The last three years have seen a significant shift in the NBA landscape, highlighted by the movement of several key players between conferences. Notably, five top-30 players—Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton—have relocated from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference. These moves have had ripple effects throughout the league, reshaping team dynamics and the balance of power.
Impact Players Shifting Conferences
Among these movers, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell have had especially profound impacts on their new teams. Their ability to change the fortunes of their teams reflects their value as top-tier players. Despite significant player transitions, nine of the top 12 NBA players still hail from the Western Conference, underscoring the elite talent concentrated in the West.
Conversely, the Top 100 list favors the Western Conference slightly, with 54 players compared to the East's 46. This demonstrates a broader distribution of top talent in the West, even as some high-profile names like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis have made moves back to the Western Conference.
Player Performances and Contributions
In discussing the best player in the league, Nikola Jokic frequently emerges as the consensus choice. His defense has made great strides, and as Brad Botkin noted, “The fact that he has zero interest in being recognized as the world's best player is, in part, what actually makes him the world's best player.” Jokic's understated dominance is a testament to his impact on the game.
Desmond Bane has continued to impress with his efficiency and increased usage, maintaining a 27.3% usage rate in his fourth year. The Grizzlies' franchise player, Ja Morant, missed nine games last season, during which Bane averaged an impressive 24.6 points. James Herbert highlighted Morant's willingness to defer to Bane at times, a nod to the exceptional trust and chemistry within the team.
On the defensive end, Rudy Gobert clinched his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, cementing his reputation as a defensive stalwart. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’s prowess as an outstanding big man shooter continues to be recognized, with Sam Quinn affirming, “Towns is among the best big man shooters of all time.”
Western Conference Highlights
Kevin Durant’s move back to the West underscored his enduring elite performance, as he averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists last season while shooting 41% from the three-point range. Similarly, Kawhi Leonard played 68 games last season, scoring 23 points per game, and maintaining a true-shooting clip better than 62%.
The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004, led decisively by Anthony Edwards, who made his first All-NBA appearance last season. Edwards's rise as the team’s leader signals a bright future for the franchise.
Eastern Conference Dynamics
Meanwhile, the Clippers face the significant challenge of integrating James Harden into their offense following Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia. This tactical adjustment will be crucial for the team's performance in the ever-competitive conference.
Jalen Williams stands out as a versatile scorer and defensive asset, producing statistics reminiscent of Kevin Durant's numbers when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not on the court. This versatility makes Williams a promising talent, with his future looking bright and All-Star appearances seemingly just a matter of time, as noted by James Herbert.
Mavericks’ Standout Star
Luka Doncic of the Mavericks continues to captivate with his incredible performances. Even after six years in the league, Doncic’s play remains a source of marvel, as Jasmyn Wimbish expressed, “It's not uncommon to walk away from watching Doncic play and still think, 'How is he doing this?'” Doncic's consistent excellence is a cornerstone for the Mavericks as they navigate the competitive landscape.
The NBA remains a dynamic league, constantly reshaped by player movements and standout performances. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these shifts and individual achievements influence the broader narrative of the league.