The much anticipated NBA season will commence on October 25. The thrill of buzzer beaters, nail-biting fourth quarters, and vicious slam dunks is back. NBA fans are filled with excitement, and they should be: each team has a chance to prove something after an offseason of rest and preparation.

The long journey of each NBA season culminates in the heavyweight battle that is the NBA Finals. Only two teams make it there, and all others go home with nothing. Every year, several teams make new additions to their lineup and coaching staff that, ideally, will make a spot in the Finals more attainable.

This year, the New York Knicks have recently acquired Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah from the Chicago Bulls.  These players are a key part in rebuilding the Knicks, and this team, on paper, looks in prime position to do some damage this season. Kishan Gandham ‘19 expresses his excitement over his revamped Knicks: “I cannot wait to watch the Knicks.  I love seeing them play and now that they have Derrick Rose, they are the ultimate team. With him, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis, things are looking good for the Knicks.”

Another team that is a very prominent threat to win the championship this year is the Golden State Warriors.  Last year, they lost in the NBA Finals in seven intense games to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  This year, Golden State looks to avenge that deflating loss, and they have taken a step in the right direction by recruiting Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The 2014 MVP signed with the Warriors to join powerful players such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.  The Warriors, with this addition, have now become the enemy, and the team that many love to hate. With their line-up full of All-Stars, future Hall-of-Famers, and talented rookies, the Warriors are a heavy candidate to reclaim the throne.

Kavya Alapaty ‘18 shares her admiration for the Warriors: “The Warriors have so many talented players, I cannot even imagine how well they will play this year.  I love watching Stephen Curry play, as he is such a great shooter and is very quick and agile with the ball.  I know Kevin Durant is going to fit in nicely with this team, and I cannot wait to see it all unfold.”

However, Kevin Durant’s signing raised definite controversy.  Durant left Oklahoma City to join the Warriors, an already elite team. This move was met with criticism from players all around the league, and from fans all around the world.  People burned his jersey, just as how Cleveland Cavaliers fans burned Lebron James’ jersey when he left for Miami in 2010.  People bombarded Durant with comments of hatred, accusations of disloyalty, and endless vilification.  How Durant’s signing and its associated controversy play out this year will, no doubt, have a huge effect on which team lifts the Finals trophy in June.

All we can do now is wait and see who will win it all this year. This season holds many exciting things ahead and is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing and intense seasons yet.