After a wild offseason with new additions and fresh looks for each team, the NBA has finally begun the 2024-2025 season. Here are some insights on the league this year.
The offseason created many new lineups for teams. Former Chicago Bull DeMar DeRozan signed with the Sacramento Kings, Paul George signed a 4-year deal with the 76ers and Chris Paul and Klay Thompson also found new homes.
A blockbuster trade also occurred shortly before the start of the season between the Knicks, Hornets, and Timberwolves. The Knicks received star center Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves along with draft rights to James Nnaji from the Hornets. The Hornets received good pieces for a rebuild, with a few draft picks and role players. The Timberwolves were likely the winners of the trade, as they gained Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks. They also received a first-round pick from the Knicks.
The Denver Nuggets, who finished second in the West last year behind the Thunder, picked up Russell Westbrook as well. The move makes the powerhouse Denver squad even deeper and cements them as juggernauts in the West.
Most of the teams who finished high in their respective conferences stayed relatively the same. Last season’s NBA Finals winner, the Boston Celtics, have brought back the most returning players on a championship roster of all time this year.
Some teams expected to improve their record this year are the Spurs, Grizzlies, and 76ers. The addition of Chris Paul for the Spurs provides a tremendous facilitator for Victor Wembanyama. The Grizzlies were plagued by injuries and suspensions in the 2023-24 season, and if they stay healthy, they will likely be a lock for the Play-In tournament. Paul George now boosts the 76ers’ forward play, although he is battling injuries.
The Boston Celtics are reigning champions, as they steamrolled the Mavericks in five games. They will be favorites again to make the Finals, but the West is still wide open. Most of the major offseason moves ended up in the West, like DeRozan on the Kings and Klay Thompson on the Mavericks. The Thunder and Nuggets will likely be in a tough battle for first place, but once the playoffs begin, the race will likely be shaken up.
Although Commissioner Adam Silver has his hands full with referee complaints and format changes, the In-Season tournament returns for a second year, and nothing regarding playoffs will be changed.
Because players requesting trades or wanting “out” of their teams seems to be on the rise, last offseason created significant trade talks and drama, and the result was exciting for fans. The league was completely shaken up, as it usually is, over the offseason, and it creates a fresh look for many NBA teams.
The NBA season is underway, and they are already a few games in. The remainder of the season holds excitement and anticipation amongst basketball fans.
