(So, I'm going to do something different this year, I will describe to you what situation each team is in. I am also trying out this new heading for this piece.)

RAISING EIGHTEEN (BOSTON CELTICS)

After years of falling short, the Celtics ran roughshod through the league and captured the franchise's eighteenth NBA title, most in history. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have become the league's most dominating two-way players. Nothing has changed during the off-season, so expect another long playoff run for them.

A GOTHAM REDO (BROOKLYN NETS)

The Big 3 didn't give the Nets the championships that they wanted, so time to start over. Stacking up draft picks like they were Pogs, Brooklyn decided to tap Jordi Fernandez as the new head coach for a very deep rebuild. This will be a tough few years, Brooklyn fans.

A QUEST TO RESTORE TRADITION (NEW YORK KNICKS)

New York has solidified themselves as a power in the Eastern Conference, but injuries derailed their chance for a ring. They decided to spare their future for a nice two-way plug in Mikal Bridges. The Knicks hope this move can propel them to a championship that has eluded the franchise since......1973. That's a long ass time.

THIS IS IT! (PHILADELPHIA 76ERS)

It has been twelve years since the "Process" started. TWELVE! The window is closing as Joel Embiid's body continues to fail him. The Sixers snagged the top free agent in the offseason with Paul George coming aboard to hopefully guide Philly to the title. Honestly, they've been hopeful for twelve years now.

THE SLOWDOWN UP NORTH (TORONTO RAPTORS)

The Raptors are going to be rebuilding, so they are starting from the bottom (See what I did there). Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett are good pillars to start with. Toronto actually has a nucleus that could be able to sneak into the postseason. On paper though, it's a slowdown for sure.

FAR FROM THE BULLS EYE (CHICAGO BULLS)

Chicago finally embraced the rebuild by shipping off DeMar DeRozan for pieces, receiving Josh Giddey and hopefully, shipping Zach LaVine for picks and young talent. Here's a question, if you are doing this, why is Billy Donavan still there? Some questions are left unanswered.

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE (CLEVELAND CAVALIERS)

The Cavs are taking steps to reach the summit as they extended Donavan Mitchell and replaced JB Bickerstaff (Why?) for Kenny Atkinson as coach. Cleveland has the firepower to overcome the top tier of the East. Could they do it this year?

ETERNAL SADNESS (DETROIT PISTONS)

The Pistons started 2-1, then proceeded to consecutively lose 28 to become the record holder. They let Monty Williams and a truck full of money go for JB Bickerstaff and added Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris and drafted Ron Holland......this doesn't intrigue you? Yeah, I know.

However, if there was a silver lining from a dark cloud, it was Commissioner Dynamo, a YouTuber who filmed his 'pain' as his beloved Detroit Pistons were making history. Check him out on the Tube.

THE BASKETBALL IS GROWING WONDERFULLY (INDIANA PACERS)

So, Indiana had everything come together in 2023-2024. Ty Haliburton rose to be one of the best players in the Association. The Pacers blew leads in the ECF, so if they have a killer instinct, then WATCH OUT! It could happen, Eastern Conference.

THEY GOT CUTE (MILWAUKEE BUCKS)

The Bucks (laughing) seem to not be happy with anything. They fired Adrian Griffin, who had a 30-13 record at the time, for Doc Rivers. Right. Coupled with injuries to Giannis and Dame, Milwaukee limped out of the first round. Hopefully, this season could soothe any of last season's burns.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD (ATLANTA HAWKS)

The Hawks have the talent to go to new heights, but they are always stuck. Trading Dejounte Murray and selecting Zaccharie Risacher with the first pick tells you that they are rebuilding. If so, when are they going to trade Trae Young then?

QUIET TIMES IN THE QUEEN CITY (CHARLOTTE HORNETS)

Well, Charlotte is exciting to watch, but that hasn't translated into winning. New management is trying to build some talent around LaMelo and Brandon Miller. This will take some time. Until then, enjoy the fun, winless basketball.

THE SOUTH BEACH SQUANDER (MIAMI HEAT)

The Heat has been the most overachieving team in recent history, yet no title. With Jimmy getting older, it's up to Bam, Herro and Jaime to take the squad to new heights. It will be a difficult task, but they could be up for it.

FROM TRAGIC TO MAGIC (ORLANDO MAGIC)

There, this is the team that everyone was waiting for. Orlando broke through and made the playoffs and put up a good fight against Cleveland. Look for Banchero, Suggs, Anthony and Wagner to elevate and push the Magic to the next level......hopefully.

CAPITAL RECESSION (WASHINGTON WIZARDS)

The Wiz are now seeing what the beginning of a rebuild is like. Hopefully, Alex Sarr can become an elite center, despite that horrible Summer League game. I would give them.......three years till they figure out who they are.

THE REIGN OF THE SLOVENIAN (DALLAS MAVERICKS)

After falling short of the playoffs in 22-23, the Mavericks rode a wave led by Luka, Kyrie and a trio of big men to the NBA Finals. Now that Klay Thompson is on board, Dallas is hoping for a chance to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

ROCKET RIDE TO THE TOP? (HOUSTON ROCKETS)

If you want a team that could break through, it could be Houston. Adding #3 pick Reed Sheppard to a nucleus of talent who want to go to the playoffs is something that Rockets fans are hopeful for. Could it happen in 24-25?

BEALE STREET BEWILDERMENT (MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES)

Let's give a mulligan to the Grizz for last season. Ja served his suspension and was done for the season within a few games. Memphis is a playoff squad when he is on the floor. Also, if Zach Edey can develop, he and Triple J could scare opposing frontcourts.

ZION OR NOT ZION (NEW ORLEANS PELICANS)

New Orleans will be a playoff team this season. Adding Dejounte Murray should guarantee that, right? Yes, it does depend on a certain player that doesn't stay healthy. Also, there are recent photos of him slimmed down. Hopefully, this could help him stay healthy.

CP3 AND THE FRENCHMAN (SAN ANTONIO SPURS)

Well, Victor Wembayama was as good as advertised. Now, it's up to them to take a step forward. Having Chris Paul lobbing passes to him and his hungry teammates, San Antonio could rise and jump over teams to take a postseason berth. Yes, really.

FOOL'S GOLD (DENVER NUGGETS)

Up by 20 in Game 7 of the semifinals, Denver watched their lead and chance at a repeat vanish. No worries, they will be back and have Russell Westbrook, who is desperate for a ring. Despite some significant losses, the Nuggets could stay on top of the West.

BREAKING FROM THE PACK (MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES)

Okay, the Gobert trade worked last season. Minnesota enjoyed their best season since the Garnett days. Ant continues to ascend as the best players in the game. The Timberwolves hope to have a repeat of 23-24, without the losing in the WCF.

AN UPRISING IN OKC (OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER)

The epic rebuild has paid off.....for now. The Thunder rose to the top of the Western Conference as SGA became an MVP candidate and Chet Holmgren could be a candidate this year. OKC is a favorite to win the title which would cause many tears in the Pacific Northwest.

(Side note: Fingers crossed that there are no commercials this season that SGA and Chet are singing that is played constantly.)

BLAZING SADDLES (PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS)

It's 2024 AD (After Dame) in Portland and the Blazers are still trying to find that trail to greener pastures (Ugh). If Scoot Henderson can make a huge jump from last season, Portland can ruffle some feathers. They are not a playoff club this year.

UTAH BASKETBALL CLUB (UTAH JAZZ)

The Jazz and GM Danny Ainge are continuing to stock up draft picks and young prospects to build a foundation. Will that foundation include Lauri Markkaken? Fans will probably be focused for the new hockey team than the Jazz this season. Not hating, just what it is.

THE LOST DYNASTY (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS)

It has happened, Klay Thompson is in another uniform other than a Warrior one, thus marking the beginning of the end of a dynasty. Steph re-upped for one final run, but GSW has the next generation of players that are hoping for another dynasty.

THE FAILED HEIST, BUT NEW BEGINNING (L.A. CLIPPERS)

Well, that was depressing. The heist wasn't as what the Clippers envisioned. With PG13 gone, LA will try to push through with the Beard and Kawhi.....and they will do it in their BEAUTIFUL new arena, the Intuit Dome. Steve Ballmer, thank you sir.

NEPOTISM AND NINCOMPOOPS (LA LAKERS)

The Lakers did win the In-Season tournament, however, the other title wasn't there. JJ Redick is the head coach to lead a Lakers team which has a lot of questions. One is if Bronny can overcome from the pressure of being in the shadow of Sr.?

THE HOUSE IS STILL NOT ON FIRE (PHOENIX SUNS)

Aaaaaahhhhh, Phoenix decided to go to repeat mode by losing big at home in an elimination game for the third straight season. Now, it's up to coach Mike Budenholzer to lead the Suns out of the slump and to the promised land.

THE NBA'S VERSION OF PEARL (SACRAMENTO KINGS)

This picture best describes a Sacramento King fan. You are happy that they made the Play-In, but sad that they didn't advance. You are ecstatic that they acquired DeMar DeRozan but mortified of the depth that they gave up. Hopefully, it will be more smiles than tears this season.

So, as I end this piece, I want to go off script and add a personal note.

As a basketball fan growing up, Turner Sports and Inside the NBA was a staple through the years. This will be the last season for them and from the bottom of this fan's heart, thank you for the memories, you will be missed.

On a brighter note, also growing up, NBC covered the NBA and captured the greatest moments the league had to offer. After an over two-decade sabbatical, the NBA will return to NBC next season. From the bottom of this fan's heart, welcome back, guys, you were missed.

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