Everything you need to know about NBA season 2020/21

It wasn't a long wait, but the 2020/21 NBA season is almost here!

Due to last season's COVID-19 disruptions, it's set to be another unique year with a major shake-up to the schedule.

There will be fewer matches, but no less excitement as the NBA Finals are set to finish just days before the opening matches of the Olympic basketball tournament.

The decision to allow fans to return to stadiums will be made on a team-by-team basis as the season develops, in consultation with local and state health officials.

Another major change will see the Toronto Raptors relocate temporarily in the first half of the season to Tampa, Florida, due to travel restrictions the Canadian government put in place during the pandemic.

Below we take a look at who next season's top players will be, the new schedule, its effects to the Olympics and more.

Top players to watch

Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Could it be a hat-trick of MVP awards for Antetokounmpo in 2020/21?

A revamped Bucks side including Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic will only help that cause.

The Bucks are understandably willing to do anything to keep him there, because wherever he goes, success will follow.

"I love the city of Milwaukee... but at the end of the day, I would not be in this situation of I would not have been working hard, winning games, improving day by day, if I had not had this mentality. I cannot change who I am, I cannot change this mentality. So I will focus on improving day by day, and the rest will resolve itself," he told NBA.com

Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers

Davis has the tools to be great, and proved it last season when hitting the game-winning shot of a victorious league campaign.

The London 2012 Olympic champion's defense was also water-tight, which demonstrates his versatility.

But with LeBron James unlikely to play such a focal part of his team’s early-season, does Davis have what it takes to fill the void and lead the Lakers to more success?

Kevin Durant - Brooklyn Nets

The two-time Olympic gold medallist is sure to be a star player once again, if fit.

At 32-years-old and coming off the back of an Achilles injury, it’s difficult to know if he will be able to show his 2014 MPV form.

But one thing is for sure, if he and Kyrie Irving are fit, the Nets may quite possibly be the team to beat in the East.

Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks

Bookmakers are already considering Doncic as an MVP favourite in 2021 for good reason.

In just two NBA seasons, the Slovenian has become one of the league’s top guards.

If his defense can take another step up to compliment his electrifying points scoring, there may be no stopping the Mavericks.

LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers

The early season start means NBA Finals MVP won’t have as much rest and recovery time as in previous seasons.

Rumours are rife that 36-year-old James may have his game time managed in early fixtures, in order to ensure he is at his peak at the business end of the season.

James’ recent two-year extension at the franchise means there can be no questioning his goal in 2020/21: to win another championship.

Steph Curry - Golden State Warriors

Another player coming back from injury, it will be interesting to see what the two-time MVP is capable of.

Many people feel he needs one more stellar season to be considered a great.

Key to his chances will be teammate Klay Thompson. Should those two find form, then Curry is odds on to add another MVP title to his resume.

Top international prospects

While Greek giant Antetokounmpo and Serbia's Doncic are sure to grab headlines, there is plenty more international talent to keep an eye out for this season.

Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets

The Serbian Olympic bronze medallist led Denver to the Western Conference finals last season, and will be keen to prove the doubters wrong over his fitness. On his day, he is simply one of the best in the world.

Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers

The Australian is so versatile and, with new management in place, his experience may prove vital for Philadelphia. However, James Harden is reportedly unhappy in Houston, and Simmons would be top top of their transfer wish list. Wherever he plays, Simmons has potential to enter the ‘elite’ conversation.

Marc Gasol – Los Angeles Lakers

After signing LeBron James and Anthony Davis to new deals, the arrival of Gasol means the Lakers are looking to begin a new dynasty. The 35-year-old Spaniard and 2x Olympic Silver medallist gives them strength at center and additional leadership.

Steven Adams – New Orleans Pelicans

It’s a new year and a new city for New Zealand’s Steven Adams. After six years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was traded this off-season to a young and exciting New Orleans team, that will need his veteran leadership and experience in helping them reach the Playoffs.

Schedule and key dates

Each team will play 72 regular-season games, which is 10 games fewer than in a typical, 82-game NBA season. The plan is for each team to play three games against each intraconference opponent (42 total), and two against each interconference opponent (30 games). 

In an effort to reduce travel, teams will play a mini series against opponents, with two consecutive games in the same city against the same team.

The schedule will be released in two segments. The First Half of the season 2020-21 has been released here, and the Second Half of the schedule will come out during February.

Dec. 22 – March 4: First Half of regular season

March 5-10: Despite no plans to hold an All-Star Game this season, there will be a break in action.

March 11-May 16: Second Half of regular season

May 18-21: Play-In Tournament
May 22-July 22: 2021 NBA Playoffs

NBA Draft 

Despite the lack of glitz and glamour that usually accompanies the NBA Draft, there were plenty of exciting storylines that emerged from the virtual event in 2020.

Anthony Edwards of the University of Georgia was the No.1 draft pick, made by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James Wiseman of the University of Memphis was the No.2 pick by the Golden State Warriors, while LaMelo Ball, younger brother of NBA star Lonzo Ball, was third, chosen by the Charlotte Hornets.

Patrick Williams was selected by the Chicago Bulls at No.4, while Isaac Okoro rounded out the top 5 with a pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

You can read our full round-up of the evening's action, including the top international picks, here.

The Olympics

The 5x5 Olympic basketball tournament at Tokyo 2020 will take place from 25 July to 7 August, and the United States are favourites to defend their title.

However, head coach Gregg Popovich recently acknowledged that an extended NBA Finals series may deny him access to some of his best players.

"The timing does make everything difficult," said Popovich. "And it will demand some real soul-searching and out-of-the-box type of thinking to put together the best team we possibly can."

A pool of between 40 to 50 players will likely be revealed by USA Basketball in early 2021, with the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Devin Booker having all stated their interest in playing.

Keep an eye out this season for international stars like Rui Hachimura (Japan), Ben Simmons (Australia), Pau Gasol (Spain), Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Michael Gbinije (Nigeria) and Bojan Bogdanovic (Croatia) - all of whom could also appear at the Games.

The final four berths will be decided at FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments from 22 June to 4 July 2021.