NBA training camps kick off shortly for the 2024-25 season. Each team (technically) has an equal chance at a playoff berth with a clean 0-0 record, but not all have the same goals. Some will prioritize development with an eye on a deep 2025 NBA draft headlined by Duke prospect Cooper Flagg.
While others will go all-out for a title, most are in the middle. They'll play it by ear and see if they should enter the trade deadline as buyers or sellers. The following is a list of hot takes for the 30 NBA franchises for 2024-25: The Atlanta Hawks face a big decision before the season with forward Jalen Johnson, who is extension-eligible.
The team can wait until he's a restricted agent next season, but he is primed for a big season ahead. Johnson jumped from 5.6 points a game in 2022-23 to 16.
0 last season. That trend will continue as he leaps into the 20-point scorer category and the Hawks' best frontcourt player paired with guard Trae Young. For his efforts, Johnson will earn the NBA's Most Improved Player award and a significant pay hike (perhaps why the Hawks should get a deal done before he blows up even further).
While it may not seem like a hot take—the reigning best team in basketball will stay the best team in basketball—but the NBA hasn't seen a champion repeat since the Golden State Warriors (2017-18). Based on recent history, the odds should be against them. But the Celtics have the same young and healthy (enough, Kristaps Porziņģis is a bonus when they have him, n.
