The 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams making significant changes and setting ambitious projections. The spotlight is on the Boston Celtics, who are coming off a stellar season, having won 64 games. This success has led to a win total projection of 58.5 for the upcoming season, marking the first time since 2009 that the team has surpassed this threshold.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder is projected at 55.5 wins, indicating confidence in their ability to perform well in the new season. On the other end of the spectrum, the Brooklyn Nets have the lowest win total projection as the franchise undergoes a major rebuild following the trade of Mikal Bridges.
Team Rebuilds and New Faces
The Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards are also expected to struggle, with win projections of 21.5 and 22.5, respectively. The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite winning 48 games last season, faced challenges as stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen had limited on-court time together. This season brings new hope under the leadership of Kenny Atkinson, the newly appointed head coach.
Changes are also underway for the Phoenix Suns. After a 49-win season, the team has brought in Mike Budenholzer to replace Frank Vogel as head coach, aiming to further build on their performance.
The Detroit Pistons had the league’s worst record last season. They part ways with Monty Williams and bring in J.B. Bickerstaff as the new head coach. Bickerstaff is optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing the potential of their young core. "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," he said. Joining this promising trio are new additions Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed.
Veteran Leadership and Young Talent
The Los Angeles Lakers also made headlines last season with 47 wins. LeBron James played 71 games, and Anthony Davis appeared in 76, contributing significantly to the team’s success. However, concerns remain about their health and availability. "The question for this year is whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25," commented an NBA analyst. The Lakers, under new head coach J.J. Reddick, have added rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James to their roster, injecting fresh talent and potential into the squad.
In contrast, the Los Angeles Clippers, who won 51 games last season, are undergoing a major overhaul. Paul George was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Kawhi Leonard missed the final eight games of the season. The Milwaukee Bucks, another prominent team, finished with 49 wins but struggled defensively, ranking 19th overall. Giannis Antetokounmpo is entering his age-30 season, adding to the sense of urgency for the Bucks. The team has fortified its lineup with rookies AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith from the 2024 NBA Draft.
Eastern Conference Contenders
The battle for supremacy in the Eastern Conference is expected to be fierce, with the Celtics, 76ers, and New York Knicks favored over the Bucks. Each of these teams has made strategic moves to bolster their chances, setting the stage for an intense and competitive season.
As the new NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these changes and projections will play out on the court. With a mix of veteran leadership, promising young talent, and strategic coaching changes, the 2024-25 season promises to deliver an engaging and unpredictable journey for basketball enthusiasts.