Kevin Durant's health and Russell Westbrook's record smashing will steal the headlines, but the play of Serge Ibaka remains the difference-maker in Oklahoma City.

In 2013, Vivek Ranadive saved the Sacramento Kings from relocation. He's spent the two years since squandering good will at an unprecedented rate.

Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2008. But its the moves he's made over the last two seasons that may go down as the finest of his front office tenure.

There's no doubt that surefire Hall of Famer Doc Rivers can be counted among the NBA's best coaches. But has Doc, the executive, torpedoed the Los Angeles Clippers shot at a title?

Golden State bench boss Steve Kerr has called himself "the luckiest coach in NBA history." But there's more to the Warriors league-leading 19-2 record than fortunate bounces.

Bringing a 7-5 record and top-five defence to Toronto on Friday, the Bucks early success prompts an important question for fans in Wisconsin: Should Jabari Parker and Co. be gunning for wins this season?