Less than a month until the start of the NBA
Grosbasket Basketball News
20 days to go until the regular season, some games earlier
The 2023/24 season will officially start on 24 October, and until then, as usual, there will be preparatory games. For example, the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves could start their preparations a little earlier, as the teams will compete in Abu Dhabi in an exhibition match-up that is expected to be a real spectacle. No wonder the internet is already flooded with images of Slovenian basketball star Luka Dončić, who is already making magic in his hometown of Dallas!
This will not be the only international preseason match for the Slovenian and the Dallas team. On 10 October, Dončić will take on his former club Real Madrid in Madrid.
Many interesting and high-profile transfers – Lillard the biggest winner?
A number of transfers took place as soon as the players could be officially traded, but nothing of note. Then came the quiet period. First because of the aforementioned World Cup, and then the whole league just waited to see what would happen to Portland’s until-then number one star, Damian Lillard. And it happened! One of the best organizers in the NBA is moving to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he will join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo!
The transfer is important for the Bucks because the Greek has threatened to leave if the team is not competitive. The Bucks immediately became the bookies’ first favorites to win the title, the second in four seasons. At the same time, the transfer of Lillard also brought tectonic shifts in the background.
Portland got Jrue Holiday – read what happened to him below – Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and the 2029 first pick (Bucks), 2028 and 2030 trade rights (Bucks). The Phoenix Suns got Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
Here’s a follow-up for Jrue Holliday!
Jrue Holiday, who was part of the trade of Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, will continue his career in Boston! The Boston Celtics have strengthened their roster considerably this summer. They added star players Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum months ago, along with Kristaps Porzingis, to bring additional quality under the hoop from Washington. Now, with the new addition, they have a great game organiser. They sent Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, a 2024 first-round pick from Golden State and their 2029 first-round pick to Portland, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, a renowned American analyst.
What about Goran Dragic?
While Luka Dončić is already training with his team and is considered one of the safest players in terms of contract and the most lucrative, his mentor in the national team from his younger years, Goran Dragić, is still negotiating the continuation of his career across the big pond. Even Vlatko Čančar, the third Slovenian in the league, is not having the same problems as the popular “Gogi”. The reigning champion will continue to defend the colours of the Denver Nuggets. Goran Dragić is still waiting for a call from his next employer, who would extend his US residency to a 16th season. Miami has been the favourite all summer, but has not yet presented the 37-year-old Slovenian with a contract.
NEW – In-season tournament
The NBA has unveiled a few more details about the first in-season tournament this season, the finals of which will take place in Las Vegas from 7-9 December. The in-season tournament, which will start on 3 November, will be the first of its kind in the 2023/24 season.
All teams will participate in a group stage consisting of six groups – three per conference – selected by random draw according to the percentage of wins of the teams in the previous season. Each team will play four games in their group, and the knockout round will be played between the six group winners and the two teams with the best winning percentage in their groups that did not finish first.
All matches in the knockout phase, including the final, will be played on a one-win basis.
“This concept has been in our offices for about 15 years and is new in sports,“ said League Commissioner Adam Silver, adding that they were somewhat inspired by football. The games will be played mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays, with all but the final game counting towards the league standings.
LeBron James enters his 21st season
In less than a month, LeBron James will become only the sixth basketball player to play 21 seasons in the NBA. The LA Lakers forward became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the franchise last season, and also reached the historic numbers for a player in his 20th season.
Favourites?
With the latest transfer, the Milwaukee Bucks may indeed be the favourites for this season, but we must never forget the current champions, led by Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets, and the aforementioned Boston Celtics, who have always been highly rated in recent years. The Miami Heat are never embarrassed to reach for the top spots either. We believe that there will be more surprises during the play-offs, and many NBA fans on the sunny side of the Alps are wondering when it will be time for Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have lured Grant Williams – a defensive specialist – alongside Luka and Kyrie, and with a young centre line-up, perhaps they are predicting a run to the big finals? Time will tell who’s the real deal this year, how about you? Already have your favourites?
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