Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance after beating the defending NBA champions, Denver Nuggets, in the 2nd round. Although coming up short against the Mavericks, the Wolves showed flashes of becoming the future of the NBA, led by Anthony Edwards. Edwards had a breakout season last year, posting averages of 26 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 5.5 APG. Edwards also led the charge defensively by averaging over one steal per contest. Edwards, who we all thought was going to come in with the same lineup last year, was certainly caught off guard as the Wolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Although losing KAT, Randle and DiVincenzo provide an advantage for the Wolves in many aspects. Randle, a multi-time all star, will bring a high motor of scoring and rebounding while DiVincenzo brings a three and D presence for the whole, along with athleticism. Another key player the Wolves will feature includes Rudy Gobert. Gobert, a four time Defensive Player of the Year and multi-time all-star has had some criticism thrown his way in regards to his offensive and defensive game. Being the only center in the starting lineup, questions about Gobert’s impact on the floor will come to light this year. Other key contributors will include veteran point guard Mike Conley, the 6’10 and very athletic wing Jaden McDaniels, and Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid. All three players are x-factors for this year’s Wolves team as Reid will have an elevated role with the absence of KAT. With arguably the deepest team in the NBA this season, the Wolves certainly have a shot of making noise in both the Western Conference and the entire league.
Indiana Pacers
We must not forget about the Knicks arch-rivals… The Indiana Pacers. The Pacers are led by Tyrese Haliburton as his ability to both score the basketball and pass is one of a kind. Haliburton last year averaged 20 PPG and a league-leading 11 APG. His ability to make his teammates more involved in this offense is what makes him stand out amongst his play style. The Pacers also feature multi-time All-Star Pascal Siakam. Siakam has certainly developed throughout his NBA career, now being the second option of a championship contender. He can do just about anything you ask him. Shooting, defending, transition and rim protection are some of the traits Siakam can do on a basketball court. Other starters include Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, with Turner having strengths in shooting the three and being a valuable rim protector, and Nembhard and Nesmith will provide defense and three-point shooting as well. Role players like TJ McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin will provide spark for the Pacers as McConnell showed off his leadership and veteran presence in the playoffs for Indiana by knocking down big shots and consistently stealing the basketball. The Pacers will be another championship contender on the rise in the Eastern Conference.
Oklahoma City Thunder
While it has taken awhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have now arrived. Years of rebuilding has finally paid off for Sam Presti, as just last season the Thunder were the number one seed in the Western Conference. Although they did fall to the Mavericks in the second round, the Thunder have shown signs of greatness ahead. Shai Gilgeous Alexander will be the vocal point once again for the Thunder. Averaging over 30 points a game last year, SGA can score the basketball with ease and can create his own shot and for others by averaging six assists a game last year. The two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Team will certainly be on everyone’s scouting report this season. Also, in that mix, Chet Holmgren has added size and versatility to the Thunder’s lineup. Sitting out the 2022-2023 NBA season, Holmgren made an immediate impact by becoming First Team All-Rookie. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort have also made impressions on the Thunder’s roster, with Williams becoming a solid third option and Dort being known for his ability to play defense. Acquisitions in the off-season included the likes of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein who bring a leadership type role as veterans in the league. Rounding out the Thunder rotation includes Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams: all young players who contribute nightly. The sky is the limit right now for the Thunder with a very young roster and bright future ahead.