The 2023-24 season has been more than exciting as we have witnessed superstar players competing at a high level, an increased level of improvement among young players, and a ton of storylines to follow. Quite frankly, we have 10 things that we have learned about NBA teams so far.
- 1. Boston Celtics Are The Best Team In The NBA
- 2. Milwaukee Bucks Are Getting Hot
- 3. Joel Embiid Needs Help
- 4. Teams Still Fear The Miami Heat
- 5. Minnesota Timberwolves Mean Business
- 6. Los Angeles Clippers Are Becoming Dominant With James Harden
- 7. Oklahoma City Thunder Have A Brighter Future Than We Thought
- 8. Los Angeles Lakers Are An Overhyped Team
- 9. The Golden State Warriors Era Is Over
- 10. Detroit Pistons Are The Worst Team In The League
It is never easy to narrow down what we have learned over the first few months of a season to only 10 insights, but it has to be done because the New Year is starting and there is already plenty to talk about. Here are the 10 major things we have learned about NBA teams this year.
1. Boston Celtics Are The Best Team In The NBA
The Boston Celtics have been the best team in the NBA all year. That isn’t to say that is a surprise. The team massively improved by adding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to a talented core featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Al Horford. Boston has the best starting six in the league because they all fit with each other and look completely dominant together.
Boston ranks 8th in points scored and 3rd in points allowed meaning they are elite on both ends of the floor. Jayson Tatum will receive the bulk of the praise because he is the best player on the team and is off to a fantastic start by posting 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 47.6% shooting from the field. Tatum is a top-10 player in the world with ease but when he is on, it is hard to name five better than him.
Credit also goes to the likes of Jaylen Brown who has returned as an All-Star once again after signing the largest contract in NBA history, and is averaging 22.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season. Jrue Holiday (12.3 points, 6.6 rebounds) and Kristaps Porzingis (18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds) have effectively completed a Big Four in Boston.
The way things are going, the Celtics are looking like the best team in the league and quite frankly, the favorite to win it all. In other words, the title is theirs to lose at this point.
2. Milwaukee Bucks Are Getting Hot
The Milwaukee Bucks, initially slow to find their rhythm following the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade, are now igniting the court with an impressive 8-2 record over their last 10 games. The anticipated chemistry between superstars Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is finally materializing, propelling the Bucks to contender status. Giannis, with MVP-caliber performances averaging 30.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, leads the charge, while Lillard’s superstar-level contributions (26.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists) further elevate the team’s capabilities.
As the Bucks surge in the Eastern Conference standings, currently trailing only the Boston Celtics, the prospect of a showdown in the Eastern Conference Finals appears increasingly likely. The team’s newfound cohesion and stellar individual performances signal a potential clash of titans, making a matchup against the Celtics an exciting and seemingly inevitable conclusion in the postseason. The Bucks’ recent hot streak suggests they are not just contenders but a force to be reckoned with as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
3. Joel Embiid Needs Help
Despite Joel Embiid’s stellar individual performance, positioning himself as a top-three MVP candidate with remarkable stats of 34.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in need of additional firepower. While Tyrese Maxey has been a solid contributor with 25.8 points and 6.7 assists per game, the duo alone may not be sufficient to propel the 76ers past formidable rivals like the Celtics and Bucks.
Though the team boasts a commendable 18-8 record, the gap between them and the Eastern Conference leaders implies a need for more star power. While the supporting cast is solid, a lack of additional star players could hinder the 76ers’ chances of reaching the Conference Finals. The suggestion of a potential blockbuster deal looms large as a strategic move to elevate the team’s competitiveness, acknowledging that relying solely on Embiid and Maxey may fall short in the quest for Eastern Conference supremacy. The 76ers face a crucial decision to fortify their roster and maximize their chances of playoff success.
4. Teams Still Fear The Miami Heat
Despite not making a splash in the preseason trade market, the Miami Heat, who reached the Finals last year, continue to command respect and fear from opposing teams. The absence of expected acquisitions like Damian Lillard and the loss of key players such as Gabe Vincent and Max Strus didn’t hinder the Heat’s competitive edge. Teams still regard them as a formidable force, and the Heat have demonstrated their ability to defeat any opponent when performing at their best.
The return of Tyler Herro from injury, showcasing his scoring prowess with an impressive 23.1 points per game on efficient shooting percentages (45.9% from the field, 38.8% from three), adds another dynamic to the Heat’s offensive arsenal. With elite leadership from Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and a solid 10th-ranked defense, the Heat are poised to be a significant threat in the Eastern Conference. Anticipating another deep playoff run, Miami remains a team that can contend for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, defying expectations and keeping opposing teams on high alert.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves Mean Business
The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as one of the most surprising success stories of the season, securing an impressive 20 wins out of 25 games. Their remarkable ascent is underscored by a first-ranked defense, showcasing their commitment to excellence on both ends of the court. With an elite Big Three delivering consistent performances, Anthony Edwards leads the charge with an impressive 24.6 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributes 22.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game with sharpshooting efficiency from beyond the arc (42.4%).
Adding defensive prowess to the mix, Rudy Gobert’s presence is felt with a double-double average of 12.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Under the guidance of Coach Chris Finch, the Timberwolves are firing on all cylinders, claiming the top spot in the Western Conference. No longer content with the underdog label, Minnesota has set its sights on the Western Conference Finals, putting the league’s top teams on notice. The Timberwolves’ resounding success marks them as a serious contender with the potential to shake up the NBA landscape.
6. Los Angeles Clippers Are Becoming Dominant With James Harden
The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone a dramatic transformation, becoming a formidable force in the league, especially with the addition of James Harden in a blockbuster trade this season. The star-studded team, featuring Harden alongside established names like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook (sixth man), creates a formidable quartet that strikes fear into opponents.
Despite a slow start, the Clippers have found their rhythm, posting an impressive 9-1 record over their last 10 games, showcasing their ability to adapt to Harden’s unique playing style. Harden, contributing 17.1 points and 7.6 assists per game, has seamlessly integrated into the team dynamic. Kawhi Leonard, displaying a return to peak form, posts 24.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game with an impressive 44.0% shooting from beyond the arc. George adds his scoring prowess with 22.9 points per game, shooting at an efficient 39.2% from three, solidifying his role as an excellent third option.
The Clippers, now ranking 6th in defense and 10th in offense, boast the star power necessary to make a serious run for a Western Conference Finals berth. As they continue to refine their chemistry, the rest of the league should be on high alert, as the Clippers emerge as a dominant force in the highly competitive Western Conference.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder Have A Brighter Future Than We Thought
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s rebuilding efforts are progressing more rapidly than anticipated, signaling a brighter future for the franchise. Since the trade of Russell Westbrook and Paul George, the Thunder have strategically focused on player development and acquiring young talent.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a bonafide superstar, earning All-NBA First Team honors last year and maintaining an impressive performance this season with averages of 30.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. The addition of Chet Holmgren, a strong Rookie of the Year contender, further enhances their promising outlook, contributing 16.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.
The Thunder’s current 5th rank in offense and 12th rank in defense showcase the young talent’s ability to compete at a high level. While they may not be considered title contenders at the moment, the Thunder’s trajectory suggests they are exceeding expectations and positioning themselves for future success. With their promising core, the Thunder could emerge as serious title contenders within the next two seasons, making them a team to watch as they continue their ascent in the NBA landscape.
8. Los Angeles Lakers Are An Overhyped Team
While the Los Angeles Lakers boast star power with LeBron James (25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists per game on 53.9% from the field and 39.3% from three) and Anthony Davis (24.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks) putting up impressive individual numbers, their overall team performance suggests they may be overhyped as championship contenders. Despite LeBron’s continued elite-level play and Davis’ dominance, the team’s 17th rank in points scored and 14th rank in points allowed indicate a level of mediocrity rather than greatness.
The inclusion of D’Angelo Russell in trade rumors and the solid yet unspectacular contributions of players like Austin Reaves (15.0 points per game) further raises questions about the team’s depth and ability to compete at the highest level. Although the Lakers may make the Western Conference Finals, the assertion that they lack the necessary elements to advance to the Finals seems grounded in their current construction.
The skepticism is accentuated by the formidable challenge posed by the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, with the belief that the Lakers would struggle to prevail in a seven-game series against such a powerhouse team. As the season progresses, the Lakers will need to address their shortcomings to fulfill the lofty expectations that come with their star-studded roster.
9. The Golden State Warriors Era Is Over
The Golden State Warriors, once the epitome of NBA dominance with four championships, face an uncertain future as the pillars of their dynasty show signs of wear. With Stephen Curry approaching 36 and Klay Thompson nearing 34 without a contract extension, the team grapples with the inevitable aging of its core stars. Draymond Green’s on-court volatility, marked by three ejections and an indefinite suspension, further complicates matters. The departure of General Manager Bob Myers adds another layer of instability to a franchise in transition.
On the court, the Warriors find themselves below .500, a far cry from their former glory, ranking 13th in offense and 20th in defense. The once-impenetrable defense now struggles to halt opponents, signaling a departure from the stifling dominance of years past. Andrew Wiggins once thought to be a cornerstone, falls short of All-Star levels, raising questions about his role and potential trade rumors.
As the Warriors navigate this turbulent phase, the looming question is whether the era of their unprecedented success is truly over. The franchise faces the daunting task of reinvention, exploring avenues to revitalize its roster, restore defensive prowess, and possibly find a way to move on from older stars such as Thompson and Green.
10. Detroit Pistons Are The Worst Team In The League
This season, the Detroit Pistons’ struggles unveil the complexities of rebuilding with a youthful roster. Despite the hefty investment in Coach Monty Williams (6-year, $78.5 million deal) their limited success with only two wins underscores challenges in translating potential into victories. A staggering 24-game losing streak raises questions about team cohesion and adaptability.
While Cade Cunningham’s individual brilliance shines through, averaging 22.2 points and 7.0 assists, the team’s collective performance languishes with a 28th-ranked offense and a 26th-ranked defense. The juxtaposition of individual success against team shortcomings highlights the delicate balance required for a successful rebuild, prompting a closer look at the Pistons’ long-term strategy. While some teams can feel great about their season so far, the Detroit Pistons are feeling slightly ashamed.
