As the first tip off took place on Oct. 21, the new NBA season has officially started. This year might be the craziest one yet with new faces in new places, a strong draft class and the evolution of the game. It is as exciting and unpredictable as ever this year.
During the second half of last season, The Lakers and Mavericks stunned the league when they agreed to a blockbuster trade sending Luka Dončić to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas.
This came out of nowhere without any news building up to it and it was a major shock to the world of basketball. Now both stars have had some experience and proper changes for their teams to begin with.
Jimmy Butler swapped beaches from south-east to the west, leaving the Miami Heat and joining Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
The Sacramento Kings have sent De’aaron Fox to the Spurs, further strengthening their young core.
The off season was filled with surprises too, with the biggest ones being Kevin Durant going to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team trade, reshaping multiple rosters across the league.
Kristaps Porzingis joined the Atlanta Hawks and Myles Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks, both providing more size, defence and outside shooting to their new teams.
Desmond Bane joined Orlando, adding more depth and experience to their young Magic. Jordan Poole joined the New Orleans Pelicans alongside Saddiq Bey.
One of the teams with the most promising start has been the San Antonio Spurs. Their young core is now more experienced, well balanced and hungry. Although their co-star De’aaron Fox is currently out with injury.
As far as more unexpected starts go, both the Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers, remain undefeated through their first four games. The defending champions Thunder has also yet to suffer their first loss.
Spurs junior-star Victor Wembanyama has been extraordinary so far, averaging a statline of 31/13.8/4.8/2.8/1.5 while shooting over 60% from the field as he leads the league in the MVP-race. If he can stay healthy throughout the season, he could potentially win the MVP, DPOY, and the MIP awards all at once this year.
From the east, Giannis Antetokounmpo has led his team to 3-1 start with averages of 36.3/14/7, shooting almost 70%.
As for predictions of possible outcomes, with most of the stars moving to the west coast, the true remaining contenders left in the east are the Knicks, Bucks, and the Cavaliers.
For the bloodbath of a conference which is the West, anything could happen. It is safe to say the defending champions will be tough this year as well. The Warriors and the Nuggets have been strong contenders over the years as they gather more and more experience. Ambitious young squads such as the Spurs and the Timberwolves are not to be left out of this conversation too.
As the new seasons gets up and going, fans will have to pay close attention as each teams vies for glory.
Danny Bayasgalan, reporter
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