NBA: 5 storylines to watch during the 2020-21 opening week

James Harden (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
James Harden (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
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Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

5 storylines to watch as the 2020-21 NBA season begins

Even though it feels as if the 2019-20 NBA season (and its restart in the Orlando bubble) was just completed, the 2020-21 regular season is upon us. The new season is tipped off with a massive double-header featuring the return of Kevin Durant and a battle between Los Angeles.

In anticipation of the start of the season, we explore five storylines to keep an eye on as the regular season gets underway.

NBA storyline: The return of Kevin Durant

While we’ve already gotten a preview of his return during the preseason and he’s been spectacular, but we’re going to get a clearer picture of what the Brooklyn Nets will be this season under the guidance of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Not to mention the potential addition of James Harden.

Even if this team doesn’t trade for Harden, though, the Nets will be regarded as a favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference. They have two of the 15 players in the NBA and are arguably the deepest team in the conference at the moment.

If Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni can push the right buttons and can motivate this team, the sky is the limit for Kevin Durant’s group. And there’s no question that he’s going to be the leader of the Nets. How far will the Nets be able to go this season? Well, a lot of that will depend on Kevin Durant, his health, and his durability.