With just 25 days left until the NBA season tips off, fans are eagerly awaiting their favorite teams and players to hit the court. The offseason may be winding down, but it certainly wasn’t lacking in drama.

One of the summer’s biggest moments in sports was the United States’ “Avengers” team at the Paris Olympics, featuring some of the league’s biggest stars. LeBron James, Stephen Curry and company joined forces to secure the U.S. its fifth straight gold medal. Fans got to witness them compete at full strength against increasingly talented international players. 

Notably absent from the Olympic stage were Boston Celtics stars Jaylen Brown, who was not selected, and Jayson Tatum, who saw limited playing time. Tatum will return to the NBA this year, eager to lead the reigning champions. After averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists on solid efficiency, Tatum is primed for a career year, still feeling like he has something to prove despite his championship win. The Celtics will face challenges as top contenders in the Eastern Conference with a target on their back but, with a returning squad and a chip on their shoulder, they will be scary.

The Philadelphia 76ers pose a major threat, having added Paul George to complement rising star Tyrese Maxey and MVP Joel Embiid. The Sixers could be serious contenders to dethrone the Celtics. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have been busy this offseason, most notably and recently breaking up the “Nova Knicks” squad of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. Milwaukee also remains a contender, looking to run back the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the way. Their offensive talent, combined with added depth, will make them difficult to stop. Miami, a perennial playoff team, can never be counted out if they stay healthy. And the fast-paced Pacers are a threat if defensive improvements can be made. 

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks will look to bounce back after a disappointing season. The addition of Klay Thompson brings much-needed shooting and defense, giving Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving a real shot of redemption in the Finals.

Despite the Mavericks’ ambitions, the Denver Nuggets could still be the favorites in the West. Nikola Jokić, one of the most dominant big men in recent history, is leading the team through an incredible stretch. Although Denver lost key pieces like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson, they added former MVP Russell Westbrook, who will try to make an impact in the Mile High City.

Other Western teams to watch include the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. Both young defensive powerhouses who made deep runs in the playoffs last year led by stars Anthony Edwards and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander respectively will hope to take the next step and lead their teams through the competitive west. 

The Phoenix Suns are also in a championship-or-bust situation. Kevin Durant may still be putting up efficient numbers, but at 35, time is not on his side. The Suns’ success will depend on the health and compatibility of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. In Los Angeles, the Clippers have an even shorter championship window. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden remain from the team’s once-promising “superteam,” but both players are past their prime, and health issues are a constant concern.

Meanwhile, James and the Lakers are hoping to make one final push. After back-to-back playoff exits at the hands of the Nuggets, the Lakers, now coached by podcast personality J.J. Redick, are looking to squeeze every last bit of greatness out of LeBron. Adding to the excitement is the arrival of James’ son, Bronny James, who averaged 8.8 points in the NBA Summer League. Putting the debate of sports nepotism aside, watching the first father-son duo play together will be a special moment for fans.

Other notable offseason moves include DeMar DeRozan heading to the Sacramento Kings and Chris Paul joining the San Antonio Spurs. While these moves make for exciting rosters, true championship contention may still be just out of reach for both teams. Many teams who were not even mentioned could make deep runs this year — a barometer of just how good the league has gotten.

The 2024-2025 season will be as competitive as ever, as both domestic and international talent continue to develop to higher levels. The league may have never been in a better place with a mixture of aging stars from the 2010s and rising young talent.