The NBA season has tipped off with fresh faces on new teams, veterans looking to cement their legacies, and a league hunger for Championship glory. From coast to coast, the race to the Playoffs is officially on.
The season has started with the Cleveland Cavaliers leading the Eastern Conference and the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the West. The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the most disappointing teams, starting two and eight this season. Their main problem is their defense.
“I believe the Bucks’s main problem is their defense because they have one of the worst defenses in the league,” sophomore Wesley Van Lith said. “I also believe that our coaching staff isn’t the best as Doc Rivers hasn’t proved himself to be a top coach yet.”
Despite disappointing teams, fans have started to realize the rising talent in the NBA, as it’s beginning to show a new generation of star players. Some star players who have been performing well are PG Tyrese Maxey, PG Luka Doncic, SG Anthony Edwards, SF Jayson Tatum, and PG Lamelo Ball.
“My favorite player is Giannis Antetokounmpo because he’s the best player on the Bucks. I also like Paolo Banchero who has been playing well,” sophomore Max Derus said
There have been teams that have been dominating already this season and have to potentially reach spots high in the playoff rankings. Some teams that have been dominating have been the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Chicago Bulls.
“I believe that the Golden State Warriors could make it very far in the playoffs due to Steph Curry playing phenomenally, and this team knows how to win in the playoffs, as they won 4 rings in 10 years,” junior Tyler Roche said.
Some players have been putting out MVP statistics for example PF Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the league in points with 31.6 PPG. C Nikola Jokic leads the league in both assists and rebounds with 13.7 RPG and 11.7 APG. One uprising star that could potentially be an MVP candidate is C Victor Wembenyama. Wembanyama has had a slow start, but has the potential to lead the league in points and rebounds. Wembanyama has averaged 18.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 4.0 BPG.
“I believe either Nikola Jokic or Luka Doncic could win MVP because of their insane stats this season,” sophomore Ryan Hajewski said.
The opening of NBA games tips off a journey of intense competition, storylines, and unforgettable moments, reminding fans why the NBA is popular every year.
