After a seemingly abbreviated summer that saw the NBA Draft in June and a U.S. roster filled with the league’s top talent winning Olympic gold in Paris, the 2024-2025 NBA season tips off in late October, promising to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. With rookies eager to make their mark, seasoned veterans switching teams, and plenty of storylines to follow, here’s what to look forward to as the season unfolds.
The NBA’s Youth Movement
Last season’s rookie class was headlined by one of the most anticipated big man prospects in years—Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama enters his second season fueled by a record-setting rookie year, which saw him lead the league in blocks and rack up accolades including Rookie of the Year, but also his starring role in helping his native France secure a silver medal in men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics in July. For his efforts in the latter, he earned the tournament’s Rising Star Award. Expect a breakout sophomore season from the 20-year-old as he teams with 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, who signed a one-year deal with the Spurs. Paul’s veteran presence and elite playmaking should benefit Wembanyama immensely, helping elevate the second-year player’s lofty skill set.
As for the incoming class of NBA rookies, several players are lining up as the league’s next wunderkind, challenging for the coveted Rookie of the Year while earning a place among the NBA elite. All eyes will be on the draft's top two picks—Zacharie Risacher (Hawks) and Alex Sarr (Wizards)—two Frenchmen who come to the States seeking to live up to the exceedingly high bar set by fellow countryman Wembanyama.
Beyond France’s talent-rich pipeline, Houston’s rookie Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick from June’s draft, is another player with high expectations due to his sharpshooting skills. His performance in the NBA Summer League proved a showcase for the Rookie of the Year candidate, and he’s poised to contribute immediately.
Other rookies to watch include Matas Buzelis (Bulls), Kel’el Ware (Heat), and Bub Carrington (Wizards). Each one was impressive during Summer League play in Las Vegas and carries expectations to contribute early to their respective teams as the regular season gets underway. Finally, Zach Edey, a two-time consensus National Player of the Year in his final two seasons at Purdue, offers an intriguing blend of size and skills for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Wembanyama enters his second season fueled by a record-setting rookie year, which saw him lead the league in blocks and rack up accolades including Rookie of the Year, but also his starring role in helping his native France secure a silver medal in men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics in July. For his efforts in the latter, he earned the tournament’s Rising Star Award. Expect a breakout sophomore season from the 20-year-old as he teams with 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, who signed a one-year deal with the Spurs. Paul’s veteran presence and elite playmaking should benefit Wembanyama immensely, helping elevate the second-year player’s lofty skill set.
As for the incoming class of NBA rookies, several players are lining up as the league’s next wunderkind, challenging for the coveted Rookie of the Year while earning a place among the NBA elite. All eyes will be on the draft's top two picks—Zacharie Risacher (Hawks) and Alex Sarr (Wizards)—two Frenchmen who come to the States seeking to live up to the exceedingly high bar set by fellow countryman Wembanyama.
Beyond France’s talent-rich pipeline, Houston’s rookie Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick from June’s draft, is another player with high expectations due to his sharpshooting skills. His performance in the NBA Summer League proved a showcase for the Rookie of the Year candidate, and he’s poised to contribute immediately.
Other rookies to watch include Matas Buzelis (Bulls), Kel’el Ware (Heat), and Bub Carrington (Wizards). Each one was impressive during Summer League play in Las Vegas and carries expectations to contribute early to their respective teams as the regular season gets underway. Finally, Zach Edey, a two-time consensus National Player of the Year in his final two seasons at Purdue, offers an intriguing blend of size and skills for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Trades and New Signings
Although the NBA offseason didn’t see a blockbuster deal like last year’s trade that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee to form one of the league’s most fearsome duos alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, there was plenty of movement that will reverberate throughout the 2024-25 season.
After a noteworthy tenure with the Clippers, Paul George is now in Philadelphia, joining Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and creating a formidable core that puts the 76ers in a far better position to make a run at the defending champion Boston Celtics. For their part, the Celtics committed to keeping their title team together with four- and five-year contract extensions for standout guard Derrick White and franchise centerpiece forward Jayson Tatum, respectively.
The defending Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks added 13-year vet Klay Thompson to complement the tandem of Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving, and the resurgent Sacramento Kings brought in DeMar DeRozan, adding another go-to scorer to pair with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder—considered the frontrunner to represent the West in next year’s Finals, bolstered their roster with the addition of Alex Caruso, whose perimeter defense will help support a young core that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
After a noteworthy tenure with the Clippers, Paul George is now in Philadelphia, joining Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and creating a formidable core that puts the 76ers in a far better position to make a run at the defending champion Boston Celtics. For their part, the Celtics committed to keeping their title team together with four- and five-year contract extensions for standout guard Derrick White and franchise centerpiece forward Jayson Tatum, respectively.
The defending Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks added 13-year vet Klay Thompson to complement the tandem of Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving, and the resurgent Sacramento Kings brought in DeMar DeRozan, adding another go-to scorer to pair with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder—considered the frontrunner to represent the West in next year’s Finals, bolstered their roster with the addition of Alex Caruso, whose perimeter defense will help support a young core that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Must-Watch Games
This season’s schedule is a wealth of marquee matchups certain to captivate fans. Several of the most anticipated games include:
Knicks vs. Celtics (October 22): Opening night and potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. What more could you ask for?
Spurs vs. Thunder (October 30): Victor Wembanyama faces off against Chet Holmgren, renewing the debate over the most exciting young big man in the league.
Sixers vs. Clippers (November 6): Paul George’s first game against his former team is sure to bring fireworks as he tries to prove himself as a valuable piece of the 76ers’ new-look lineup.
Emirates NBA Cup: The second iteration of the league’s in-season tournament tips off November 12 and ends with the title game on December 17.
December 25: The NBA owns the Christmas Day sports calendar, and this season’s marquee matchups are among the best ever, including Spurs vs. Knicks, Timberwolves vs. Mavericks, 76ers vs. Celtics, Lakers vs. Warriors, and Nuggets vs. Suns.
Additional games worth watching include Mavericks vs. Timberwolves (October 29), where Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards will go head-to-head, and Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (November 1), a rematch of their Western Conference Semifinal.
And, of course, practically every Lakers game will be must-watch TV this year, first in anticipation of LeBron James sharing the court with his son Bronny—a first in NBA history—and then later as the elder James hits the court as a 40-year-old on December 31. LeBron is currently the league’s oldest active player and the only one born prior to 1985.
Knicks vs. Celtics (October 22): Opening night and potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. What more could you ask for?
Spurs vs. Thunder (October 30): Victor Wembanyama faces off against Chet Holmgren, renewing the debate over the most exciting young big man in the league.
Sixers vs. Clippers (November 6): Paul George’s first game against his former team is sure to bring fireworks as he tries to prove himself as a valuable piece of the 76ers’ new-look lineup.
Emirates NBA Cup: The second iteration of the league’s in-season tournament tips off November 12 and ends with the title game on December 17.
December 25: The NBA owns the Christmas Day sports calendar, and this season’s marquee matchups are among the best ever, including Spurs vs. Knicks, Timberwolves vs. Mavericks, 76ers vs. Celtics, Lakers vs. Warriors, and Nuggets vs. Suns.
Additional games worth watching include Mavericks vs. Timberwolves (October 29), where Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards will go head-to-head, and Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (November 1), a rematch of their Western Conference Semifinal.
And, of course, practically every Lakers game will be must-watch TV this year, first in anticipation of LeBron James sharing the court with his son Bronny—a first in NBA history—and then later as the elder James hits the court as a 40-year-old on December 31. LeBron is currently the league’s oldest active player and the only one born prior to 1985.
Big Stories to Follow
This season's narratives will shape the league’s future. One of the biggest stories is the potential power shift as younger stars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards take center stage. The performance of this next generation could signal the beginning of a new era in the NBA.
Other compelling storylines include how veteran additions like Paul George and Klay Thompson will fare in their new surroundings. Both players are joining teams with championship aspirations, and their ability to mesh with their new teammates will be pivotal to their success.
In Texas, all eyes will be on Chris Paul and his ability to mentor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Can the duo lead the Spurs back to playoff contention? Meanwhile, roughly 1,000 miles to the north, the Bucks’ Lillard-Giannis partnership has the potential to dominate the Eastern Conference—assuming they can put last year's growing pains behind them—making every game between Milwaukee and Boston a must-watch.
Other compelling storylines include how veteran additions like Paul George and Klay Thompson will fare in their new surroundings. Both players are joining teams with championship aspirations, and their ability to mesh with their new teammates will be pivotal to their success.
In Texas, all eyes will be on Chris Paul and his ability to mentor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Can the duo lead the Spurs back to playoff contention? Meanwhile, roughly 1,000 miles to the north, the Bucks’ Lillard-Giannis partnership has the potential to dominate the Eastern Conference—assuming they can put last year's growing pains behind them—making every game between Milwaukee and Boston a must-watch.
Discover Your Home Court Advantage
The 2024-2025 NBA season promises excitement from start to finish, and fans should expect plenty of surprises, drama, and unforgettable moments. Whether you prefer thrilling individual performances or high-stakes team battles, this year’s NBA season is one you won’t want to miss, and where better to watch it all unfold than from the comfort of an ultra-luxe residence you can call your own?
From the vibrant streets of Manhattan to the sunny shores of Miami, and from the heart of D.C. to the glamour of Beverly Hills, connect with Aston Rose Sports + Entertainment to kickstart your exciting real estate adventure. With our team's deep knowledge of the country's top luxury markets, we'll help you find the ideal properties that perfectly align with your high-end lifestyle. Let’s explore the possibilities together!
*Header photo courtesy of NBA
From the vibrant streets of Manhattan to the sunny shores of Miami, and from the heart of D.C. to the glamour of Beverly Hills, connect with Aston Rose Sports + Entertainment to kickstart your exciting real estate adventure. With our team's deep knowledge of the country's top luxury markets, we'll help you find the ideal properties that perfectly align with your high-end lifestyle. Let’s explore the possibilities together!
*Header photo courtesy of NBA
