But seriously, we just spent a baker's dozen years watching whether Lebron or the Warriors would win the championship. And the Raptors were able to nab one, but only because the Warriors castle crumbled with injuries, and LeBron had some letdowns in the finals with the Heat. But now it seems those eras are pretty much behind us (dare I tempt fate). And we saw the Joke and the Nuggets put together a dominant campaign last year, and maybe that's the near future for us, a sort of Timmy D is his prime era. But the Nuggets haven't proved it yet, and everyone knows that, so that door is arguably wide open.

And no one is more conscious of that than Boston in the East. But how many other teams could you possibly see now in the finals and not be surprised. Will the Clippers find their sea legs and become what they could be. Can Milwaukee go again. Are the Heat up for another playoff metamorphosis. Is there anything to the T-Wolves. The Pelicans shouldn't be taken lightly for me. Will Phoenix man up and fight, you know D Book wants to. Does Sacramento have the bond of champions after the fire I've put them through. The Mavs have Luka Doncic, that's a reason to stay. We' be asking a lot to expect more of the youngin's of OKC in this year. The Warriors and LeBron still may be in the playoffs... (cue sounds of impending doom for the rest of the league)

Optimistically. I think we're going to be waiting for a new king of the hill and everyone is going to be scrambling for it. Joke's got first claim. Warriors are lurking in my rearview ready to step on my optimism, as soon as they can settle the ballasts. Boston advertises. Who am I kidding, the game always has one man at the controls. ;)

• Middle fingers to the world.