Operating an NBA franchise presents unique challenges and pressures, as the day-to-day activities are often accompanied by significant anxiety. This concern transcends the organization from ownership through the front office, to coaching staff, and resonates with the fanbase. One of the predominant worries for every franchise is player health. The question of whether the team can navigate through the season while avoiding debilitating injuries is ever-present. Beyond this overarching issue, each NBA team faces specific fears as they look ahead to the 2024-25 season.
The Atlanta Hawks are focused on winning, partly because their first-round pick is owed to the San Antonio Spurs as a result of the trade for Dejounte Murray, who has since been dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans. Thus, the Hawks will not be a lottery team this year unless they fail dramatically. The worst-case scenario for Atlanta would involve a series of injuries or underperformance that could lead to missing the postseason entirely while also allowing the Spurs to secure the No. 1 overall pick. While such an outcome is unlikely, irrational fears can often loom large.
As the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics have a singular concern: regression. Having made significant strides by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals six times in the past eight years and claiming the title in June, any step back, including simply reaching the conference finals or suffering defeat in the finals, would be perceived as a letdown. The Brooklyn Nets, meanwhile, may find satisfaction in their solid start, winning more games than anticipated early on. However, given their current standing, questions arise about whether the team will prioritize development over play-in contention if they ultimately do not measure up to the Eastern Conference contenders. These early wins could have ramifications for the team's position in the lottery.
The Charlotte Hornets are not in a tanking mode; rather, they are eager for young stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to establish winning habits. However, injuries to big men Mark Williams and Nick Richards complicate matters, leaving the Hornets without a healthy center. With 15 players under standard contracts, the team is reluctant to waste resources on a position they deem non-essential. Conversely, the Chicago Bulls are in a precarious position, caught between rebuilding and competing. They have not won a playoff series since 2015 and remain stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, rendering them reliant on their first-round pick owed to the Spurs for DeMar DeRozan. Their top-10 protected pick creates a challenging scenario if they miss the playoffs yet again.
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a favorable situation, as their primary fear revolves around maintaining the chemistry that has led them to an undefeated start (9-0). Sustaining their performance will be critical as the season progresses. For the Dallas Mavericks, the addition of Klay Thompson is designed to bolster their regular-season performance, especially given the attention Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving attract from opposing defenses. Yet, questions loom regarding their postseason approach—can the Mavericks effectively deploy all three stars during high-stakes playoff games? The possibility of Thompson’s diminished mobility complicates matters, particularly in close games.
As the Denver Nuggets face the reality of losing several key contributors, including Bruce Brown Jr. and Jeff Green, there is concern regarding the development of their younger players, like Christian Brown, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther. The franchise relies on these young talents stepping up to remain competitive for another championship run alongside superstar Nikola Jokić. The Detroit Pistons, who have struggled recently despite their aspirations for the playoffs, face the daunting task of breaking free from another disappointing season after a 14-win campaign. Having fallen to the No. 5 pick in the lottery for the third consecutive year, the Pistons must demonstrate progress, particularly following Cade Cunningham’s contract extension.
Despite a strong start, the Golden State Warriors are reminded of Stephen Curry's history of ankle issues, which could surface again given his recent injury. The franchise harbors hopes of competing this season, but concerns about Curry's health linger. The Houston Rockets' decision to offer Jalen Green a unique three-year extension with a player option raises eyebrows. While Green possesses undeniable talent, the short duration of the deal could lead to regrets, particularly if he excels and seeks a maximum contract sooner than anticipated.
In Indiana, the Pacers are grappling with the impact of injuries to backup centers James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, both of which are season-ending. The challenge of filling these critical positions looms large, as the team previously lost Jalen Smith to the Chicago Bulls in free agency. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers face the prospect of Kawhi Leonard’s extended absence, casting doubt on their playoff aspirations. The fear of continual losing could result in a lottery pick, complicating their roster dynamics, especially with the lingering memory of trading assets to acquire Paul George.
The Los Angeles Lakers, having welcomed retired shooting guard J.J. Redick as a head coach, aim to improve a roster still in need of size and defensive ability. The recurring fear of being ousted in the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets looms large over the franchise. The Memphis Grizzlies, striving to reclaim playoff contention post-suspension for Ja Morant, harbor concerns that his previous lapses in judgment may resurface as he continues to re-establish himself. Simultaneously, the Miami Heat must deliberate on Jimmy Butler's future, given his sizable player option for 2025-26. An injury could further complicate their long-term flexibility.
The Milwaukee Bucks benefit from having an elite player in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but whispers surrounding his potential trade demand are a source of anxiety. Despite acquiring veteran Damian Lillard, the team’s defensive shortcomings have hampered their ability to secure wins. The Minnesota Timberwolves might question their recent decisions concerning salary structure, particularly in light of their time in the Western Conference Finals. They may have concerns about whether their ambitious changes can replicate prior success.
The New Orleans Pelicans have started their season poorly due to injuries, including the late addition of Dejounte Murray. Once fully fit, the team is expected to compete more effectively. However, uncertainty surrounds Brandon Ingram’s contract and potential trade, leading to speculation about his long-term compatibility with the roster. The Knicks have sought to advance past the second round through acquisitions of high-level veterans. With mixed early results, doubts persist regarding their ability to maintain both health and defensive identity.
The Oklahoma City Thunder present a solid roster, fostering a sense of confidence. Whereas they might fear a lack of immediate success, the team's young core has the potential to thrive without overwhelming pressure. The Orlando Magic are reacting to a slow start, driven by injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. A more pressing worry might be whether their substantial investments in a developing core will yield desired outcomes. The Philadelphia 76ers face significant injury concerns, particularly related to new acquisition Paul George and league MVP Joel Embiid, as both players have a history of postseason injuries.
The Phoenix Suns, having constructed a high-priced roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, hold aspirations for a deep playoff run. Following a disappointing exit in the previous season, the organization cannot afford another early-performance setback. The Portland Trail Blazers appear to be navigating a precarious situation with rookie Scoot Henderson, whose performance has raised eyebrows as he adjusts to the NBA pace. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings continue to excel offensively following the acquisition of DeMar DeRozan, but defensive shortcomings might impede their potential playoff success.
The San Antonio Spurs emphasize the health and wellbeing of legendary coach Gregg Popovich, which remains their foremost priority. With a hopeful outlook, the Toronto Raptors recently acquired Bruce Brown Jr. but must contend with the challenges of turning his contract into a beneficial trade asset. The Utah Jazz find themselves in a challenging position at the bottom of the standings, attempting to navigate their way through the lottery while grappling with a poor record. Lastly, the Washington Wizards are in the midst of a lengthy rebuild, coping with the complexities of blending veteran presence and young talent.
