2022-23 NBA season preview
The 2022-23 NBA season started this past week, and after several coaching changes as well as roster shake-ups, it is as good a time as any to take a look at what could be in store for the league this year.
The eastern conference seems as though it will look quite similar to last year, with clear favorites finishing atop the standings. The Milwaukee Bucks are coming into the season with the best player in the world still at his peak; Giannis Antetokounmpo is a perennial candidate for Most Valuable Player, and with the help of forward Kris Middleton, the Bucks are in line for another deep playoff run this year. The Celtics are another monster in the East coming off of a finals appearance last season. The Jayson Tatum-centered team will be aided by proven veterans off the bench and could very likely find themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals again this year. The 76ers round out the top contenders in the conference and, with the help of James Harden and Joel Embiid, will look to finally make this their season after years of failed expectations.
Right below the three powerhouses within the conference is the Brooklyn Nets. Star forward Kevin Durant is enough to get this team into at least the play-in-tournament, but if the drama can be set aside with Kyrie Irving, this team can sneak into the Finals in 2023. The Heat are poised for a regression this season after finishing in first place in the east last year. Stellar play by star Jimmy Butler will drive this team even if others on the roster take a step back.
The Cavaliers are an interesting team to watch, as they are ready to play on a genuinely competitive level for the first time since LeBron James left the team in 2018. Trae Young is not enough to push the Hawks in the playoffs alone, so newly-acquired Dejounte Murray will look to expand off of his all-star season from last year to help bolster the team.
The Raptors and Pistons could each find themselves in the play-in-tournament, but do not be surprised if that is about as far as they get. The Knicks and Hornets seem destined for continued mediocrity while the Pacers, Wizards, and Magic will be settled at the bottom of the standings.
The west is as competitive as ever with about six teams that could realistically fight their way to a championship. With a full season of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green for the first time in years, the Warriors will find themselves atop the western conference in 2023. Proven star Devin Booker, along with Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges will lead the Phoenix Suns as the top competitor to the Golden State. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and a finally healthy Jamal Murray will look to lead this team to their first Finals appearance.
The Clippers, as always, are projected to do well in the regular season, but with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing full seasons with new teammate John Wall, this team could finally get to where they have expected to be for the past decade. Projected MVP Luka Doncic is going to tear up the league in the regular season, but there are questions about whether the Mavericks have the depth necessary to succeed in the playoffs. The Pelicans will also have little trouble finding the postseason with Zion Williamson in great shape, but the lack of experience on the team will set them back in the west. The Timberwolves are one of the most exciting teams this year, with Anthony Edwards being projected by many as this year’s Most Improved Player, plus the addition of defensive star Rudy Gobert.
On the flip side of this, the Grizzlies as well as the Lakers will take a step back this season with teams that have clear all-star-level leaders but lack any type of depth off of the bench. The Kings and Trailblazers both have a back-door chance of making the play-in while the Thunder, Jazz, Spurs, and Rockets are all in a rebuilding stage.
Ultimately, this 2022-23 season promises to be a lot of fun for the fans, as new teammates and coaches will come together to try and compete for a Finals win.