As the 2024/25 season gets underway, the NBA is experiencing a new and unpredictable phenomenon – parity. Over the last six years, a record-breaking six different franchises have held the Larry O’Brien trophy aloft come the end of the season. It really is anyone’s game this season — but between the teams and the title stands a gruelling 82-game regular season followed by a short bout of playoff madness. Will the Boston Celtics defend their title for the first time since 1969? Or will we see another new champion born from the galaxy of young stars the league has to offer? Read on for everything you need to know.
Boston Celtics
Despite a stacked roster of proven performers, the reigning champions still have a lot of questions to answer. Top of the agenda is superstar forward Jayson Tatum. He was controversially shunned at the Paris Olympics after teammate Jaylen Brown took home the Finals MVP, and doubts continue to swirl around his three-point shooting after an abhorrent slump. Expect the C’s look to repeat regardless and hit their stride when stretch forward Kristaps Porzingis returns from injury in the new year.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The bookies’ favourite to top the Western Conference, this young squad are hitting their championship window. Expect a concerted MVP push from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the head of a multi-headed monster, with young forwards Chet Holmgreen and Jalen Williams providing length and energy to complement SGA’s impressive scoring ability. Off-season additions Alex Caruso and Isiah Hartenstein provide toughness and intelligence, deepening an already impressive roster.
New York Knicks
The Big Apple finally has a squad it can get behind — a bona-fide star in Jalen Brunson with a coterie of supporting pieces and gritty role-players filling in the gaps — but the pressure will be on from the jump. Adding the highly skilled Karl Anthony-Towns from Minnesota was the blockbuster move of the offseason and provides them with a much-needed big man. While losing Donte DiVincenzo in the same trade is certainly a blow, but overall, they continue to edge closer to a coveted championship.
Dallas Mavericks
Last seasons’ Western Conference Champions will return with a vengeance this year, driven by the relentless brilliance of MVP candidate Luka Doncic. Four-time champion Klay Thompson is a valuable addition as a three-point sniper, and the former Splash Brother will no doubt relish a change of environment. A full season with the team for Gafford and Washington will help to maximise performance. Expect another deep playoff push this time round.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets face a make-or-break campaign as their championship window appears to draw to a close, and their fans have good reason to be frustrated by the lack of support for reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. The franchise lost starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, choosing to elevate Christian Braun to his spot instead of hitting the market. Adding of ageing triple-double phenom Russell Westbrook has been much criticised but will provide the bench unit with pace and leadership. Overall, the lack of shooting could contribute to their downfall.
Dark Horses
Minnesota Timberwolves
A team on the rise, but will they have enough to get over the hump this season? While Towns is a big loss on paper, it gives the franchise considerable financial freedom for the future – suggesting their championship drive is still in its infancy. Expect Antony Edwards to make a MVP push and watch out for rookie Rob Dillingham, who will see significant minutes off the bench as a microwave scorer.
Philadelphia ‘76ers
The ‘trust the process’ era is over – so what next? A new big three of MVP centre Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey could propel them all the way, but the team remains untested past the second round. The roster has also gotten deeper with the additions of Oubre, Drummond and especially wing Caleb Martin, a proven winner in Miami. As with every team, health is a huge factor and it is essential that George and especially Embiid stay on court.
Milwaukee Bucks
The league’s best duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard face high expectations after underperforming last time out. Expect a resurgence from Lillard, who finally concluded a messy divorce and will look to get his head back in the game. However, on-court performance could well be hampered by a coaching staff including notorious playoff choker Doc Rivers and serial overthinker Darvin Ham.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Arguably the most under the radar team in the league. Since completing an immaculate rebuild post-LeBron the Cavs’ first deep playoff push has thus far failed to materialise. Superstar guard Donovan Mitchell’s new contract suggests a confidence in the current group, but the team’s fortunes hinge somewhat around Evan Mobley. The young big man needs to jump to the next level offensively if the team wants to compete come the playoffs.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacer’s high octane run-and-gun approach made them one of the most exciting teams to watch last season, so expect more of the same from Rick Carlisle’s men this time round. Do they have enough to make the finals? Probably not. But the Pacer’s are must-see TV, and with Tyrese Haliburton running the show on court, you won’t want to miss it.
Ones to Watch
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant’s much-anticipated return from a season-long suspension should catapult the Grizzlies back into the playoffs, but he must stay on the court. Now reunited with defensive rock Jaren Jackson Jr. and sharpshooter Desmond Bane, they will without a doubt be the hungriest team in the league after last season’s write-off. Rookie centre Zach Edey promises NBA-ready screening, rebounding and finishing as well as boasting impressive mobility for his seven-foot-four frame, and will improve the team considerably.
Los Angeles Lakers
The NBA’s first father-and-son duo, LeBron James and LeBron James Jr,(or ‘LeOffspring’ as the internet has named him) playing together, in LeBron Sr.’s 22nd season. It is enough to warm the heart of even the most ardent hater – Skip Bayless, for example. Combine this with the controversial appointment of JJ Reddick to head coach, the former podcaster and player’s first ever coaching role, and it promises to be a memorable season.
Phoenix Suns
The league’s worst super team has a fraught season ahead of them. Their big three of Booker, Beal and Durant continues to be poorly supported, although the addition of a true point guard in Tyus Jones to run the offence will help. New Head Coach Mike Budenholzer has proven he can win before but certainly has his work cut out for him in Phoenix.
San Antonio Spurs
The future of the NBA is the Spurs’s Victor Wenbanyama. His sophomore season promises more jaw-dropping plays from this 7-foot-5 generational talent. However, the team will likely remain towards the bottom of the league tables. Rookie Stephon Castle looks promising and will continue to improve under the tutelage of veteran point guard Chris Paul, now in his 19th season. Expect a mixed bag of results with Wenbanyama putting up video game numbers.
Golden State Warriors
The Dub’s main concern is around how far a 36-year-old Stephen Curry can carry the team. Long-time fellow splash brother Klay Thompson will be missed, but recruitment of young players remains strong; super-athletic big Jonathan Kuminga and guard Brandon Podziemski show plenty of potential. Kuminga especially will need to elevate to another level to shoulder some of the scoring burden that inevitably lands on Curry come crunch time.
Wooden Spoon
LA Clippers
How must Clippers fans feel now? To hazard a guess, cursed. Paul George gone, superstar Kawhi Leonard sidelined indefinitely by injury and seemingly out of love with the game. That leaves the ageing James Harden and role-playing centre Ivica Zubac to draw fans into a massive new arena. Without Kawhi healthy their prospects seem minimal, and the franchise remains the laughing stock of the league.
Brooklyn Nets
Trading Mikal Bridges across the city to the Knicks was a blunt admission to a season of tanking, aiming at drafting projected number one pick Cooper Flagg. Cam Thomas and Nicholas Claxton are bright spots with promising futures, but this season will likely be one to forget for Brooklyn Fans.
Washington Wizards
This franchise is just so… meh, and their utter lack of success or relevancy will continue this season. Number two pick Alex Sarr has had mixed results in preseason but promises at least something for the future. Expect Jordan Poole to post inflated stats while the team itself flounders in mediocrity.
Detroit Pistons
Going 14-68 last season was an embarrassing slap in the face for the franchise but expect significant improvements this season. Cade Cunningham finally has some help in the form of veterans of the league Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr., which may finally gain him the recognition he deserves as one of the best young players in the league.
“Jaylen Brown” by BTW Photography is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.