The New Orleans Pelicans may be on the verge of a strategic shift this season, with Zion Williamson potentially stepping into the limelight as the starting center. Standing at 6-foot-6, Williamson doesn't fit the traditional mold of a center. He lacks the significant rebounding prowess and rim protection that the position typically demands. However, this season could be different for Williamson, who has historically been listed as a power forward but often functions more like a wing.
The 2023-24 season indeed marked a turning point for Williamson. He showcased remarkable improvement, appearing in a career-high 70 regular-season games. It was clear that Williamson was in the best shape of his career. "In the best shape of his career, Williamson showed that he could handle heavy minutes while carrying a heavy playmaking load and competing defensively like never before," noted James Herbert. This potential to manage significant minutes and responsibilities marks a striking development for both Williamson and the Pelicans.
Despite this progress, Williamson faced a setback when he strained his hamstring while executing a crucial floater over Anthony Davis during a high-stakes play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The shot gave him 40 points. "On one of the biggest stages of his career, he had come through with one of his finest games, leading a fourth-quarter comeback that would fall short after he checked out," Herbert recounts.
Meanwhile, the league saw Paul George make a significant move, transitioning to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency after five years with the Los Angeles Clippers. "And so, five years after returning home to Los Angeles, George packed his bags and signed with Philadelphia in free agency," articulated Jack Maloney. This move could potentially shift the balance of power in both conferences.
Donovan Mitchell also found ways to elevate his game, achieving career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard demonstrated resilience by playing in 68 games last season, signaling a return to his consistent form. Amidst these developments, Jaylen Brown emerged as a crucial figure, hitting pivotal shots in critical moments during a remarkable playoff run. "He stamped his status with a spectacular playoff run, in which he hit the two biggest shots: the game-tying 3-pointer in the waning seconds of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and the game-sealing jumper in Game 3 of the Finals," Maloney states.
Devin Booker stepped up as well, assuming the role of point guard for a Phoenix Suns team that was lacking in that department. “Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league and among the most efficient,” was a praise from Jasmyn Wimbish. His versatility and efficiency continue to be assets for the Suns.
In a standout individual performance, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals and played a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal victory over the summer. Kevin Durant, on the other hand, averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting, appearing in 75 games – his highest since leaving Golden State. Similarly, LeBron James proved that age is just a number. James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in any competition featuring active NBA players during the 2024 Olympics. “Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James,” encapsulates Editor Sam Quinn.
On the team front, the Boston Celtics clinched their league-leading 18th championship. Jayson Tatum was instrumental in this success, making the All-NBA First Team for three consecutive seasons, and passing the late Kobe Bryant for the most playoff points before turning 27. Tatum not only led his team in points, rebounds, and assists during their championship run but also proved to be a cornerstone of the franchise.
The unfolding narratives within the NBA, from individual achievements to pivotal team victories, continuously reshape the league’s landscape. With each new season, the dynamics shift, and new stories emerge, capturing the excitement and unpredictability that define professional basketball.