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With a new season comes new storylines. The offseason storylines are always interesting because they provide a sense closure to the ones that ended the season. Like turning the page to the next chapter of our favorite book or watching the next season of our favorite shows. Which some can say, the NBA is a reality show of its own with the amount of storylines generated from game to game.
This upcoming season is one that has been highly anticipated for various reasons. Of course we have familiar faces in new places, a new reigning champion, and a new class of rookies. But because the league is in the midst of a transition period between eras, this will be a season that defines the present and the future. Here are the storylines I’m personally looking forward to ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
5. Capture The Flagg and Other Tanking Efforts
Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg is the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft Class. Flagg has shown to be one of the better prospects in recent years. He gained more buzz this past summer after being chosen for the USA Basketball Select Team, where he played well against this year’s Olympians. Flagg may be the highlight of the 2025 draft class, but this class is loaded.
There are plenty of prospects that already look as if they can make an instant impact to any lottery team today. The way we’ll see teams tank this season will be like no other. It’ll make for some fun basketball as team try and give themselves the best chances to secure a high lottery pick.
4. How the Champs Look as Champs
The Boston Celtics are the reigning champions and are eager to get another one. That alone makes them one of the best teams in the league. But of course that comes with a pretty large target on your back. It’ll be interesting to see how they strive to maintain their place as one of the league’s best teams. Especially with how the Eastern Conference currently looks. The Philadelphia 76ers added Paul George,
The New York Knicks made some big moves, the Orlando Magic and the Indiana Pacers are on the rise. And best believe the Wild Wild Western Conference has something to say too. The Celtics will be put to the test throughout the season and how they respond will certainly be something to keep an eye on.
3.The New Look Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are always in the headlines regardless of how good or bad they might be. This year, the eyes will be on LA for some key additions to their team. After firing Darvin Ham, the Lakers hired JJ Redick. Redick has no prior NBA coaching experience but is regarded as one of the better basketball minds based on his analysis. Because of this, many are hopeful that he can be a long term solution to one of the Laker’s main problems.
Another controversial addition to the team was Bronny James. Yes, the son of Lakers forward LeBron James. Now this move wasn’t as surprising but comes with many questions. Many doubt whether Bronny is ready for the league or not, but he has shown signs that he can find a role where he can positively contribute. Plus the moment many have been waiting for is here.
We finally get to see LeBron play with one of his sons. It’ll be fun to see both of them on the floor together at different times, and really see how Bronny’s game develops throughout the season.
2. Battle for the Face of The League
Safe to say we’re entering a new era of the league and every era so that mean’s there’ll be a new face of the league. Last season was the unofficial start to the race for the face of the league title. Players in this race include, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and others.
This should make for some great matchups throughout the season. Especially since the playing field is more leveled that it’s been in recent years. Crazy to think that after winning a championship, Jayson Tatum has more to prove. Seem like after last season, Anthony Edwards is leading the race. But only time will tell us who’ll be crowned as such.
1.Ja Morant’s Return
The long awaited return of Ja Morant has been one of the more anticipated returns we’ve had in recent memory. Missing most of last season due to a suspension and injuries, this feels like the fresh start many have wanted for the Memphis Grizzlies guard.
The Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season as the whole team dealt with injuries. With their core returning, look for them to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference again. Hopefully we get some sort of revenge tour from Ja Morant as he may have taken some of the best of the west discourse personal.
We have known Morant to be fueled by criticism in the past, plus many have seemed to forget how great of a player he is when he’s at his best. Looking forward to a special from him as well as the Memphis Grizzlies.
These are just some of the many storylines that’ll drive the start of the season. Definitely looking forward to seeing how it fully plays out.
We’ll have answers to many of our questions and some great basketball will come from it. Because one thing the NBA knows how to do, and that’s deliver great storylines.
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
