We’re lower than per week away from the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA common season, so it is sensible to take inventory of the league earlier than all of the motion begins. That is the one level of the yr the place all 30 groups are really optimistic concerning the upcoming season, the place the commerce machine is not a continuing subject of dialog and followers can have a optimistic strategy about their favourite squad.
In step with that optimistic theme, it feels proper to level out one cause to be enthusiastic about each workforce within the league — from the joy of contending for a championship to the prospect of touchdown a generational expertise in subsequent yr’s draft.Â
Whereas each workforce’s outlook could differ, there’s nonetheless at the very least one cause to be enthusiastic about every workforce this season.
You can argue that Johnson already had a breakout yr after averaging 16 factors, 8.7 rebounds and three.6 assists final season. However not too many individuals paid consideration to his efficiency, because the Hawks gained simply 36 video games. Atlanta might be on tempo for one more shedding season, however Johnson’s ascension might be the explanation they really enhance on final yr’s mark. He stands out on protection and was normally tasked with harder matchups final season. He’ll solely be requested to do extra on that finish, and offensively he ought to thrive much more now that Dejounte Murray is not there. Johnson needs to be within the operating for Most Improved Participant, although he most likely ought to’ve gained it final yr.
Celtics: Prime to repeat as champions
Boston returns its complete championship rotation, has prolonged a couple of of them and is primed to be able to repeat as champions. What might be extra thrilling than that? Even with different groups making blockbuster strikes within the East — specifically the Knicks and 76ers — the Celtics are nonetheless the workforce to chase. And similar to it was final yr, it should be extremely tough to get previous them. The Celtics might be the primary workforce to repeat as champions because the 2018 Warriors, and we might see an MVP season from Jayson Tatum after not getting as a lot love in that class as he most likely ought to have final season.
Nets: Tanking will yield optimistic outcomes
The Nets had an excellent offseason by scooping up 5 first-round picks from the Knicks in alternate for Mikal Bridges. It units the workforce up for the long run. Whereas promoting followers on tanking is tough, when the potential prize on the finish of all that shedding is a generational expertise like Cooper Flagg within the 2025 NBA Draft, you possibly can abdomen some dangerous basketball. And if that does not promote it sufficient, watching Cam Thomas constantly flirt with 30-plus point-scoring nights needs to be entertaining sufficient to maintain the despair at bay.Â
Hornets: LaMelo Ball-Brandon Miller pairing will likely be potent
Brandon Miller had an excellent rookie season, even when it wasn’t fairly beneath the circumstances Charlotte anticipated. Miller was purported to be enjoying off LaMelo Ball, however accidents to the latter modified that course, and it ended up being a blessing in disguise. Miller developed in quite a lot of methods, and now with a wholesome Ball, he’ll be extra outfitted to fit in subsequent to him as somebody who now has expertise enjoying each on and off the ball. The Hornets have a roster worthy of contending for a play-in spot, so long as everybody stays comparatively wholesome.
Bulls: The workforce lastly selected a route … type of
There are nonetheless a couple of questions that stay about Chicago’s chosen path, primarily how lengthy Zach LaVine will likely be on this roster, however it’s evident that Chicago is shifting towards the rebuilding route. That ought to excite followers, even when the present roster would not instill many causes to cheer. We might even see a extra unleashed model of Coby White after ending as a Most Improved Participant finalist, and a secure of younger guys may have ample alternative to show themselves whereas Chicago figures to be close to the underside of the standings. Dropping sucks, however Chicago needs to be firmly within the Flagg sweepstakes at season’s finish, and that is cause alone to be excited.
Cavaliers: A brand new coach might get the most effective out of this roster
There is a clear line between the highest of the East, the center males and the underside dwellers. Cleveland sits in that center group, the place it has been for a number of years now. However one large distinction — and cause for optimism and pleasure — is the hiring of Kenny Atkinson as the brand new head coach. Maybe Atkinson can do what J.B. Bickerstaff could not: get this workforce to the Japanese Convention finals. They have buy-in from Donovan Mitchell within the type of a freshly signed three-year extension, and there are nonetheless strikes that might be made to enhance the roster. However Atkinson is a superb rent who has expertise teaching a few guys on the Cavs and is thought for main groups previous expectations.
Mavericks: This roster is best than the NBA Finals workforce
The expertise disparity was evident between the Mavericks and the Celtics within the NBA Finals final season. So Dallas went out and acquired among the best sharpshooters in NBA historical past in Klay Thompson. They then added a 3-and-D weapon in Naji Marshall to deal with the absence of Derrick Jones Jr. and introduced in Quentin Grimes, who can present useful minutes off the bench. Questions stay about Thompson’s true capability to considerably influence this workforce amid an apparent decline at 34 years outdated, and Marshall would not present the identical degree of athleticism as Jones. However this looks like a extra balanced, deeper and higher workforce than the one which gained the West final season.
Nuggets: That is nonetheless a title workforce
So much has been mentioned concerning the lack of strikes the Nuggets made as they misplaced a key member of their championship workforce and plan to rely closely on youthful guys. However on the finish of the day, that is nonetheless a workforce that’s going to contend for a championship. It is a workforce that also has three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and a motivated Michael Porter Jr. whose objective is to make sure he can create simpler scoring alternatives for himself. The depth will not be what it was when this workforce gained all of it in 2023, however their beginning group is among the many finest within the league. We simply noticed how tough it was for Minnesota to beat the Nuggets within the playoffs final season, and that ought to stay the identical this yr, too.
Pistons: A brand new coach and tradition
It solely took one season of Monty Williams for the Pistons to comprehend they wanted to maneuver on. Enter J.B. Bickerstaff, who parted methods with the Cavaliers however will now head up a workforce determined for a tradition change. Bickerstaff has already labored on rebuilding that tradition, vetoing gamers from sporting hoodies up at apply. Which will sound like a foolish assertion, however Bickerstaff is attempting to instill some professionalism among the many younger guys in Detroit, preaching a “you apply the way you play” mentality. The Pistons have expertise, however they want somebody like Bickerstaff who can lead and maintain guys accountable as they proceed to develop.Â
Warriors: This workforce’s depth is thrilling
Klay Thompson will likely be suiting up for a distinct workforce for the primary time ever. That will likely be a serious speaking level for Golden State to start out the season, however in his absence, they constructed a roster that needs to be higher than final yr. They introduced in Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton, with Hield serving as the most effective alternative for Thompson’s 3-point taking pictures. He is been among the many finest 3-point shooters on the planet prior to now few seasons (practically 41% on 7.5 makes an attempt per sport the previous two seasons), and now he will get to play with Stephen Curry. Hield has by no means skilled the form of shot creation he is about to get.
There are a few different the explanation why try to be excited concerning the Rockets this season: they may legitimately problem for a play-in spot with the pure development of Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Jalen Green. However all eyes needs to be on No. 3 total decide Reed Sheppard. He was the most effective shooter within the draft, and he figures to be a key participant within the Rockets rotation. His taking pictures ought to present the spacing wanted for Inexperienced and Amen Thompson, and will put him within the driver’s seat for Rookie of the 12 months if he will get sufficient minutes.
Pacers: The offense will nonetheless be harmful
The Pacers made no notable adjustments to the rotation, which suggests that is nonetheless one of the vital harmful offensive groups within the league. They’d a historic offense and made it to the Japanese Convention finals, and whereas they are not talked about in the identical dialog because the Celtics, Knicks and Sixers, we noticed what occurs once they’re underestimated. Tyrese Haliburton is among the many finest level guards within the league, Pascal Siakam match seamlessly as quickly as he was traded final season and Indiana has a slew of dependable position gamers who will as soon as once more help in making a extremely potent offense that nobody ought to wish to face within the playoffs.
Clippers: The protection goes to be superior
The Clippers are going to start out the season in a troublesome spot with Kawhi Leonard anticipated to be sidelined as he continues to rehab from offseason knee surgical procedure. However his restoration apart, the Clippers ought to have among the best defensive items within the league. Certain, they misplaced Paul George, however they added Derrick Jones Jr., who was the most effective defender on an NBA Finals workforce. In addition they added Kris Dunn, who is thought for being a dependable perimeter defender. Add that to Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann and Leonard when he returns and you’ve got a squad that is going to be tough to attain on.
Lakers: A transfer might nonetheless be on the horizon
The Lakers’ largest transfer of the offseason was bringing in JJ Redick as head coach. Redick has been praised for having the potential to be an excellent coach, however even he cannot take this roster extremely far. However fret not, the Lakers nonetheless have two first-round picks that may be traded for somebody(s) of high quality who might vault them greater in a sardine-packed Western Convention. There are reviews that the Lakers might be on the hunt for a middle, which would definitely assist Anthony Davis, who has been adamant on his choice of enjoying energy ahead.
Morant’s return is definitely on everybody’s radar as a result of previous to his suspension and damage, he was being touted as the subsequent face of the league, not Anthony Edwards. The Grizzlies are only a utterly completely different workforce when Morant’s on the ground utilizing his freakish athleticism to check anybody standing in his manner on the rim. And he’ll certainly be motivated to indicate everybody that he is again with a vengeance. The best way Morant can collapse a protection and open up alternatives for guys like Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. makes Memphis’ offense electrifying. With Morant again wholesome, the Grizzlies needs to be again within the dialog of playoff contenders.
Butler reportedly did not wish to signal an extension earlier than the summer season of 2025 with the Warmth or another workforce that might’ve probably traded for him this offseason, which means he is hoping to have a monster yr to get an excellent larger payday. Butler has a participant possibility for subsequent summer season price $52.4 million, and will decide out to get an extended, extra profitable deal. Whereas Butler by no means actually wants additional motivation, he’ll definitely be utilizing this season as a approach to present Miami and each different workforce that he is price one other max contract. That is a optimistic for the Warmth, as we have seen what a totally wholesome, locked-in Butler is able to doing — main Miami to 2 NBA Finals appearances since 2020.Â
Bucks: Significant taking pictures depth
The eye goes to be on 12 months 2 of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, however the pleasure right here ought to actually middle on the addition of Gary Trent Jr., who the Bucks have been capable of get on a minimal deal. He is a dependable 3-point shooter, and goes to thrive enjoying off Antetokounmpo. He is additionally acquired expertise enjoying alongside Lillard in Portland, which had optimistic outcomes as soon as already. There’s additionally the addition of Delon Wright, a confirmed defender who can knock down 3s on a low quantity. The identical with Taurean Prince, who’s coming off a 39.6% 3-point taking pictures season with the Lakers. The Bucks painfully wanted extra depth final season, and so they addressed that want this summer season, which ought to yield higher outcomes this time round.
There’s going to be a bunch of handwringing concerning the Julius Randle-Karl-Anthony Cities commerce. And whereas Cities is the higher participant within the deal, Randle ought to match a bit higher on this roster. Randle will not be the 3-point shooter Cities is, however he is a greater shot creator, one thing the Timberwolves are missing outdoors of Anthony Edwards and an getting old Mike Conley. Donte DiVincenzo’s taking pictures ought to cowl for Cities’ absence, and whereas the Timberwolves are coming off a convention finals run and possibly did not must make a change this large, it ought to create a extra balanced offensive assault going ahead.
Williamson straight up mentioned he is attacking the upcoming season with “straight vengeance,” as he is aware of he hasn’t been as constant as he might have been through the years. Accidents have definitely performed a job in that, however Williamson’s conditioning additionally performed a job, and he revamped his physique this offseason to make sure he is prepared to come back out the gates robust this season. With that in thoughts, we might be in retailer for a large season from Williamson. And provided that he is among the best 15-20 gamers when he is working at his finest, there is no telling how far he can rise — and the way far the Pelicans can go — after committing himself to enhancing this summer season.Â
Knicks: All in for a championship
We thought the Knicks have been completed after pulling off the huge commerce for Mikal Bridges. After which they went forward and made certain everybody knew they have been totally going for all of it this season after buying and selling for Cities. The Knicks are right here to win all of it, and nothing much less. They’ve a roster able to making the Celtics sweat. If they’ll get via the East, you could possibly put them head-to-head with nearly anybody within the West and decide them. That is the form of pleasure the Knicks franchise hasn’t had in a extremely very long time. And whereas there will likely be a studying curve for everybody concerned, New York needs to be in retailer for a really lengthy postseason run.
Thunder: The workforce to beat within the West
The Thunder misplaced within the second spherical of the playoffs after which rapidly assessed what they wanted and went out and acquired two of probably the most useful position gamers in the marketplace. Isaiah Hartenstein provides them an elite rim protector, and Alex Caruso ensures there will not be a weak spot within the closing lineup on protection. These two strikes instantly made the Thunder the most effective workforce within the Western Convention. It is also essential to notice that the Thunder nonetheless have a bunch of draft capital to construct the perfect roster in whichever manner they see match down the road. So in the event that they discover one other weak spot earlier than the commerce deadline in February, they’ll exit and handle it instantly.
Orlando ranked twenty ninth in 3-point makes an attempt final season and twenty fourth in 3-point proportion. They’ve sorely wanted some high quality shooters, so that they added a man in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who’s averaging 41.5% from deep over the past two seasons. KCP’s a two-time champion whose protection will solely add to a unit that ranked third on that finish of the ground a season in the past. Caldwell-Pope is the right participant for the Magic, and whereas he will not repair every part for Orlando, he’ll handle the main ache factors for a workforce that figures to be a playoff workforce once more.
Sixers: The perfect roster round Joel Embiid
That is, undoubtedly, the most effective roster assembled round Embiid. They added Paul George, a 3rd star who can match into any position. They bolstered their depth by including Caleb Martin and Eric Gordon, and reunited with Andre Drummond to be Embiid’s backup. Embiid’s mentioned that he probably will not play in a back-to-back ever once more, and whereas that most likely ought to’ve been instituted a few years in the past, the Sixers have the roster to permit him to relaxation, particularly with Drummond again on the roster. Philly could not win as many common season video games with this strategy to Embiid — and sure George now after his bone bruise — however they need to be proper up there with the Celtics and Knicks when the playoffs begin.
Suns: Underdogs with a sneaky good roster
It feels foolish to take a look at a roster that options Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal and utter the phrase “underdogs.” However Phoenix is not getting practically the identical quantity of buzz as different groups within the West. I get it, they acquired swept within the playoffs final season, and had an extremely skinny roster that relied closely on their Huge 3. However they addressed these weaknesses and added Tyus Jones and Monte Morris, who can slot in at level guard. Mason Plumlee is a stable backup middle. They retained Royce O’Neale and Josh Okogie, two guys who have been a part of a 49-win workforce. The depth is best than final yr, and Durant and Booker are two of probably the most harmful scorers on the planet. This is not a workforce anybody ought to take frivolously.
Henderson’s rookie season acquired off to a rocky begin, however he confirmed flashes of changing into a top quality NBA participant. It is tough to evaluate precisely what his trajectory is, however that is why this season needs to be thrilling for him and Portland. He is acquired a yr of NBA expertise beneath his belt, so he is aware of what to anticipate and what he must work on. He is additionally acquired some extra weapons round him with Donovan Clingan becoming a member of the fold after being taken No. 7 total within the draft, in addition to Deni Avdija, who the workforce traded for this summer season. It is a rebuilding yr for the Blazers, however the hope is that Henderson can present extra of the thrilling highlights that made him the third decide within the 2023 draft in comparison with final yr.
There’s honest criticism of the DeRozan transfer, however he makes the Kings’ offense higher. The questions on how he’ll match into an offense the place two guys already want the ball are overblown after he made issues work with Zach LaVine in Chicago. He is on the older aspect, however he is additionally one of the vital environment friendly mid-range scorers and clutch guys within the league. He is an improve from Harrison Barnes in that place, as he can present some extra shot creation outdoors of De’Aaron Fox. He definitely would not help in Sacramento’s want for higher defenders, however the Kings could as soon as once more put up historic offensive numbers, and DeRozan will likely be a giant cause why.
Wembanyama goes to be in line for Defensive Participant of the 12 months, All-NBA, and, heck, perhaps even MVP if he and the Spurs take that a lot of a leap. He’ll definitely break via to earn his first All-Star look, so individually, will probably be an thrilling yr for the younger Spurs star. That pleasure might prolong to the entire workforce if these round him develop sufficient to make San Antonio a workforce that might contend for one of many ultimate play-in spots. Certain, it is early to take a look at the Spurs as playoff contenders, however Wembanyama’s ascension goes to dictate the expectations for this workforce. Proper now, they need to anticipate to be much more aggressive than final yr.
Raptors: A full season of Barnes, Barrett and Quickley
We acquired a small pattern measurement of the core the Raptors hope can deliver them success down the road after buying and selling OG Anunoby for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. However in that pattern measurement, we acquired profession numbers from each guys subsequent to Scottie Barnes, who earned an All-Star look. The intrigue is in what that trio can do with 82 video games collectively, and that may decide what the ceiling for this core is. There have been optimistic leads to the 22 video games they performed collectively, posting a 2.9 web score in the course of the minutes they shared the ground. However not a lot might be gleaned from a mere 22 video games.
Jazz: A enjoyable, younger roster that might shock
In hindsight, it made sense why Utah did not commerce Lauri Markkanen. He desires to be on the Jazz, he is an All-Star and whereas he cannot be traded for a yr due to the timing of his extension, his commerce worth figures to be simply as excessive a yr from now. Markkanen makes the Jazz aggressive, and the secure of younger gamers they’ve added via the draft in addition to gamers already on the roster might put the Jazz within the class of contending for one of many ultimate play-in spots. Whether or not that is the suitable strategy is a distinct dialog, however Utah’s roster on paper, with Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski,  Isaiah Collier and Cody Williams, needs to be an entertaining one to look at.
Wizards: Tanking with a aspect of growth
The Wizards are most likely going to be the worst workforce within the league. That is actually sobering to learn, however there are positives in that! They’ve Alex Sarr, who they took with the No. 2 decide within the draft, and can function the focus of the workforce’s consideration. He had a poor displaying in the course of the summer season league, and it is clear he wants critical growth earlier than being a top quality NBA participant. However watching how he develops alongside the best way needs to be an thrilling prospect for a workforce that has a bunch of random guys on a workforce who really feel like they’re simply ready to get traded. Because the losses pile up, the Wizards are nearer to the opportunity of drafting Flagg in the event that they land the No. 1 decide in subsequent yr’s draft.
