As the 2024/25 NBA season approaches, excitement is already reaching a fever pitch for what could be one of the tightest basketball campaigns in years. The Boston Celtics head into the new season as the reigning champions after claiming a record-breaking 18th title last term. Led by the incomparable Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they knocked off Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks in five in the Finals to claim their first Larry O'Brien in 16 years.
The latest NBA betting odds at Bovada make the reigning champions a +300 favorite to retain their crown next term. However, the Mavs are now on the hunt for revenge, as are a whole host of other teams including the likes of the revitalized Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the latter of that duo enjoying perhaps their finest-ever campaign last season.
Over in California, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to bounce back after a disappointing campaign last season, partnering Bronny James with his father LeBron in the first father-son duo in history. While King James has plenty of expectations on his broad shoulders and in his huge hands, there are several other stars within the league that have been tasked with resurrecting the fortunes of franchises falling by the wayside.
Speaking of physical attributes, they are more than just measurements; they're crucial factors that impact playing style and effectiveness on the court. For context, the average adult male's hand spans only 7.4 inches in length, significantly less than NBA stars like Kawhi Leonard, nicknamed "The Klaw" for his massive 11.25-inch hand width, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, the "Greek Freak" with hands measuring 9.85 inches long.
The Charlotte Hornets endured a dismal 2023-24 season, ending with a 21-61 record, the third worst in the Eastern Conference, narrowly ahead of the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons. The disappointing outcome was largely attributed to the absence of their star guard, LaMelo Ball, who battled injuries throughout the season limiting him to just 22 appearances last season. The year before, he also only featured 36 times; however, the North Carolina outfit is hopeful that their star man will be healthy heading into the upcoming campaign, and that will hopefully trigger an upturn in fortunes.
The former SPIRE Academy standout is seen as the cornerstone of the Hornets’ future. His exceptional playmaking ability and leadership on the court are critical to any potential success the team may enjoy. Ever since being drafted with the third overall pick of the 2020 draft, there has been plenty of responsibility on his young shoulders. However, now, at the slightly more mature age of 23, there is hope that he will be able to become a leader within the squad.
Ball has already demonstrated a unique ability to elevate the play of those around him, creating opportunities and orchestrating the offence with flair. The Hornets have invested heavily in surrounding Ball with talent, including promising players like Brandon Miller, and a solid supporting cast. With Ball’s return, Charlotte is aiming for improvement and perhaps ending their eight-season postseason drought, the longest in the league and franchise history.
The Detroit Pistons had a rough ride last season, ending the year with a paltry 14 wins - the lowest amount in franchise history - against a whopping 68 losses, leaving them as the undisputed worst team in the league. The campaign was the fifth straight in which the Motor City side had a torrid time, and their current rebuilding phase shows no signs of actually being built. Just once over the last five years have they secured more than 20 wins, and last term was the lowest low the franchise has ever had.
Despite their woes, there has been one bright spark in Michigan and that is the unquestionable of Cade Cunningham. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy was the first overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft and he immediately rewarded the franchise's faith in him by securing All-Rookie honors in his maiden campaign. Now as he heads into his fourth season, the pressure is on him to show that he possesses the skills and leadership qualities required throughout Detroit’s rebuilding process.
The Pistons have undergone significant changes in the front office and coaching staff in recent times, setting a new direction for the team. Cunningham stands at the forefront of this evolution, and the 22.7 points per game he averaged last term was a career-best. Now, the onus is on him to spearhead his side's resurgence by doubling their win total and moving them out of the league's cellar.
In San Antonio, the excitement around Victor Wembanyama is palpable. Touted as the next big thing in the NBA, the giant Frenchman brings a rare combination of size, skill, and potential that has the Lone Star State faithful dreaming of a return to glory. He was selected with the first overall pick in last year's draft and he immediately got to work, securing the Defensive Player of the Year award as well as the Rookie of the Year prize.
However, that didn't truly rejuvenate the franchise. Despite Wemby's brilliance, the Spurs racked up just 22 wins last season, the second lowest Out West just one win ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, the 20-year-old's arrival has reinvigorated a Spurs team that has struggled in recent years. His potential to become a franchise player is undeniable, and he is expected to become the centrepiece this season as San Antonio looks to rebuild their once-all-conquering dynasty.
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