With the NBA right around the corner, there are many questions to ask. Now that Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant are getting old, who will become the face of the league? With big trades, new rookies, and returning superstars, the 2024 NBA season promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable seasons yet.
Since the United States victory during the Paris Olympics, many trades have been made, questions have been asked, and predictions coming into the next season. Arguably the biggest trade this offseason has been the parting of the Splash Brothers – Klay Thompson. Taking part in the first 6-team trade in NBA history, Klay Thompson leaves the Warriors to join the Dallas Mavericks. To many, this seems to be the end of a dynasty, in which the Golden State Warriors have brought home 4 championships. This offseason seemed like a downward spiral for the Chicago Bulls. At first, they traded away Alex Caruso, one of the only bright spots on their roster, for Josh Giddey, a player who has been underperforming since his major controversy last year. After this, the Bulls lost their star player, veteran Demar Derozan, to the Sacramento Kings. After a huge success this past season, the New York Knicks decided to reunite the Villanova boys by adding Mikal Bridges to their roster. They seem to be serious contenders in the East this coming season. The Pelicans traded for the Hawks’s Dejounte Murray, who didn’t seem to be working out with Trae Young. Chris Paul was traded to the Spurs, and many think he will be a great fit with Wembenyama, contributing with his amazing passing ability. Russel Westbrook was traded to the Denver Nuggets, a team looking to regain their status as NBA Champions.
Now that we have covered all the trades during the offseason, we can discuss the key contenders and players to watch coming into this season. The Boston Celtics seem to be the undisputed favorites this season, with one of the strongest rosters the NBA has ever seen. From the attacking force of Jaylen Brown to the defensive ability of Jrue Holiday, it doesn’t seem like any team in the East will stand a chance. During the Olympics, Jayson Tatum went a whole game against Serbia without playing, bringing much controversy to the coach, Steve Kerr. When Kawhi Leonard pulled out of the roster, the USA team had a chance to pick up Jaylen Brown, the Finals MVP, but instead chose his teammate, Derrick White. This brought a lot of slander to the Celtics, and they seem like they want revenge for this past summer.
Some other teams looking strong in the East are the Knicks led by Jalen Brunson, the Bucks with Giannis and Damian Lillard, and the 76ers with MVP contender Joel Embiid. In the West, there is no certain favorite coming into this season. The OKC Thunder look great with their young roster led by SGA. With Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and most recently Alex Caruso, they are most definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Another powerhouse in the West is the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the young superstar Anthony Edwards giving shades of Michael Jordan last season, many consider him the new face of the league. After he proved he can play a vital role in the Olympics, despite playing alongside the best players in the world, the Wolves look like they can go all the way. The Nuggets are still Championship contenders, with their deep roster built around Nikola Jokic, the former MVP. With Lebron looking like his old self, could he take the Lakers all the way? Their roster has proved inconsistent since their last Championship, but with the help of Anthony Davis, it could be possible. The Dallas Mavericks, who most recently made it to the NBA finals, look very strong. Luka Doncic, widely considered the best player in the league, and Kyrie Irving proved to be a great duo last year, and now with the help of Klay Thompson, anything could happen for them.
With all the trades having been made, the offseason training, and the Olympics success, it seems like any team could take the crown of the NBA. Now that the rosters are set and the games are scheduled, it’s anyone’s game…
