Basketball fans get ready, because the NBA season is upon us. The first games of the regular season are set to tip off on Tuesday (today). At 8 p.m., the Philadelphia 76ers will be taking on the Boston Celtics, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder going up against the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m.

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With the season right around the corner, there are a few players some experts are watching out for to see how they will perform in the 2018-2019 season. One player is Markelle Fultz, point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who was the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. His first season with the 76ers was shaky after injuries hampered his effectiveness as a shooter. However, he was able to display his talent on defense and was the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. He has been working with the highly-regarded trainer Drew Hanlen, who has reported that Fultz is a vastly different and improved player from what was shown last season.

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Another player to watch is Lonzo Ball, point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball was drafted right behind Markelle Fultz in last year’s draft. Lonzo showed some definite star talent his rookie year, but also displayed some weaknesses on the hardwood. Ball has a hard time with his shot and being an aggressive shooter, according to many experts. His athleticism and strength have improved, with many pictures from Lonzo lifting weights during the off-season surfacing on social media.

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An addition to the LA Lakers for the start of the season is a decorated veteran of the game, LeBron James. Everyone Laker fan, and most NBA fans in general, are on the edge of their seat waiting to see how both of these players perform as teammates. Some fans say they will work well with one another. James has proven to be a fantastic all-around player and if there is one thing James does, it is get his guys open looks.

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Dragan Bender is also on the list of players to watch this season. Some might think it is because he is another first round draft pick, but fans have been waiting to see this international talent blossom in the NBA since he was drafted out of Europe. There is no doubt a seven-foot tall shooter who can make three-pointers and block shots has substantial potential in today’s NBA. Although he has two seasons under his belt, with next to nothing to show for it, spectators are hoping that the addition of DeAndre Ayton should release any pressure Bender was feeling and help improve his game. Bender definitely has the tools to be a good player, but he just needs to settle into his position on the team.

 

Be sure to look for your favorite team playing this week. First games are on Tuesday, October 16, but both Wednesday and Thursday are packed full of games, so pull out your jerseys from the back of your closet because basketball season is back!