NBA: Dirk Nowitzki, LeBron James and 6 Storylines That Defined Last Season

The NBA is in full-blown panic, considering the 2012 season may soon be erased.

What really scares them is the fact that all of the extraordinary events of last season that made the NBA finally blossom may soon be lost on a whim.

Until the NBA lockout ends, we will reflect on the great season that was and the moments that defined it.

6) Carmelo Anthony Goes to the Knicks

Carmelo Anthony held the Denver Nuggets hostage last season. They had no choice but to give him away or face the consequences.

To say it didn't help the player negotiations for the new CBA is the understatement of the century. The owners will try their best to make sure no one does this again.

Right or wrong, Anthony found his way to New York, where he'll try to deliver the Knicks' first title since 1973.

5) Blake Griffin Dunks...and Then Dunks Some More

Blake Griffin shocked most of us in 2011. Many, including me, thought Griffin's skills would not transition into the NBA. He was shorter than other power forwards and lost an entire season to injury.

Griffin not only was dominant as Rookie of the Year, but became the best highlight reel since Vince Carter. Griffin can dunk on anyone. He is one of the most exciting players in the league.

Watching him emerge as a star was only right, considering his good-guy demeanor.

4) Lakers/Celtics Crumble

The Lakers and Celtics dynasties are burning to the ground.

The Celtics were dismantled by the Heat in five in the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

The Lakers weren't as lucky and were totally humiliated and swept by the future world champion Dallas Mavericks.

Kobe has a chance to get back to the NBA Finals if the Lakers get Dwight Howard. The Celtics can only hope to step into a time machine because the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are only going to get better.

3) Derrick Rose Goes to Another Level

Derrick Rose is the best point guard in the NBA, and no one saw it coming.

If you say you knew Rose would make drastic improvements in his game in one offseason, you would be lying.

He not only improved in every major statistical category, but helped his team improve as well. D-Rose gets to the rim at will, gets 25 points per game and still has time to dish out eight assists per game.

His improvement was commendable and rewarded with a well-deserved 2011 NBA MVP award.

2) LeBron Returns to Cleveland

King James returned to the starting point of his kingdom when visiting his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was everything we imagined and must-see TV. Cavalier fans let James have it.

Ultimately, James would get the last laugh, dropping 38 points and eight dimes on his former team.

1) Dirk Finally Gets His Day

LeBron James shouldn't worry about his legacy. He needs to look no further than 2011 NBA Finals opponent Dirk Nowitzki.

Just last year Dirk was known for choking in big games. I always thought that was foolish because he's been such a workhorse in his career.

With an NBA Finals to remember, Dirk became a "clutch" player and wiped out all negativity surrounding his career.

All great players get their day, and Dirk earned his this past June.

2011 was a great time to see Nowitzki get his day in the sun.