25 Reasons NBA Will Rebound from Disgusting Lockout

With terms like decertification and ultimatums being thrown around, the 2011-2012 NBA season looks to be in serious jeopardy. 
 
The revenue split continues to be a huge issue and with the deadline nearing an end, I do not expect the players to accept the current offer on the table. 
 
The decertification talks will only get worse and if the players decide to walk that route, the 2011-2012 season is pretty much finished before it even started. 
 
The NBA will return eventually but as fans, you can only hope that some miracle happens at the 11th hour. The league and the players will lose money due to the lockout but I do not expect negative long term affects in result of the basketball work stoppage.  
 
Rather than directly writing about the lockout, I decided to list 25 reasons why the NBA will come back stronger than ever.

Reason 1: Mike Brown in Hollywood

The former head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers will have his shot in Hollywood coaching another superstar in Kobe Bryant. Mike Brown did a phenomenal job coaching LeBron James with all the hoopla surrounding his free agent decision. 

Whenever the NBA season starts, it will be quite a show with Mike Brown in LA coaching Kobe Bryant and Co.

Reason 2: Old Kobe?

Kobe Bryant underwent an experimental procedure in Germany to help his bothersome knee. If the procedure is effective, we at least may see the 2008 Kobe Bryant. That is better than the aging and ineffective Kobe Bryant we saw last year in the playoffs.

Reason 3: Amnesty Clause

The amnesty clause will likely be reworked into the new CBA agreement. It's a clause that allows NBA teams to essentially push the "redo" button on any contract they may deem unfit.  
This clause will affect players such as Baron Davis or Gilbert Arenas and should prove exciting for fans to see where they ultimately end up.

Reason 4: Free Agency

If the season starts midway, expect a frenetic free agency period, similar to what occurred in the NFL. 

The 2011 free agent pool, for the most part, lacks star power but fans should still be excited for things to return to normal. 

Reason 5: Rick Adelman in Minnesota

David Kahn's hiring of Rick Adelman in Minnesota was a bit of a surprise. I did not expect Adelman to consider the Minnesota Timberwolves a viable option but David Kahn somehow persuaded the veteran coach to sign.  
 
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an abundance of young talent, especially with the arrival of Ricky Rubio, but lack direction. Rick Adelman may be the solution in Minnesota. If he has success, the Timberwolves could be one of the more exciting teams to watch in the league

Reason 6: Dwight Howard Hoopla

Will Dwight Howard pull a LeBron James?

Eventually Dwight Howard and the Magic will have to answer these questions (as did LeBron), no matter if the season is delayed or canceled all together. Either way, fans will be entertained.

Reason 7: Clutch Moments

There is no reason to explain further. Fans will be giddy when tight fourth quarters and "clutch" shots return.

Reason 8: Strong Rivalries

Whether it's new rivalries (Heat/Bulls) or old rivalries (Lakers/Celtics), the NBA wouldn't be the same without them.

Reason 9: Swats Galore

Who doesn't like a good swat or two? Dwight Howard and a few others have perfected this art and eventually the SportsCenter highlights of their amazing swats will return.

Reason 10: LeBron Mania

Will Lebron James return with vengeance after an embarrassing performance in the finals against the Dallas Mavericks? Every year, fans expect LeBron James to refine his post game and every year he disappoints.This year may be different.

Whenever basketball returns, I expect Lebron to have worked and refined his game in the post. That is a scary thought.

Reason 11: Derrick Rose and His Improving Jumper

Derrick Rose has made significant strides in developing his mid-range jumper since entering the league. He is practically "unguardable" with or without a jumper but the rest of his Bulls teammates would benefit if their point guard improves in that area.

I believe Derrick Rose will return with a more consistent jump shot and in result, the Bulls will be even more dangerous.

Reason 12: Rookies

Will Kyle Irving or Derrick Williams make an immediate impact? Fans want to see the unknown, especially with high draft picks.

Reason 13: Coaches on the Edge

There are a few coaches on the hot seat and it will not cool until their teams have shown improvement. Mike D'antoni and Erik Spoelstra lead this list and fans will be expecting results. 
 
The shuffling of coaches give fans hope that a better future awaits (Ex: Rick Adelman Minnesota Timberwolves).

Reason 14: Jimmer

Jimmer mania has arrived in the NBA and I'm sure the Sacramento Kings management are thrilled to have such a ticket-seller with all the uncertainty involving the future of the franchise.

There is a slim chance that Jimmer alone could turn around this once proud franchise but I still like the selection for the Kings.

Reason 15: Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul?

Russell Westbrook was heavily criticized in the playoffs last year for supposedly holding back Kevin Durant and the Thunder offense. 
 
A Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul deal could mathematically work but I do not expect Sam Presti to take the bait. The New Orleans Hornets would take this deal in an instant but the same cannot be said for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have more to lose in this deal. 
 
Either way, these rumors will blow up when the season begins.

Reason 16: Blake Griffin Highlights

Blake Griffin dunking has turned into quite a show for fans everywhere. This video clip says it all.

Reason 17: Can Mark Jackson Turn the Warriors Around?

Mark Jackson is the perfect coach for the Golden State Warriors. I expect the Warriors to play like the Philadelphia 76ers of last season. With an improved Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry in the backcourt, the Golden State Warriors could be thinking playoffs.

Reason 18: Celtics' Last Run

The Boston Celtics could have one more great run in them. The big three in Boston will play one more year together before general manager Danny Ainge begins the rebuilding process.

If the NBA cancels the entire season, that could throw a wrench in those plans but I still expect the Celtics to make one more run.

Reason 19: Dallas Mavericks

Can the Dallas Mavericks repeat? The roster has the talent but age will be an issue especially if the entire season is lost.

The Mavericks have a bunch of free agents including key cog, Tyson Chandler.

Reason 20: Brendan Roy Makes Comeback

You have to feel for Brandon Roy and what he is going through. Roy has been reduced to a mere role player after a promising start with the Portland Trail Blazers. If the amnesty clause goes into affect, the Portland Trail Blazers will use it on Brandon Roy and his hefty contract. 
 
Despite his troublesome knees, I expect Brandon Roy to return as a great sixth man. It's a far cry from his career before the knee injuries but at least he will be in the NBA.

Reason 21: Talks of Isiah Returning

Isiah Thomas has publicly stated his disinterest in rejoining the New York Knicks but it's still funny to remind Knicks fans the possibility of his return.

Reason 22: The Miami Heat Big Three

The biggest storyline last offseason was the assembling of the big three in Miami. The Heat enjoyed success until their finals defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. 
 
If the Miami Heat fail to win a championship in the next two seasons, I expect the big three to be blown up (not literally). The Heat are under a large microscope and will continue to be scrutinized until they win it all.

Reason 23: Is It Time for Timmy to Retire?

Father time has finally caught up with Tim Duncan. Maybe it's time for the future hall of famer to exit gracefully.
 
I expect Tim Duncan to play for one more season and as fans, we will get to see the best power forward ever to play the game in his last days with the San Antonio Spurs. Tim Duncan may still have one elite year left in him.

Reason 24: Memphis Grizzlies and Small Market Teams

The Memphis Grizzlies' success last season has given other small market teams hope. The NBA has largely been a stage for big market teams and it was great to see the Grizzlies compete in the playoffs.

Reason 25: Playoffs

This slide is self-explanatory. Instead of telling you how great the playoffs are, check out this clip.