NBA teams don’t need to be genuine contenders to be in the running for ‘most intriguing’. So hoops broadcaster Jo Healy runs through the teams she’ll be racing to watch, as season 2023-24 starts unfolding.
Contender or otherwise, every NBA team can be in the running for ‘most intriguing’. So which sides should be on speed dial over at the official streaming platform League Pass?
The NBA’s five most League Pass-worthy teams entering season 2023-24
Let’s face it, there are a stack of teams that we’re going to be keeping an eye on this season.
With so many big names on the move and new talent entering the league, the 2023-24 NBA season will be enormous.
Because of that, putting together a list of five of the most intriguing teams to watch was no easy task*, but we got there. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
*See the bottom of the list for our notable mentions!
5. Memphis Grizzlies
We have to wait until the latter part of December for this interest to really spark, but Ja Morant’s return to the Grizzlies will command full attention. The 24-year-old averaged 26 points a game last season before he was suspended for 18 months for multiple off-court gun-related misdemeanours.
Since then, the Grizzlies recruited Marcus Smart from the Celtics to play alongside Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaran Jackson Jr. The major blow for the Grizzlies in the immediate future is the loss of Kiwi big man Steven Adams, who is set for season ending knee surgery.
LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George fit and healthy together on the court has us salivating, because the Clippers have had a poor run of injuries in recent years. In fact, the team’s starting five of Leonard, George, Russel Westbrook, Terrance Mann and Ivan Zubuc played zero – yes, zero – minutes together last season. Not to mention their veteran depth, with the likes of Nic Batum, Robert Covington and Macus Morris coming off the bench.
We’re hoping 2023-24 is the season that their championship calibre team finally reaches its potential. Tap wood.
3. Boston Celtics
Jrue Holiday was collateral damage when Dame Lillard was traded to the Bucks; the 20-21 NBA champion and three-time All-Defensive first teamer was sent to the Blazers before eventually landing in Boston.
Despite not wanting to leave Milwaukee, it turned out well for the 33-year-old, who has landed himself in a new-look and improved Celtics roster. Meantime, Kristaps Porzingis signed with Boston from the Wizards and has been fit and firing in pre-season. Granted, he has injury history — he played 65 games last season, prior to that he hadn’t reached the 60 game mark since 2017. But if the 7”3 Latvian can stay healthy, the Celtics will be genuine contenders come the playoffs.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Dame Lillard. Enough said. The acquisition of the seven time All-Star is a huge coup for the Bucks, who want to build on their 2020-21 NBA Championship with franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Since the announcement of the three-team trade that sent Lillard to Milwaukee from Portland, the Bucks have skyrocketed to become Championship favourites.
We can’t wait to see how the combination of Lillard, Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Malik Beasley and Brook Lopez come together on the court.
Receiving Damian Lillard and a Giannis extension in the one trade is bloody good business. https://t.co/cIXfiOBD06
— Phil Prior (@Phil_Prior) October 23, 2023
1. San Antonio Spurs
The Wemby effect. Victor Wembanyama is a global phenom and he’s yet to play a game in the NBA.
Spurs coach, Gregg Popovic, was on the verge of retirement before they landed the number one Draft pick, but he’s since signed a new five year, $80million contract. And everyone wants a piece of Wemby… including us!
The Spurs are rebuilding — in fact, they’re second-favourite for the wooden spoon, according to odds-makers, with only the Blazers below them. But with Wemby on board, there is going to be huge interest in how the 7”4 Frenchman will go in his rookie year.
Notable mentions
Golden State Warriors
It’s going to be interesting to see how Chris Paul fits in with Steph Curry and the Warriors core group. Jordan Poole has departed for the Wizards, meaning Draymond Green won’t be a poked bear, and with CP3 desperate for a ring, team unity could be their key to success.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The return of Chet Holmgren is another exciting piece for the Thunder. The 21-year-old joins Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a team that are building an exciting core group. With 37 draft picks over the next seven seasons, OKC are going to be ones to watch.
Phoenix Suns
With the addition of Bradley Beal in the off-season, the Suns possess one of, if not the, hottest offensive trio in the league. The big three of Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker (check out his first signature shoe) will spark fear into their opposition this season.
