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Top 5 matchups between players and their former teams in 2015-16

Soobum Im / USA TODAY Sports

The NBA: Where Awkward Happens.

With a slew of big-name ballers changing zip codes in recent weeks, certain games this upcoming season will be worth watching based solely on their drama-packed potential.

When the following players face the teams with which they finished the 2014-15 campaign, look for either some warm and fuzzy moments or some cold shoulders in these marquee matchups.

Note: The league plans to release its 2015-16 game schedule later this month.

LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Portland Trail Blazers

As soon as LaMarcus Aldridge departed Oregon for good, the Trail Blazers began their rebuilding phase in earnest. With star point guard Damian Lillard the only remaining member of Rip City's 2014-15 starting five, Aldridge will head back to the Moda Center next season as a polarizing figure.

Aldridge flourished into a four-time All-Star and wrapped his tenure in a Blazers uniform ranked as the franchise's all-time leader in rebounds (5,434), second in total points scored (12,562), fourth in games played (648), and fourth in blocks (658).

Will he receive grateful cheers from Portland fans next season, or will he be jeered by scores of soured former allies?

DeAndre Jordan vs. Dallas Mavericks

DeAndre Jordan was never technically a member of the Dallas Mavericks, even if Mark Cuban might feel otherwise.

Nevertheless, when Jordan and the Clipshow roll through Big D in a few months, expect a chorus of boos directed at the 6-foot-11 defensive stalwart.

Also a safe bet during the Clips-Mavs matchup: a healthy dose of Hack-a-Jordan.

Rajon Rondo vs. Dallas Mavericks

Last semester's "How To Burn a Bridge 101" seminar was taught by Rajon Rondo.

With a disastrous finale to 2014-15 behind him, Rondo seems poised to prove his doubters wrong as one of the newest members of the Sacramento Kings - a potentially fitting landing spot for the mercurial guard.

With his glory days a distant memory, he'll have one year to repair his tarnished image. Next season will likely offer fans and haters alike multiple moments to root for and against Rondo. However, it's the Kings' first trip to American Airlines Arena that most drama-seekers will circle in their calendars.

Deron Williams vs. Brooklyn Nets

Out goes Rondo, in comes Deron Williams.

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle is probably hoping his new floor general won't be as much of a headache as his last. Rondo, coming off a couple of injury-marred seasons, put together 2014-15 averages of 8.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 68 games with a 13.5 PER (Boston Celtics and Mavericks combined). Meanwhile, D-Will averaged 13 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds with a 15.7 PER in the same number of games last year.

Like Rondo, Williams has been known to clash with his coaches in the past. Armed with a new two-year, $10-million contract, he'll have a chance to sneak back into the "best point guards in the league" discussion.

Luckily for him, Carlisle is well-versed in coping with moody point guards. However, Brooklynites might not be so understanding when Williams returns to the Barclays Center.

Ty Lawson vs. Denver Nuggets

The relationship between Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets became beyond salvage, leading the franchise to sever its ties with the diminutive guard.

While his time in the Mile High City produced some memorable moments and respectable stats (14.2 points, 6.6 assists,1.2 steals and a 18.3 PER over six seasons), Lawson's fate was sealed when the Nuggets picked Emmanuel Mudiay in June's draft.

Lawson will need to prove that he has leadership qualities in his new home, as he'll be given the keys to the Houston Rockets' offense, and entrusted with pushing the team beyond potentially lofty expectations based on last season's success.

It will be interesting to see how forgiving Denver's faithful will be toward this familiar face.

BONUS: LeBron James vs. Miami Heat

Yes, it's been more than a year since James left the Miami Heat for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.

But watching The Chosen One head back to South Beach is, and always will be, top-notch entertainment.

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