It is time to name the biggest question for every NBA team in the 2023-24 season whether they can find the winning formula.
The 2023-24 NBA season is upon us, and with it comes a fresh wave of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. As basketball fans gear up for another thrilling year of hoops action, each of the 30 NBA teams finds itself facing a unique set of challenges and uncertainties. Whether it’s a perennial championship contender looking to maintain their dominance, a rebuilding franchise searching for signs of progress, or a team in transition seeking a new identity, there are pressing questions that will shape the upcoming season for every squad in the league.
Thanks to blockbuster trades and superstar acquisitions to rookie phenoms and coaching changes, the NBA landscape is as dynamic as ever, making this season a must-watch for basketball aficionados. It is time to go through every NBA team before the season starts to analyze the biggest question surrounding their upcoming campaign.
Atlanta Hawks – Can They Acquire Another All-Star?
Trae Young’s ascent as the Atlanta Hawks’ premier player has been a steady and impressive journey in recent seasons. At just 24 years old, Young boasts a sđđžđđ set that encompasses remarkable scoring prowess, exceptional court vision, and remarkable passing abilities. With five years of experience under his belt, he maintains impressive career averages of 25.5 points and 9.3 assists per game.
However, the Hawks need more to surround Young with. John Collins is gone, Dejounte Murray was solid but unspectacular last season, and the team needs one more All-Star to actually be a factor in the East again. Expect pieces such as DeâAndre Hunter to become available in trade talks for the team to get there.
Boston Celtics – Will They Turn Up In Big Games In The Playoffs?
The Celtics made major offseason moves to bring in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to the roster and most of the core that made the Finals in 2022 is back. The question remains: can the superstars turn up when it matters most? Jayson Tatum is a top-five player in the world in terms of offensive talent, but there are doubts about his ability to come through in critical games. The excuse of being too young might not be applicable anymore.
The same goes for Jaylen Brown who was spectacular in the regular season but had flame-out moments in the playoffs. Luckily, Brad Stevens and the Celtics brass have brought in reinforcements and there is enough talent and leadership on the roster to get the job done. If Tatum and Brown can be clutch in critical games, Boston will be one of the favorites to win it all in 2024.
Brooklyn Nets – Can Mikal Bridges Become An All-Star?
Mikal Bridges has important postseason experience on his resume. He was a young and promising small forward known for his defensive prowess, three-point shooting, and versatility on the court. He was an integral part of the Suns’ roster, contributing to their playoff run in the 2020-21 season, where they reached the NBA Finals.
Since arriving in Brooklyn, Bridges has elevated his game by averaging 26.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over the 27 games played. This type of production is exciting for the Nets franchise but the next step for them is to get Bridges to an All-Star level and then focus on surrounding him with pieces that will grow as well.
Charlotte Hornets – Who Will Be LaMelo Ballâs Running Partner?
LaMelo Ballâs presence for the Charlotte Hornets is invaluable for the 2024 campaign. Ball was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and made an impact in the league with his exceptional passing sđđžđđs, court vision, and basketball IQ. Over his career so far, spanning three seasons, Ball is posting 19.4 points and 7.3 assists per game.
However, Ball does not have much help. Miles Bridges is dealing with his own issues and there isnât another player with All-Star potential on the roster. Perhaps fielding their talent and accepting losses is the way to go but the goal for the Hornets is to add scorers and impact big men since Ball is a tremendous passer who can make others better.
Chicago Bulls – When Will Chicago Realize A Rebuild Is Necessary?
The Chicago Bulls are running it back for now, but if the team is once again a .500 side at best by the trade deadline, they might blow it up and make some blockbuster trades to ship out DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. So far, however, it does not seem like the Bulls are convinced that they shouldnât waste time with this core.
As a result, the question remains: when will the Bulls realize a rebuild is necessary? As talented as they are individually, DeRozan and LaVine are not going to win together especially when the Celtics and Bucks are so dominant in the East right now. It will be interesting to see how the Bulls react once they start faltering during the season.
Cleveland Cavaliers – What Will They Do With Donovan Mitchell?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a host of talented players including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, but Donovan Mitchell has to be considered the best of the bunch. Mitchell is in his prime right now at 27 years old and combines athleticism with exceptional scoring ability. The shooting guard scored 71 points last season, after all.
What happens with Mitchell and his future in Cleveland remains to be seen, but the franchise cannot risk keeping him if the player does not re-sign. He is on the books until the end of the 2024-25 campaign but conversations must be had with the All-Star because he will bring in a massive haul of assets if the Cavs want to trade him before losing him to free agency.
Dallas Mavericks – Is There A Plan B If The Kyrie Irving Experiment Fails Again?
Luka Doncic has a chance to be the best player in the world in just a few seasons. In just his first five seasons in the league, Luka Doncic had earned four All-Star and four All-NBA selections and was considered one of the top young talents with the potential to lead the Mavericks to championship contention as he already has a Western Conference Finals appearance to his resume.
The key question is: will Kyrie Irving be the missing star that Luka has missed? The Mavericks traded key players such as Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith for Irving and also let go of Jalen Brunson in the 2023 offseason. That means all eyes are on Irving and if the All-Star does not remain focused on basketball or does not click with Luka on the court, do the Mavericks have a Plan B of action?
Denver Nuggets – Will There Be A Championship Hangover?
Championship hangover is real and it is extremely difficult to reach the NBA Finals after a championship victory, let alone win back-to-back titles. Teams that do this have surreal NBA talent, more than anyone else, including dominant stars. The Denver Nuggets have Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but their talent isnât necessarily higher than the top contending teams in the league right now.
That means Denver has to repeat what they did last year which is play together, defend every position well, and keep up their team chemistry. It is very realistic to assume that the Nuggets will end up in the Western Conference Finals again because they were the best team in the NBA last year. Can they get over the hangover effect and gear up for another run? That remains to be seen.
Detroit Pistons – Can The Youngsters Finally Take A Step Up In Play?
The Detroit Pistons have talent, including Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, but when will they come of age? Detroit has been bottom-dwellers for a few seasons now and fans are providing patience while the rebuild continues to happen. What Pistons fans want to see is the team actually become more competitive as the cornerstones of the roster show massive improvements.
It might not happen in the 2024 season and that could mean impatience could begin shrowding the team. The NBA has many talent-stacked teams right now and if Detroit cannot follow the same strategy as other teams built around young players, many jobs could be on the line. However, there is an expectation that Cunningham will start showing his All-Star potential.
Golden State Warriors – Are The Key Players Too Old To Win?
The Golden State Warriors added Chris Paul to the roster, but that does not mean the team got any younger or more athletic. Rather, they look older. Stephen Curry is one of the best players in the world, still, and the core of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green canât be ignored. The problem is that Thompson, Green, and even Paul are past their prime and could struggle with health.
If the Warriors miss a few players with extended time this season, their record could take a hit, and playing more talented teams in the first round of the playoffs makes for a difficult path to the Finals. Paul has historically been hurt in key games and he wonât get healthier at 39 years old. Unless Curry can muster up another MVP season, Golden State might be slightly too old for another championship victory.
Houston Rockets – Is The Culture Re-Set After Years Of Bottom-Dwelling?
The Houston Rockets added two major pieces to the roster: Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Even if Jalen Green is the most talented offensive player on the team, VanVleet will be the main guy on the Rockets and will have the most impact on the team. VanVleet is the most experienced member of the roster with an NBA championship to his name and will be the extension of Ime Udoka on the bench.
Brooks will also bring a defensive identity that has been missing by the Rockets since the 2017-18 season, and the culture of the franchise seems to be on the right track. However, Rockets fans want to see actual changes in the culture because the time for play is over. Green needs to start competing like an All-Star, Jabari Smith Jr. needs to boost his play, and even Alperen Sengun must prove he is the real deal in the minutes given.
Indiana Pacers – Who Is The Next Player On The Team To Become A Star?
Selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Tyrese Haliburton made the All-Rookie Team in his first season and has ascended into one of the best playmakers in the world. In 2023, the point guard posted 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game on 40.0% from the three-point line and made his first All-Star Team.
However, who is the next player on the team to reach the next level? Buddy Hield is likely gone, and Myles Turner is a talented big man who might be moved for more assets. The Pacers have a solid culture with Rick Carlisle on the bench, but the franchise needs to identify a new player to help Halubrton make the team a playoff side.
Los Angeles Clippers – Can Kawhi Leonard And Paul George Stay Healthy?
The Los Angeles Clippers will only go as far as Kawhi Leonard takes them, along with his All-Star sidekick Paul George. The problem remains the same with them: they canât stay healthy long enough. If both Leonard and George are guaranteed to play at least 65 games each, the Clippers will be a major problem all year.
The team is built around them and there is enough talent to get over the hump in the Western Conference because they can score, defend, and go toe-to-toe with the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns in terms of talent. If the Clippers get luck in terms of health, they will be a major contender. Based on recent history, however, that seems unlikely.
Los Angeles Lakers – Can LeBron James And Anthony Davis Handle Another Title Run?
Anthony Davis will need to be the star of the team in order for the Los Angeles Lakers to push for an NBA championship which is worrying for Lakers fans because he comes and goes in terms of production and health. Perhaps more importantly, LeBron James needs to be able to go through another long season.
The King will be 39 years old in the 2024 season and that isnât the age that a basketball player should be as a leader of a franchise. However, James isnât any ordinary player and he looks to be in tremendous shape again. If James and Davis can handle a major load and the likes of Austin Reaves step up, anything can happen with the Purple and Gold in terms of winning a title.
Memphis Grizzlies – Will Ja Morant Be Too Much Of A Problem?
Ja Morantâs season last season was marred with suspensions and poor media coverage. Due to pure immaturity stemming from the pressures of being a young superstar with a max contract, Morant was unable to stay focused on basketball. As long as he can keep his behavior in check, Morant will be one of the best point guards in the NBA going forward.
The question is: can Ja do it? Being in Memphis isnât the best for many young men, let alone one who wants to put out a certain persona. If Morant comes back from his 25-game suspension focused on basketball, Memphis could be a threat for the Western Conference Finals because Marcus Smart was brought to fill in for the meantime.
Miami Heat – Will The Underdog Role Finally Play Its Course?
The Miami Heat have loved the underdog image and used it to sneak up on teams to make two NBA Finals appearances in four years. However, the Heat might have ruined two Finals for most fans because they were severely undermatched in terms of talent despite the presence of All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. In 2024, since Damian Lillard is not on the roster, the underdog role might play its course.
Can the Heat still manage to continue shocking teams and pushing deep into the playoffs? Unless the team can acquire a third All-Star in place of Tyler Herro or if Herro becomes a star in his own right, Miami might finally become a good team without another Finals appearance. It is hard to see them getting past the Bucks or Celtics in the East and that could spell the end of Miamiâs run.
Milwaukee Bucks – Can Chemistry Be Built Quickly?
The Bucks might have won the offseason because of the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the world, Khris Middleton is a two-way player, and there is a culture built on winning at the moment. The question is, can Damian Lillard build chemistry with the rest of the team?
Lillard and Antetokounmpo are a match made in heaven because both stars complement each other on the offensive and defensive end. Lillard makes up for Antetokounmpoâs deficiencies in shooting while the latter can dominate on defense. If the Bucks get their rhythm early, it could mean that there will be another championship heading Milwaukeeâs way.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Is Anthony Edwards Ready To Be A Superstar?
Anthony Edwards emerged as a highly promising young talent for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Timberwolves, he wasted no time in leaving a significant mark on the league. In 2023, Edwards boasted an impressive career-high average of 24.6 points per game and earned a coveted spot on the All-Star Team.
The question is: can Anthony Edwards become a superstar? If he does, the Timberwolves wonât be pushovers anymore and the focus can be placed on him. Karl-Anthony Towns has not done the job in terms of making Minnesota a contender but Edwards might be able to. With solid talent including Rudy Gobert beside him, Edwards will need to push this team to the second round if he wants respect as a top-15 player in the world.
New Orleans Pelicans – Will Zion Williamson Play At Least 65 Games?
While it’s valid to express concerns about Zion Williamson’s injury history and weight management, we have to acknowledge that a player of his exceptional physical gifts and talent is one of the best players in the league. There’s a strong possibility that as he matures and approaches legitimate superstardom, Williamson will address these issues and prioritize his health.
Already a two-time All-Star, Williamson has a clear opportunity to become the face of the NBA if he can maintain his fitness and stay on the court consistently. He holds the keys to the Pelicans season because if he deals with injuries again, it might be time for both sides to move on and focus on new beginnings.
New York Knicks – Are There Trades On The Table To Make New York Actual Contenders?
Julius Randle was the only All-Star for the New York Knicks last season and Jalen Brunson will be the star of the team next season based on his innate leadership qualities. In only his first season in New York, Brunson was spectacular by averaging 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game as he led the team to the second round of the playoffs.
Brunson is quick with his handles, elite at slashing, and is getting better as a primary playmaker. His Team USA experience will do him well because he showed up on an individual level and even if the team did not win a medal, he was one of the few bright spots, especially earlier on. Hopefully, he can continue his progression as a playmaker and scorer.
Oklahoma City Thunder – How Fast Can Chet Holmgren Get His Career Started?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an explosive athlete who was a superstar in the 2022-23 season. A bonafide scorer, playmaker, and rebounder, the point guard does everything well on the court and is only getting started. He posted 31.4 points per game last year, a remarkable achievement for a 25-year-old.
While we are expecting Gilgeous-Alexander to continue being a star, all eyes will be on Chet Holmgren. The lanky big man has impressed in the preseason so far, but letâs see if he can prove why he was taken No. 2 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Holmgren has the potential to be a similar player to Victor Wembanyama and if he is impactful, the Thunder will be a problem in due time.
Orlando Magic – Can Orlando Trade Dead Weight And Surround Paolo Banchero With Talent?
The 2022-23 Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero is only going to get better in terms of offensive ability and efficiency. The forward averaged 20.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Orlando Magic in 2023, and he is by far the best player on the team. The question for the Magic remains whether they can find more players to place around him.
Jonathan Isaac should be healthy, finally, and Wendell Carter Jrâs numbers looked solid last season (15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds per game). Franz Wagner can score the ball (18.6 points per game in 2023) and Jalen Suggs has not managed to impress just yet. This core looks promising but unproven, which means it could be another season of Banchero leading the charge.
Philadelphia 76ers – How Soon Will The James Harden Drama Be Resolved?
The Philadelphia 76ers dealt with the Ben Simmons drama and once that was done, it did not take long before James Harden started causing a fuss. This seems to be the norm for modern stars and the 76ers have been unlucky in that regard. As long as Philly has Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, they will be trying to contend.
That means they have to find the best deal possible for Harden. It seems the Los Angeles Clippers could strike a deal but Terance Mann seems to be the bottleneck to progress trade talks. Philly canât afford to rebuild unless Embiid also demands a trade, but until then, their season will be determined completely by what happens with Harden and that is a shame.
Phoenix Suns – Can The Suns Defend And Is There Enough Depth?
The Phoenix Suns are a superteam on paper. Devin Booker is easily one of the league’s premier scorers and was a key figure in the resurgence of the Phoenix Suns in recent seasons. Kevin Durant is still one of the best players in the world and there might not be a more offensively talented third option in history better than Bradley Beal. The Big Three is not the problem.
The potential problems might come down to the teamâs ability to defend and also the depth chart. Eric Gordon, Josh Okogie, and Grayson Allen can be trusted to play major minutes, but the rest of the roster canât. Jusuf Nurkic is always hurt and the remaining players are unproven. If Phoenix struggles to defend, that could be the story of their season as they fail to make the Finals as a result.
Portland Trail Blazers – Will Portland Trade The Remaining Veterans To Kickstart An Exciting Rebuild?
Scoot Henderson was taken No. 3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft as the long-term replacement for superstar Damian Lillard. Henderson has the setting to be the major contender for the Rookie of the Year award behind Victor Wembanyama, and the rest of the roster looks impressive with Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe having potential.
However, can the Trail Blazers trade Jerami Grant for more assets after January 15th and continue the rebuild? Grant will be a veteran presence for the young team and if he helps the youngsters out, he could be kept. Portland wants to develop Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton together and they will do whatever it takes to boost their play during the season.
Sacramento Kings – What Is The Next Step For The Kings In Terms Of Playoff Contention?
DeâAaron Fox has established himself as one of the promising young point guards in the league and Domantas Sabonis is one of the best centers in the game. Together, they led the Kings to the playoffs and took the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round. It was an impressive season for Sacramento in 2023 but now there will be expectations.
What is the next step for Sacramento? Simply being a top-five seed in the Western Conference and losing in the first round wonât be as impressive as it was last year. Rather, the Kings need to try to find another way to improve the team around Fox and Sabonis. If Keegan Murray can reach that next level, perhaps the Kings can have a Big Three soon.
San Antonio Spurs – Is Victor Wembanyama The Real Deal?
Victor Wembanyama might be the most hyped rookie since a young LeBron James and the pressure on the young man is certainly real. The Frenchman can score, defend, and rebound at an elite level and he is the major contender for Rookie of the Year even if he probably wonât lead the Spurs into the playoffs.
However, the question still remains, is Wembanyama the actual real deal? If he has a Rookie of the Year campaign and showcases his true talent, the Spurs could become a title contender in just a few seasons. Gregg Popovich knows a franchise-changing big man when he sees one, and if the Frenchman is good enough to lead a team, expect the Spurs to make major changes next season.
Toronto Raptors – Will Toronto Take A Gamble By Trading For A Superstar Or Decide To Rebuild?
The Toronto Raptors might trade Pascal Siakam and give the team over to Scottie Barnes but it seems that the All-Star will be held onto for now. Siakam is not only an elite defender but can score the ball consistently inside and outside, meaning he is one of the best in the league at his position. In 2023, Siakam posted 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Still, the Raptors are playing a dangerous game by remaining stuck in the middle of the pack. They arenât quite bad enough to earn the highest of first-round picks but not good enough to actually be a playoff contender. Will the Raptors take a gamble for a star as they did in 2019 or decide to rebuild around Barnes?
Utah Jazz – Can The Core Of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, And Collin Sexton Improve Together?
Lauri Markkanen was one of the most surprising players last season, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his first season with the Utah Jazz. The Finnish star not only scored the ball consistently but was actually a versatile defender and rebounder. His growth is a great sign for the rebuilding Jazz as they have a host of talented young players including Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and Talen Horton-Tucker.
Markkanen will likely be the best player on the team in 2024 and hopefully, he can continue progressing in all areas of the court. The key for the Jazz is to boost the production of Kessler, Sexton, and rookie Keyonte George. If the youngsters show chemistry playing with each other, there could be an exciting future in Utah.
Washington Wizards – Who Will Be The Leader Of The Franchise?
The Washington Wizards traded Bradley Beal, meaning the recently acquired Jordan Poole will be the best player on the team in five yearsâ time alongside Kyle Kuzma. Poole averaged 20.4 points per game last year and is only 24 years old, so the future is very bright for him as the new face of the team.
The issue remains that neither Poole nor Kuzma are close to being considered leaders of a franchise. There are very few veterans on the roster who have been through difficult moments in the NBA which could mean the Wizards might not have a long-term plan going forward. It will be interesting to see how Poole and Kuzma mesh together because if they play well, the franchise can start surrounding them with the right talent.
