Ok, I admit it!  I was one of those guys that wanted the NBA to stay away for the entire season.  I was becoming disenchanted with the game, the players and the fact that most teams didn't even have a player worth the price of admission.  I figured if the game stayed away for long enough then I would begin to miss it and realize why I liked the league to begin with, but that really never happened.  It's weird, I can watch any college basketball game out there, but most pro games I find myself turning off almost immediately.  So again, I wasn't crazy ecstatic when I heard the NBA was coming back.

But something strange happened...

I didn't even realize it at the time, but the NBA somehow got under my skin and I now find myself caring again.  I even watched an entire "Sportscenter" episode without zoning out when the hoops high lights came on.  I guess it started on Christmas when I watched a little of each of the 5 games going on.  Lakers-Bulls was exciting while the Heat looked dominant and who could miss CP3 playing with Blake Griffin for the first time ever as the Clippers handled the Warriors in Golden State.  Little by little and slowly but surely I was started to get hooked again.  But it wasn't until Monday night, the second day of the season that I decided that this game was worth watching once again.

You see, everybody wants to see Kobe struggling with a divorce and trying to get the Lakers back to where they used to be.  Everybody wants to see if LeBron in year two with Bosh and Wade can win it all.  And of course even non basketball fans might actually tune in to watch the Clippers as Chris Paul and Griffin hook up for numerous alley oops.  But it seems to be the secondary storylines for me that have got me interested this season.

Below I listed my top 3 storylines in the NBA not including teams in LA, South Beach or Durant or Dirk.

-Mr. Kim Kardashian

I was so happy to hear that Kris Humphies got himself a job and would not have to take an offer from a minor league hockey team to make his money.  Humphies is making 8 million a season to play with the Nets and somehow be the most hated man in the league.  I, apparently unlike everyone else actually roots for Humphies and I think it's hysterical that his marriage with Kardashian only lasted 72 days.  That might have sounded heartless but if I believed that they got married for love then I would feel bad for the couple.  But when you hear how much each party made to have that wedding, all I think about if how the two of them made off with millions.

But getting back to the game...

Humphies had his best season in 2010-11.  He averaged a double-double and can be useful as depth coming off the bench.  I was honestly surprised that it took so long for him to get a contract.

Well he had a chance to play in his first game on Monday night and he was great throwing in 21 points and grabbing 16 boards.  It was pretty apparent that Humphies wanted to prove that there is life after hanging out with Bruce Jenner, Lamar Odom and Courtney and Chloe.  Of yes, Scott too!  Who could forget about him?  What?  Fine!  I watch the show!  I like it!

The Nets don't really intrigue me, but as long as "Humph" is playing then I will watch!  Oh one more thing about Humphies, his great game came against the Wizards, so maybe I should hold my judgment until he plays a talented team?

-Ricky Rubio

Regarded as the best European guard prospect ever, Ricky Rubio finally made his NBA debut on Monday night.  Rubio was drafted by the Timberwolves in the 2009 draft and after many controversy's on why he could not play for Minnesota sooner, he showed why he might be worth the wait.  Rubio's stat line wasn't very impressive only scoring 6 points in 26 minutes of action.  But it was his assists that make Minnesota fans happy he is there.  Rubio finished the game with 6 assist and most of them were daring, dazzling and even though this is probably way too soon, reminded me of Pete Maravich.  Of course other players have said the same thing, so I guess I am just agreeing with them.

What made the game so fun to watch was the fact that the Thunder was the competition?  It was pretty cool to watch the T-Wolves and their new star almost beat Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City.  I'm not saying there won't be a ton of growing pains along the way, but if I am allowed to judge by one game, then I think Rubio is the real deal and will be very fun to watch for a long time.

If you don't believe me, then believe the "King."  LeBron James tweeted during the game saying "Rubio can pass that rock."

-Beating the Lakers

I know I said that I would leave any LA team out of this, but I could not resist!  Not only did the Lakers get swept in the first round of the playoffs last season but they have started this season 0-2.  On Christmas, the Lakers lost a thriller to the Bulls then on Monday night they lost handedly to the Kings.

If you ever listen to me on the radio you know that there are certain teams that I just despise, the Lakers are one of them and few things would make me happier than if they had an awful season.  I know 2 games doesn't define any team out there, but here's hoping that it does!  Not only did LA get screwed out of Chris Paul but they also seemed to have made a bad decision by trading Odom away.

All of it makes me so happy!

I know this sounds very childish, but it is who I am!

Happy New Year everybody...that is except for those Lakers of course!