The 2024-25 NBA season is just around the corner, and as the teams lace up and prepare for another rigorous campaign, a few key narratives and team dynamics are already taking shape. From the Boston Celtics' towering expectations to the Los Angeles Lakers' injury concerns, the stage is set for an intriguing season ahead.
Boston Celtics: High Expectations
The Boston Celtics are entering the new season with the highest win total projection in the league at 58.5. This comes on the heels of an impressive 64-win season, where they led the NBA. This marks the first time since 2009 that the Celtics have surpassed the 58.5 win mark, reflecting a period of resurgence for the storied franchise.
Western Conference Highlight: Oklahoma City Thunder
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are making waves with a projected win total of 55.5, the highest in the conference. This upswing is a testament to their strong performance and promising roster moves in the offseason.
Rebuilding and Challenges
Not all teams are riding high on optimism. The Brooklyn Nets head into the season with the lowest win total amidst a significant rebuild following the trade of Mikal Bridges. Similarly, the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards have modest win projections at 21.5 and 22.5 respectively, as they navigate their own transitional phases.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A New Era Under Atkinson
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who notched 48 wins last season despite limited on-court time between stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, have appointed Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. This move aims to build on the foundation laid by their previous coaching regime and optimize their talented core.
Phoenix Suns Shake-Up
The Phoenix Suns also saw a change at the helm, with Mike Budenholzer replacing Frank Vogel after a 49-win season that ended with a playoff sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Budenholzer's championship experience, the Suns are looking to bounce back and regain their competitive edge.
Detroit Pistons: Youth Movement and New Leadership
After finishing with the league’s worst record last season, the Detroit Pistons have undergone significant changes. Monty Williams was terminated, and J.B. Bickerstaff, known for his defensive acumen, steps in as the new head coach. Boasting a promising young core of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey, the Pistons have also bolstered their roster with notable additions like Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed. As Bickerstaff noted, "The only way to go is up and Detroit has a promising young core in Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey that should excite bettors." Expect the Pistons to be a team on the rise this season.
Lakers' Health Concerns
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a 47-win season and face pressing questions about the health of their stars. LeBron James and Anthony Davis managed to play 71 and 76 games respectively last season, a key factor in their performance. However, the team’s overall standing saw them hovering in the middle ranks, with a 15th place in offensive rating and 17th in defensive rating. The play-in tournament has become familiar territory for the Lakers, but with new head coach J.J. Reddick and rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, they will be looking to solidify their standing. As one NBA analyst remarked, "The question for this year is whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25."
Clippers’ Adjustments
The Los Angeles Clippers had a 51-win season but will be playing without Paul George, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason. Kawhi Leonard, who played over 60 games for the first time since the 2016-17 season but missed the final eight games, is expected to shoulder a significant load. The Clippers’ offseason moves have been underwhelming, and they will need to find the right chemistry to stay competitive.
Milwaukee Bucks: Aging Core and New Additions
The Milwaukee Bucks, who finished with 49 wins last season and ranked 19th in defense, are banking on both experience and new talent. Giannis Antetokounmpo is entering his age-30 season, with key players like Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez also in their 30s. The Bucks added rookies AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft. Nevertheless, the Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks are favored to win the Eastern Conference over the Bucks, indicating a challenging path ahead.
As training camps conclude and preseason analyses turn into regular-season realities, fans around the league will be watching closely to see which teams rise to the occasion and which ones crumble under the weight of expectations.