Realistic Or Overambitious? Breaking Down Every NBA Team’s Goals For 2024-25

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, every team enters with its own set of realistic goals—whether it’s securing a championship, making a deep playoff run, or simply rebuilding for the future. 

For powerhouse teams like the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, the expectation is nothing short of another Finals appearance, while contenders such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks seek to get over the hump. Meanwhile, squads like the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic focus on developing young talent and building for long-term success. But which teams have the best shot at meeting their lofty ambitions—and who might fall short?

Atlanta Hawks: Make The Playoffs Through Their Youngsters

The Atlanta Hawks have been in the middle of the pack for the past few seasons, and it’s time to shift gears. With Trae Young still leading the charge, their young talent, including players like Jalen Johnson and No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, needs to take a major leap. The development of these rising stars will determine whether the Hawks can secure a playoff berth without having to rely heavily on outside acquisitions or trades.

Atlanta’s front office will likely aim to let the youngsters flourish while keeping their core intact. The goal is to build a sustainable playoff team that can grow around Trae Young’s leadership with Dejounte Murray no longer on the team. If the younger Hawks players can rise to the occasion, this season might be a turning point for the franchise’s future, especially if they somehow sneak into the playoffs.

Boston Celtics: Win Back-To-Back NBA Championships

The Boston Celtics are firmly in championship-or-bust mode after their 2024 title win. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team’s depth, defense, and playoff experience make them a clear contender for back-to-back championships. With the addition of key role players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics have the talent to run it back.

But the road to repeating as champions will be filled with challenges. Rivals like the Bucks and Nuggets will be in full force, and the wear and tear of a long season could test the Celtics’ stamina. Still, Boston’s aspirations are clear: anything less than another championship banner in the TD Garden would be considered a disappointment.

Brooklyn Nets: Move On From Ben Simmons And Rebuild

For the Brooklyn Nets, the Ben Simmons experiment has proven unfruitful, and it’s time to officially move on. After trying to surround Simmons with shooters and finding that his health and playmaking aren’t translating to wins, the Nets should focus on starting fresh. Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and Nic Claxton represent a promising young core, and the team’s front office will likely explore ways to rebuild around them as much as possible.

Clearing Simmons’ contract ($40,338,144 in 2024-25) will be a major step in the right direction, allowing Brooklyn to free up cap space and bring in more complementary talent. Of course, Simmons will be a free agent next season but the goal will always be to get something in return for the player instead of letting him walk for nothing.

Charlotte Hornets: Find Their Core Group

The Charlotte Hornets are stuck in limbo, with flashes of talent but no concrete identity. LaMelo Ball remains the cornerstone of the franchise, but they need to determine which players can grow alongside him. Finding the right mix of supporting players will be key in 2024-25, meaning Brandon Miller will need to develop into a star sooner rather than later.

Charlotte has an opportunity to reshape their roster and fully invest in the youth movement although they need to identify who is worthy of being part of the franchise core. This season is crucial for the front office to decide which young players—like Miles Bridges and Mark Williams—can be long-term pieces, and which ones should be moved for future assets.

Chicago Bulls: Trade Zach LaVine And Nikola Vucevic To Rebuild

After multiple seasons of trying to compete with their current core, the Chicago Bulls are better off starting fresh. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, though individually talented, haven’t moved the needle enough to justify keeping them around. Trading them for young assets and draft picks will allow the Bulls to hit the reset button and properly rebuild with All-Star DeMar DeRozan no longer with the team.

Chicago has struggled to find its identity with this group, and the time to move on is now. A rebuild centered around Coby White, Josh Giddey, Patrick Williams, and their future draft picks would give the Bulls a much-needed direction. Expect the Bulls to shop their two best players as much as possible this summer and if not gone by this summer, over the first few months of the season.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Make It Past The Second Round Of The Playoffs

The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as one of the most exciting young teams in the league, but after falling short in the playoffs, they’ll need to break through the second-round barrier in 2024-25. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland leading a high-octane offense, and Evan Mobley continuing to grow as a defensive force, the Cavs have the talent to make a deep playoff run.

To succeed, Cleveland must shore up its depth and improve its play in high-pressure situations. The roster needs to build cohesion, particularly on the defensive end, where their versatility can be a game-changer. This season will test whether the Cavaliers can elevate from a talented young squad to a legitimate Eastern Conference contender after reaching the second round of the playoffs last season in a losing effort to the eventual champion Boston Celtics.

Dallas Mavericks: Take Revenge And Win An NBA Championship

The Dallas Mavericks were not expected to make the Finals last year, but with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving returning to superstar form, the time to win is now. Their goal for 2024-25 is clear: nothing short of a championship will suffice. After last season’s disappointing exit in the Finals to the favorite Celtics, Dallas has the motivation to return to the Finals and bring home their first title since 2011.

This season will hinge on how well the Mavericks can support their two superstars with the right role players including future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson. If they can add depth and play consistent defense, Dallas could easily find itself at the top of the Western Conference. Revenge for last season’s letdown will fuel their championship ambitions and do not discount their motivation to win it all.

Denver Nuggets: Keep An Eye Out For Available Talent As They Contend

The Denver Nuggets enter the season as one of the favorites to contend for the title once again. With Nikola Jokic playing MVP-level basketball after winning his third MVP trophy, the core of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon has proven championship-worthy. But even great teams can’t stand still. Denver must stay vigilant on the trade and free-agent markets for any opportunity to upgrade their roster as they chase another title.

With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gone, the Nuggets know that the path to repeating won’t be easy. They’ll need to make sure they have the depth and flexibility to face the league’s best and they might need a little more help than a 35-year-old Russell Westbrook who is on his fifth team in six years. Denver’s front office will be key in ensuring that they can take advantage of any opportunity to improve throughout the season.

Detroit Pistons: Get Out The Bottom Of The Eastern Conference

The Detroit Pistons have been in rebuild mode for years, and 2024-25 is the season they’ll aim to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement. With young stars like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson leading the way with Tobias Harris now on board, the Pistons’ focus will be on internal growth and establishing a competitive culture.

Their goal should be steady improvement, with a potential play-in tournament appearance in sight. They don’t need to contend immediately, but showing progress and getting out of the league’s bottom tier is essential. For Detroit, this season is about taking the next step toward relevance.

Golden State Warriors: Make The Playoffs To Appease Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors, no longer the unstoppable force they once were, need to focus on simply making the playoffs. Stephen Curry remains at the peak of his powers, but the team’s supporting cast is questionable without disrespect to Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton, and questions about depth have surfaced with Klay Thompson gone. To keep Curry happy and extend his prime, the Warriors must ensure they’re still competitive in 2024-25.

A strong playoff push would show they can still compete in the West, despite the challenges ahead. The front office will need to balance retooling with short-term success. If Curry stays healthy and the young players like Jonathan Kuminga step up, Golden State can remain a threat.

Houston Rockets: Make The Playoffs

After years of rebuilding, the Houston Rockets are now ready to make a serious push for the playoffs. With the right mix of veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to complement rising stars like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets have the right mix of youth and experience to contend for a postseason spot. This year, it’s all about proving that their rebuild is over and they belong among the Western Conference’s playoff teams.

For head coach Ime Udoka, the challenge is to develop chemistry and unlock the full potential of his young roster. If the Rockets can improve defensively and maintain consistency on offense, a playoff appearance is well within reach but the difference this season will likely be Reed Sheppard, one of the contenders for Rookie of the Year.

Indiana Pacers: Find A Way To Reach Eastern Conference Finals Again

The Indiana Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, are poised to become one of the East’s most exciting teams, but they aim for more than just being competitive. With Haliburton’s emergence as an All-Star and the addition of Pascal Siakam last year, the Pacers have the pieces to make a deep playoff run. Their goal for 2024-25 is to find a way back to the Eastern Conference Finals, for the second time since 2014.

The key will be continuing to develop their young core while maintaining a strong defensive identity. If Haliburton and Myles Turner stay healthy, and the supporting cast gels, Indiana could surprise teams and challenge the conference’s elite including the Boston Celtics who proved to how a little more talent than them last season.

Los Angeles Clippers: Keep Kawhi Leonard Healthy

The Clippers’ season hinges on one factor: keeping Kawhi Leonard healthy. For the past few years, injuries have derailed the team’s championship hopes, and 2024-25 will be no different if Leonard can’t stay on the court. When he’s at full strength, Kawhi is still one of the best two-way players in the league, and alongside James Harden, the Clippers remain a threat in the West.

However, health has been their Achilles’ heel. Managing Leonard’s minutes and ensuring he peaks at the right time will be paramount. James Harden isn’t the youngest or healthiest player on the team either, but the Clippers are running it back with them with the hopes health goes their way and they can get their stadium filled.

Los Angeles Lakers: Focus On Acquiring Elite Talent

The Los Angeles Lakers are always in win-now mode, but the 2024-25 season should be about adding one more elite talent to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With LeBron nearing the end of his legendary career, the Lakers must act swiftly to ensure they maximize his final years. Rumors surrounding big names or All-Star-level players could become a reality, especially if the team struggles early in the season.

Their current roster is competitive, but it lacks the firepower to win another championship. By focusing on acquiring a third star or elite role players, the Lakers can probably challenge the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Nuggets in the West. However, it’s a delicate balance between competing in the present and planning for life after LeBron, but the Lakers are always one bold move away from contention.

Memphis Grizzlies: Keep Ja Morant Focused On Basketball

The Memphis Grizzlies’ success in 2024-25 will largely depend on Ja Morant’s ability to stay focused on basketball. After an entire calendar year filled with off-court distractions, the Grizzlies need their star point guard to return to the court fully locked in on leading his team. Morant’s athleticism and playmaking make him one of the league’s most electrifying players, but he needs to be on the court to be the difference-maker we know he is.

If Morant can avoid further issues and focus on reaching his full potential, the Grizzlies have the pieces to make a deep playoff run. Their defense, anchored by Jaren Jackson Jr., is elite, and Desmond Bane continues to develop into a solid secondary scorer. The team’s ceiling depends on Morant’s leadership and maturity, overall.

Miami Heat: Embrace Underdog Status For A Deep Playoff Run

The Miami Heat thrive as underdogs, and that’s exactly how they’ll need to approach the 2024-25 season. Despite not landing a major star in the offseason, Miami remains a dangerous team, led by the seemingly disgruntled Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. With their proven ability to overperform in the playoffs, the Heat’s goal is to once again make a deep postseason run.

The question is: is Jimmy Butler on board? Miami Heat president Pat Riley is known to motivate his players with an extra edge and if it works on Butler, the Heat will be a problem in the East. Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are all capable pieces around the star duo so motivation needs to be at an all-time high for the team to challenge in the playoffs.

Milwaukee Bucks: Capitalize On Giannis And Dame To Win A Title

The Milwaukee Bucks are all-in for the 2024-25 season one year after acquiring Damian Lillard to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo. With two of the league’s most dominant players, the Bucks are in prime position to compete for a title. Anything less than hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy would be a disappointment for this veteran-laden squad which is why the first-round exit suffered in the 2023-24 campaign was such a disaster.

Milwaukee’s goal is simple: win it all. The combination of Lillard’s clutch scoring and Giannis’ all-around dominance gives the Bucks a devastating one-two punch. Add in Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, and Milwaukee has all the pieces to claim their second championship in five years. However, it will all depend on the health of their two superstars because Giannis missed the entire postseason and Lillard only played four games for them due to injuries last season.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Go All The Way To Win A Championship

The Minnesota Timberwolves are setting their sights higher than ever before, with aspirations to win their first-ever NBA championship. The core of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert has proven to be elite after they ranked first in the NBA in defense (106.5 OPPG) and made it to the Western Conference Finals.

Minnesota’s biggest challenge will be maintaining their consistency, both offensively and defensively. If they can solidify their chemistry and Gobert anchors the defense like he did last season, they could make a legitimate push for the title because we are all expecting Anthony Edward to be an MVP candidate next season.

New Orleans Pelicans: Capture A Top-5 Seed In The Western Conference

The New Orleans Pelicans have one primary objective for the 2024-25 season: secure a top-5 seed in the Western Conference. With Zion Williamson healthy, Brandon Ingram continuing to develop, and Dejoutne Murray coming on board, the Pelicans have the talent to compete with the best in the West.

But health (especially with Zion Williamson) has been their Achilles’ heel in recent years, so staying on the court will be key to achieving this goal. If the Pelicans can keep their core players healthy, they have one of the most dynamic lineups in the league since role players Herb Jones and CJ McCollum are also fantastic pieces for them.

New York Knicks: Make The NBA Finals For The First Time Since 1999

The New York Knicks have a clear goal for the 2024-25 season: break their long Finals drought and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Adding Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby means the Knicks are not playing around this summer. Superstar Jalen Brunson and All-Star Julius Randle are still on the team and the chance to capitalize on their talent is right now.

New York’s passionate fanbase is hungry for a title, and the Knicks have shown they can win under pressure. Getting past teams like the Celtics and Bucks in the East will be tough, but if they can play their best basketball come playoff time, an NBA Finals appearance is well within reach.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Make The NBA Finals

With their young, talented roster led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder are no longer hopeful. The goal for the Thunder in 2024-25 is simple yet ambitious: make the NBA Finals. SGA is now an MVP-caliber player, and with players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams all developing rapidly, OKC has a bright future that could pay off sooner than expected.

Adding All-NBA Defensive guard Alex Caruso and paint-protector Isaiah Hartenstein means the Thunder have what it takes to make the NBA Finals. They will need to show maturity and improved toughness around the rim to make it happen, but we aren’t putting that past them.

Orlando Magic: Make It Out The First Round

The Orlando Magic are aiming for tangible progress this season, and that means advancing past the first round of the playoffs. With a young, exciting core led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic are ready to take the next step. Last season, they showed flashes of their potential by taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games but ultimately lost in Game 7.

Banchero is a franchise star and could take another step forward in 2024-25 by becoming an MVP candidate. The Magic have built an identity on tough defensive play, ranking 4th in the NBA last year (108.4 OPPG), and adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will only make them stronger to make it to the second round of the playoffs next season.

Philadelphia 76ers: Keep Joel Embiid And Paul George Healthy Enough To Contend

For the Philadelphia 76ers, the 2024-25 season boils down to one thing: health. With Joel Embiid and newcomer Paul George as the team’s primary stars, keeping them healthy for the long haul will determine their championship aspirations. The Sixers have experienced playoff heartbreak in recent years, and with this new core, they’ll be looking to change their fortunes by staying in contention through the season.

Embiid is coming off another MVP season (ultimately derailed by injuries), and George, when healthy, remains one of the league’s best two-way players. If both can remain durable during the season and peak at the right time alongside Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia has a legitimate chance to contend in a tough Eastern Conference. We are just praying Embiid and George can stay healthy enough to capture a top-three seed and eventually be available to compete in the playoffs.

Phoenix Suns: Find A Way To Contend With A Top-Heavy Roster

The Phoenix Suns have arguably the most top-heavy roster in the NBA, with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal leading the charge. However, their depth is a concern, and the team’s goal for 2024-25 is to find a way to contend with this imbalance. They have enough firepower at the top to dominate offensively, but they’ll need role players to step up if they’re going to survive the grind of the regular season and a deep playoff run.

Frank Vogel’s task will be managing the minutes of his stars to keep them fresh for the postseason, while also getting the most out of his bench. The pressure is on Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, and newcomer Tyus Jones to fill in the cracks because they need to perform above their levels to make up for the top-heavy setup of their team.

Portland Trail Blazers: Rebuild Around Scoot Henderson

After trading Damian Lillard last year, the Portland Trail Blazers are fully committed to a rebuild, and their primary focus for 2024-25 is developing their young star, Scoot Henderson. As the face of the franchise, Henderson will be given the keys to the offense, and his growth as a leader and playmaker will be paramount to the team’s success moving forward.

Portland will likely prioritize player development over immediate wins, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive. With other promising young players like Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, the Blazers have intriguing pieces that could turn into a formidable core although they could look to cash in on win-now players including Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant.

Sacramento Kings: Make It Past The First Round Of The Playoffs

The Sacramento Kings ended their playoff drought in 2022-23, but the goal for 2024-25 is to build on that success and make it past the first round of the playoffs after missing it last year. Led by De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and free agent signing DeMar DeRozan, the Kings easily have the talent to be a playoff team.

Sacramento’s fast-paced offense, which was one of the league’s best (9th in the NBA with 116.6 PPG), will likely improve with DeRozan on board. However, their style needs to be paired with improved defensive intensity to succeed in the postseason and time will tell if Keegan Murray can lead that charge next season.

San Antonio Spurs: Develop Victor Wembanyama Into A Superstar

For the San Antonio Spurs, the 2024-25 season revolves around one priority: developing Victor Wembanyama into a bonafide superstar and MVP candidate. The No. 1 overall pick has generational talent, and while the Spurs won’t be competing for championships right away, their focus will be on maximizing Wembanyama’s potential.

The Frenchman won Rookie of the Year after posting 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game while making the All-NBA Defensive First Team last season, so the only way is forward for him. The Spurs added Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to make the team more competitive so expect a dominant season from Wemby.

Toronto Raptors: Ensure A Playoff Berth

The Toronto Raptors are in a transition phase but still have enough talent to make the playoffs in 2024-25. Led by Scottie Barnes who is officially the franchise star with Pascal Siakam gone, the Raptors are looking to stay competitive in the East while figuring out their long-term direction.

Ensuring a playoff berth is the primary goal for this season, as it would give them the stability needed to assess their core moving forward. Toronto’s roster has depth and versatility, but they need to find consistency, especially on both ends of the floor. The expectation will be for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to also up their games to show they can support Barnes well enough.

Utah Jazz: Find The Right Pieces Around Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen’s presence over the past two seasons has made the Utah Jazz somewhat relevant, but the team’s goal for 2024-25 is finding the right supporting cast around him. Markkanen will need help from players such as Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler to push the Jazz to the play-in spot.

The Jazz will need to continue evaluating their roster, especially their young players, to figure out who fits long-term. With Walker Kessler anchoring the defense and other developing players showing promise, Utah’s focus will be on balancing development with competitiveness. A few shrewd moves could quickly elevate the Jazz back into playoff contention.

Washington Wizards: Develop Alex Sarr

For the Washington Wizards, 2024-25 is all about the development of their No. 2 overall draft pick, Alex Sarr. The Wizards are in a full rebuild mode, and Sarr represents their future. The young center has tremendous upside as a versatile defender and scorer, and the team’s priority will be giving him as many opportunities as possible to grow.

While wins won’t be the main focus this season, Washington’s goal is to build a foundation around Sarr and their other young players. Whether that goal includes Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole remains to be seen, but the Wizards might be better off moving on from both of them to embrace a tanking strategy.