NBA Season Over, But Excitement Isn't
Monday night we saw the end of the 16-17 NBA season as the Golden State Warriors won their second championship in 3 years with a 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This championship brought Kevin Durant his first one in his NBA career. With that he was awarded the NBA Finals MVP, (not that there was any doubt) so congratulations to him and the Golden State Warriors. However, this is not what this blog is about. While the NBA season is over, the action is far from over. There are two events within the last few years that I have really gotten into and believe every NBA fan should.
Next week, (June 22nd) will bring about the NBA draft. A time were players will get drafted and look to make an impact on their new teams. This draft looks to be a good one with many talented players, including top prospects Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson and many more. Now the draft has become something that has interested me in the last few years as I become more involved with the NBA. This event is how teams build for the future, show the direction they wish to take, and even some fun trades are made during this time. While many people look to see who will go #1 each year, I have found that the later picks are the ones to keep an eye on. These guys can be a steal in the draft. You tend to know what to expect from the top guys that are in the draft but it is the later picks that make it fun see what they can do. Take for example, Draymond Green, a second round pick who now is a two-time champion and looks to be this season's defensive player of the year. The draft is full of excitement and I recommend that anyone who is fan of the NBA tune into the draft.
After the draft comes another exciting event, Summer League games. The Summer League is designed for teams to allow their newly drafted rookies, young players, and players fighting for a roster spot to play with each other in front of scouts. This event really drew attention to me just last season, but I had a blast watching it. A full day of basketball with players giving it their all to make a team, who wouldn't enjoy that? If fighting to make a team was not enough motivation for the players, of course there is a Summer League Championship. The Summer League is loaded with talent and I highly recommend that everyone give it a chance.
Fans often say that there is no basketball now that the finals are over, but I disagree. The offseason is full of basketball related events that just make the start of the new season that more exciting. If you have not had the chance to watch these events, I say give it a chance.
