The 2024-25 NBA season is fast approaching, and with it comes a swirl of anticipation, projections, and a few surprising moves on the court and sidelines. Among the noteworthy shifts and expectations, the Boston Celtics and their projected win total stand out.
The Celtics, coming off a remarkable 64-win season, have a new win total projection of 58.5 for the upcoming year. This is a significant benchmark for the team, as it is the first time since 2009 that they have surpassed the 58.5 win mark. Their performance last season sets a high bar, and fans are eager to see if the team can exceed expectations once more.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder's projection sits at 55.5 wins, a testament to their steady rise and promising roster. On the other end of the spectrum, the Brooklyn Nets are grappling with the lowest win total projection in the league. Following a significant rebuild, highlighted by the trade of star player Mikal Bridges, the Nets are in a period of transition and recalibration.
Teams on the Rebuild
Another team in rebuild mode is the Detroit Pistons. After finishing with the league’s worst record last season, they made several key changes. Monty Williams was terminated as head coach, with J.B. Bickerstaff stepping into the role. Bickerstaff is optimistic about the Pistons' young core, saying, "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." Alongside these rising stars, the Pistons have added Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed to bolster their lineup.
Coaching Changes
Coaching changes are also a major theme this offseason. Kenny Atkinson takes the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers after a season in which the team’s top players—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen—had limited on-court time together. The Cavaliers, who won 48 games last season, are looking to capitalize on their potential and improve their standing.
In Phoenix, Mike Budenholzer replaces Frank Vogel as head coach. The Suns, with a 49-win season behind them, are aiming to climb even higher with Budenholzer’s seasoned leadership. These moves signal a new direction and fresh strategies for both franchises as they seek to leave their marks in a highly competitive league.
Lakers' Prospects and Challenges
The Los Angeles Lakers are another team drawing significant attention. Although they secured 47 wins last season, questions linger about the health and consistency of their star players. An NBA analyst summed up the sentiment: "The question for this year is whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25." LeBron James played 71 games last season, while Anthony Davis managed 76. Their availability and performance will be crucial.
Bringing new energy to the Lakers is head coach J.J. Reddick, a fresh face on the sidelines eager to make his mark. The Lakers have also infused young talent into their roster with rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, aiming to bolster their squad depth and inject vitality into the team’s dynamics.
Clippers and Bucks: Notable Changes
Across the city, the Los Angeles Clippers face the season minus Paul George, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers, who won 51 games last season, will look to navigate this change and adjust their strategies accordingly, particularly since Kawhi Leonard missed the final eight games of the previous campaign.
The Milwaukee Bucks, coming off a 49-win season, are in a relatively strong position yet find themselves with areas for improvement. Their defense, ranked 19th last season, will be a focal point as they seek a more balanced performance. Entering his age-30 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the team’s cornerstone. The Bucks are also integrating new talent with rookies AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith joining the roster.
Despite their credentials, the Bucks are not favored to clinch the Eastern Conference title. The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks are tipped over Milwaukee for conference supremacy, adding another layer of competitiveness to the season ahead.
With these narratives unfolding, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to deliver compelling storylines, fresh talent, and strategic shifts. As teams recalibrate and new leaders take charge on the court and the sidelines, fans are in for an exciting journey through the highs and lows of top-tier basketball.