The NBA is back! On October 22nd, the 2024-2025 NBA season kicked off with the Boston Celtics vs the New York Knicks. This season has very high expectations, as there are many intriguing storylines such as players on new teams, a multitude of teams who could win it all, and exciting rookies to watch.
Over the course of the offseason, many well-known players went to different teams. Such trades and signings have left teams in a much better position than they were in before. Looking at the New York Knicks, they made some massive moves. They signed Mikal Bridges, a key player who has proven himself in the league, and they traded for star center Karl-Anthony Towns. However, in that trade, they lost star forward Julius Randle and a solid guard in Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves. The new-look Knicks have high expectations, with many expecting them to go deep into the playoffs.
Tyler Pace ‘26, a Knicks fan, says “I have the Knicks making the Eastern Conference Finals and even potentially reaching the Finals. I love their roster and think they may even improve it more by the trade deadline to prepare for a playoff run.”
Other teams in the East also made moves. The Philadelphia 76ers signed star player Paul George. George has led previous teams to deep playoffs runs in the past, and though he is a bit older now, he can still be a critical piece to a very successful Sixers team when paired alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Teams in the West also made major changes. The Sacramento Kings traded for DeMar DeRozan, who is one the game’s best pure scorers. When playing with stars Domantas Sabonis and DeAaron Fox, DeRozan may be able to make a huge impact. The Pelicans successfully traded for Dejounte Murray this offseason. Unfortunately, during the opening game of the Pelicans season, he sustained a hand injury that will keep him out for a while. However, once he gets healthy, the Pelicans may be a scary contender in the west. The Dallas Mavericks signed Klay Thompson, cementing the end of the core of the Warriors dynasty. Thompson, when playing well, is one of the best shooters in the league and can make a big difference during games. The Mavericks, coming off a finals loss, may have just needed a shooter like Thompson to get over the hump.
Besides signings and trades, teams have also improved their roster through this season’s draft. Most notably are the first two selections, Zaccharie Risacher who got drafted by the Hawks, and Alexandre Sarr who was drafted by the Wizards. Both of these players are coming in from France. Bronny James, the son of arguably the best player of all time, LeBron James, was selected by the Lakers, the team LeBron plays on. This pick was extremely controversial, with many saying he was only selected because of his father. Regardless if that is true or not, it is undeniable that a father and son duo in the league is a historical and exciting situation.
Luis Mattos ‘26 says, “I think this is the craziest thing to happen in NBA history, maybe even in the history of sports. I mean, it’s just not something that anyone would ever think would happen.”
The Boston Celtics are coming off their championship and are looking to repeat. While the majority of NBA fans believe they have the best roster and the higher chance of winning the finals, there are still other contenders. In the East, the Sixers, Knicks, and Bucks are all primary contenders. They all have complete rosters, and have at least decent playoff experience. In the West, the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder are all the primary contenders. As in the East, they have star players who are surrounded by a complete supporting cast.
The 2024-2025 NBA season has come with many changes from last season. However, with action all around the league, its level of entertainment might just be at an all-time high.
