NBA Teams Set Their Sights on 2024-25 Season
As the 2024-25 NBA season looms, teams are finalizing their rosters, coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. Headlining the narratives is a range of projected win totals and significant changes within several teams.
Boston Celtics Aim for Another Stellar Season
The Boston Celtics are coming off an impressive 64-win campaign, a record-setting performance not seen since they last surpassed the 58.5 win mark in 2009. With an expected win total of 58.5 this season, the Celtics are poised to be a dominant force once again. The expectations are undeniably high, but Boston's track record gives fans every reason to believe they can meet or even exceed these projections.
Major Shifts in Oklahoma and Brooklyn
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder are projected to win 55.5 games, a testament to their development and strategic acquisitions. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets are facing a daunting season with the lowest win total projection. A significant rebuild is underway following the trade of Mikal Bridges, signaling a transformative phase for the franchise.
Rebuilding Efforts in Portland and Washington
The Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards are also setting modest expectations, with win projections of 21.5 and 22.5, respectively. These low projections highlight the rebuilding stages these teams are currently navigating. Both franchises will have to focus on developing young talent and establishing a strong foundation for future success.
Cleveland Cavaliers: New Coach, Renewed Hope
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who won 48 games last season, are entering the new season with cautious optimism. Their core players - Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen - had limited time on the court together last year. The addition of Kenny Atkinson as head coach brings a fresh perspective and a potential boost to the team's dynamics.
Changes in Phoenix
Out West, the Phoenix Suns, winners of 49 games last season, have also seen a coaching change. Mike Budenholzer takes over from Frank Vogel, bringing a new playbook to the table. The Suns are eager to build on the previous season’s success and strategically incorporate new elements into their game plan under Budenholzer’s leadership.
Detroit Pistons: Building a Promising Core
The Detroit Pistons, who ended last season with the league's worst record, are undergoing significant changes. Monty Williams was replaced by J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach. Bickerstaff is optimistic about the Pistons' future, stating, "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.” Additionally, the acquisition of Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed adds a veteran presence to their youthful squad.
LA Lakers Face Health Concerns
Across town, the Los Angeles Lakers will enter the new season with questions about the sustainability of their star players' health. LeBron James played 71 games last season, while Anthony Davis managed 76. An NBA analyst pointedly noted, "The question for this year is whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25." The Lakers have also welcomed rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, hoping they can inject new energy and versatility into the lineup. With J.J. Reddick taking over as head coach, the team aims to improve upon their middling offensive and defensive ratings from last season.
Changes for LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks
The Los Angeles Clippers, who clinched 51 wins last season, are adapting to life without Paul George, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Kawhi Leonard’s durability remains a concern as he missed the last eight games of the previous season. The Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with 49 wins and a 19th rank in defense, are looking to make a leap forward. Giannis Antetokounmpo, entering his age-30 season, will be instrumental. The addition of rookies AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft offers additional support.
The Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks are regarded as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, edging out the Bucks. Each of these teams holds the potential to shape the dynamics of the upcoming season, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating year of NBA basketball.