The 2024-2025 NBA season opens with many contenders to succeed the Boston Celtics
A conference is still open
You don’t change a winning team!
THE Boston Celtics have decided to follow this key precept because when the champion rings are presented on October 22, all the key players in the 2024 title will still wear the legendary green jersey of the C’s. Jayson Tatum et Jaylen Brown are still present to try to offer a record 19th title to the Massachusetts franchise. The rear Jrue Holiday et Derrick White extended their contract, while the return of Kristaps Porzingis is planned for early 2025.
Behind the C’stwo teams have strongly strengthened themselves to aim for the summits of the East.
The pivot Karl-Anthony Towns (21.8 points on average last year) joined the New York Knicks to form an impressive major five with Josh Hart, AND Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson.
With the arrival of American star Paul George to support Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia Sixers can also hope to reach their first conference final since 2001.
THE Cleveland Cavaliers of Donovan Mitchelland the Milwaukee Bucks of Giannis Antetokounmpo et Damian Lillard return with a strong spirit of revenge after their disappointment last season, while the Indiana Pacers of Tyrese Haliburton will want to confirm their exceptional performance during the 2024 playoffs.
An ever more competitive Western Conference
In the West, nothing new, the level will still be high with almost all the teams in the conference able to claim a place in the playoffs. Last year, ten teams out of fifteen finished with a positive result and the scenario could be identical this season.
THE Denver Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but remain among the conference favorites with the magic of the Serbian pivot Nikola Jokicthree-time regular season MVP and two-time Olympic medalist. THE Dallas Mavericksunhappy finalists last year, are still carried by the duo Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving, brilliant in the playoffs.
The franchise ofOklahoma City achieved very good recruitment with the arrivals of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Number 1 in the regular season in the West last year, the Thunder wants to confirm in the playoffs with the star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contender for the MVP trophy.
By making Karl-Anthony Towns leave, the Minnesota Timberwolves have officially given the keys to their game to Olympic champion Anthony Edwards. Rudy Gobert sees the arrival of a more complementary profile to his game in the racket, the three-time All-Star Julius Randle.
THE Los Angeles Lakers of LeBron James with their new coach JJ Redick, the Phoenix Suns of Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors of Steph Curry will have strong ambitions, while the Memphis Grizzlies will aim for the heights again after a 2023-2024 season scarred by injuries to its major players (Morant, Bane, Jackson Jr, Smart).
