To determine if it’s worth your time to read the following 15 minutes, it’s appropriate to revisit how the previous year’s 24 Questions fared, along with my responses and the rather generous grades assigned based on the accuracy of each question or prediction. Keep in mind, these answers stem from over three decades of closely observing the NBA, cultivating strong relationships with team decision-makers and league officials, as well as gathering valuable insights from my sources, which allows me to confidently share my expert opinions. Consider yourself fortunate that I provide this service for you.
For instance, the inaugural question from last season was:
Can the Nuggets do it again?
Absolutely, I proclaimed.
However, in reality, they did not.
Grade: C-minus
Will James Harden still be a 76er by the trade deadline?
I said no on October 20. He ended up being traded to the LA Clippers on Halloween. A significant win for me.
Grade: A-plus
Who will have the biggest impact among new players not named Lillard: Fred VanVleet in Houston, Bradley Beal in Phoenix, or Kristaps Porziņģis in Boston?
I chose VanVleet. While he performed decently in Houston last season, Porziņģis clearly outshined him.
Grade: C-minus
Are the other Wolves as likable as Anthony Edwards?
I expressed optimism about a Wolves resurgence, stating, “With an over-under of 43.5 wins? I advise taking the over!”
Minnesota achieved its first Western Conference finals appearance in twenty years. Another big win for me.
Grade: A-plus
Can Memphis cope with Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension?
I affirmed they could and predicted the Grizzlies would secure a top-four seed in the West.
However, the Grizzlies recorded a dismal 21-52 without Morant, who played only nine games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January. Why do you take any of my statements at face value? Seriously, why?
Grade: F
Which player between Chet Holmgren, Cade Cunningham, or LaMelo Ball will have the most significant team impact returning from injury?
I selected Holmgren. He ranked in the 93rd percentile last season for estimated defensive plus-minus, according to Dunks & Threes. The Oklahoma City Thunder finished as the top seed in the West and placed fourth in the league in defensive ratings.
I am The King.
Grade: A
Since Wemby is likely to be named Rookie of the Year, who will secure second place?
I countered: Who claims he’s going to be Rookie of the Year?
“Are you out of your mind?” the all-knowing narrator queried.
As it turned out… yes.
Additionally, I noted that although Victor Wembanyama was destined to win, the ROTY voting would be much more competitive than many anticipated.
Wembanyama was unanimously selected as Rookie of the Year.
Grade: F-minus-minus
Ime Udoka, Quin Snyder, Monty Williams, Darko Rajaković: Which new coach of a non-contending team will maximize wins above replacement for their roster?
Of course, I selected Williams. The Pistons finished with a dismal 14-68 record and subsequently dismissed Williams after the season, opting to absorb the remaining $65 million on his contract. Let this serve as a gentle reminder that having me represent you in contract negotiations is a terrible idea.
Grade: F
I received three A’s, three F’s, and a couple of C’s for my responses. However, grading on my own curve—where I discard the worst one or two grades—gives me an overall mark of approximately a B-minus. With this unimpeachable record of achievement, let’s look ahead to 2024!
1. Can the Celtics repeat?
Absolutely, they…
But first, let’s evaluate how quickly Porziņģis heals from his surgery to mend his torn medial retinaculum. He’s anticipated to return in December; however, given Porziņģis’s history of lower-body injuries, we should remain cautious. Boston can stay afloat for a few weeks, but any setbacks would mean relying on 38-year-old Al Horford for heavy minutes, which isn’t ideal. Nevertheless, the C’s possess immense experience, talent, and versatility in their gameplay. With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum successfully silencing their critics, they remain strong favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference. Still, I’d feel more reassured if Porziņģis resembles his former self by New Year’s.
GO DEEPER
Celtics predictions: It’s Banner 19 or bust this season in Boston
2. Can the Knicks defeat Boston in the East?
Yes. Even with a healthy Porziņģis back for Boston, Karl-Anthony Towns presents a unique defensive challenge for the Celtics’ big men. I would reference Game 2 of the Timberwolves’ second-round series against the defending champion Nuggets last spring. Towns took on the starting role in the center position in lieu of Rudy Gobert, who stayed in Minneapolis for the birth of his son. Towns shot 10-of-15 against Nikola Jokić, hit 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, and scored 27 points in a 106-80 Timberwolves victory, achieving a plus-21 plus-minus. Jokić finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds but was a minus-16. While one game doesn’t define a trend, it indicates that Towns can handle significant postseason pressure for his team. The concern for the Knicks lies in their depth; however, their starting lineup with Towns in the center is well-equipped to match the Celtics’ firepower.
2a. Will they?
See below.
3. How will JJ Redick perform?
Quite well. It is not a criticism of the 40-year-old first-time coach to say he possesses a skill set that should resonate with the Lakers: he’s articulate. He effectively communicates his points with clarity and succinctness when necessary; his background in television and podcasting allows him to convey messages in sound bites. His basketball IQ is strong, and given their collaborative work on a podcast, he undoubtedly shares a great rapport with LeBron James—a crucial factor for any team led by James.
4. What’s the weather like in Oklahoma City in, say, late
May and Early June?
It starts to warm up. Pack your slides, as you might be staying for a few days or even a couple of weeks. (Is the Skirvin Hotel haunted? You’ll have to judge for yourself.) To put it simply: It’s wise to verify whether your favorite spot in Bricktown is still operational, as you are likely to spend several nights closing down various bars in late May and early June.
GO DEEPER
Hollinger: SGA for MVP, Cavs’ rare heights and more fearless season predictions
5. Am I Overlooking the Wolves’ Perspective in the Towns Trade?
Perhaps. Initially, my thoughts centered on how unjust it seems that the second apron of the collective bargaining agreement compelled a mid-market team like the Wolves—who built a genuine title contender—to trade away a crucial player such as Towns due to his hefty contract. Yet, could it be that the Wolves will emerge as a stronger team in the future? They clearly required a wing with shooting capabilities, so if you believe in Donte DiVincenzo’s impressive 3-point volume (705 attempts) and percentage (40.1 percent) from his time in New York, acquiring him along with Julius Randle for Towns could be a sound decision.
Randle’s physical presence would provide a much-needed contrast to the Wolves’ finesse-oriented style. If he takes on the responsibility of leading second-unit lineups, it would allow … Naz Reid … to effectively space the floor as a starting power forward alongside Rudy Gobert. Regardless, whether with Randle or Reid, combined with DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and rookie dynamo Rob Dillingham, Minnesota might just boast the best bench in the league.
6) Who is the Most Promising French Lottery Rookie This Season: Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, or Tidjane Salaun? (My apologies to French non-lottery rookies Pacôme Dadiet and Melvin Ajinca)
Risacher, a 6-foot-9 forward from JL Bourg, was the first player selected in last June’s draft by Atlanta. The 7-1 Sarr, who played for Perth in Australia’s National Basketball League last season, was chosen by Washington with the second pick. Charlotte decided to take a chance on the 6-9 Salaun, who impressed after playing for Cholet in France’s Pro A League, with the sixth pick. I admit I’m hesitant to choose Salaun, who is bound to have some standout performances in Charlotte with LaMelo Ball delivering the passes, so I’ll opt for Risacher, as he should have ample opportunities for straight-line drives and open shots playing alongside Trae Young.
7. So
1. Will Risacher take home Rookie of the Year?
No, that honor will go to Houston’s Reed Sheppard, who is in an ideal position to excel this season with impressive long-range shooting for the emerging Rockets, poised to achieve a better record than Atlanta.
2. With Paul George gone and Kawhi Leonard once again absent, what can Steve Ballmer and the Clippers do to keep their new Intuit Dome lively until 2026, when they will regain cap space?
I propose inviting this artist for a two-year residency.
3. Which contract year/incoming player option explosion should we expect this season?
4. Is Milwaukee finished?
No, they are not. While I question how long Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain patient if they experience another early playoff exit, I believe the Bucks have maximized their second-apron restrictions by adding Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and the King of Deflections, Delon Wright, during free agency. This added depth will empower Doc Rivers to utilize Antetokounmpo and Lillard on the court.
Following the Kevin Garnett minutes plan throughout the regular season should leave both players fresher for the playoffs. Milwaukee may sacrifice a seed or two in the Eastern Conference standings, but that isn’t a major concern. With a healthy Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, they can compete against any team in a seven-game series, including Boston.
GO DEEPER
Why the Bucks believe they’ll be better: Motivation, peace, and the power of Doc (and talk)
11. New coach who’ll have the greatest impact: Charles Lee (Charlotte), Jordi Fernández (Brooklyn), J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit), Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland), Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix), or JJ Redick (Lakers)?
I’m with Team Bud. Winning Coach of the Year in two different franchises signifies expertise. While Budenholzer had a two-time NBA MVP in Giannis during his tenure in Milwaukee, he has never been surrounded by this level of talent. I expect he’ll extract more from Kevin Durant at power forward than Frank Vogel managed and find better ways to unlock Bradley Beal. Additionally, I anticipate he’ll boost the Suns’ defensive performance slightly (they ranked 13th in the league last season), making them a formidable contender in the Western Conference. However, the clear focus on tanking for Cooper Flagg among many of the East’s also-rans may open the door for either Detroit or Charlotte to make a Play-In run, potentially earning either Lee or Bickerstaff a significant raise, a parade, and perhaps even a pony. (Doc Rivers in Milwaukee and Brian Keefe in Washington are technically entering their first full seasons with their respective teams but had a head start by finishing last season with them, which is why they aren’t included here.)
12. Wemby, Year 2: Are the Spurs a playoff team?
If they were in the Eastern Conference, I would say yes without hesitation. But facing the incredibly competitive Western Conference?
This season marks the 20th year for Chris Paul in the NBA. Throughout his first 19 seasons, his teams have reached the playoffs 15 times. Notably, the only years his teams missed the postseason occurred during his initial two seasons in the league. Since his third year as a professional, he has made the playoffs in 15 out of 17 attempts. While many of those seasons found CP3 on talented teams in LA, Houston, or Phoenix, during the 2020 season, he guided a less talented OKC squad featuring a second-year Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 44 wins and a playoff appearance in the Orlando bubble, where the Thunder nearly eliminated James Harden’s Rockets in the first round. Remarkably, in none of those seasons did Paul play alongside a big man like Wembanyama, with all due respect to Blake Griffin. Veteran Harrison Barnes will join forces with him, along with Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. Rookie Stephon Castle has proven himself as a potential lottery pick during the preseason. If it appears I’m trying to convince myself of a Spurs run toward postseason excitement, it’s true.
However, I’m curbing my enthusiasm by predicting San Antonio will halt at the Play-In round.
GO DEEPER
How soon could Spurs taste postseason with Victor Wembanyama?
13. Best under-the-radar pickup in free agency?
I genuinely appreciate the fit of Naji Marshall in Dallas, effectively taking the place of Derrick Jones Jr., who has moved to the Clippers. At 26, Marshall is a year younger than Jones, and the Mavericks acquired him for slightly less than what Jones ultimately signed for in LA, while also boasting a better three-point shooting percentage in the last season. Defensively, both players performed nearly identically; according to Dunks & Threes, Jones was in the 92nd percentile for estimated defensive plus-minus, whereas Marshall ranked in the 91st percentile. This will be crucial as Dallas prepares to integrate Klay Thompson, who will play significant minutes this season; Marshall, along with the Derek Lively II/Daniel Gafford center duo, will be essential in preventing the Mavs from conceding 110-plus points each night.
14. Which team needs to make a trade before the deadline?
I’m curious about how patient the Nuggets can afford to be, particularly if they struggle to keep pace with the top four in the Western Conference early on. With the free-agent departures over the last two summers (Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope), they seem to be lacking at least one player. However, I also question how far they are willing to go; the earliest first-round pick they can trade is their 2031 selection. Yikes. The only player aside from Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray guaranteed to fetch quality in return would be Aaron Gordon, who recently signed a lucrative four-year, $133 million extension just before the deadline on Monday. While the Nuggets are fond of their younger players, they now need to rely on them.
15. OK, give me a name: Who’s likely to be traded before the deadline?
I predict Jonas Valančiūnas will be moved. I understand the Wizards’ reasoning: they have committed to three years and $30 million for the 32-year-old Valančiūnas to protect Bilal Sarr from excessive physicality in the paint, allowing Sarr to provide support off the bench. Nonetheless, in Washington, the primary objective remains clear: racking up approximately 65 losses this season to enhance their chances of securing a top draft pick in the marquee 2025 class. This is the goal. Valančiūnas remains a big, strong, and tough player likely to post numerous double-doubles after the All-Star break against teams with scant chances of success, potentially hindering their goal. Consequently, I envision Washington preferring to use the remaining two months of the regular season to assess Tristan Vukčević’s performance in the center position, as he is part of their future plans!
LeBron James had advocated strongly for the Lakers to sign Valančiūnas in free agency before he joined the Wizards. The Lakers can trade either or both of their first-round picks for 2029 and 2031 outright or employ pick swaps for 2026, 2028, and 2030 if they still pursue Valančiūnas before the deadline. However, there are several other teams that could also benefit from having Jonas Valančiūnas as the season progresses.
16. Are you buying into the Sixers as a genuine contender?
I want to believe that, but with PG-13 already dealing with an injury, and Joel Embiid facing a minutes restriction throughout the season, I’m not confident they will both reach May in good health. For Philadelphia to have any chance of overcoming Boston, they both need to be at their best.
17. Who will be the most significant free agents available after this season?
Those players. I still find it hard to believe that this is genuinely going to occur.
The Lakers claimed the inaugural Emirates Cup (also known as the In-Season Tournament) title last season. (Kyle Terada / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
18. Will the Lakers successfully defend their Emirates NBA Cup title?
This seems to matter quite a bit to you, huh? My prediction is they won’t manage it, if that holds any weight.
19. Which teams will make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, excluding the Play-In?
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Orlando, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Miami, Indiana.
20. And who will face off in the Eastern finals?
The C’s and… I’m torn! Gotham, we’re headed back to the Land of the Mouse! I’m fully supporting the KCP Effect, Orlando!
GO DEEPER
Paolo Banchero focuses on evolving his skills and presence as he aims for dominance in Year 3
21. Which teams will make the playoffs in the Western Conference, excluding the Play-In?
Oklahoma City, Dallas, Phoenix, Minnesota, Denver, New Orleans, Sacramento, L.A. Lakers.
21a. Excuse me. I own a team in Los Angeles, complete with my own arena, and I couldn’t help but notice my team isn’t mentioned for the postseason.
This isn’t Jeanie, right?
22. And who will compete in the Western finals?
It’s a new version of the Red River Shootout: OKC versus the Mavericks.
23. And the champion will be?….
Forget parity. Boston and Dallas will meet again. But this time, it’s Luka Time!
Certain statistics, particularly 24, 20, and 19, prevent me from selecting the C’s to repeat: those numbers represent the playoff games Boston has participated in the last three seasons, totaling 63 — which is three-fourths of an entire season over three years. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have each played in all 63 of those games;
Al Horford has participated in 62 playoff games. During this period, Tatum has accumulated 2,550 playoff minutes; Brown has recorded 2,378; and Horford has tallied 2,007. Boston indeed has other significant players in its lineup, including Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Porziņģis. However, it’s evident that the big three have carried the most weight. Eventually, that strenuous effort at such a high level of intensity tends to wear on players. I hope to be mistaken, but it’s difficult for anyone to keep drawing from that well.
At the same time, I admire how the Mavericks have constructed their team around their superstar.
Thompson’s addition does introduce some hurdles for the Mavericks, yet he brings valuable championship experience to Dallas’ locker room. Additionally, opposing defenses must respect his shooting range, which will provide further opportunities for Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Marshall’s impact on both ends has been highlighted earlier. Furthermore, Dallas is set to benefit from a full season with Gafford and P.J. Washington, both acquired at the trade deadline last season, alongside Lively’s progression in his second year. The depth of the Mavs has subtly increased with the return of Spencer Dinwiddie and the acquisition of Quentin Grimes from Detroit as part of the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade. Also, I believe Irving would perform significantly better if given another opportunity against the Celtics in the finals.
And last but not least, consider the most crucial factor.
Dončić is exceptional. Elite players who experience the taste of playing for a championship and fall short generally return with enhanced focus and an even greater resolve to succeed. Next summer, Dončić will not participate in the Olympics or the World Cup. He will channel his energy entirely into the NBA games in June. I am confident he will. Boston may have to postpone the celebration of Banner 19 while the Mavericks raise Banner 2.
The narrative of the greatest players in NBA history unfolds through 100 captivating profiles authored by top basketball writers who validate their choices while unraveling the history of the league.
The tale of the most significant plays in NBA history.
24) Please remind me, why is it called 24 Questions?
This is my homage to the 24-second shot clock, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and stands as the most significant innovation in the league’s history. It’s evident: The shot clock was instrumental in saving the NBA.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos: Barry Gossage / NBAE, Glenn James / NBAE, Mark Blinch / Getty Images)
2024 NBA Predictions: 24 Questions to Ignite the Season
1. Who Will Be the MVP This Season?
The MVP race is always a hot topic. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo reclaim his title, or will a dark horse like Luka Doncic steal the spotlight this year? Keep an eye on player performances early in the season to predict who will take the crown.
2. Which Teams Will Surpass Expectations?
Every season, certain teams rise unexpectedly. Will the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Sacramento Kings make a surprising playoff run? Analyze offseason moves and player development to assess potential overachievers.
3. Can the Warriors Return to Dominance?
With their core aging yet experienced, can the Golden State Warriors return to their championship glory? Assess their roster changes and player health to predict their trajectory this season.
4. Who Will Be the Rookie of the Year?
The 2024 rookie class features standout talents like Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. Which player will make the biggest impact in their debut season? Watch their early games to gauge their readiness for the NBA.
5. Will the Lakers Find Chemistry?
With new faces joining LeBron and Anthony Davis, will the Los Angeles Lakers develop the chemistry needed to compete for a title? Preseason performances will be key indicators of their potential success.
6. How Will Injuries Impact the Season?
Injuries can derail a team’s season. Which teams are at risk, and how can they mitigate these challenges? Keeping track of player health and how teams adapt is crucial for predicting outcomes.
7. What Will Happen in the Eastern Conference?
The Eastern Conference is becoming increasingly competitive. Can the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics fend off challengers like the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat? Analyzing head-to-head matchups will be essential.
8. Which Players Will Make All-Star Teams?
Each season brings surprises in All-Star selections. Who will earn their first nod, and who might be snubbed? Keeping track of player performances early on will help identify potential selections.
9. How Will the Trade Deadline Affect Teams?
The trade deadline can shift the balance of power in the league. Which players are likely to be moved, and how will that impact their new teams? Monitoring rumors and team needs is vital for predictions.
10. What Role Will Analytics Play in Strategy?
With analytics becoming integral to game strategy, which teams will leverage data effectively this season? Evaluating teams’ approaches can reveal insights into their potential success.
11. How Will International Players Influence the Game?
International stars are increasingly prominent in the NBA. Which players will make significant impacts this season? Watch for breakout performances from global talents.
12. Will We See a Shift in Playing Styles?
The NBA is known for its evolving styles of play. Will there be a resurgence of traditional post play, or will small-ball and three-point shooting continue to dominate? Observing early games will help answer this question.
13. Can Teams Overcome Mental Barriers?
Some teams struggle with playoff failures. Can the Dallas Mavericks or the Atlanta Hawks overcome their mental blocks? Psychological factors often play a key role in a team’s success or failure.
14. Who Will Be the Defensive Player of the Year?
The race for Defensive Player of the Year is always competitive. Will Jaren Jackson Jr. repeat, or will someone like Marcus Smart regain the title? Analyzing defensive stats will be crucial.
15. How Will Coaching Changes Impact Teams?
New coaches bring new philosophies. Which teams will benefit from coaching changes, and which might struggle? Observing early-season adjustments can provide insights.
16. What Will the Playoff Picture Look Like?
Predicting the playoff picture is always a challenge. Who will secure those coveted spots in each conference? Analyzing current standings and potential matchups is essential.
17. Which Players Are Primed for a Breakout Season?
Every year, certain players take their game to the next level. Who will shine bright this season? Look for young talents and players in new roles to identify potential breakouts.
18. Will the NBA’s Global Reach Continue to Grow?
The NBA’s international presence is expanding. How will this impact the league’s popularity and its players? Understanding market trends and global fan engagement is vital.
19. How Will Teams Handle the Rigors of the Schedule?
The NBA schedule can be grueling. Which teams have the depth to handle back-to-backs and travel? Evaluating bench strength and player fatigue will be crucial for predictions.
20. What Are the Most Anticipated Matchups?
Some games are must-watch events. What matchups are fans looking forward to this season? Highlighting key rivalries and storylines can enhance viewer engagement.
21. How Will the Play-In Tournament Impact the Playoffs?
The Play-In Tournament adds an exciting dynamic. Will it continue to provide upsets, and how will it affect playoff seeding? Understanding the impact of this format is essential for fan engagement.
22. What Innovations Will We See This Season?
From technology to game rules, innovation is key in the NBA. What new trends will emerge this season? Keeping an eye on rule changes and technological advancements can provide valuable insights.
23. How Will Fan Engagement Change This Season?
With fans returning to arenas, how will teams enhance their engagement strategies? Understanding fan preferences and experiences will play a major role in teams’ success.
24. What Are the Long-Term Implications for the NBA?
As the league evolves, what are the long-term implications of this season’s trends? Analyzing player movement, team strategies, and global outreach can provide insights into the NBA’s future.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Fans
- Stay Updated: Follow the latest news from reputable sports websites for real-time updates on games and player performances.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions on Twitter and Reddit to connect with other fans and share predictions.
- Utilize Analytics: Familiarize yourself with basketball analytics to enhance your understanding of the game and team strategies.
Case Studies: Team Transformations
| Team | Key Changes | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat | Added three-point shooter | Increased offensive efficiency |
| Brooklyn Nets | New coaching staff | Improved defensive schemes |
| Charlotte Hornets | Drafted a young star | Potential for a playoff push |
First-Hand Experience: Watching Games Live
Attending games provides a unique experience that enhances your appreciation for basketball. Watching players in person allows fans to see the intensity and skills that often get lost on TV. Whether it’s a buzzer-beater or a dominating performance, the energy in the arena is unparalleled.
