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5 reasons we can't wait for the NBA to return

From Derrick Rose to the New Orleans Pelicans.

A kiss from a (Derrick) Rose

YouTube: NBAshowtimeHD2

THE EASTERN CONFERENCE of the NBA is as competitive as it’s ever been but, given that the Bulls made it to the second round of the playoffs last year without Rose, you can only imagine what their goals are for this season with the 2011 MVP back in the line-up.

After scoring 22 points in 22 minutes of his pre-season return, Rose told ESPN: “I think I’m way more explosive now.” The rest of the NBA should be very scared indeed.

New York, New York

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Both New York teams look good enough to keep things exciting in the city that never sleeps. With the addition of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Kidd as head coach this summer, the Nets are poised to run their city rivals very close in 2013.

Riggin’ for Wiggins

YouTube: Hoopmixtape

Of course most eyes will be on the race for the NBA championship but the battle for last place is just as interesting with Canadian sensation Andrew Wiggins almost certainly going to be the number one pick in the 2014 Draft. Any one of the 76ers, Suns, Magic or Jazz are likely to be rewarded with the future star.

The Doc will see you now

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Image: Isaac Brekken/AP/Press Association Images

Doc Rivers has already made an impact in LA, ensuring the Lakers’ championship banners and retired jerseys are covered up when his Clippers side are playing in the Staples Center. The former Boston coach makes the Clippers — boasting Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, et al — genuine title contenders this year.

The Three-peat?

Great teams are not measured by one championship, they’re not even measured by back-to-back wins. No, great teams win three in a row. Can Miami do it this year? Can LeBron James win one more ring before going back to Cleveland? Who knows, but the fun will be in watching them try.

YouTube: NBA

Gomes comes from school of hard knocks as Boston tie World Series

‘My Ireland team to beat the All Blacks is…’

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    Mute Dean Mac Glennáin
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    Mar 4th 2016, 10:56 AM

    It’s going to be an interesting season. It’s hard to call who’s going to win it since all the clubs change around so much. Dundalk should win it again on paper but this Cork side looks good. I really rated Bolger last season and thought he held pats together in midfield so with the players around him I’d say cork could be that bit harder to beat.

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    Mute IrishGravyTrain
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    Mar 4th 2016, 9:42 AM

    Are clubs still paying a yearly registration fee. If so what is it this year?

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    Mute Colin Mullen.
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    Mar 4th 2016, 3:23 PM

    Hard to know if Dundalk will still have the hunger. Last season was all about becoming the first Dundalk team to win two in a row, this season, I think a decent run in Europe is the aim. Maybe that will affect our league progress. Having said that, it’s hard to see a better team in the league.

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    Mute Dean Mac Glennáin
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    Mar 4th 2016, 3:46 PM

    Maybe fix up the ground should be part of this seasons plan too for Dundalk with the recent success , it has to be the worst stadium in Ireland. How it got approved for European football last season still has me shocked.

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    Mute IrishGravyTrain
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    Mar 4th 2016, 3:59 PM

    Problem with lease that is preventing them from upgrading. http://www.the42.ie/dundalk-statement-oriel-park-2585281-Feb2016/

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    Mute Dean Mac Glennáin
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    Mar 4th 2016, 4:26 PM

    Compleatly forgot about that ! Fair point it’s a sticky situation.

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    Mute Colin Mullen.
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    Mar 4th 2016, 6:37 PM

    Have to agree with you, the stadium is in a shocking state. Unfortunately the leasing issue seems to be holding up any developments. Personally I’d love to see the pitch ripped up and a return to grass.

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