It's time to tune in to your favourite pundits, revive your score updates app, talk trash in your fantasy league WhatsApp group, and start watching NBA basketball. It's back, baby! As always, literally anything could happen—but here’s how it’s looking from our POV at BounceWear.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
TANKING FOR COOPER FLAGG?
The East has historically tended to be the weaker conference, and this year is similar. The Nets, Bulls, and Wizards aren’t likely to do much and could even be doing some strategic tanking to secure a shot at Cooper Flagg in next year’s NBA lottery draft. I don't think any of us will forget how bad the Pistons were last year (finishing with a 14-68 record), but the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. and others might make them marginally better—at least better than last year.
The Bucks were notable underachievers last year, but Damian Lillard is set to make a big impact. However, the team’s success still largely rests on the injury status of the Greek Freak. Preseason has left us with a few unanswered questions, but if he’s back at full strength, the Bucks are top-tier.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
CAN EMBIID STAY HEALTHY?
Similar questions arise for both the Sixers (with Embiid) and the Hornets (with LaMelo). If Embiid stays healthy, Philly becomes an immediate threat who should go deep into the playoffs. His recent comment that he won't be playing back-to-backs for the rest of his career doesn't sound promising. As for Paul George, I’d love to say his addition is significant, but we haven’t seen him make a big impact in recent years. Brutal, but factual. We don’t hold the same playoff hope for Charlotte, but they definitely become a more relevant team with a healthy LaMelo, which unfortunately isn’t the case currently.
The Hawks could prove to be a surprise team in the East. Trae Young is still solid, and with Dejounte Murray traded, there's potential space to see significant transactions build a stronger squad in Atlanta.
The Raptors (maybe), Heat, Magic, Cavs, and Pacers are all playoff locks. The Pacers possibly got a little lucky with their matchups in last season’s playoffs (playing against banged-up teams), but we shouldn’t ignore their success at the in-season tournament and the confidence Tyrese Haliburton will have after playing with Team USA this summer. Along with the Cavs, they should make their way into this year’s conference finals as things stand.
THE BATTLE IN THE EAST
Without a doubt, the strongest teams in the East are the Celtics and Knicks. The NBA Champion Celtics had a strange summer, though, with Tatum having an underwhelming Olympic experience and Jalen Brown being snubbed from the Team USA squad. It's also worth noting that Kristaps Porzingis remains injured, and the impact of his absence is definitely noticeable. That said, the Celtics remain the title favourites for sure.
We can’t ignore the Knicks either. Even the biggest Knicks haters admit that injuries were a huge factor for them last season, especially in the playoffs. A full-strength squad, combined with the recent addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, could bulldoze their way to a—dare I say it—championship season in NYC. I just hope that their recent changes don't affect the chemistry...
THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
WILL THE PELICANS FINALLY FIND THEIR GROOVE?
As usual, the West is the more competitive conference and is therefore less predictable. Sorry Jazz and Blazers fans, but I can’t see either team making a significant impact this year. Scoot Henderson did look good for Portland at the end of last season, but there’s more work to be done.
The Spurs are in transition, building around their sophomore sensation, Victor Wembanyama. I can’t see much happening for them this year, but that’s not to say they’re not building toward something great. The addition of CP3 brings veteran presence, but not much else. We look forward to welcoming them to Paris (along with the Pacers) early next year.
The Clippers have a new arena but face old problems. With Kawhi Leonard injured and Paul George now with the Sixers, the Clips could see a losing record for the first time in several seasons.
Unlike the teams mentioned so far, the Pelicans have the pieces in place for success, but it may take time for them to find their groove. If this is the year Zion Williamson stays healthy, we’ll be talking about New Orleans all season long.
The Grizzlies are similar to the Pelicans in that they’re a wildcard in the West. If Ja Morant is healthy, everything changes. We saw flashes of his old high-flying self in preseason, before rolling his ankle, of course. We’d love to see the Grizzlies perform well this year.
It’s crazy not to be talking more about the Warriors this time around. If they make some significant moves, they could be back in the WCF conversation. For now, though, they should at least make the playoffs. I feel similarly about the Lakers. After their early playoff exit last year, they remain a pretty average team. I’ve yet to see AD step up, leaving LeBron to carry the team on his capable but nonetheless 40-year-old shoulders. Bronny joining his dad’s team will be the most interesting thing happening in LA this season.
The Rockets are solid as usual, and the Kings’ addition of DeRozan could have us talking about them as a legitimate threat come playoff time.
THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
ANOTHER RUN FOR THE MAVS?
The Suns underachieved last year, but a healthy Kevin Durant changes everything. Devin Booker also had a great summer, gaining a lot of respect at the Paris Olympics. I doubt that the fact they got swept in last year's playoffs will do anything other than fuel them to start a fire in the West this season.
The Mavs fell short in the Finals last season but could very well make another run this year. This squad has good depth beyond Luka and Kyrie. We should also see a breakout year from Naz Reid.
The Nuggets are title contenders if Jamal Murray stays healthy. Jokic is still MVP-caliber, and the squad remains one of the strongest teams in the West. Don’t be fooled by last year’s playoff performance.
For me, two of the most exciting and promising teams coming into this season are the Timberwolves and the Thunder. The NBA landscape is shifting, and with many of the league’s superstars entering their twilight years, it’s time for the young guns to step up. Anthony Edwards was sensational last year, and with the addition of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks, Minnesota could go all the way.
OKC - MORE THAN OK
The toughest competition for the T-Wolves in the West should come from OKC. With the addition of Alex Caruso, they have a stronger squad than last year and are poised to cause serious damage—title-contending damage. When all is said and done, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a team from the Western Conference lifting the Larry O'Brien this year.
