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Top 10 NBA Storylines of 2014-15

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Top 10 NBA Storylines of 2014-15

NBA basketball
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Many eyes are fixed to TV sets eagerly awaiting the start of the 2014-15 NBA season. The upcoming year figures to be an intriguing one as there are many interesting stories with unfinished conclusions and unpredictable endings. These are the top 10 stories to watch.

10. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs, Ginobili Parker Popovich
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10. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs, Ginobili Parker Popovich
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It seems that just about every year, people count the Spurs out in the offseason because they’re “too old.” But since 1999, coach Gregg Popovich and his Spurs have accounted for more than one-third of Western Conference NBA Championship appearances. Will they be able to do the same this year?

9. Miami's Future

Heat Wade Haslem Bosh Chalmers
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9. Miami's Future

Heat Wade Haslem Bosh Chalmers
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In LeBron James’ four years in Miami, the Heat dominated the East and made appearances in the NBA Finals in each of those years. Now that he’s gone, Dwyane Wade has been left to take back control of a disappointed city and an unraveling team. However, there is still some talent left, and let’s not forget that Wade took this team to the NBA Finals once before. Only time will tell if he can do so again.

8. Talented Rookie Class

Jabari parker Andrew Wiggins
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8. Talented Rookie Class

Jabari parker Andrew Wiggins
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Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins lead a draft class arguably filled with more potential stars than any group since 2003. Chances are there will be some busts, but with such a deep group of talent, the rookies may have a larger impact than the NBA is used to seeing.

7. New TV Deal

Adam Silver NBA
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7. New TV Deal

Adam Silver NBA
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Effective for the start of the 2016-17 NBA season, a new TV deal will be in place for the league. The NBA extended its contract with ESPN and TNT for a total value of nearly $ 24 billion over the next nine years.

6. Elimination of Max Contracts?

Durant Bryant James USA
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6. Elimination of Max Contracts?

Durant Bryant James USA
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In light of the new TV deal, top NBA players LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant have expressed interest in removing the max contract altogether. They argue that if the league and owners are able to see this increased revenue, so should the players who feel they aren’t being properly compensated for their services. Economists say James will bring $ 500 million to the city of Cleveland, so why should he only be able to make $ 20 million?

5. Western Conference Getting Even Better?

Curry Paul Durant All-Star Western
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5. Western Conference Getting Even Better?

Curry Paul Durant All-Star Western
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For years, even when Miami was the league’s powerhouse, the Western Conference has been without a doubt, stronger and deeper from top to bottom. You have to go back to 1999 to find a playoff team in the West without a winning record (Minnesota, 25-25). In that time, the East has produced 22 teams to do so. Last season, the West’s No. 8 seed would have been third in the East. The lack of parity is at its worst, and this might not change.

4. Derrick Rose's Return

Derrick Rose Return
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4. Derrick Rose's Return

Derrick Rose Return
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It feels like an eternity has passed since Derrick Rose has played in an NBA game. After suffering two season-ending knee injuries, Rose is poised for a big comeback. He’s showed great explosiveness so far this summer and one can only hope it translates to the season.

3. Challengers in the East

Nene Wall Beal Pierce Wizards
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3. Challengers in the East

Nene Wall Beal Pierce Wizards
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With LeBron back in Cleveland, the Cavs become the instant favorites to win the East. The Bulls figure to be second, but with no Paul George, there’s no clear lock for third place. Teams such as the Wizards and Raptors, who as of two years ago were irrelevant, are now attempting to make some noise. Who will emerge out of the East and provide a legitimate challenge for the top teams?

2. Return of the Mamba

Kobe Bryant, Lakers
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2. Return of the Mamba

Kobe Bryant, Lakers
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The NBA has been without the services of Kobe Bryant for about a year and a half, and honestly, it just hasn’t felt right. Now, fully recovered from two debilitating injuries, Bryant is set to close out his career the way he would choose to, by dominating as he has for more than a decade and a half. Many eyes will be set on Los Angeles to see how he fares.

1. Homecoming in Cleveland

LeBron James Return Cleveland
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1. Homecoming in Cleveland

LeBron James Return Cleveland
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After a successful stint in Miami, LeBron James looks to bring a championship to the city he once turned his back on, the city he calls home. Many will never respect him while others will never turn their back on him, but one thing's for sure: Everyone will be paying attention to what happens in Cleveland this year.

Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.