20 NBA storylines for 2021-22 season: LeBron James vs. Father Time, Ben Simmons saga, Nets minus Kyrie Irving

Also, the Lakers are conducting a risky Russell Westbrook experiment, and Trae Young is a sneaky MVP threat

The 2021-22 NBA season is finally upon us. On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Bucks will get their championship rings before taking on the Brooklyn Nets. In the nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors. As is the case with the start of every NBA campaign, there are all kinds of storylines that should be front and center on your fan radar. Below I have listed 20 of them, starting with the mess in Philadelphia. 

This might feel a bit tired at this point, but when the clock is ticking on a big-name player being traded, it's going to be high drama until it happens. And make no mistake: it's going to happen. Simmons is gone from Philly. In the meantime, can the 76ers afford to let him play? Heck, he can't even make it through practice. Doc Rivers kicked him out on Tuesday for being a "distraction" and not being engaged. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Simmons refused to sub into a drill. The Sixers subsequently suspended Simmons for one game. Joel Embiid said: "... at this point I don't care about that man" before adding that it's not Simmons' teammates job to "babysit" anyone. So, not great, Bob.