The 2023-24 NBA season is about to begin, and there are many interesting storylines to follow. Here are 20 teams and players that I’ll be closely watching throughout the regular season.
One notable omission from the list is Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. While Morant’s suspension for the first 25 games puts the Grizzlies in a tough spot in the competitive Western Conference, personally, I don’t find them particularly interesting without him on the court.
Now, let’s dive into the 20 storylines to watch this season. They are not ranked in any particular order.
1. How will Victor Wembanyama perform as a rookie? He possesses exceptional skills and might even become an All-Star or a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The San Antonio Spurs will be intriguing to watch.
2. Damian Lillard joining the Milwaukee Bucks creates a formidable pick-and-roll tandem with Giannis Antetokounmpo. It remains to be seen if Lillard’s scoring impact will outweigh the defensive decline caused by Jrue Holiday’s departure.
3. The Boston Celtics have made significant changes, adding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to their roster. With an emphasis on spacing and strong defensive play, they could be a tough team to score against.
4. The Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions, didn’t make big offseason moves. It will be interesting to see if they use the regular season to prove themselves again.
5. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are a team ready to win now. They have the potential to surprise with their strong play on both ends of the court.
6. The Los Angeles Lakers’ primary goal is to make the playoffs with their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, healthy. However, they face tough competition in the deep Western Conference.
7. The Phoenix Suns have built a super-team with three superstars, relying on Jusuf Nurkic as their main big man. Can they defend well and make enough three-pointers to stay competitive?
8. Despite expectations of decline, the Golden State Warriors still have one of the best starting lineups in the league. Chris Paul’s presence will complement Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, making them title contenders.
9. The ongoing drama surrounding James Harden in Philadelphia adds uncertainty to the Sixers’ title hopes. Will they remain in contention or struggle to find a suitable replacement for Harden?
10. The New York Knicks are monitoring the Karl-Anthony Towns situation in Minnesota, indicating their willingness to make a big move. They have the potential to transform into a great team with the right additions.
11. The Los Angeles Clippers’ trade for Paul George has yet to result in a championship. With both George and Kawhi Leonard potentially becoming free agents, this season could be their last chance to win it all.
12. The Miami Heat made it to the NBA Finals last season but may face challenges moving forward. Tyler Herro’s health and their ability to defy expectations will be key factors.
13. The Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving but struggled last season. Luka Doncic and Irving will need to carry the offense if the Mavericks want to overcome their flaws.
14. Trae Young is a talented offensive player, but questions linger about his defensive abilities and consistency from beyond the arc. Can he lead the Atlanta Hawks to success?
15. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves showed promise during the summer and could play a pivotal role in the team’s success. However, spacing issues and Karl-Anthony Towns’ future trade possibilities could affect their performance.
16. The New Orleans Pelicans can be a threat when Zion Williamson is healthy. Their success will depend on his availability throughout the season.
17. Ben Simmons’ return to the point guard position in Philadelphia may surprise skeptics. His comfort in this role could elevate the team’s performance.
18. The Sacramento Kings had a strong season last year but need to validate their success. They will face tougher competition this season and need to address their defensive shortcomings.
19. The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Max Strus to address their shooting issues and paired Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland in the backcourt. If they stay healthy, they have the potential to secure a top-three seed.
20. The Portland Trail Blazers may exceed expectations, thanks in part to their young talents like Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson. Henderson, in particular, has shown promise and could be a top contender for Rookie of the Year.
These are just some of the intriguing storylines to watch in the upcoming NBA season.
