

As talented as both veterans are, Bryant's penchant for isolation and self-infused offense don't exactly seem to compliment Nash's preference for off-ball sidekicks.

That said, Bryant is hungry for his sixth ring and Nash desperately covets his first championship victory, so it's easy to conceive that such a pairing will pay monstrous dividends.

But even if we go on the assumption that the two biggest names on the Lakers will thrive alongside each other, it remains unclear how the rest of Los Angeles' star-laden roster will respond.

Will the Lakers most recently subtle reconstruction result in a title or will disappointment run rampant throughout the Staples Center by season's end?

That the $27 million question we'll know the answer to soon enough.

Memphis Grizzlies

Biggest Storyline: The ability to stave off the end of an era

The Grizzlies may be approaching a crossroads.

Memphis has about $58.5 million committed to four players—Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph—next season. Assuming Randolph exercises his player option after next season, it will have $60.4 million committed to the same for the following year.

That's not exactly a bill you foot for a team that isn't contending for a title.

Despite a wealth of talent, fairly deep roster and loyal fan base, the Grizzlies have yet to reach their full potential.

Can they reverse such misfortunes and fight to keep their wildly expensive core in tact past this summer?

We'll know for sure in due time.

Miami Heat

Biggest Storyline: Quest for dynasty status

We all remember LeBron James' infamous "not one, not two..." speech. Now, with a championship ring and two crafty shooting veterans in tow, the expectation is that Miami win a second straight title.

The Heat are certainly talented enough to repeat as champs and spark dynasty chatter, but there will be plenty of organizations looking to derail such hopes; the pressure is on in Miami, even more so than last season.

Will James and company rise to the occasion for a second consecutive season or will back-to-back championships ultimately prove impossible in the age of super teams?

What a journey toward resolution that will be.

Milwaukee Bucks

Biggest Storyline: The Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings experiment

Dealing for Ellis was a bold move, but a justifiable one nonetheless for Milwaukee.

The Bucks have two of the NBA's most crafty scorers but are now tasked with ensuring such a pairing isn't futile.

Both Ellis' and Jennings' play-styles are incredibly similar and therefore liable to clash. The Bucks are in the process of attempting to convince both stars to remain long-term, meaning failure isn't an option.

So, can Ellis and Jennings coexist alongside each other to the point of effectiveness?

For the sake of Milwaukee's future, hopefully they can.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Biggest Storyline: Kevin Love's satisfaction

Despite recently signing an extension with the Timberwolves, Love's future in Minnesota is far from solidified.

Love is reportedly growing impatient with the team and is anxiously awaiting the arrival of some additional talent.

Though the Timberwolves' cornerstone now holds next to no leverage, an unhappy star doesn't bode well for the team's future.

And while Ricky Rubio is prolific in his own right, is his presence enough to propel Minnesota to the level Love dictates they be at or must another piece or two be brought in to satisfy the forward's appetite for talent?

Skeptical or not, everyone in Minnesota is anxiously awaiting the resolution to this unsettling twist.

New Orleans Hornets

Biggest Storyline: Austin Rivers' transition to point guard

You might think New Orleans is more concerned with Eric Gordon's happiness, but the fact is, his willingness to embrace his role with the Hornets is directly related to Rivers' success at point guard.

If Rivers can successfully transition into the role of a floor general, it makes the likelihood of he and Gordon not only coexisting, but thriving, alongside each other that much more plausible.

What if the rookie combo guard crashes and burns, though?

Well, then New Orleans will be forced to make a decision Gordon was prepared to make merely days ago.

New York Knicks

Biggest Storyline: On-court relationship of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire

Harp on Jeremy Lin's departure all you want, the Knicks were always going to go as far as both Anthony and Stoudemire were prepared to take them.

While the pair have proved they can score together on the floor—most notably just after Anthony's arrival—they've yet to put together a string of cohesive victories or accolades. And whether you support the duo or not, that's undeniably a problem.

Can Anthony and Stoudemire find a way to compliment each other on the court or will they ultimately crash and burn, like they have thus far?

Considering New York has nearly $40 million invested in the two next season and more than $43 million the year after that, the latter—especially if the Knicks wish to keep their roster intact—is too detrimental to even acknowledge.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Biggest Storyline: The James Harden and Serge Ibaka problem

Both Harden and Ibaka are going to land big time contracts next summer, it's just unclear whether they'll still be in Oklahoma City afterward, or even by that time.

The Thunder may not be able to afford the soon-to-be hefty deals of Harden and Ibaka to go along with Kevin Durant's and Russell Westbrook's already monstrous salaries.

Much like the Grizzlies, the Thunder are approaching a financial crossroads. They've got plenty of talent in tow but not enough cash to support their investment.

Will Oklahoma City bite the big money bullet, will it opt to part ways with Harden or Ibaka—or both—next summer, or will it attempt to turn some combination of the two into an established asset, like say, Dwight Howard?

That's a question the entire league is pining for an answer to.

Orlando Magic

Biggest Storyline: The Dwightmare

By the time you finishing reading this slideshow, the status quo in Orlando will have probably changed. Again.

Merely days after setting an early-August deadline for the resolution of this ill-fated saga, the Magic are reportedly willing to sit on Dwight Howard for as long as they have to.

And to that I say: Are you kidding me?

Orlando cannot afford to let their unhappy big man leave for nothing this summer and there's absolutely no way the man-child is prepared to continue his career with the Magic. There is only one way this is going to end—with Howard in a different uniform.

How long before Orlando stops prolonging the inevitable?

That's a question we're certainly growing tired of posing. 

Philadelphia 76ers

Biggest Storyline: Andre Iguodala's future in Philadelphia

Haven't the Sixers traded Iguodala already?

After the countless rumors we have been forced to sift through over the years, it sure seems like they have. 

In reality, though, they haven't, not yet anyway. But after drafting Moe Harkless—who like many others on Philadelphia's roster plays small forward—Iguodala's future with the Sixers has never seemed more uncertain.

Will Philadelphia finally pull the trigger on an Iguodala trade or are we destined to merely speculate on the matter until his contract expires—assuming he exercises his player option—after next season?

I'm not even sure the Sixers themselves have any sort of grasp on the answer to this question. 

Phoenix Suns

Biggest Storyline: Moving on from Steve Nash

When the Suns traded Steve Nash to the Lakers, it marked the end of a fulfilling era and the beginning of a new, uncertain one.

Phoenix made quick work of replacing him, drafting Kendall Marshall before he was even gone and signing Goran Dragic to a four-year deal, but the void Nash left is anything but completely filled.

Will the combination of a crafty Dragic and selfless Marshall be enough for the Suns to successfully begin life without Nash or will his absence relegate them to the very bottom of the NBA's food chain?

If Dragic resembles the player he was last season and Marshall is even half the playmaker he was in college at the professional level, then Phoenix should be able to avoid the latter.

Portland Trail Blazers

Biggest Storyline: Avoiding a repeat of last season

The Blazers roster is a lot younger and far less experienced than last season, but they're still expected to contend for a playoff spot.

After committing some major coin to Nicolas Batum, Portland has no acceptable reason not to remain relevant all season.

Last year, the team experienced a meltdown of epic proportions, but with the disgruntled Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton playing elsewhere, locker room scuffles should be non-existent and the overall team dynamic should be plenty more stable.

Was last season merely a minor bump in the road or was it a sign of things to come for the Blazers?

Damian Lillard will help us find out soon enough. 

Sacramento Kings

Biggest Storyline: Returning to relevancy

DeMarcus Cousins proved to be a stud last season, and he now has a worthy low post sidekick in Thomas Robinson to help him bring the Kings to the next level.

But will they succeed?

Sacramento has been underachieving for awhile, and last year was no exception. However, the Kings will now lean on Cousins and Robinson, along with Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton, in hopes that they'll rise to the occasion.

But does Sacramento have what it takes to climb out of the basement or is it destined to troll the NBA's doldrums for another year?

Here's to hoping there's a way for the Kings to win, but the Maloofs to lose. 

San Antonio Spurs

Biggest Storyline: The roster's championship window

San Antonio is betting big on its current core.

The Spurs re-signed Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw and Danny Green in hopes of making another deep postseason push, sans the mid-series meltdown.

Though no pressing needs come to mind when considering San Antonio's roster, the Spurs took a huge gamble by essentially remaining pat. Doing so effectively implies that there is more to see from this group of mostly aging veterans than we haven't already witnessed.

But is that accurate? Are the Spurs—age and all—still equipped to consistently take down younger teams like the Clippers and Thunder?

We'll have an answer one way or another soon enough.

Toronto Raptors

Biggest Storyline: Kyle Lowry's life as an unquestioned leader

After failing to reel in Steve Nash, the Raptors set their sights on Lowry, hoping that he would only continue to improve upon his strong—albeit limited—performance from last season.

However, it took Lowry the better part of six years to emerge as the type of point guard worth building around, and there's no guarantee he follows up his breakout season with yet another strong display next year.

For all the Raptors know, Lowry could be a one-year wonder who is no more qualified to run an offense or build around than Jose Calderon.

Will Toronto's newest point guard cave under a more prominent role and heavily optimistic set of expectations or will he rise to the occasion and help lead the Raptors back to relevancy?

We'll have our answer before long.

Utah Jazz

Biggest Storyline: Future direction of the franchise

The Jazz are going to look very different after next season, perhaps even sooner than that.

Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Mo Williams are all in the final year of their contracts. Utah can let all of them come off the books and begin to rebuild via free agency next summer, use the expiring deals to acquire assets through trades or opt to re-sign them.

Whatever the Jazz decide, and whoever they decide it for, will say a great deal about what direction this team is headed and how significant a role youngsters like Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter will play moving forward.

When will we begin to know for sure?

The trade deadline is a good bet there.

Washington Wizards

Biggest Storyline: John Wall's latest sentiments

Wall declared that it was time for the Wizards to make the playoffs and time for him to see the light of the All-Star game, potential achievements that will say a great deal about his future in Washington.

The Wizards effectively have two seasons to convince Wall to stick around before he can explore his other options. With a completely revamped roster that limits their ability to make significant changes moving forward, though, we will have a verdict on his future sooner rather than later.

Will Washington improve by leaps and bounds to, at the very least, contend for a playoff spot this season or will Wall's future come under immediate scrutiny well before Washington was prepared to deal with it?

Now that's a question the Wizards cannot wait to have answered.

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