By Nate Skinner
Nate Skinner playing basketball. (Tribekah Jordan)
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, hoops fans on campus are gearing up for an action-packed year. With intriguing storylines, including the Boston Celtics defending their title, new rookies entering the league, and young teams like the San Antonio Spurs aiming to exceed expectations, there’s plenty to watch. Here, I’ve highlighted five teams worth keeping an eye on throughout the season. The NBA season begins Tuesday, October 22.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 2023 Record (57-25), 1st Seed
After a heartbreaking loss in Game 6 of the playoffs, the Thunder aim to reclaim their success. Led by All-Star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising star center Chet Holmgren, they seek to maintain momentum in a competitive Western Conference. The Thunder also feature players like Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, and newly acquired Alex Caruso, who joined from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddy. Caruso brings much-needed defense and playmaking. Isaiah Hartenstein, signed to a three-year, $87 million contract, adds depth. With a mix of youth and experience, the Thunder are poised for a championship run. - New York Knicks: 2023 Record (50-32), 2nd Seed
The Knicks are ready to bounce back after injuries derailed their playoff hopes last season. They made a significant trade to acquire Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges, sending future picks and players Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, and Mamadi Diakite to Brooklyn. Bridges has chemistry with key contributors Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo from their Villanova days. Additionally, they added point guard Tyler Kolek, a Marquette standout who averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in college. With a starting lineup featuring Brunson, O.G. Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and Julius Randle, the Knicks are ready to challenge the Boston Celtics. - Philadelphia 76ers: 2023 Record (47-35), 7th Seed
After a disappointing playoff exit against the New York Knicks, the 76ers bolstered their roster by acquiring small forward Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers, signing him to a four-year, $212 million contract. George joins a talented core that includes point guard Tyrese Maxey and center Joel Embiid. They also drafted Jared McCain, a Duke standout who averaged 14.3 points, 5 rebounds, and shot 41.4% from three-point range. With these additions, the 76ers aim for a deeper playoff run and a possible Conference Finals appearance. - San Antonio Spurs: 2023 Record (22-60), 14th Seed
With rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama leading the way, the Spurs hope to improve significantly this season. The addition of veteran point guard Chris Paul should help stabilize the team as it develops young talent like Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan. Rookie Stephon Castle, a standout from UConn, averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in college. With Wembanyama’s continued growth and Paul’s leadership, expect the Spurs to be more competitive this year. - Houston Rockets: 2023 Record (41-41), 11th Seed
The Rockets finished last season at .500 and have high hopes for this year. Second-year player Amen Thompson, who averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season, aims for a breakout year. Rookie Reed Sheppard, a Kentucky standout, will help spread the floor for stars Jalen Green and Jabari Smith. For a successful season, the Rockets will rely on veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks alongside their young core. If they can stay healthy, they could make a playoff run.