season preview – Syndication Server

2024-25 Portland Trail Blazers: A quick preview

After trading Damian Lillard, Portland committed to a youth movement, but their roster construction still doesn’t make complete sense. Despite adding promising young players like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, the Blazers …

After trading Damian Lillard, Portland committed to a youth movement, but their roster construction still doesn’t make complete sense. Despite adding promising young players like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, the Blazers continue to carry significant salary commitments, which could hinder their flexibility to fully embrace a rebuild. Their recent acquisition of Deni Avdija shows they are still looking to improve the roster, but the mixed approach leaves some uncertainty.

Ultimately, Portland’s future will likely hinge on whether they can fully commit to building around their young core. Moving on from higher-paid veterans and embracing the development of Henderson, Sharpe, and Clingan would allow them to align their roster with their long-term goals.

2024-25 Phoenix Suns: A quick preview

Aside from the addition of Tyus Jones at point guard, the real shift for Phoenix this season comes with the arrival of new head coach Mike Budenholzer, who replaces Frank Vogel. Budenholzer’s defensive pedigree could be the missing piece to push the …

Aside from the addition of Tyus Jones at point guard, the real shift for Phoenix this season comes with the arrival of new head coach Mike Budenholzer, who replaces Frank Vogel. Budenholzer’s defensive pedigree could be the missing piece to push the Suns further in their title quest, especially after the team finished 13th in defensive efficiency last season. His system, which emphasizes tough defense and ball movement, should complement the offensive firepower of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. While the Suns didn’t make significant upgrades in the offseason, Budenholzer’s ability to maximize his players’ potential might elevate their performance across the board.

2024-25 Orlando Magic: A quick preview

With one of the deepest benches and a top-tier defense, the Magic are building something special. Third-year star Paolo Banchero has already shown flashes of MVP-level potential, making it clear that this team is on the verge of a breakthrough. They …

With one of the deepest benches and a top-tier defense, the Magic are building something special. Third-year star Paolo Banchero has already shown flashes of MVP-level potential, making it clear that this team is on the verge of a breakthrough. They may be one year away from taking that next big step, though. In a stacked Eastern Conference, they’ll be fighting for the sixth seed, but even if things don’t go perfectly, they’re almost certain to make the playoffs through the play-in tournament.

After a surprise finish last year, breaking their playoff drought and securing a Top 5 seed in the East, the Magic solidified their roster for the 2024-25 season. Their big offseason move was signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million contract. Caldwell-Pope is a high-level defender and one of the league’s most durable players, having played in 96 percent of regular-season games since 2013. His toughness and experience add a valuable veteran presence to this young roster.

Orlando also prioritized continuity, re-signing key free agents like Goga Bitadze, Gary Harris, and Moritz Wagner, while renegotiating Jonathan Isaac’s deal. Meanwhile, young talents Jett Howard and Anthony Black are ready to step up. Although they didn’t play major roles last season, both are brimming with potential and could be key to the Magic’s next leap.

2024-25 Philadelphia 76ers: A quick preview

The Philadelphia 76ers have strategically bolstered their lineup this offseason to contend strongly in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Paul George, the dynamic within the team shifts, allowing Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to maximize …

The Philadelphia 76ers have strategically bolstered their lineup this offseason to contend strongly in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Paul George, the dynamic within the team shifts, allowing Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to maximize their roles, with George serving as a crucial third scoring option. This restructuring aims to optimize Embiid’s performance, particularly in the postseason.

By managing Maxey’s contract extension to maintain a lower cap hit, the team successfully signed impactful players like George and Caleb Martin, and brought back Andre Drummond. Martin’s four-year, $32 million deal underscores his value as a versatile role player, while Drummond provides a strong rebounding presence. Veteran Eric Gordon, acquired on a minimum deal, adds depth to the lineup, complementing the re-signings of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, which solidify the bench.

This season, the Sixers are poised not just to compete, but to challenge for the top, especially if Embiid and George stay healthy.

2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder: A quick preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to lead the Western Conference, capitalizing on their strong core and strategic new additions. With Isaiah Hartenstein joining to strengthen the center position alongside Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso enhancing the perimeter defense, the Thunder have addressed key areas needed to support their young and talented roster.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, following an MVP-worthy season, continues to be the pivotal figure for the Thunder, with his exceptional play driving the team’s ambitions. Supported by Jalen Williams and the rapidly developing Holmgren, Oklahoma City not only aims to dominate the regular season but also make a deep playoff run. Mark Daigneault, last year’s Coach of the Year, has versatile lineup options to adapt to various matchups, boosting the team’s competitive edge.

The Thunder are no longer a team flying under the radar – they’re the favorites to win the West and potentially challenge the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans: A quick preview

The New Orleans Pelicans made a significant move by trading for Dejounte Murray this offseason, enhancing their team significantly. The addition of Murray gives the Pelicans a formidable backcourt when paired with CJ McCollum, potentially elevating …

The New Orleans Pelicans made a significant move by trading for Dejounte Murray this offseason, enhancing their team significantly. The addition of Murray gives the Pelicans a formidable backcourt when paired with CJ McCollum, potentially elevating the team into playoff contention. However, significant questions remain, particularly regarding their center position.

Their core remains strong with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram (rumored to be on the trade block), McCollum, and now Murray. This group provides a blend of scoring, playmaking, and perimeter defense that could propel the Pelicans into the higher echelons of the Western Conference if they mesh well.

The Pelicans will need to address their frontcourt depth, as the current options – rookie Yves Missi, veteran Daniel Theis, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl – may not suffice for the rigors of a full NBA season.

Stylistically, the Pelicans are set to improve their pace and three-point shooting, areas where they’ve previously struggled. Murray and Herb Jones are expected to ignite their transition offense with their defensive prowess.

2024-25 New York Knicks: A quick preview

With one of the strongest starting fives in the NBA, the Knicks have the talent and depth to compete with anyone in the league. Their offseason moves, headlined by the acquisition of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, have transformed this team into a potential juggernaut. Towns addresses their frontline deficiencies, especially with Mitchell Robinson‘s ongoing recovery from ankle surgery, while Bridges provides elite perimeter defense and scoring ability.

Despite losing Julius Randle and others in blockbuster trades, the Knicks have managed to retain a solid core and infuse top-tier talent that complements the existing squad, particularly Jalen Brunson in the backcourt. Depth might be a concern, especially in the frontcourt until Robinson returns, though.

Tom Thibodeau’s knack for maximizing his main rotation could be crucial, but he’ll need to integrate bench contributions effectively to navigate the regular season and go deep in the playoffs. With a lineup that blends star power and utility, the Knicks are not just aiming for a good playoff run; they have the tools to aim for the top.

2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks: A quick preview

The Milwaukee Bucks are undoubtedly contenders, primarily due to the superstar duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, there are significant concerns that could hinder their path to a deep playoff run. While Lillard and Giannis …

The Milwaukee Bucks are undoubtedly contenders, primarily due to the superstar duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, there are significant concerns that could hinder their path to a deep playoff run. While Lillard and Giannis give the Bucks two of the league’s top talents, questions about injury risks, age, and the competency of head coach Doc Rivers loom large.

Lillard, now 34, has missed 77 games over the past two seasons and sat out Games 5 and 6 in last year’s playoffs. Khris Middleton, another key piece, has also struggled with injuries, missing 76 games in the last two seasons and undergoing surgery on both ankles. Even Giannis, who is typically more durable, dealt with a calf injury that kept him out of the postseason. While they might be able to stay relatively healthy through the regular season, relying on this trio to be at full strength throughout the playoffs is a gamble.

Then there’s the matter of Rivers. Though he has a reputation as a solid regular-season coach, his history of playoff disappointments raises concerns. After taking over midseason last year and posting a 17-19 record, he faced criticism for struggling to implement his system without a full offseason or his preferred coaching staff. Now, with a full training camp and his chosen staff in place, Rivers has no excuses. But the bigger question remains: Has he adapted his coaching style to the modern game? Can he craft a system that balances offense and defense, especially in the playoffs, where the Bucks faltered last year?

Milwaukee’s offseason was relatively quiet compared to other Eastern Conference contenders. They added athleticism through the draft with AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith and found value in Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. on a veteran minimum contracts. But these moves don’t scream “contender.” With a core built around aging stars and a coach with a mixed playoff history, the Bucks may need more than just talent to reclaim their status as one of the East’s elite. Even if they stay healthy and defy Father Time, will Rivers’ system be enough to push them past the second round of the playoffs? That’s the big question hanging over Milwaukee this season.

2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies: A quick preview

With a healthy Ja Morant returning and key pieces like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies have the talent to make noise. They also added 7-foot-4 rookie Zach Edey, who should take pressure off Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt. However, …

With a healthy Ja Morant returning and key pieces like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies have the talent to make noise. They also added 7-foot-4 rookie Zach Edey, who should take pressure off Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt. However, despite these positives, it’s unclear if this bounce-back season will push them to the top of the standings again. The Western Conference is as stacked as ever, and securing a top seed might be a stretch.

The Grizzlies have a strong defensive core, with Jackson Jr. just a season removed from being Defensive Player of the Year, and Smart, another former DPOY, bringing more grit to the backcourt. Bane is evolving into one of the best three-point shooters in the league, and if he stays healthy, his shooting and playmaking could make a huge difference. Memphis also has a solid rotation of role players like Luke Kennard, who was the second-best three-point shooter last season, and versatile young talent in Santi Aldama, GG Jackson, and Brandon Clarke.

2024-25 Miami Heat: A quick preview

The biggest question for Miami this season will be whether they have enough playmaking to navigate the regular season, with Terry Rozier as their primary ball-handling guard – despite being more of a combo guard by nature. The playmaking burden may …

The biggest question for Miami this season will be whether they have enough playmaking to navigate the regular season, with Terry Rozier as their primary ball-handling guard – despite being more of a combo guard by nature. The playmaking burden may then rest heavily on the shoulders of other players. Bam Adebayo appears ready to take on an expanded offensive role after showing more versatility, including three-point shooting, during his time with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He could very well be the team’s leading scorer, with Tyler Herro playing a crucial role. Herro, who averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game last season, has shown flashes of All-Star potential, but his inconsistency and injury struggles have held him back. Both Adebayo and Herro will need to step up, especially if Jimmy Butler paces himself for another deep playoff run.

Ultimately, the Heat’s focus is less on regular-season standings and more on being healthy and ready for the playoffs, where they have repeatedly shown they are a legitimate threat.