NBA Free Agency Could Revive Interest: A Fan's Take

With the lockout likely settled and a 66-game season on the docket, NBA fans, players, and teams have breathed a collective sigh of relief.

But many folks will have a hard time catching their breath as in the NBA shifts into offseason mode and teams scramble to put together their rosters for the new year.

According to an article in the LA Times on Nov. 26, the players seemed to achieve a minor victory when they were able to secure provisions that will allow players to move more freely around the league.

With players like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul among those who could open up their options and test the market, the free agent and trade hysteria will be good for the NBA, in the short term that is.

Free agency starts on Dec. 9 with the season opening just over two weeks later, which means the action will be intense and teams will be changed drastically.

Many fans had taken the NBA completely off their radar screens and were prepared to deal with their hoops withdrawal by watching more college ball or gravitating to other sports.

The free agent frenzy that could occur will help to draw many of them back, however. Paul and Howard could shift the balance of the entire season should they move to another team, and you can be sure that ESPN, the blogosphere, and other media outlets will have a field day over-analyzing every comment, bit of speculation or even Tweet that comes out of this short offseason.

Other quality players such as Tyson Chandler, Wilson Chandler, Marc Gasol, David West, Thaddeus Young, Tayshaun Prince and many others could have a big impact. These and other quality players who aren't in the superstar tier will bring solid interest as teams compete to improve their teams and round out their rosters.

The Dallas Mavericks proved last year that team chemistry and depth can still play a huge role in the NBA when it comes to competing for championships, especially if you assemble the right parts around the right superstar.

In the long-term, however, the NBA has to be careful not to lose the fans' trust when it comes to players leaving and forming "Super teams" as Lebron James did when he went to Miami. With free agents more free to roam, it could be a concern.

That being said, it's the least thing from many fans' minds now as the offseason gets ready to shift into high gear.

Nick Meyer is a lifelong NBA fan who resides in the metro Detroit area.