As the start of the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, one can be sure that several questions lurk around the Pacific Division. With the outlook for training camps near the corner, it is time to turn toward what each team is up against before another interesting season. From roster changes to coaching shifts, these key issues could define the season and affect the sports betting picks of the division.
Warriors: Is Brandin Podziemski Ready?
The upcoming season opens without Klay Thompson for the first time in more than a decade for the Golden State Warriors, and the focus thus remains on the second-year player Brandin Podziemski. Podziemski shined in his first year in the league, making 38.5% of his shots from the three-point line and being the first to draw charges. Draymond Green acknowledged his efforts on the defensive end and earned him a USA Basketball Select Team invite.
He has looked promising, but the million-dollar question is whether Podziemski is prepared to take up Thompson’s mantle. The Warriors passed up opportunities to ship him off in exchange for proven stars such as Paul George or Lauri Markkanen, indicating the team’s belief in his promise. His partnership with Stephen Curry this season will test his mental toughness and ability to produce high-level shooting and defense.
Clippers: Where Do They Go From Here?
The exit of Paul George in free agency without garnering any assets has placed the Los Angeles Clippers in a quandary. This highly unorthodox procedure leads many to question their next course of action. The problems, however, remain with the Los Angeles Clippers, with perennial veterans such as James Harden or often-injured Kawhi Leonard taking charge of the proceedings.
Harden, 35 years old, assured the quota of the most modest points per game since his sophomore year, while Leonard’s track record suggests he has spent a considerable number of games off the floor due to injury. The Clippers cannot mortgage their first-round drafts until surprisingly 2030, hence there are no avenues open for reconstruction through the draft.
Lakers: Will They Trade Their Picks?
As the new season kicks off, the Los Angeles Lakers still have LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm but there are lingering doubts on whether they are ready to make additional moves to improve their championship odds. The Lakers have first round picks in 2029 and 2031 which gives them the ability to exchange those picks for a star player. However, they’ve been reluctant to give up those picks even as LeBron’s championship window with them is closing rapidly.
LeBron is still excellent, but his career is close to the end and Davis is in his best years, so the Lakers must understand whether they are willing to fight for the Championship at this moment. Without a major trade, they risk fumbling the rest of best Davis’ years.
Suns: Will Budenholzer Be the Needed Change?
Despite the setbacks, the Phoenix Suns have not shied away from the limelight and have made several bold moves to bolster the team, such as the trades made to acquire Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Nevertheless, they have failed to advance deep into the postseason apart from their last NBA Finals canvass in 2021. Bringing in Mike Budenholzer as the head coach is a big sign that things ought to change for the Suns.
Since winning an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks, Budenholzer has developed a reputation for getting the best out of his teams. Looking at it on paper, the Sun’s squad is littered with superstars, the only issue remains is how Budenholzer can get them to play as one and play better defense.
Kings: Does DeMar DeRozan Make Them Better?
The Sacramento Kings are trying to recover from a disappointing season when they did not make the playoffs. The addition of veteran DeMar DeRozan gives the Kings something offensive, however, questions arise about how he fits within the framework of the team and the roles of the players within it. DeRozan is a mid-range shooter who requires the ball as well and that could be a problem within Sacramento’s mass three-point attack.
Critical Storylines That Will Define the Pacific Division’s 2024-25 Season
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Pacific Division is full of intrigue. Each team faces critical questions from the Warriors banking on Podziemski’s development to the Lakers’ decision on whether to trade their picks. For those watching closely, these storylines will significantly impact the season and shape Canadian best sports betting sites prediction.
