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7 questions as the NBA starts its season

Dwyane Wade joining the Bulls created a nice little buzz in Chicago. But let's face it, when it comes to nationally relevant NBA angles this season, there's really only one:

How will the Golden State Warriors fare with former MVP Kevin Durant joining an already successful cast?

The Warriors broke the Bulls' record of 72 wins last season, so that storyline is over. LeBron James finally broke the championship drought in Cleveland, so that's no longer an issue.

The primary NBA attraction is pretty much watching how KD, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the guys work together while waiting for the inevitable Warriors-Cavs threematch in the Finals.

There are 30 teams in the league about to play 82 games, though, so let's dig up a few more intriguing questions about NBA 2016-17:

1. Will the Warriors win more than 73 games?

Logic says no, since Golden State went all gangbusters to beat the Bulls' mark of 1995-96, then ended up losing out on the ultimate prize. So most people would expect coach Steve Kerr to take a more “San Antonio” approach, rest key players as needed, send Draymond Green to a few Nut-Kickers Anonymous classes, and not worry about another record.

On the other hand, when the Warriors jumped out to a 50-point lead against the Clippers in their first preseason game, it sent a message. Sure, it was only preseason, but if the key guys stay healthy, Golden State might win 75 games without even stressing themselves, right?

Well, maybe. Keep in mind, when Durant jumped on board, the Warriors had to unload two starters — Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, both now in Dallas — so there's more to the mix than just adding another elite scorer.

2. Can any team prevent a third-straight Cleveland-Golden State Finals?

This is a tough one. In the East, Toronto is coming off a great season, but is there really any room for the Raptors to improve?

Boston might have a chance, having added Atlanta's Al Horford. But mostly, the answer is no. As in no team in the East seems to have a reasonable chance of beating the Cavs.

In the West, this could be the year the Los Angeles Clippers have no unfortunate setbacks. The Clips are still missing an elite wing scorer, though. San Antonio, retooling without Tim Duncan, didn't get its chance to meet Golden State in the playoffs, so the Spurs should be motivated.

Keep an eye on Oklahoma City. Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter had big preseasons. With Westbrook unleashed and plenty of firepower still on the roster, the Thunder may be back in the West finals.

3. Will fans lose interest with just two perceived championship contenders?

In the past, superteams have been great for the NBA. Interest was never higher than in the late 1990s when Michael Jordan's Bulls were dominating.

Some people thought Miami forming the Power Trio in 2010 would be bad for the league, but it turned into a blessing, because the Heat became perfect villains and America tuned in hoping to see them lose.

Is the nation ready to turn on the Warriors as too star-studded? The public is probably not ready to treat the Cavs as beloved underdogs. So let's just say it's complicated. A lack of drama in the playoffs would certainly put a damper on TV ratings. The league had a hit on its hands last year with Thunder-Warriors in the West finals.

4. Which team is better — Bulls or Knicks?

That's easy, let's just check the matchups.

Derrick Rose vs. Rajon Rondo. Well, the 2011 Rose wins in a landslide. This year ... probably still Rose,

Joakim Noah vs. Robin Lopez. That's a tough one. Pass.

Carmelo Anthony and Courtney Lee vs. Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler. Don't forget, at the 2003 Final Four, Anthony got the best of Wade, Kirk Hinrich, everyone. But yeah, the Bulls win this one.

Kristaps Porzingis vs. Taj Gibson. Hmm, 7-foot-3 Latvian against a Brooklyn Brawler. Let's go with Gibson, but maybe not for long.

Bench: Tough call with so many unknowns. Maybe if Justin Holiday hadn't changed sides.

So there's your answer. Couldn't be more obvious.

5. How will Russell Westbrook fare on his own?

There's just one way for Russell Westbrook to get proper revenge — average a triple-double for the entire season, matching Oscar Robertson's remarkable achievement. Or beat Kevin Durant and the Warriors in the playoffs.

The feeling here is Westbrook won't accomplish either task, but he has a great chance to win MVP.

6. Will Thibodeau's T-wolves make the playoffs?

Minnesota is young and could probably use a couple of veterans in the rotation. But there's too much talent there. Yes, Thibodeau takes this team to the playoffs.

7. Can Pau Gasol replace Tim Duncan?

Gasol basically doubled Duncan's scoring average last season and also had a healthy edge in assists. Whether Gregg Popovich and the Spurs can find a way to hide Gasol's deficiencies in screen-and-roll defense is one of the intriguing questions to this season. At least for Bulls fans.

Get the latest Bulls news via Twitter @McGrawDHBulls.

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