The leaves are starting to fall and the sun is starting to set at 6 PM which means one thing: NBA BASKETBALL. We are just a few days away from the NBA season tip off. This summer was not short of any drama with free agency, trades, one of the most underwhelming draft classes in recent memory and Woj retiring. I am so excited for the upcoming season not just for my Knicks, but also the talent across the league. Will there be a new champion for the 7th straight season? Can LeBron James, Steph Curry, or Kevin Durant make it out of the West? How obvious will the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes be? In this post, I will break down my standings of each conference, my player awards and dark horses, role players I am most excited to see and finally my 2025 NBA Champions.
Eastern Conference: Last year the the 2 seed and the 8 seed were separated by 4 games, I expect this year to be very similar. The East is very top heavy led by the defending Champs.
1. Boston Celtics
The defending champs have brought back the exact roster that won them 64 games in the regular season. Jayson Tatum still has a lot left to prove and I don’t see any sort of fall off from Boston this season.
Role Player I am excited about: Payton Pritchard
2. New York Knicks
The Knicks made two of the biggest moves of the offseason trading a LOT of picks, Julius Randle, Donte Divencenzo and others for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. While there is still a few pieces to figure out, I expect this team to quickly mesh well together and win a lot of games.
Role Player I am excited about: Deuce McBride
3. Orlando Magic
The Magic, who overachieved last year, got better this summer signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This team is going to play harder than any other team on any given night and have a top 10 defense. I expect Paolo Banchero to be an All-Star again this season and lead the Magic to a very good regular season record.
Role Player I am excited about: Goga Bitadze
4. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks will need an MVP season from Giannis to compete for an NBA title this year. While I do expect Dame to bounce back this year, the rest of the roster doesn’t move me. Kris Middleton and Brook Lopez are only getting older and the additions of Gary Trent Jr and Taurean Prince don’t make this team dangerous.
Role Player I am excited about: Please give Andre Jackson Jr minutes
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are running back their roster from the past two seasons replacing JB Bickerstaff with Kenny Attkinson as the head coach. This offseason Donnovan Mitchell has become the most UNDERRATED player in the NBA with the rankings not having him as a top 3 SG when he is a surefire top 3 if not the best SG in the league. I love Kenny as a coach and i am hoping to see Darius Garland have a resurgent year.
Role Player I am excited about: Caris Levert 6MOY?
6. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers made a big splash in the offseason signing Paul George to a 4 year max deal. The 34 year old must stay healthy which is something he has struggled to do in his career. Joel Embiid has said he will not play back to backs which is why I do not think the 76ers will be higher in the East. However, if healthy, the 76ers have a top 3 roster in the East and can compete with Boston.
Role Player I am excited about: Ricky Council IV breakout
7. Indiana Pacers
After an Eastern Conference Finals run, the Pacers will look to run it back this season. One of the fastest and most fun teams to watch in the league, I expect a similar season from last year where they won 47 regular season games. Looking to see if Andrew Nehmbhard to continue taking that next step that he took in the playoffs. If he keeps up his scoring, this team can be dangerous again.
Role Player I am excited about: Andrew Nehmbhard
8. Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is up for a contract at the end of this season and seems to mean all business (did not dress emo for media day). If Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro can play up to their potential, I can see Miami overachieving this year. I am excited to see Bam Adebayo share the court with Miami’s first round pick Kel’el Ware.
Role Player I am excited about: Year 2 Jaime Jaquez Jr
9. Atlanta Hawks
After drafting Zaccharie Risacher first overall, the Hawks went into a slight rebuild trading Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans for Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance. Risacher has looked the part in the preseason and looks to prove the doubters wrong. I am really excited to watch the two man game between Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. I can see Trae averaging 25+ PPG and 12+ APG to lead the Hawks to the Play-In.
Role Player I am excited about: Jalen Johnson
10. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets had one of the best trade deadlines last season and showed a real sense of fight towards the end of the season. Now with LaMelo Ball healthy, the Hornets should be better than they have in recent years. Brandon Miller will continue to grow into an NBA star and they have a good mix of young talent and proven veterans. Tre Mann, bringing back the early 2000s swag, will become a important bench scorer and will breakout this year to help the Hornets sneak into the last play-in spot
Role Player I am excited about: Tre Mann
11. Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes has looked like a man possessed this preseason and I expect Scottie to have another All-Star year. The Raptors are in a weird purgatory spot where they paid RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl but are nowhere near the top of the East. I think they will be competitive but can’t see them making a threatening push to make the playoffs.
Role Player I am excited about: Gradey Dick
12. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls traded one of the most vital role players in the NBA in Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey. Unable to find a trade partner for Zach Lavine, the Bulls are in basketball purgatory. I am super happy to see Lonzo Ball playing basketball again this preseason but it just makes their guard rotation more complicated. Until the Bulls commit to a full rebuild, they will continue to fight for a play-in spot and nothing more.
Role Player I am excited about: Coby White
13. Detroit Pistons
New Head Coach, JB Bickerstaff, will certainly improve this young roster from last season. With Cade Cunningham putting up all-star numbers last season, I expect the Pistons to be a team that wins some games this year and surprises people. Bickerstaff has seemed to free Jaden Ivey from Monty’s shackles and I think Ivey can take a big jump this season. Bringing in veteran players like Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley will really help the young players like Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland.
Role Player I am excited about: Simone Fontecchio
14. Washington Wizards
The Wizards selected three players in the first round pick of this years draft in Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. This team, led by Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, is scrappy and young. While I expect this team to be right at the top of the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes I am excited to see the Wizards young talent. I would also love to see the Wizards trade Corey Kispert to a competitor this season as I think he would flourish.
Role Player I am excited about: Bilal Coulibaly
15. Brooklyn Nets
Even though tanking is technically not allowed in the NBA, the Nets have put together a roster that is most likely to lose the most games. Expect Cam Thomas to average close to 25 points per game and Jalen Wilson to take a leap into a solid NBA starter. It would not shock me if the Nets end up trading most of their starting 5 this season in route to the worst record in the league.
Role Player I am excited about: Jalen Wilson
Western Conference: Wow is this tough to predict. The Wild West will live up to its name this season as there are 13 teams for 8 playoff spots. I will do my best trying to predict this but the West is insanely stacked.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder traded their worst rotational piece for one of the best role players in the NBA in Alex Caruso and signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a lucrative three year deal. Their rotation and roster is probably the best constructed in the league and SGA will look to have another MVP type year.
Role Player I am excited about: OKC second unit together (Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Hartenstein)
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant, and the rest of the Grizzlies, are healthy to start this season (Hopefully Jaren Jackson is OK). Two seasons ago, Memphis was the two seed in the West and this roster is better than it was. Drafting Zach Edey in the top 10 looks to be a perfect fit and the development of GG Jackson, Vince Williams and Scottie Pippen Jr in a down year last year will complete this roster to make the Grizzlies one of the toughest foes in the league.
Role Player I am excited about: Desmond Bane back from injury
3. Dallas Mavericks
The Western Conference Champions will look to build onto their Finals run last season with the addition of Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes. I really like the addition of Marshall over Derrick Jones Jr and think Luka will average close to a triple double for the Mavs to win 50+ games.
Role Player I am excited about: Year 2 Derrick Lively
4. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns used last year a learning experience that you can’t win in today’s NBA without any sort of traditional point guard. Swapping head coach Frank Vogel for Mike Budenholzer, the Suns offense looks fast and efficient. Tyus Jones has settled this team and will average 8 assists per game giving KD and Booker easy looks. Their two draft picks Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn have looked good in the preseason and may need to contribute big minutes to this team.
Role Player I am excited about: Tyus Jones
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves traded their former number 1 overall pick, Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte Divencenzo. I think the Twolves take a step back this year as Ant takes a step forward. I don’t love Randle’s fit on this team and their bench is super young with their draft picks of Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. The Wolves will still be good but have an eye on the future as they have a budding 22 year old superstar.
Role Player I am excited about: Jaden McDaniels
6. Denver Nuggets
While the Nuggets do still have the best player in the world, they decided to let KCP walk in free agency and did not upgrade the wing position. Signing Russell Westbrook as their big free agency signing I think the Nuggets will take a step back from being one of the most prolific teams in the league this year. Jamal Murray has seemed to peak and the Nuggets will rely heavy on Christian Braun to fill the high level of Three-and-D that KCP played. In order for the Nuggets to compete for a championship MPJ, Braun, and Julian Strawther will have to step up big time.
Role Player I am excited about: Julian Strawther
7. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James and Anthony Davis is the best duo in basketball. With new head coach JJ Reddick I expect the vibes to be higher in LA. Yes, Lebron is about to turn 40 and is in year 23 but the King is still a top 12 player in the league. Their rotation is healthy now with Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent. Dalton Knecht falling to the Lakers in the draft was unbelievable and he will be able to contribute right away.
Role Player I am excited about: D’Angelo Russell
8. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans traded for Dejounte Murray this summer and was not able to find a home for Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans also let Jonas Valacunias walk and decided to use Zion Williamson as the center. This move can either work out extremely well or can quickly backfire depending on Zion’s health. This is one of the most intriguing teams this season to see how Murray will fit with the rest of this roster.
Role Player I am excited about: Trey Murphy and Herb Jones
9. Sacramento Kings
The Kings signed Demar Derozan to a three year deal in free agency to replace Harrison Barnes in the starting lineup. This core with De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk is one of the best offensive teams in the league and will have multiple games scoring 150+ points. However, there are a lot of mouths to feed and not a lot of defense on this roster. This will be one of the best teams to watch on League Pass but I dont see them making a playoff run.
Role Player I am excited about: Keegan Murray
10. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors refused to trade Brandin Podziemski for Lauri Markkanen this summer and ended up with an interesting roster. While I do like Podz a lot, Lauri would be the perfect star next to Steph Curry and for the future. I love the signings of De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson but the Dubs do not have a player over 6’9 and Kevon Looney slimmed down to a small forward. Steph deserves better but the energy seems better in Golden State after the departure of Klay Thompson.
Role Player I am excited about: Jonathan Kuminga (Prove it year)
11. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are one of the deepest teams in the league. As this is a good thing, the roles are still not established between the 10 rotational guys. Drafting Reed Sheppard third overall adds to the talented back court depth of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillion Brooks, Cam Whitmore, and Amen Thompson. I think Sheppard is the most NBA ready rookie and Amen Thompson took huge strides at the end of last season. Fresh off extensions, Green and Alperen Sengun will look to lead the Rockets to their first playoff birth since the bubble.
Role Player I am excited about: Amen Thompson
12. San Antonio Spurs
Year 2 of Victor Wembanyama. Wemby has put on muscle in the offseason and will continue to torment the rest of the league in year 2. Ill get to more Wemby during my award predictions. The Spurs brought in proven veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to help with this young roster. I think the Spurs are one or two years away from being one of the best teams in the league. Drafting Stephon Castle in the top 5, this Spurs team is set up for the future, and hopefully ends the Jeremy Sochan point guard minutes.
Role Player I am excited about: Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Believe it or not, Kawhi Leonard is hurt and has no timetable to return. The Clippers let Paul George go in free agency and signed a bunch of fringe rotational guys to replace him capping off one of the worst trades in NBA history. This roster reminds me of a slightly better team than the Rockets team that Harden forced a trade from after he came into camp overweight. The Clippers built a beautiful new stadium but I can’t see this team doing anything this year besides handing a lottery pick over to OKC.
Role Player I am excited about: Kai Jones i guess
14. Utah Jazz
Danny Ainge seems to be playing the slow rebuild game and taking in a lot of young, talented players in hoping to build a competitive roster. I can see Ainge committing to the Flagg sweepstakes early if the beginning of the season doesn’t go well. With Lauri and Clarkson the Jazz will win games and be competitive. The West is just too good for this young Utah team.
Role Player I am excited about: Keyonte George
15. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers used their top 10 pick on Donovan Clingan but still have the massive Deandre Ayton problem. Can Scoot Henderson play up to his predraft potential? I actually like this roster too, especially after taking a low risk high reward flier on Deni Avdija but they have the lowest projected win total in the West for a reason.
Role Player I am excited about: Anfernee Simons
NBA Awards:
MVP:
Favorite: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+380). I think SGA should have won this award last year but was the runner up to Nikola Jokic. SGA has averaged over 30 ppg the last two seasons and his team and spacing around him is even better this year. I expect the Thunder to be the best team in the league this season and Shai being the best player on the best team I think he will win the MVP.
Darkhorse: Ja Morant (+3000). As mentioned in my team writeup, I really like the Memphis Grizzlies this year. Ja Morant had a crazy year last year with the suspension and the injury. If Ja stays healthy, I expect him to go crazy this year and lead the Grizzlies to 50+ wins this season and averaging a double-double with a few crazy posters.
Rookie of the Year:
Favorite: Reed Sheppard (+850). With this draft class not having that true generational talent like the last few seasons, the Rookie of the Year award is wide open. Zach Edey is the current favorite but Reed Sheppard has the potential to have the best rookie year if he is given the opportunity to play the minutes. Reed shot over 50% from three in college and has the range to do it in the league. The backcourt duo of him and Amen could dominate other team’s benches. With this award, I do not see Risacher or Sarr being talked about at all, which is surprising to me.
Dark Horse: Carlton “Bub” Carrington (+1700). I am a huge fan of Bub Carrington’s game. The Wizards trading for Bub to take him with the 14th pick in the draft from Pitt shows that they are a huge fan too. Bub can become the starting PG for the Wizards by the end of the year and I can see him having a Michael Carter-Williams like rookie year.
Defensive Player of the Year:
Favorite: Victor Wembanyama (-155). I have never seen this big of a favorite for an award ever and to pick anyone else would be dumb. Wemby averaged almost 4 blocks per game last year. This year, Wemby might average over 4 blocks per game including multiple games with double digit blocks in a game.
Dark Horse: Bam Adebayo (+1100). I have picked Bam to win this award for the past three years and I think he is the best and most versatile defender in the NBA. I don’t know if Bam will ever get the credit he deserves but that is what I do. Put some more respect on Bam’s name.
Most Improved:
I have two potential picks for this award but I think the most improved award has lost its meaning. With Victor Wembanyama being the favorite and Jalen Williams having the second highest odds, it seems to be who takes the jump from really good to superstar. Tyrese Maxey won this award last year and he was already broken out the year before but got more opportunity with Harden traded. Two guys who I think will average a career high in all stats that have the opportunity to win this award are Jonathon Kuminga (+1100) and Jalen Johnson (+1100). JK and JJ could both average 20 points and 8 rebounds this season and being integral parts of their respected teams.
Sixth Man of the Year:
Favorite: I thought Malik Monk got robbed last year for this award. Naz Reid put up his big numbers when starting and his aura allowed him to steal the sixth man award. This year, I think Jaime Jaquez Jr (+1400) can flourish into a 6th man role on the Heat. Jaquez had a great rookie year, earning All-Rookie first team honors and will play a lot of minutes. With Nikola Jovic slated to start the year as the starting PF, Jaquez will likely be on the court to end the games, which is the most important thing as a sixth man.
Dark Horse: A guy I mentioned earlier that I love this season is Tre Mann (+10000). Tre has all the tools to be the microwave scorer off the bench like a Lou Williams. If he starts off hot and gets his average around 15 PPG, he could have a real shot to win this award.
Coach of the Year:
The two teams I have overperforming this season are the Magic and the Grizzlies. I think one of these two coaches will win coach of the year if they win as many games as I think they will. Jamahl Mosley (+1900) was a finalist last year and Taylor Jenkins (+850) came in second in 2022.
NBA Championship:
If you made it this far in the article, thank you for reading. It is truly appreciated. It pains me to write this but I think the Boston Celtics will beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals to repeat as NBA Champions this season. There wasn’t a lot to say about the Celtics in the preview since we got to see their full team last year. The Celtics were dominant last year in both the regular season and the playoffs. I feel that their ring was not legitimized by the NBA community and Jayson Tatum still needs to prove to the haters that he is a top 10 player in this league. Mazzulla is not a coach that is going to hold on to the Championship and will coach every game like its his last. The Thunder have the best roster in the West with Caruso and IHart but I think they will just be too inexperienced to take down the Champs.
JakesTakes 
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