Could the Boston Celtics repeat this upcoming NBA season? Virtually the entire roster from last year’s title team is now back in Bean Town. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown took major strides in becoming legitimate NBA superstars. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis also help in making up arguably the deepest and most talented starting five in the league.
That’s not to say, however, that a few other teams in the association won’t be good enough to usurp the title of being the best team in professional basketball. There are four — two from each conference — looking like real contenders to the throne in 2024-25.
Denver Nuggets
Denver cannot be counted out as long as Nikola Jokic is healthy. He’s the one type of player Boston tends to struggle with — a rugged post player with the ability to overpower defenders in the paint. Don’t forget he’s also a generational passer of the basketball, and likely one of the best 15 players to ever play the game. However, there are some worries about Denver’s collective depth.
Bruce Brown still hasn’t been replaced in any real way. The likes of Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and even Russell Westbrook will have to step up. Getting Jamal Murray fully healthy is another point of emphasis. Assuming these two things happen, Denver will be right in the thick of things as a true contender.
New York Knicks
New York is loaded top to bottom. The chemistry on this team is arguably its best characteristic — as the Knicks have four former Villanova (Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart) among its core group. Brunson has turned the corner as an All-Star-level guard. Bridges and OG Anunoby form arguably the best defensive wing pairing in the game today. This team has grit, a defensive-oriented culture, and a passionate fan base behind them. The only worry would be the center position. Isaiah Hartenstein left in free agency, and Mitchell Robinson is perpetually injured. If the Knicks can weather that storm, they’re right there as a real threat to Boston.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has a reputation as a team that cannot get over the hump with Joel Embiid. Well, if it’s going to happen, why not have it happen this year? The roster is clearly better. Acquiring Paul George to be the team’s third option behind Embiid and Tyrese Maxey was a super smart decision. PG13 fits immensely well with the team’s construction as a floor spacer/situational isolation creator. Caleb Martin gives the team a jolt of athleticism on the wing.
French big man Guerschon Yabusele parlayed a nice Olympics showing into a deal with the team. Between Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson, the hope is that at least one can turn back the clock and give the team some production in the backcourt. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ with this group. However, if Philly hits, it’s a dangerous team.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC might be the biggest threat in taking down Boston. The team is loaded with young talent at all positions. Nabbing Hartenstein in free agency was supremely brilliant. He makes the Thunder much bigger and improves the team’s prowess in rebounding, positional defending, and protecting the rim. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quietly developed into one of the game’s best players. With Chet Holmgren’s assumed progression from last year, and Jalen Williams coming into his own, this team is primed to win the Western Conference.
