The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is palpable, with teams making notable changes over the offseason and fans eager to see how the new dynamics will play out. The Boston Celtics, fresh off an impressive 64-win season, have set the bar high once again with a win total projection of 58.5. Notably, this marks the first time since 2009 that the Celtics are projected to surpass the 58.5 win mark, signaling a strong belief in their current roster and strategic direction.
Celtics Among Eastern Conference Favorites
The Boston Celtics are not alone in their quest for Eastern Conference dominance. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are also favored over the Milwaukee Bucks, despite the Bucks having a solid 49-win season last year. Milwaukee, with Giannis Antetokounmpo entering his age-30 season, has made some key additions through the 2024 NBA Draft, with rookies AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith joining the fold. However, their defense, ranked 19th last season, remains a concern that may hinder their championship aspirations.
New Coaches and Key Trades
Coaching changes have been a significant theme this offseason. The Phoenix Suns, who won 49 games last season, replaced Frank Vogel with Mike Budenholzer. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers brought in Kenny Atkinson to steer the ship. The Cavaliers, who won 48 games last season, struggled with limited on-court time for their stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. The new coach will aim to maximize the potential of this talented squad.
The Detroit Pistons, looking to bounce back from the league’s worst record last season, also shook things up by hiring J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach. The Pistons have a promising young core featuring Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey. They’ve bolstered their roster by adding veterans Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed. Bickerstaff is optimistic, 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."
Challenges and Rebuilding
The rebuilding phase continues for the Brooklyn Nets, who have the lowest win total projection for the upcoming season following the trade of Mikal Bridges. Similarly, the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards are also projected to struggle, with win projections of 21.5 and 22.5, respectively.
Lakers and Clippers in the Spotlight
In Los Angeles, the Lakers and Clippers are facing different sets of challenges. The Lakers, who added rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, are under the new leadership of head coach J.J. Reddick. Coming off a 47-win season, the Lakers will be focused on improving their mid-tier rankings—15th in offensive rating and 17th in defensive rating. The crucial question, as pointed out by an NBA analyst, is "whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25."
The Clippers, on the other hand, face uncertainty following the trade of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers and Kawhi Leonard missing the final eight games last season. Despite a strong 51-win season, the Clippers will need to find a new balance to maintain their status as contenders.
Teams to Watch
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these teams adapt to their new circumstances. Can the Celtics continue their dominance? Will the Pistons' young core flourish under Bickerstaff’s guidance? Can the Lakers and Clippers overcome their challenges to make deep playoff runs?
The 2024-25 NBA season promises excitement, drama, and perhaps a few surprises. With seasoned veterans and fresh faces ready to make their mark, the journey to the championship is set to captivate fans around the globe.