Merit Street Media
It's been a long four months. But the wait is finally over. The NBA makes its highly anticipated return tonight!
The 2024-25 season will see familiar faces in new places. After spending 13 seasons in Golden State and winning four NBA titles along the way, Klay Thompson left "The Bay" and moved to Dallas during free agency. The Mavericks are banking on Klay's championship pedigree to help put them over the top.
Other teams who made franchise changing moves are the Philadelphia 76ers who signed Paul George (will miss season opener with a hyperextended left knee) to a four year deal worth $212 million. The Sacramento Kings acquired one of the best late game performers this league has to offer in DeMar Derozan. The New York Knicks have placed themselves in position to make some noise in the Eastern Conference by trading for the versatile Mikal Bridges and big man Karl Anthony Towns who averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
So does all that player movement mean there will be a new champion this season??? Not if The Boston Celtics have anything to say about it.
Run it back
Boston won their 18th world championship last season, that's the most in league history. But can they go back-to-back? The Celtics are the preseason favorites to win it all again. Last season, Boston was No. 1 in player efficiency and No. 2 In defensive efficiency. Plus, there doesn't appear to be any regression. Considering their depth and their offensive and defensive prowess, The Celtics biggest opponents this season may be themselves.
Also the team's superstar, Jayson Tatum has a huge chip on his shoulder entering the new year. After averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game last year, Tatum was casted out, like a leper, by Team USA Head Coach Steve Kerr. Tatum spent more time on the bench than on the court during the Summer Games in Paris. Tatum has been selected to the All-NBA first team for three seasons in a row. He will look to make a statement this season. And a second world championship in as many years would put a lot of respect on Tatum's name. e Celtics will receive their 2023-24 championship rings prior to the start of their home opener against the New York Knicks.
Like father, like son
Fitting for the most heartwarming tale in NBA history to take place in Hollywood, the movie capital of the world. Lakers Superstar, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James are now the first father-son pair to ever play in the NBA. The four-time NBA champion called the opportunity, "surreal."
More people know Bronny James was the 55th overall draft pick, than who went No. 1 overall this year (Zaccharie Risacher to the Atlanta Hawks). No doubt, the name on the back of the jersey helped open the door for Bronny to enter the league. But his play on the court will dictate how long and fruitful of an NBA career he will have.
The Lakers open up their season at Crypto.com Arena against the Minnesota Timberwolves. How big is tonight's father-son moment? Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and his father, Ken Griffey Sr. will be in attendance. They were the first father-and-son tandem to play in MLB history.
Luka MVP???
After making his first ever NBA Finals appearance last season, Dallas Mavericks Superstar, Luka Donic is favored to win this year's Most Valuable Player Award. According to BetMGM, Luka's MVP odds are: +335.
During the 2023-24 season, Luka averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists. Those are definitely MVP numbers. But team success during the regular season matters in the voting process. If Luka can stay healthy and The Mavs finish within the top three in the Western Conference, this will be his year. Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Anthony Edwards will also be in the conversation.
*Photo Credit - Reuters/ USA Today Sports
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