The NBA Season is Finally Here

The 2024-2025 NBA season is technically here (I still believe it doesn’t really start until Christmas) and shockingly enough Embiid is already missing games. Lets take a look at the key stories headed into this season and potential award winners as well as our favorite bets.

Key Storylines

Player Movement: Playoff P is in Philadelphia (already hurt) but hopes to take that team over the top and into real playoff contention. The Nove Knicks blew up before even playing a game as they traded Dante DiVincenzo and company to the Timberwolves and brought in KAT. Josh Giddy was shipped out of OKC in exchange for Alex Caruso. I think playing for an irrelevant Chicago is exactly what Giddy deserves.

Rookie Impact: This may turn out to be the most disappointing rookie class in years as the biggest story (aside from the circus following Bronny) is how there are no amazing rookies. Bronny will take up most of ESPN as there is certain to be no fewer than 20 stories over the first week of the season.

Injury Comebacks: I originally made this post about Kawahi coming back and carrying this team but low and behold he is injured again. Has anyone’s legacy been tarnished more over the past 3 years than his? The only other argument is Russel Westbrooke. Zion is supposably in the best shape of his life, but I won’t hold my breath. Let’s hope it is true and we get to see a full year of him on the court.

The Rise of Young Teams: Please just allow me this section to talk about my Detroit Pistons. When I say  “rise of young teams” I simply mean not a historically terrible season and them fighting for the play-in game.

Eastern Conference Outlook

Milwaukee Bucks: With Giannis Antetokounmpo the Bucks will always be a contender in the eastern conference. The biggest story not being talked about is that they no longer have Thanasis on the team. I HATE THAT. If Dame can return to form and stay healthy the Bucks will always have a chance.

Boston Celtics: Just take all of Joe Mazzulla’s pre-season quotes and put them on a loop for me to watch. Even with Tatum being aura-less (whatever that means) and Brown waring with Nike this team is still loaded and has the best coach in the East. I would be shocked if they do not make it to the Championship game.

Philadelphia 76ers: I am legally obligated to include this team in my top 4 for the east but I didn’t want to. Embiid has never been healthy so to fix that they added another chronically injured star Paul George. Look for this team to lose in the first round and Philadelphia to turn on them.

New York Knicks: While they have a long shot to dethrone the Celtics this is by far the most fun team to watch. They have made a team from New York likeable with the biggest concern being how KAT responds to being coached by well known hard-a** Thibedeau. If KAT can withstand his approach this team will be very competitive.

Western Conference Outlook

Denver Nuggets: Jokic is still the best player in the league and after getting an extended break racing horses and doing anything but playing basketball he should be well rested and ready to go. Couple that with Murray looking to bounce back from a terrible Olympic performance and the Nuggets are still my top dog. My biggest concern is how Westbrook impacts team chemistry.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards has become must watch TV and has this team as a true contender in the Western Conference. His ability to make plays on both ends of the court as well as his growth as a leader has opened the Timberwolves Championship window and while KAT was a great player there is only one ball. The biggest issue I can see with this team is it is impossible to picture Rudy Gobert as a champion.

Phoenix Suns: Kevin Durant is a top five players in NBA history, and I will die on that hill. Booker showing his ability to do whatever it takes over the summer en route to a gold medal has reinvigorated my faith in the suns to be a threat to win it all. If this team can stay healthy and their bench can be average I believe in them.

Los Angeles Lakers: Even with a 80 year old Lebron and a rookie head coach this team still has the ponies to compete. Anthony Davis (when healthy) is still amazing and Lebron has shown no signs of slowing down. Dalton Knecht and Austin Reeves have the ability to pull a parent trap on the opponents and as long as JJ Reddick can keep the outside noise away from the locker room they will compete. 

Dark Horse MVPs

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): He does things that have never been seen before. I know it’s a longshot but his ability to be a top 3 defender in the league and score at any level makes this bet a possibility. He may need another year to continue to grow and adjust but its worth sprinkling a couple dollars on. 

Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans): If he can stay healthy, Zion is an absolute game wrecker. He can score at an effective rate and is no slouch on defense. I struggle to place a bet on him that involves his health but IF he does, he is phenomenal.

Anthony Edwards (Minesota Timberwolves): Fresh of a finals run that fizzled out against the Boston Celtics Edwards has shown he has all the skills an MVP would need. He is a walking highlight reel and plays every single night. If they can ride the momentum from last year into this season look for him to be the next face of the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): Someone who arguably should have won it last year (I think they got it right) Shai is at the helm of one of the fastest rebuilds we have ever seen. Adding a piece like Caruso and with another year of growth for this young team and he may even have a better season that last year.

Predictions

MVP: Anthony Edwards

Rookie of the Year: Ron Holland

Finals Matchup: Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns- Phoenix winning in 6