With 2024 coming to an end, the NBA had another action-packed year. We saw the Boston Celtics become NBA champions, Nikola Jokic win his third MVP, and the Cleveland Cavaliers surprisingly enter 2025 with the best record in the league at 28-4.
All things considered, there is a lot that is expected to go down in 2025. Here are three things I expect to happen in the new year.
3. Victor Wembanyama will lead the Spurs back to the playoffs
The Spurs have not made the postseason since the 2019 season, but at 16-16, they are firmly in the Western Conference play-in mix this season. With Victor Wembanyama surrounded with good young talent and a crop of veterans, expect San Antonio to break through this season.
Wemby is averaging about 26 points per game, ten rebounds, and four blocks this season. However, he also has a much improved supporting cast around him. The Spurs have six players averaging at least 10.5 PPG, giving them a balanced offensive attack.
One big improvement the Spurs have made this season is their win percentage in clutch games. They are 8-6 in clutch situations this season, which is tied for the eighth best mark in the league. Having a true point guard like Chris Paul has helped tremendously in those situations.
With the bottom of the West being weaker than anticipated and the Spurs’ improvements, I expect them to reach the playoffs this season, but at the expense of another team…
2. The Golden State Warriors will miss the playoffs
Golden State had a productive offseason, adding real depth alongside Stephen Curry, and that led to a fast 10-3 start. Since then, the Warriors have gone 6-13 and have slid to the tenth seed in the West. Curry has struggled mightily (shooting 40 percent from the field in December), but as a team, the Dubs have been below average.
Since November 18th, Golden State ranks 27th in offensive rating (106.0), dead last in team true shooting (52.5 percent), and 22nd in overall net rating (-4.9). The only positive is their defense, which ranks 14th in defensive rating over that same span.
Barring a big deadline move, there is no end in sight to the Warriors’ offensive struggles. They are rumored to be a suitor for Heat forward Jimmy Butler, which would change their fortunes. Until then though, expect the season to end in April.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will win his first MVP
Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of elite this season. SGA ranks second in points per game (31.0) and third in steals (1.9), along with 5.6 rebounds, and six assists. He has been one of the most efficient scorers in the league as well.
SGA has the most games of 20 plus points this season (31), is tied for the most 30 point games (18), and tied for the most 40 point games (4). He has made scoring look so easy with his variety of counter moves and isolation prowess.
Gilgeous-Alexander is shooting almost 73% at the rim, 53% in the mid-range, and averages 1.03 points per iso possession, which ranks in the top five amongst players with at least five such possessions per game.
SGA’s all around efficient statline, along with leading the Thunder to their best start ever, has put him firmly in the MVP conversation. If he keeps this up, he will win his first NBA MVP.