It’s Game Time
2024-2025 NBA Season Preview
Every year around the end of October, the NBA season rolls around. During the offseason there are many trades and free agency signings that change the outlook of teams drastically. This NBA off-season was no different, with 93 different players landing on new teams. This is almost 20% of the entire leagues players finding different teams.
Teams such as the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have benefited from this shift. The New York Knicks traded for all-star Karl Anthony-Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Philadelphia 76ers signed all-star Paul George from free agency. The trade between the Knicks and the Timberwolves has sparked controversy between the players and coaches. In this trade the Knicks traded away two beloved players: Donte Divencenzo and Julius Randle. During the preseason game between the Knicks and Timberwolves on Oct. 13, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson and Divencenzo got into an altercation after the game. However, both teams are thought to have benefited from the deal.
“It was a big move,” senior Adam Bailey said. “It can help the Knicks on both offense and defense due to Karl Anthony-Towns size.”
The Knicks and Timberwolves are not the only teams that have triggered the media. In June, the NBA draft took place, and in the second round the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick. This pick cemented that James and his father LeBron James would be on the same team. This monumental draft pick is the first time in NBA history where a father-son duo are playing together, let alone in the league at the same time.
“It is really exciting,” junior Hunter Sheheane said. “To see Bronny and LeBron playing together, it is cool to see a father son duo because we have never seen it before.”
Some teams are also looking to make a deep playoff run this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of these teams. After getting knocked out in the second round of the playoffs in 2024, the Thunder are looking to make that push to the NBA finals. This offseason the Thunder were able to retain their full starting lineup along with adding key role players such as Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, along with drafting key pieces for the future Nikola Topic and Dillon Jones.
“I think the Thunder will do great,” junior Dion Rogers said. “They went and picked up a great defensive player and superstar role player.”
The Thunder are just one of the many teams hoping to make a deep playoff run this season. This season looks to be one of the best and many fans are excited to see how their team will fare.
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