The 2023-2024 NBA season had many star-studded matchups and intriguing playoff series, ultimately ending with the Boston Celtics on top, capturing the franchise’s 18th NBA championship. With the NBA’s 79th season beginning on Tuesday, October 22nd, basketball fans are gearing up for this highly anticipated season.
Key offseason moves:
The NBA offseason is always filled with excitement and surprising additions and departures. Some key moves this offseason were made by 2 Eastern Conference powerhouses. The New York Knicks added Mikal Bridges along with Karl Anthony towns. Mikal being a lockdown defender, along with Towns being one of the best stretch bigs in the league, should make a large positive impact for the Knicks. Additionally, the 76ers added star Paul George to complement the dynamic duo of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embid. With these moves, both squads will look to dethrone the defending champion Boston Celtics atop the Eastern Conference.
Young players ready to take a step forward
Three French players exemplify the NBA’s young talent. Victor Wemebyama, the first overall pick in 2023, hopes to build on his exceptional rookie campaign. Fans throughout the world view the 7-6 phenomenon as the future face of the league. However, there are two more Frenchmen who hope to make their case for the future face of the league. The Atlanta Hawks selected Zacharie Risacher first overall in this year’s draft, while the Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr. Both rookies hope to make an immediate positive influence on their teams amid high expectations. With the third overall pick in this year’s draft, the Rockets were able to select Reed Sheppard, who was thought to be by many a first overall pick. The 6-2 guard out of Kentucky excited Rockets fans over the summer with a tremendous summer league, averaging 20 points per game.
Lebron James is making History again.
James is used to making history as he is one of the all-time greats, however, this time it’s a little different. Lebron James and his son Bronny James became the first father and son to play on the same team together. In the Lakers first preseason game, the 2 stepped on the court for the first time together and although there was no father-to-son alley-oop that fans were hoping for, the two seemed to have good chemistry on the court.
Boston Celtics impressive off-season plays
The Boston Celtics fans are very excited with Brad Stevens’ successful resume as a GM for the organization, having built a roster that seems primed for long term success. Stevens has prioritized keeping the core of the 2023-2024 championship team intact, with a focus on ensuring the Celtics’ most talented players remain in Boston for years to come. A key move this offseason was re-signing sharpshooter Sam Hauser to a four-year, $45 million deal. While some fans initially questioned the investment in a bench player, Hauser’s elite shooting ability from beyond the arc has proven invaluable to the Celtics’ offensive system. In addition to retaining Hauser, the Celtics added to their roster depth by signing Lonnie Walker IV, a versatile 6’4 combo guard. Walker’s ability to score at all three levels whether from three, mid-range, or above the rim, adds another dynamic scoring option to the second unit. His athleticism and offensive versatility will provide bench support, ensuring the Celtics maintain their offensive flow even when players like Tatum, and Brown are out. The Boston Celtics have strengthened their core offense by adding valuable weapons on all parts of the floor. The determined Celtics organization is destined for another finals appearance, as the stars in Boston are shooting above the limits, entering the 2024-2025 season.
In all, the next season of the NBA is bound to be an all-time great season. What are you most looking forward to?
Here are the current championship odds for the 2024-2025 season
Boston Celtics +310
Oklahoma City Thunder +675
New York Knicks +900
Philadelphia 76ers +900
Dallas Mavericks +1100
Denver Nuggets +1100
Minnesota Timberwolves +1100
