With the 2024-25 NBA regular season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to assess the league before the games begin. This is the one moment each year when all 30 teams are filled with optimism, the trade machine is quiet, and fans can maintain a positive outlook about their favorite teams.
In keeping with that positive theme, it feels right to point out one reason to be excited about every team in the league — from the excitement of contending for a championship to the prospect of landing a generational talent in next year’s draft.
Though each team’s prospects differ, there is always at least one reason to be excited about every team this season.
Hawks: Jalen Johnson ready for a breakout year
Johnson arguably had a breakout year, averaging 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season. However, his performance went largely unnoticed as the Hawks managed only 36 wins. While Atlanta might be heading for another challenging season, Johnson’s rise could be the key to surpassing last year’s record. He excels on defense, often taking on the toughest matchups. This season, his defensive responsibilities are set to increase, and offensively, he is expected to thrive even more with Dejounte Murray no longer in the mix. Johnson should be a strong contender for Most Improved Player, an accolade he arguably deserved last year.
Celtics: Prime to repeat as champions
Boston returns its entire championship rotation, has extended a few of them and is primed to be in a position to repeat as champions. What could be more exciting than that? Even with other teams making blockbuster moves in the East — namely the Knicks and 76ers — the Celtics are still the team to chase. And just like it was last year, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to get past them. The Celtics could be the first team to repeat as champions since the 2018 Warriors, and we could see an MVP season from Jayson Tatum after not getting as much love in that category as he probably should have last season.
Nets: Tanking will yield positive results
The Nets had an impressive offseason, securing five first-round picks from the Knicks in exchange for Mikal Bridges. This move positions the team well for the future. Convincing fans to support a rebuilding phase is challenging, but the potential reward of landing a generational talent like Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft makes it more palatable. Additionally, Cam Thomas’s frequent 30-plus point performances should provide enough excitement to offset any frustration from the rebuilding process.
Hornets: LaMelo Ball-Brandon Miller pairing will be potent
Brandon Miller had a great rookie season, even if it wasn’t quite under the circumstances Charlotte expected. Miller was supposed to be playing off LaMelo Ball, but injuries to the latter changed that course, and it ended up being a blessing in disguise. Miller developed in a variety of ways, and now with a healthy Ball, he’ll be more equipped to slot in next to him as someone who now has experience playing both on and off the ball. The Hornets have a roster worthy of contending for a play-in spot, as long as everyone remains relatively healthy.