Going into the 2024-2025 season, a-lot of anticipated rivalries, beef, and intense competition between teams to recclaim their status and build upon past expectactions will unravel. Here, we will be analyzing the strongest Eastern Conference franchises’ rosters post offseason considerations going into the new season.
The Boston Celtics
Core Players: Jayson Tatum (Forward), Jaylen Brown (Forward), Kristaps Porziņģis (Center), Derrick White (Guard), Jrue Holiday (Guard).
The Strengths: In the past season, the recent acquisition of defensive guard Jrue Holiday and two-way big man Kristaps Porziņģis gives Boston elite two-way talent alongside the stardom of Tatum and Brown. Needing no introduction, Tatum’s newly developed ability to penetrate to the rim and be more agressive on the board is a result of his offseason bulking and muscle gain. Similarly, Brown possesses an all-round ability to score, defend, and put emphatic dunks on display to entertain the crowd. Holiday brings leadership and defensive prowess, while Porziņģis’ outside-the-perimeter scoring and shot-blocking boost them on both ends.
Moreover, coming fresh off an NBA Championship, it is clear that much smaller-role players including Sam Houser, Payton Pritchard, and the long-lasting veteran Al Horford were all efficient 3-point shooters, being integral to that championship run. This franchise clearly has depth and synergy, but will they be able to repeat amongst other powerhouses in the Eastern Conference such as the New York Knicks with their off-season additions or the Philadelphia 76ers with Paul George?
The Weaknesses: When looking at this team, health is a very serious question when looking at Porziņģis. In acquiring the star forward, they traded away some depth and a large portion of their defensive prescence in Marcus Smart over the 2023 offseason, making them overly reliant on their core five remaining healthy and to deliver largely on the defensive end.
The Milwaukee Bucks
Core Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Forward), Damian Lillard (Guard), Khris Middleton (Guard), Brook Lopez (Center), Bobby Portis (Forward)
The Strengths: As many of us already know, the Bucks made one of the most impactful moves in the previous offseason in hope for trading for Damian Lillard, giving Giannis a superstar-caliber partner in crime to at least be able to contend for the last season’s championship. Regardless of their poor offseason success by losing to the Pacers in 6 games during the playoffs, Lillard’s perimeter shooting and clutch scoring are expected continue to elevate Milwaukee’s offensive firepower to new heights. Middleton’s all-around game, Lopez’s shot-blocking and stretch-five ability, and Portis’ hustle on the boards make for a balanced and deep lineup.
Malik Beasley also provides valuable bench scoring, making this Bucks team extremely versatile. Now is this enough, without any offseason trades and free agent signings, to contend? This remains uncertain due to the very limited changes they made to strengthen their roster during the offseason.
The Weaknesses: This past season, the loss of Jrue Holiday deminished a large portion of the Bucks’ defense, especially on the perimeter. This would make them more vulnerable to 3 point shot attempts taken by opposing teams. With Middleton’s and Lillard’s recent injury history, staying healthy will be critical to staying at the top of the Eastern Conference. It is highly likely the loss of Holiday’s defensive prescence and lack of significant offseason moves will continue to haunt the Bucks this upcoming season.
The New York Knicks
Core Players: Jalen Brunson (Guard), Mikal Bridges (Guard), Karl-Anthony Towns (Center), Josh Hart (Forward), OG Anunoby (Forward)
The Strengths: The Knicks made significant strides in the offseason, acquiring two high-impact players: Mikal Bridges from the Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves. Bridges brings a blend of defensive intensity and scoring efficiency, making him one of the most versatile wings in the league. Known for his three-and-D prowess, Bridges is a perfect fit alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, as he can guard multiple positions and spread the floor with his improved perimeter shooting. Towns, on the other hand, adds an elite shooting touch for a 7 foot big man, making the Knicks’ frontcourt more dynamic. His ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting will create more spacing for Brunson and Anunoby to penetrate inside. Towns’ offensive versatility also gives the Knicks options to play through him in the post or the pick-and-pop, keeping defenses guessing the ever-changing offensive possibilities.
Additionally, Jalen Brunson’s emergence as an All-NBA guard this past season was a game-changer for New York, providing them with clutch scoring and playmaking in tight games from the interior. With young talent and stronger veterens like Josh Hart and Miles McBride to contribute off the bench, the Knicks have depth to keep up their pace, pressure, and strong hustly throughout this upcoming season.
The Weaknesses: While the Knicks’ recent acquisitions are contending-worthy, the chemistry and fit will be something to watch closely. With the absence of sharpshooter Donte Divincenzo and All-Star forward Julius Randle, it is highly likely that interior defense will be a major problem for this franchise. There’s also a question of defensive consistency: Towns has shown vulnerabilities as a rim protector, Bridges remains inconsistent on defense, which may strain the team’s interior defense against dominant big mans such as Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic.
The Philadelphia 76ers
Core Players: Joel Embiid (Center), Paul George (Forward), Tyrese Maxey (Guard), Kelly Oubre Jr (Forward).
The Strengths: The Sixers made a major splash by acquiring Paul George on a max contract, giving former 2023 MVP Joel Embiid the elite two-way partner he’s been missing. George brings defensive prowess, elite shooting, and the ability to create his own shot, which perfectly complements Embiid’s dominant inside game. George’s addition allows Embiid to avoid double teams as often, as George’s outside shooting demands respect, opening up more spacing for Philadelphia’s offense. This pairing evidently gives the Sixers a formidable one-two punch that should keep opposing team defenses continously guessing.
Alongside Embiid and George, Tyrese Maxey’s continued development through the 2023-24 season as a scoring guard adds another layer to Philadelphia’s offense. Known for his speed and scoring versatility, Maxey is expected to thrive with George on the wing, as he can take on primary playmaking duties and exploit spacing created by Philadelphia’s new star power. Eric Gordon remains a reliable option as a stretch guard coming off the bench, capable of knocking down open shots outside the perimeter and creating mismatches with his strength and speed beyond the arc.
The Weaknesses: While the acquisition of George brings star power, it also raises questions about durability. George has faced injuries in recent seasons, and his availability is critical to the team’s aspirations to make a deep playoff run. Similarly, Embiid has battled multiple injuries, and his physical playstyle puts him at risk for wear and tear over the regular season. The Sixers will need to be strategic about relieving all-star guard Maxey of load to keep himself, Embiid, and George healthy and effective for playoff contention. Additionally, Philadelphia gave up future flexibility and a lot of salary cap space for George’s max contract, making it crucial that the current core contends for a championship without more adjustment to reserve players.