With the NBA Free Agency period mostly wrapped up, let’s reevaluate the league’s landscape. Recent moves have reshaped teams significantly. The Suns traded for a former scoring champ, the champions kept their roster, the Lakers were busy, the Rockets spent generously, and the Wizards embraced a complete overhaul.
The Thunder, Pacers, and Rockets are the prominent risers, while the Hawks, Wizards, Trail Blazers, and Raptors have declined.
Damian Lillard formally requested a trade from Portland. In contrast, James Harden has yet to seek a move from Philadelphia. While both players are expected to move, this assessment will consider Harden a 76er and assume Lillard’s departure from the Trail Blazers.
Phoenix Suns
A regular season marred by injuries culminated in a West fourth-place finish and a second-round exit to eventual champions, the Nuggets. Phoenix secured Kevin Durant during the transfer deadline, whose synergy with Devin Booker became instantly evident. The addition of another top-tier scorer and efforts to strengthen a previously fragile bench have strategically positioned the Suns for strong title contention and will be among Betway NBA betting favorites in the upcoming 2024-24 season.
Denver Nuggets
The reigning champions faced a departure of a pivotal rotational player in the offseason. However, sophomore talent Christian Braun appears more than capable of stepping into the role previously held by Bruce Brown. The return of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. for another season firmly positions the Nuggets as strong contenders to vie for consecutive titles.
Boston Celtics
The roster has undergone notable changes as we approach the 2024-24 season. The departure of former DPOY Marcus Smart marks a shift, while the addition of Kristaps Porzingis elevates him to the starting five as an exceptional stretch-4 player. Derrick White, renowned for his defensive prowess, is poised to step into Smart’s role. Given that both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are now in their prime, you can bet with Betway for Boston to be a strong frontrunner in the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks
Despite securing the best regular-season record in the NBA last year, the Bucks suffered a heartbreaking first-round loss to the Heat. A No. 1 seed falling to a No. 8 seed in just five games was an unexpected outcome. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performances in Games 4 and 5 of the series had a significant impact. As the upcoming season approaches, the Bucks are optimistic about a fully recovered Khris Middleton and the addition of Malik Beasley for perimeter scoring. With the return of Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez and Giannis’ potential resurgence, the Bucks are poised as strong title contenders.
LA Lakers
Rob Pelinka orchestrated remarkable signings during last season’s trade deadline, securing players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, among others. The Lakers clinched a playoff spot with a 16-7 record after the All-Star break. As the new season approaches, the team’s roster appears robust. Notably, Russell, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt are set to return in 2024-24, Austin Reaves has signed a new deal following his breakout performance, and the addition of Vincent, Prince, and Reddish bolsters their reserve strength. Assuming Anthony Davis maintains the level he displayed last season – one of the finest of his career – the Lakers are poised for a strong title push. Check out the different NBA betting markets and place your wager on who will emerge tops in the 2024/24 season.