Welcome to the NBA’s Western Conference, where excitement is guaranteed. Most teams have high hopes for the 2024-25 season, yet only one can claim the title of conference champion according to league rules.
Last season, the Dallas Mavericks topped the Western Conference, but this year, the favorite appears to be the Oklahoma City Thunder. They secured the top playoff seed last season, boast the youngest roster among contenders, and arguably had the best offseason of any team in the league. The Thunder are set to be a formidable opponent, standing out even in a conference brimming with strong competition.
The landscape beyond the Thunder becomes complicated. Seven teams in the West notched between 46 and 51 wins last year, and this traffic jam in the standings could intensify. In my preseason predictions, I envision nine teams finishing with win totals ranging from 42 to 51, alongside three additional teams vying for playoff positioning in the Play-In race. Consequently, it’s likely that at least one genuinely strong team will miss the playoffs, similar to how the 46-win Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors were left out last season.
As for contenders, several teams fit the bill. Denver is a former champion, Dallas reached the finals in 2024, and Minnesota wrapped up a season with 56 wins. Additionally, Phoenix, Golden State, New Orleans, and the Lakers possess enough star talent to consider themselves one move shy of contention. While the Thunder may achieve more wins, expect a fierce battle in the playoffs.
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It would be simpler to designate a nine-way tie for second place behind Oklahoma City, but distinguishing between the many strong teams in this conference requires careful consideration. Here is my ranking along with each team’s projected win-loss records:
8. Los Angeles Lakers (45-37)
There’s a prevailing belief that, despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis’s impressive performances in the Olympics, the Lakers possess high potential since they might have two of the top-10 players in the league. I contend the opposite may be true: James and Davis offer a certain baseline of mid-40s wins, but without significant improvements to the roster, it will be nearly impossible for the Lakers to exceed that threshold.
Last season, James and Davis collectively played 147 games; Davis reached a career-high of 76 games after not exceeding 62 in the prior five seasons, while James participated in 71 games, marking his highest total since 2017-18. Even with that,
With D’Angelo Russell playing 76 games and Austin Reaves appearing in all 82, the Lakers secured 47 victories, despite having only a slightly positive net margin. Unfortunately, they faced yet another setback in the playoffs, as the Nuggets dominated them once again.
This season, it is highly probable that LA will see a decline in the combined games from its two star players, necessitating an improved performance from the rest of the roster. However, the roster remains essentially unchanged. This consistency stems from exercising second-year player options for minimum contracts in the 2023 offseason for the minimally impactful trio of Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood. While Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie departed through free agency, draft selections Dalton Knecht and Bronny James were brought in as replacements.
JJ Redick has taken over coaching duties from Darvin Ham; his strategic changes will be closely observed, though the Lakers’ roster offers limited options. Last season, Ham often relied heavily on Prince due to the lack of spacing elsewhere on the roster. If Knecht can adapt quickly, he might provide a much-needed boost this year. Additionally, having Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent healthy, following injury-riddled seasons in 2023-24, could positively impact the team, as the Lakers’ second unit struggled significantly last season.
LA still has the option to make trades during the season to enhance the roster, utilizing first-round picks from 2029 and 2031, along with Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino as trade bait. However, the sole large expiring contract belongs to a key player (Russell). Moreover, the trade deadline on February 6 will fall close to the two-thirds mark of the season. Regardless of how eager the Lakers might be to make changes earlier, negotiations require collaboration, and most front offices tend to delay until February.
From a financial standpoint, the Lakers managed to have LeBron re-sign for slightly below his maximum salary, which is crucial for keeping them below the second-apron level established by the collective bargaining agreement. This maneuver keeps the door open for potential blockbuster trades involving multiple contracts midseason. Such action became necessary after LA invested $32 million over four years on Max Christie, who has had limited impact, and filled the 15th roster spot by signing Bronny—picked 55th—to a standard roster deal, one notably generous with guarantees extending into his third season, rather than opting for a two-way contract. It should be noted that the cap calculation surrounding the younger James on a rookie-minimum deal instead of a two-way contract would be more favorable should the Lakers orchestrate a two-for-one or three-for-one trade early in the season.
The overall situation appears to be quite familiar: LeBron, even as he approaches 40, continues to showcase his brilliance, and Davis remains an elite two-way big man, despite challenges with his three-point shooting, which complicates his ability to share the court effectively with another center, as he has indicated is his preference. While the bench may not perform as poorly as last year’s, it still has a long way to go before it can be considered strong, particularly as the competition in the West grows increasingly fierce.
7. Golden State Warriors (46-36)
It’s a recurring theme. Just like LeBron, Stephen Curry is still capable of incredible performances well into his 30s, but he has slipped from the ranks of the top five players in the league and lacks the support he once enjoyed.
Two key differences set the Warriors apart from the Lakers. First, the Warriors possess greater depth among their top ten players, which should help them endure the challenges of the regular season. Second, they have less star power at the top of their roster, lacking a player of Davis’s caliber to complement Curry’s talents.
Similar to LA, the Warriors are actively pursuing opportunities for improvement. They could trade two future first-round picks and the most valuable portion of a third pick, as they owe Washington a top-20 protected selection in 2030 but still retain the ability to deal the 1-20 segment. Furthermore, Golden State has an abundance of expiring contracts that can serve as salary matches. They can also offer promising prospects, including Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Moses Moody.
Would the Warriors consider parting ways with Jonathan Kuminga? He appears to be their best chance at acquiring a genuine second star alongside Curry, having ranked second on the team in scoring rate and player efficiency rating during his age-21 season. With Klay Thompson’s exit, he should see significantly more opportunities to showcase his scoring ability.
A creator might assist in reducing the comical turnovers that have hindered the team over the last two seasons. To significantly enhance Golden State’s efficiency, he will need to improve his shooting (32.1 percent from 3) and refine his passing instincts, but his talent is unmistakable.
Podziemski had a solid rookie season after being selected late in the first round and is expected to become another long-term starter alongside Curry, although their defensive capabilities may leave something to be desired. Moody also possesses genuine 3-and-D potential if given the opportunity to play.
GO DEEPER
How Moses Moody is staking loud claim for Warriors’ rotation role and new contract
The Warriors’ moves in free agency come into play here; I appear to be more optimistic about their offseason compared to others. De’Anthony Melton can inject some much-needed defensive energy and transition play into the guard position, which was largely absent last year, except for one week when Gary Payton II was healthy. In the frontcourt, Kyle Anderson offers a significant upgrade over Dario Šarić in the “intelligent ballhandler” role and is one of the most underrated defenders in the league. He could very well serve as the point guard when Curry takes a breather, as there is no other true point guard on the team.
Adding Buddy Hield to fill Thompson’s role also introduces an off-ball shooter who is relatively younger, more cost-effective, more proficient inside the arc, and better defensively.
Additional questions linger around the team: Will Andrew Wiggins manage to regain his form following a difficult 2023-24 season? Can Draymond Green maintain control over his emotions? Can Jackson-Davis build on his solid rookie campaign as the only true center-sized player on the roster? Will Moody receive genuine chances to shine this season?
While these factors are important, the overarching perspective reveals a deep roster lacking sufficient elite talent to contend effectively. I would wager on the Warriors to secure a top 8 spot in the Western Conference this time, especially after they faltered against the Kings in the play-in tournament last year. However, it will be challenging for them to win a playoff round once they reach that point.
6. New Orleans Pelicans (47-35)
So … what is the direction of this team? The Pelicans boast significant talent. Just consider their top players and imagine how many teams would view CJ McCollum as their sixth-best player. The offseason acquisition of Dejounte Murray enhances their roster even further, potentially allowing them to dominate defensive matchups across positions one through four, especially alongside players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
If we removed every team’s center from the equation, the Pelicans might emerge as champions. Unfortunately, their lineup this year resembles a doughnut rather than a beignet, exhibiting a conspicuous absence in the center position after losing Jonas Valančiūnas in free agency and trading Larry Nance Jr. as part of the Murray deal. One strategy could involve allocating a significant portion of Zion Williamson’s minutes to the center position, particularly during games when he could exploit bench units while minimizing the impact of his defensive limitations.
Conversely, beginning games with either Daniel Theis, first-round project Yves Missi, or newcomer Karlo Matković seems rather unserious for a team aspiring to contend in an exceptionally competitive conference.
The most apparent solution would be a trade, which leads us to the other aspect of the Pelicans’ narrative this season: Brandon Ingram. He is undeniably a talented player, though he faced undue criticism upon returning from injury, only to confront a relentless Thunder defense in the playoffs, without Williamson’s support. Ingram’s tendency to convert open catch-and-shoot threes into contested, long two-point attempts resembles DeMar DeRozan’s style, albeit lacking the same finesse in the midrange and the ability to draw fouls.
More critically, Ingram has only one year remaining on his contract, valued at $36 million, and the Pelicans appear hesitant to offer him a full max extension. This caution is justified, especially for a team with evidently restricted financial resources (considering their previous decision to extend McCollum for over $30 million annually) alongside the looming expensive extension for Murphy.
Ideally, the Pelicans could trade Ingram for a top-tier center, allowing Murray and Williamson to share the responsibilities of shot creation while leveraging what would likely be a top-five defense to achieve 50 wins. However, this scenario is not straightforward. Orchestrating such a trade requires another team with an effective center available and a genuine need for Ingram’s capabilities. Examining the other 29 franchises makes it challenging to craft a deal without enlisting a third (or even fourth) team, which partly clarifies why no moves have materialized so far.
GO DEEPER
Brandon Ingram’s future with the Pelicans is as hazy as ever, and the clock is ticking
This season is also pivotal for head coach Willie Green, and it’s somewhat intertwined with Ingram’s situation. The Pelicans ranked 24th in 3-point shooting frequency last season, despite possessing several capable shooters. Green’s hesitance to fully embrace the three-point shot and optimize shooting-friendly lineups reflects his own playing career, which mostly focused on 18-foot pull-up two-pointers. In preseason discussions, he mentioned a desire to attempt 40 three-point shots per game (the Pelicans averaged 32.6 last year, putting them 25th in the league; 40 would have placed them second), implying he acknowledges this limitation. However, it remains to be seen whether this intention will endure past the first two-game losing streak in November.
How do I forecast a team likely to execute some form of trade, either before or during the season? I’ve slightly adjusted their projections based on their capacity to make in-season moves, potentially significant ones. (The Pelicans still hold all their future draft picks.) Even if Theis and Matković are in the starting center rotation, New Orleans…
is strong enough at the other positions to secure numerous victories … provided that the Ingram-Williamson injury voodoo doll doesn’t receive another needle jab.
5. Denver Nuggets (49-33)
Have the Nuggets squandered the prime years of Nikola Jokić? With just one championship and one conference finals appearance to show for having the franchise’s greatest player, it remains uncertain how they can add to their accomplishments. The team is capped out and lacks significant assets for trades, relying on Jamal Murray and several late draft picks to offer enough support for a 30-year-old Jokić to lead them to victory once more.
I maintain a bit more concern about this team than what my statistics suggest. Everything feels soooo reliant on Jokić staying exceptionally effective with a heavy minutes load, along with Murray playing at a standard he failed to reach in the playoffs and Olympics. The Nuggets possess limited options to modify this lineup during the season, particularly due to their hesitance to spend, having already traded multiple future first-round picks in earlier salary dumps (and, to be fair, for Aaron Gordon).
Perhaps my outlook is overly pessimistic; the core group of four players still represents a formidable combination, and Michael Malone has established himself as an elite coach. Following their championship win, the Nuggets improved from 53 wins to 57 in the 2023-24 season, despite losing Bruce Brown to free agency and not successfully filling his role.
Now, they are tasked with replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in addition to Brown. Elevating Christian Braun to a starting position seems like a stretch, especially if he does not significantly boost his 3-point attempt frequency. In a team that already ranked last in 3-point attempts, substituting Caldwell-Pope’s 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions with Braun’s 4.9 is a tough blow.
The bench may be among the weakest in the league, particularly when compared to other contenders. Dario Šarić and Russell Westbrook are this year’s veteran additions, taking the place of Reggie Jackson and Justin Holiday; let’s just say I’m skeptical about Westbrook remedying the 3-point shooting issue. Šarić struggles to move effectively anymore and provides negligible rim protection (he’s recorded only 21 blocked shots over the past four seasons), though there is some potential for him to fit in as a backup center due to his passing skills and shooting range.
The strategy for the Nuggets has been to fill out the rest of the roster with late draft picks and hope for their development into rotation-worthy players or better. So far, the evaluation is incomplete at best, and losing first-round pick DaRon Holmes II for the season just moments into his summer-league debut added to their challenges.
Should Julian Strawther evolve into a 3-and-D wing, it would be the ideal solution for the team’s deficiencies. Peyton Watson, a strong athlete and developing defensive force, needs consistency on the offensive side. Zeke Nnaji, in the first year of a four-year, $32 million extension that puzzled the league, saw the Nuggets add Šarić for the full taxpayer exception (two years with a player option!), which hinted at a lack of confidence in Nnaji’s ability to fulfill that contract.
My favorite under-the-radar player on the roster is undrafted two-way guard Trey Alexander; he’s currently hindered, but I’m hopeful that in-season changes will allow him to shine. Also, remember to monitor Vlatko Čančar, who returns after missing the entirety of last season due to a torn ACL; he was competing for a roster spot in 2022-23. Unfortunately, none of the players mentioned are expected to reach a level significant enough to impact a second-round playoff game, which might lead the Nuggets into a four-on-five situation during the postseason.
Anthony Edwards celebrates a 3 against the Nuggets during last year’s playoffs. (Morgan Engel / Getty Images)
3. (tie) Minnesota Timberwolves (51-31)
Before the previous season began, predicting that the Wolves would secure their first playoff series victory in two decades turned out to be one of my most accurate forecasts. (While this may seem like a modest compliment, it remains noteworthy.) This season, however, I plan to temper my expectations, and my prediction applies whether it pertains to Karl-Anthony Towns or Julius Randle.
Last year, Minnesota excelled even with Towns missing 20 games, largely due to the remarkable health of the remaining core. The other key players collectively missed only 29 games, which proved essential for a team lacking considerable depth. This level of health permitted the Wolves to maintain a solid eight-player rotation throughout the long NBA season, with their ninth-most-used player, Jordan McLaughlin, logging just 626 minutes. It’s important to note that I’m doubtful this can be replicated; the Nuggets, for example, utilized more of their roster.
Assuming they experience the same luck with injuries, the Wolves aim to replace Kyle Anderson’s 22 minutes per game with contributions from Joe Ingles and the rookies, Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. Additional uncertainties remain as well. For instance, point guard Mike Conley recently turned 37; I have long admired Conley, yet the reality of aging is undeniable, and the Wolves struggle with organization in his absence. The franchise is hopeful that Dillingham can eventually step up, but his ability to lead the team as a 19-year-old rookie is, to put it mildly, still uncertain.
In the frontcourt, center Rudy Gobert is now 32. Although he rightfully earned the Defensive Player of the Year award last season, his diminished performance in the conference finals and the Olympics raises questions about whether he is experiencing a decline.
Offensively, Anthony Edwards is clearly on the rise as he approaches his fifth season, having increased his assist rate last year. However, let’s not rush to declare him a superstar just yet. With a career true shooting percentage of 55.8 and a 3-point shooting percentage of 35.3, he demonstrates the capacity to absorb possessions at league-average efficiency but has yet to show he can meld high volume with high quality in ways seen from other leading players on contenders.
Randle offers a similar profile at power forward, equipped with a proficient handle for his size and the ability to connect on various jumpers, though his shooting accuracy can be inconsistent. A potentially significant addition from the Wolves-Knicks trade is Donte DiVincenzo, who enjoys one of the best contracts in the league and is an exceptional shooter, helping to alleviate some spacing issues; he may also serve as a backup point guard if Dillingham falters.
<img loading="lazy" src="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/10/14090827/GettyImages-2177574978-scaled-e1728911360893-1024×682.jpg?width=128&height=128&fit=
GO DEEPER
Donte DiVincenzo’s toughness is making a strong first impression with Wolves
The Wolves are likely to maintain a strong defensive presence, even if they don’t retain the No. 1 spot this season. Alongside Gobert, they boast elite wing defenders such as Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, and with the exception of the point guards, the team is filled with tall players. The primary concern lies on the offensive side, where they ranked just 16th last year and may struggle to improve, given that much of the bench minutes will go to players with little experience.
Looking at the bigger picture, one has to consider the possibility that the Wolves may have to reduce payroll after this season due to the Towns trade. Even after dealing Towns, Minnesota finds itself $32 million above the tax line and cannot realistically make significant changes this year. However, player options for Naz Reid, Gobert, and Randle leave next season’s financial situation open for discussion.
For the time being, we can only hope that this core remains intact, a task made easier without Towns’ hefty contract. Yet, even with favorable management, it will be challenging for Minnesota to replicate last season’s success.
3. (tie) Dallas Mavericks (51-31)
Last season’s finalists have a solid argument for another deep playoff run in 2024-25, although it’s uncertain whether we will see a substantial increase in their regular-season win total. A significant factor that could lead Dallas to surpass its previous mark of 50 wins is the presence of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford for the entire season; the Mavs discovered another level of play when they acquired these players at the 2024 trade deadline.
There are, however, additional changes to consider. The Mavs lost Derrick Jones Jr. to free agency and traded away Josh Green, while adding Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson to their roster. Thompson is poised to significantly benefit from playing alongside Luka Dončić, capitalizing on catch-and-shoot opportunities, provided he can avoid the temptation to take challenging shots as he did in Golden State. On the other hand, Marshall is a versatile player who made a notable impact as a combo forward during his time in New Orleans.
Nonetheless, losing Jones and Green will have repercussions for wing defense. Currently, the Mavs lack a reliable wing stopper, and offseason addition Quentin Grimes might be their best option if he is healthy. (Another potential contender for this role could be Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a first-round draft pick in 2023, but he showed little promise during his limited rookie minutes.) Trading Tim Hardaway Jr. for Grimes cost two second-round picks, but it was a smart cap move that paved the way for acquiring Marshall and Thompson.
Of course, it’s essential to highlight that the Mavs’ fate relies heavily on Dončić. He has never surpassed 72 games in a season but led the league in scoring last year and is certainly a contender for the MVP award if he can play in at least 65 games. One key aspect to monitor is Dončić’s increased 3-point attempts, averaging 10.6 per game, with an impressive accuracy of 38.2 percent last season, both of which shatter his previous career highs. If he continues this trend, he will be nearly impossible to defend.
Now, the Mavs can complement him with two elite lob threats in Gafford and second-year player Dereck Lively II, a promising draft pick from 2023 who is expected to show further improvement. Additionally, they possess substantial secondary scoring options with Kyrie Irving’s arsenal of skills. Like Dončić, Irving is likely to miss some games (he played only 59 last season and has not exceeded 60 games in nine of his 13 NBA seasons, including the last five), but when he’s on the floor, he elevates the offensive effectiveness to another level.
The fully assembled Mavericks this season will lean more towards an offensive strategy than they did last year, and they should still perform well overall. Dallas’ regular-season success will likely depend on the number of games played by Dončić and Irving, which is why I predict they will finish with 51 wins. However, I would favor them over Phoenix or Minnesota in a playoff series.
A return to the NBA Finals would not be surprising at all.
2. Phoenix Suns (52-30)
This could very well be the last exciting moment of an incredible celebration before an inevitable and harsh hangover sets in, but we can deal with that later. For the time being, pour me another drink, as the Suns are set to field their strongest team during the Mat Ishbia Damn the Torpedoes Era.
The transformation begins on the sidelines. Although Frank Vogel performed admirably last season, the arrival of Mike Budenholzer might represent an enhancement, especially when considering improvements in regular-season victory totals.
Even with the Suns endorsing a title-or-bust mindset, focusing on bettering their regular-season performance could be crucial. Historically, securing a spot in the top three has been essential for climbing the playoff ladder, yet the Suns finished sixth last season.
Budenholzer can likely implement one specific strategy in Phoenix that will raise their chances: substituting long 2-point attempts with 3-pointers on offense. Despite featuring several proficient shooters, including the league’s top performer Grayson Allen (46.1 percent), the Suns surprisingly ranked 21st in 3-point frequency. Their core trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal relied heavily on 2-point pull-up shots.
While those shots still hold value in a contemporary offense—especially in systems that don’t aggressively target the basket—last season’s avoidance of 3-pointers bordered on performance art. For each of the Suns’ three stars, fewer than a third of their attempts were 3-point shots, despite their status as some of the most accurate shooters in the league. Budenholzer’s history suggests that this trend is set to shift.
There are additional reasons to have greater faith in the Suns compared to a year prior. Even though Booker, Durant, and Beal each have a track record of missing regular-season games, one might bet on the three surpassing last year’s combined total of 196 games played. Furthermore, the Suns now boast more genuine basketball players ready to step in when one or more of their stars are sidelined. Last season, even lineup combinations featuring Durant and Booker (plus-5.7 net rating) or those two alongside Beal (plus-6.6) did not dominate the league; the supporting cast fell short.
Phoenix successfully addressed two significant needs by acquiring a true point guard and a reliable late-game player when Tyus Jones unexpectedly joined the team on a one-year minimum contract. They also enhanced their depth by signing Monte Morris as the backup point guard and Mason Plumlee as the backup center, along with re-signing Josh Okogie and Royce O’Neale. While they may have overpaid for both, that concern is primarily for Ishbia’s accountants right now. Also, keep an eye on rookie big man Oso Ighodaro, whose ability to dribble and pass could make him immediately valuable in elbow operations.
Nonetheless, the Suns likely have some considerable limitations at the highest competitive levels. They are quite small on the perimeter, lack a stretch-option center (though Jusuf Nurkić might start launching 3-pointers this season), and despite their star talent, they often complicate their offensive efforts by rarely attacking the rim. Constrained by second-apron restrictions and with only a 2031 first-round pick as potential trade leverage, they may find themselves stuck with this current roster.
As the season concludes, the challenges posed by the second-apron restrictions will intensify, raising the possibility of difficult decisions. For the moment, however, this team is a formidable candidate for the conference finals.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (61-21)
After achieving a tie with Denver for the conference’s best record at 57 wins last season and bolstering their roster with the additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein during the offseason, the Thunder must now be seen as frontrunners to secure the top record in the West. The pressing question is whether their strategies will be more effective in the playoffs than they were in the last postseason. Dallas exposed the Thunder’s shortcomings in secondary shot-creation and subpar rebounding, while shooting fluctuations were detrimental at critical moments.
Oklahoma City finds itself in a somewhat atypical historical context, as the Thunder have an
The Thunder boast an impressive team right now, yet they are still sitting on a wealth of assets and possess a roster filled with developmental talents. This presents a favorable situation and grants the Thunder significant flexibility should an opportunity to trade for another elite player arise. They face no luxury-tax concerns until 2026, when max or near-max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are expected to take effect, and they cleverly included a team option for Hartenstein’s contract in 2026 to avoid exceeding the tax apron if other roster options become appealing by then.
Focusing on the present: The Thunder excelled during the offseason by securing the best player available in free agency (Hartenstein) and acquiring the best player through trade (Caruso), although some may argue against certain lesser moves. Hartenstein is expected to alleviate rebounding issues and provide a dynamic short-roller to complement MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while Caruso is widely regarded as one of the top perimeter defenders in the league. Although he may miss some time due to minor injuries, the duo of Caruso and Luguentz Dort could potentially break records for drawing illegal screens.
On another note, the Thunder made a clever decision to select Nikola Topić with the 12th pick in the draft, even though he might not play this season due to a knee injury. However, I was less enthusiastic about how they allocated their resources for two additional moves—adding another young player by trading into the first round and drafting Dillon Jones, along with extending Aaron Wiggins for several years. (As a side note: They certainly emphasized dribble-pass players this offseason. Hartenstein excels as a passer for a big man, and the rest of their acquisitions included Caruso, Topić, Jones, and second-round pick Ajay Mitchell.) I’m more optimistic about Isaiah Joe’s contract, which also took advantage of a low cap hold while the team was operating as a cap room team this summer, ultimately resulting in a shorter term for a more pivotal player.
One last aspect to consider: The Thunder still maintain an open roster spot, find themselves $11 million below the tax line, and have yet to utilize their room exception. This could provide them with an advantage for in-season bench additions.
While Gilgeous-Alexander serves as the cornerstone, Oklahoma City boasts several young players who might make significant progress, including Holmgren and second-year standout Cason Wallace. However, if we are identifying a key player for this season, Jalen Williams must step up. With Josh Giddey departing, Williams will be required to take on a substantial shot-creation role, and his success in this aspect may influence whether the Thunder feel compelled to trade some of their draft assets to secure a better wingman for Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite the successful moves made by the Thunder over the summer, they did not bolster their shot creation. If Williams struggles to rise to the occasion, a repeat of the Dallas series might be on the horizon.
Looking ahead, last season could mark the beginning of an extended run at or near the top of the Western Conference. The Thunder have a solid chance of leading the league in defense and boasting the MVP, while possessing more assets and cap flexibility than any other contender. Moreover, Caruso is the only significant player older than 26.
Though the Thunder still need to demonstrate their capabilities in the playoffs, we made similar observations about Boston a year ago. They will likely learn from their transition last spring from regular season to postseason and strive to avoid the same pitfalls. (Please, I urge you, refrain from placing Dort in the dunker spot.) Concerns persist regarding their shooting and secondary shot creation, which could prove detrimental at the highest levels. Regardless, this is an elite defensive team that should be viewed as clear favorites in the West, and we may be repeating this narrative for the next several years.
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(Illustration: Meech Robinson: The Athletic; photos: Rich Storry, Christian Petersen, Cooper Neill/ Getty Images)
2024-25 NBA Western Conference Preview: The Thunder Rise as Favorites Amidst a Competitive Landscape
The New Era of the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as significant contenders in the NBA Western Conference as we head into the 2024-25 season. After a successful 2023-24 campaign, where they showcased emerging talent and strong teamwork, the Thunder are poised to capitalize on their momentum. With a young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, the Thunder possess a dynamic offense and a solid defensive strategy that sets them apart from their rivals.
Key Players to Watch
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The All-Star point guard continues to elevate his game, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court.
- Josh Giddey: The 6’8″ guard brings versatility with his playmaking skills and rebounding, making him a crucial asset for the Thunder.
- Chet Holmgren: After missing a significant portion of the previous season due to injury, Holmgren’s return adds depth and shot-blocking to the Thunder’s lineup.
Analyzing the Competition
While the Thunder have positioned themselves as favorites, the Western Conference remains fiercely competitive. Here’s an overview of other top contenders:
1. Denver Nuggets
The reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, will be seeking to defend their title. Their combination of size, skill, and depth makes them perennial contenders.
2. Golden State Warriors
With the potential return of key players and the continued brilliance of Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors cannot be counted out. Expect them to push for a deep playoff run.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have retooled their roster, aiming for another championship. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, they remain a formidable opponent.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have established themselves as a tough team to beat, thanks to Ja Morant and a gritty defensive approach.
5. Phoenix Suns
With a star-studded lineup that includes Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns are always a threat, especially in high-stakes matchups.
Strengths of the Thunder
As the Thunder prepare for the upcoming season, their strengths are clear:
- Young Talent: The Thunder’s youthful roster provides energy and a hunger to succeed.
- Versatile Offense: With multiple scorers, they can adapt their offensive strategies against various defenses.
- Defensive Prowess: The team has shown significant improvement in their defensive schemes, particularly with Holmgren’s shot-blocking ability.
Potential Weaknesses to Address
Despite their strengths, the Thunder must address certain areas to maintain their competitive edge:
- Inexperience: The youthful core may struggle in high-pressure playoff scenarios.
- Depth: While the starting lineup is strong, the bench must step up to support during critical moments.
Statistical Insight: Thunder’s Last Season Performance
| Statistic | 2023-24 Season | Rank in Western Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 50 | 3rd |
| Points per Game | 115.5 | 4th |
| Defensive Rating | 106.7 | 2nd |
| Rebounds per Game | 45.2 | 5th |
Benefits of Following the Thunder in the Upcoming Season
Fans and analysts alike should keep a close eye on the Thunder for several reasons:
- Exciting Basketball: With an explosive offense and fast-paced gameplay, attending Thunder games guarantees entertainment.
- Player Development: Witnessing the growth of young stars can be quite rewarding, particularly for fans following the franchise’s journey.
- Community Engagement: The Thunder organization has a strong focus on community involvement, making them an admirable franchise beyond the court.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the new season approaches, here are some tips for fans looking to support the Thunder:
- Attend Games: Experience the electric atmosphere at Paycom Center. Tickets can often be found at a variety of price points.
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated with the team’s latest news, highlights, and player interactions by following their social media accounts.
- Join Fan Clubs: Engaging with fellow fans through official fan clubs can enhance the experience and provide networking opportunities.
A Look at the Thunder’s Future
The future appears bright for the Thunder, especially with their robust drafting strategy and player development programs. They have consistently prioritized building a strong team culture that fosters talent and resilience. As they step into the 2024-25 season, the Thunder aim not just for playoff contention but to evolve into a championship-caliber team.
Key Factors for Success
For the Thunder to continue their ascent, several key factors will play a role:
- Injury Management: Keeping players healthy, particularly Holmgren, will be critical as injuries can derail potential success.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Future trades and drafts will significantly impact the franchise’s ability to compete at the highest level.
- Coaching Tactics: Head Coach Mark Daigneault‘s ability to adapt strategies mid-game will be crucial against tough opponents.
Conclusion: The Thunder’s Road Ahead
As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be a team to watch. With their potent mix of young talent, strategic coaching, and the spirit of competition in the Western Conference, they are not just aiming for a playoff berth but are setting their sights on the ultimate prize—a championship. As the landscape of the NBA continues to evolve, the Thunder are well-positioned to rise to the challenge.
