A new NBA season means a twisty journey filled with big questions and compelling narratives defined by rivalries, rising rookies, and jaw-dropping surprises.
Here’s a look at some of the storylines we’re most excited about as the season begins.
The Knicks Try To Repeat
The vibes in New York were immaculate when the Knicks won their first title in 53 years. But it’ll take a Herculean effort to do it again.
The Knicks are returning nearly all of their core (less Mitchell Robinson – which hurts), but that also means everyone is a year older. Meanwhile, numerous rivals got notably better.
The Knicks will have to go through a Pacers team with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton, a Raptors team that added Kawhi Leonard, a Heat team with Giannis, and the supercharged 76ers. Not to mention the still-loaded and hungry Cavs and Pistons. Even pushover teams like the Wizards, Bulls, and Nets are improved.
That’s an absolute gauntlet for the run-it-back Knicks to run through.
LeBron’s Last Dance In Philly
LeBron has a GOAT-level sense of story. Following a Lakers run where he won one title and set the all-time scoring record, LeBron could have simply gone home to try and win another ring with the Cavs. But we’ve all seen that show before.
LeBron knew the most impactful closing act would be ending another title drought somewhere new. Originally, the plan was to do it in New York with the Knicks, but they messed it up by winning last season. Instead, he headed down the New Jersey Turnpike to Philadelphia, where it’s been 43 years since the 76ers won an NBA title. Ending that pain and winning a title in a fourth different destination is something nobody can match.
The 76ers are a certified superteam. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are stars, and Joel Embiid can be a difference-maker if managed right (which will be harder after losing Ariel Hukporti for the season). While winning the LeBron sweepstakes is the bigger headline, landing Jaylen Brown from the Celtics may be the offseason's most consequential move. The 76ers are ready to stand up to the beasts of the East and the best of what the West has to offer.
The NBA’s Best Rivalry: Spurs vs. Thunder
A lot of the East’s biggest stars are in their 30s. While a team from that conference may win the title this year, the NBA's future runs through San Antonio and OKC. And both loaded up for another battle this offseason.
The Spurs’ young core of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper has another year of seasoning, plus the sting of an NBA Finals loss, to galvanize them. They also added veteran forward Tobias Harris and two intriguing bigs in the draft: Tarris Reed and oft-injured but high-ceilinged Jayden Quaintance.
The Thunder had to trim some of their veteran depth (Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort). Still, they kept Isaiah Hartenstein, and the core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren remains intimidatingly good. They also added two borderline top-15 NBA Draft talents with point guard Bennett Stirtz and 7’3” Aday Mara. That monster man in the middle should help Holmgren with the unenviable task of keeping Wemby in check.
Anything can happen over a long season, but these two teams seem destined to get in each other’s way in the fight to win the West.
The New-Look Lakers Demand Your Attention
The dissolution of the Lakers/LeBron marriage created an opportunity to completely reimagine the team around Luka Doncic and the newly re-signed Austin Reaves.
With Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and rookie Cameron Carr, the Lakers are certainly deeper than before. But are they good enough to break into the Western Conference’s elite tier with the Spurs and Thunder? Right now, they might be better matched against second-tier teams like the Nuggets and Wolves, and only if Luka and Kessler stay on the court.
The Wolves Bet Big On Ant
The Wolves are taking a calculated risk entering this season with a thin front court after dealing Julius Randle and Naz Reid. They’re trying to maximize their time with Anthony Edwards, adding a dynamic running mate in LaMelo Ball, who can take some of the offensive load. They also retained Ayo Dosunmu and signed wild-card Jonathan Kuminga.
The Wolves’ offense is going to be fun. They might even have a puncher’s chance against the Spurs and Thunder. But only if the weight of responsibility doesn’t crush defensive stoppers Jaden McDaniels and 34-year-old Rudy Gobert.
Other Big Questions
Change-of-scenery stars, legends putting the finishing touches on their legacies, and a widely lauded draft class create several additional storylines across the NBA.
At 31, coming off multiple injuries, how much of a force will Giannis be now that he has taken his talents to South Beach? Can Ja Morant resurrect his career with the Blazers? Will Kawhi Leonard leave his LA baggage at the border in his Raptors return? Can Paul George stay healthy and mesh with Jayson Tatum for the Celtics?
How good can the Wizards be with their mishmash of young talent (Alex Sarr, AJ Dybantsa) and established stars (Trae Young, Anthony Davis)? Can Darryn Peterson change the narrative and erase worries about his durability and toughness? Are the Bulls ready to run if the Caleb Wilson hype is real?
Where’s the ceiling for the Rockets with Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson? Is Steph Curry playing out the string with the Warriors, or will they find the fountain of youth, good health, and good fortune?
The NBA season premieres this week across ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, Prime Video, and NBA TV.
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