As a massive sports fan, a busy calendar for me officially begins in October when the National Basketball Association starts to run alongside the NFL, European football, F1, and more. And if the summer Olympics told us anything, it’s that the quality on showcase in the association keeps getting better and you need a front-row seat to ensure you don’t miss out on any moment —especially now that we don’t have the Woj Bomb anymore.
The NBA off-season didn’t offer many surprises other than the usual workout videos of Ben Simmons and Adrian Wojnaroski’s sudden departure from reporting the game of basketball. One pleasant addition this off-season is the “Starting 5” series on Netflix.
Produced by Omaha Productions and Uninterrupted, Starting 5 gave fans a massive insight into the lives of NBA players, and how sometimes fans and pundits are guilty of forgetting even the greatest athletes are also human beings.
That said, the 2024-25 NBA season starts on Tuesday, and here are 25 possible predictions, or scenarios to look out for.
25. Thank You Dikembe Mutombo
The NBA lost one of the most iconic and amazing characters it has ever had this off-season, as former Atlanta Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo died following a battle with brain cancer.
The pride of Kinshasa wasn’t only a giant on the court —second all-time in blocks with 3,289 – he was also a giant for the game of basketball on the continent of Africa. And will be fondly remembered for his iconic finger wag. Rest in Power Mutombo.
24. Another year of Limbo loading…
While some teams have accepted that the aim is to compete for positions in the NBA lottery in the draft, others are at the other end of the spectrum competing for the big prize. Then some teams aren’t good enough to challenge for the title nor bad enough to compete for the championship, hence creating another season in Limbo. I see you Cleveland…
23. A new big man outweighs any college reunion.
At least that was what the Knicks’ front office told the tandem of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo when they sacrificed the latter in a trade for Karl Anthony-Towns from the Timberwolves. All four players previously mentioned played for the Villanova Wildcats during their college days and were excited about playing together again when the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets during the off-season. However, the surprise trade for KAT just before the start of the season has killed such a dream but ensured that the Knicks be considered a contender in the Eastern conference.
22. How to ask for a trade the right way
Unless you’re a subpar player on an NBA roster, there’s no easy way to ask for a trade away from your team. Because, let’s face it, no team wants to lose a good player, talk less a great one. However, Giannis Antetokoumpo might’ve invented a way for a player to ask for a trade the right way.
The 2021 NBA finals MVP told the world recently that if the Milwaukee Bucks don’t win the NBA title this season, he might get traded and I’m here wondering, who trades their best player because they failed to win the ultimate prize? It’s all good Giannis, this is a safe space, you can tell us if you see your future away from Milwaukee.
21. Is availability really the best form of ability?
Following news that LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be out indefinitely due to another injury, it’s difficult not to question the infamous notion that availability is the best form of ability. Kawhi, who missed out on the Summer Olympics due to injury and/or preparation for the upcoming season, has yet to show why the team pulled out all the stops to sign him as a free agent in 2019.
The Clippers showed commitment to Kawhi offering a new deal earlier this year but refused to offer such commitments to his co-star Paul George, who has skipped town to play in Philly. If availability is truly the test of ability, then Kawhi’s injury record would mean he probably would have left the team and not PG13. However, the 2019 NBA finals MVP’s ability when healthy continues to serve him, with the Clippers hoping he can’t return to full health and help the team win their first-ever championship.
20. Ben Simmons is back... or so they say
I’m going to be honest with you and admit that I don’t remember the last time I saw a good Ben Simmons take to the floor of an NBA court. I’ll tell you what I remember though, the yearly summer, off-season workout videos which also include the former 76ers point guard shooting three-point shots.
Simmons, who was voted as an NBA All-Star in 2021, has been in career limbo for the last three seasons — basically since his trade to the Brooklyn Nets from the 76ers in February 2022. The 2018 Rookie of the Year award winner is in the final year of his contract and will need to show he can stay healthy if his career in the NBA extends beyond this season.
19. A successful black head coach in Boston
Joe Mazzulla led the Celtics to their 18th NBA title last season. While the odds of achieving that on the hardwood might have been on his side, the odds of the floor weren’t as easy. After all, it’s Boston.
Mazzulla will be hoping to successfully defend his team’s crown and cement his legacy in the Celtics folklore, and in a city predominantly known for his somewhat hostile environment towards black people (at least away from sports).
18. $500,000 and the NBA Cup
“First-ever winners of the NBA Cup, you’ll never sing that”, those were the words echoed by fans of the Los Angeles Lakers following the team’s triumph in the NBA Cup. What they also failed to mention was that every player on the winning team gets a $500,000 cheque (pre-tax). That might not serve as enough motivation for established NBA players on good contracts however, for G-League affiliates that’s a handsome takeaway.
The inaugural in-season tournament created a bit of confusion amongst fans and players alike, but in turn, ensured we witnessed some competitive and intense regular season games last season. If last season’s NBA Cup is anything to go by, I can’t wait to see what’s on offer this season. And I expect more competition when the games kick off, besides $500,000 isn’t a bad motivator as well.
17. Another year, another head coach rises from the ashes in Phoenix.
Saying Mat Ishbia —owner of the Phoenix Suns—is desperate to bring the first-ever NBA title to Arizona will be putting it mildly, as the 44-year-old billionaire continues to make funny decisions and can’t seem to get out of his own way. The Suns appointed Frank Vogel at the start of last season, hoping he would lead a poorly constructed roster to the promised land. The former NBA champion was sacked following a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Timberwolves and former Bucks’ title-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer is the latest card in the Ishbia carousel.
Budenholzer will be hoping to succeed where his predecessors failed, however, with a roster still lacking a proper point guard and good depth, it’s difficult to see the Suns as contenders in the Western Conference.
16. What’s happening in France
The global game is football (soccer). However, the NBA deserves some credit for the continuous development of the game of basketball in other parts of the world other than the states. And the biggest evidence of that is starting to show up in France.
The French men’s basketball team won silver at the Olympics, losing to the favourites and eventual champions, the United States. A massive accomplishment whichever way you choose to look at it. But perhaps, the biggest complement to the growth of basketball in France is the fact that the three top picks of the last two NBA drafts have all been French.
Wemby was the top pick in 2023 and now Zaccharie Risacher alongside Alex Sarr were the top two draft picks in that order in 2024. Whatever it is that’s happening in the French country in terms of basketball can only be applauded and this gives hope to other countries across the globe.
15. Copper Flagg is the target.
And rightfully so, if you ask me. For some teams, the prospect of going back to the draft lottery is their unwanted choice. Where they hope to find a franchise-changing player, who can take them to the next level or at least make them somewhat relevant in the association.
Not since Victor Wembanyama has a prospect generated so much hype while still in high school and if his impressive showing with the United States’ Olympic basketball training team is anything to go by, Cooper Flagg is the next big thing. So it’s only natural to see the usual suspects — coughs Hornets, Pistons, Wizards, and the likes— tank their season in the hopes of picking up the Duke star.
14. Time to unseat Jokic as MVP?
Tom Cruise is known for his impressive stunts and performances in his Mission Impossible franchise, and he might need to pass some of his knowledge on pulling off the impossible to some of the NBA stars if they’re to stop Nikola Jokic from winning his fourth NBA MVP award. The big Serbian is arguably the best player in the league as we speak and doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon. And unless voter fatigue sets in as we’ve seen in the past with other players, players like Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic —to mention but a few— will have to be in full Mission Impossible mode to usurp Jokic this season.
13. Lob it as high as you can
Saying Victor Wembanyama exceeded all expectations set for him as a rookie by the media would be a mild way of putting it. The 7'4 forward averaged 21 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, whilst also finishing second in voting for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The absence of a proper point guard was evident in the San Antonio Spurs last season however, with the addition of Chris Paul to their roster, Wemby’s numbers will only improve. As a fan said on X (formerly Twitter), the lobs from CP3 to the big Frenchman will feed families.
12. The face of the league…
There was a concerted effort by the American media and ex-NBA players last season to make Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves the face of the NBA. Edwards, who’s still 23, has been a burgeoning superstar ever since coming into the league and although he has the charisma to become the face of the league, one can’t help but feel like the whole idea is being forced, as he’s not the best player in the NBA —at least not yet.
It’s difficult to see the media and ex-players root for players like Jokic, Doncic, or even Giannis to be the face of the league due to their European nationalities. However, when LeBron and Curry had such acclaim, it came naturally to them. Whether Jayson Tatum or Ja Morant ends up wrestling that title away from Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves star has shown that he possesses all the qualities to become the prime alpha of the league one day.
11. NBA on TNT’s farewell tour
For those who watch football (soccer) in a vehement way, you would have come across CBS’s Champions League coverage, which is fun and also entertaining. However, no one told you the originator — not that I’m officially accusing anyone of intellectual theft — is the “Inside The NBA” on TNT.
The tandem of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and the big Aristotle Shaquille O’Neal have provided basketball entertainment in various ways for as long as I can remember. The show isn’t just fun for the fans but for the players as well, with Luka Doncic pleading on air with the NBA not to let the show go. However, following new TV rights agreements, “Inside The NBA” will be signing off on NBA coverage following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. And I think I speak for all fans when I say, the Emmy award-winning show will be hugely missed.
10. Defense win championships
At this point, I’m sure it’s not a debate anymore that defense wins championships regardless of the sport. You don’t believe me? Just think of the great Warriors’ teams, the 2020 Lakers, and last year’s champions.
The Celtics were able to add Jrue Holiday to their roster at the start of last season thanks to the Milwaukee Bucks initially including him in the trade for Damian Lillard. Holiday’s defensive nous and leadership improved the Celtics massively, ensuring a smooth ride to the Larry O’Brien trophy.
9. Money, money, and more money
The average supermax salary of an NBA star currently stands at $60 million per year — just ask Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokoumpo. And rightfully so, if you ask my opinion the players do a lot to ensure that the NBA TV rights continue to rise, and they deserve their own fair share of the pot.
The good news is, it’s only going to get better. This is something that was confirmed by Mark Cuban —former owner of the Mavericks but still runs the team. The tech billionaire insists the NBA is gradually approaching the stage where a player earns $100 million per year thanks to the growth of the NBA. And that the association would be glad to dish out such enormous contracts.
I’m watching you Doncic 👀
8. The Newbies
Probably the weakest NBA draft class we’ve seen in a while, generating little to no excitement about any rookie. However, that might just play into the hands of these rookies, as the lack of pressure might provide a unique opportunity for growth without the watchful eyes of any expectations.
Zaccharie Risacher was the first player off the board in the draft, and I would bet my day’s earnings that not very many fans know of that name. Even fans of the Atlanta Hawks might have forgotten they drafted the French big man with the number one pick.
7. The Challengers
Just when you thought Nikola Jokic’s powers might start to wane, his performance at the Olympics tells a different story, hence, the reason why it is difficult to look beyond the Nuggets winning the West and making it to the NBA finals.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving proved doubters wrong last season by leading the Mavs to the finals —where they lost to the Celtics— and will be looking to go a step further this time around. Shai and the rest of the young squad of the Oklahoma City Thunder is also another team to look out for but don’t sleep on the Minnesota Timberwolves as well.
Over in the eastern conference, the addition of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers signals a new major player in town. While the New York Knicks traded for Karl Anthony-Towns to join the tandem of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. Whether or not these moves would be enough to usurp the Celtics remains to be seen but it sure as hell makes for an intriguing watch.
6. You’ll always be my brother.
I’m not a fan of the Warriors. However, I’m emotional as I write this, because how does one survive without his brother or 13 years? The tag “Splash Brothers” has been one of the most iconic we’ve ever seen in the NBA. And following Klay Thompson’s departure from the Warriors to join the Dallas Mavericks, that’s something we might never say again.
Curry and Thompson are arguably the greatest backcourt duo in the history of the association and whether or not Draymond Green sticks to his promise of running into Klay’s chest, it’s going to be awkward watching him play in another team.
5. Goodbye to a healthy sleeping pattern
The Golden State Warriors and the Lakers are guilty of always ensuring I sleep at odd hours of the day, due to the schedule of their games. And before you say that it’s compulsory to watch them, have you seen Steph Curry cook and the King in his full stride, besides, it’s the Lakers there’s always drama involved (be it good or bad).
I know I’m not the only one on this table. So shout out to the die-hard fans of the NBA who are not in the States but have to keep up the games.
4. Nepotism? Yeah, deal with it.
Whether or not Bronny James deserved to be drafted by the Lakers in the draft over other players remains to be seen. However, the backlash received by the 19-year-old following the conclusion of the draft process was massively unnecessary.
Nepotism in sports is not a new thing and also takes place in a lot of sports but the only difference this time is, that a black man is the one who orchestrated it and the sports world can seem to fantom his audacity. Coaches hire their sons/dads in the NFL, Steven Jones is the general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, and owners appoint their friends and/or family members. So yes, Nepotism isn’t a new thing in sports.
3. This looked easier on YouTube.
JJ Redick was appointed as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers replacing Darvin Ham, who was sacked following the Lakers' 4-1 first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets. Redick has shown impressive X’s and O’s knowledge both on-air with ESPN and on the “Mind The Game” podcast with LeBron James. However, coaching an actual NBA team is a different beast entirely.
The former Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard will have to show a good mastery of game plans, as well as excellent management skills if he’s to be successful with the Lakers and put to bed all the doubts surrounding his appointment as head coach of one of the storied franchises in the NBA.
2. Who’s going to stop Boston?
Joe Mazzulla and the rest of his green-and-white band finally crossed the hurdle following their 4-1 NBA finals victory over the Dallas Mavericks, securing the Celtics’ 18th title in the process. The acquisition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, coupled with the maturing and development of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown ensured the Boston Celtics —who lost the NBA Finals in 2022 to the Warriors before falling in the Eastern Conference finals in 2023 to the Miami Heat– secured their first NBA title since 2008. And with no notable departures, it’s difficult to bet against them successfully defending their title.
After dedicating more than half his entire life to the game of basketball and NBA, breaking countless records along the way, LeBron James will get the chance to say he’s the first player to play alongside his son in the history of the NBA, after the Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th overall pick of the draft back in June.
It seems fitting for a man who’s regarded as the goat or the second goat —depending on where you stand— and has done so much to improve the game of basketball across the globe. Both players might have already played alongside one another during the preseason however, everything points to the opening night, where Bronny and LeBron James are both expected to share the floor at some point.
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