Most Exciting Players for each team going into the 2024-2025 NBA Season....

Boston Celtics (Champs) - Payton Pritchard

Right off the bat we go to the previous league champs in the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics returning basically all of their core guys, the exciting and maybe unique pick I am going with is Payton Pritchard. This dude can flat out score the basketball and he shows that every chance he gets late in games and at the end of quarters. The subbed him in during the NBA Finals to hit a full court shot with a couple seconds to play at the end of the third and this man hit a shot from the other free throw line. It was like a pinch hitterish situation bringing him in and it was the coolest thing. The man shoots nearly 40% from three for his career, get him a chance and the man with indeed excite the crowd with having literally limitless range.

Brooklyn Nets (Cooper Flagg Hopeful) - Dariq Whitehead

Brooklyn New York..... all in on Cooper Flagg is the one way to describe this team, they have some young pieces that could be cool including Cam Thomas who you would think would be the pick here, but lets get goofy and go with Dariq Whitehead. Dude was a big time recruit out of his school who went to Duke and maybe didnt build the crazy name hype he was hoping after some injuries, but it was good enough for the Nets to draft him 22nd overall in 2023. This dude can flat out hoop and score at all levels at 6'6 while adding some athletic finishes at the rim, but is looking for consistency in his game as a whole and in playing time which hopefully he gets this year. Has a chance to be a sneaky/exciting find for the Nets out of a place they may not expect.

New York Knicks (ooo can they beat Boston?) - Miles McBride

Tibs and the Knicks got these most talented roster they've probably ever had and the time is now. With this super team like roster, it is easy to pick some of the big name players that can make a big impact, but obviously we like to have fun and go with up and comers. In this case, shoutout one of my buddies for school from this, let's go with Miles McBride. I wanted to go Kolek, but maybe a year or two away for him to get minutes. For McBride, I believe he is a reason the Knicks were okay with giving up DiVincenzo (contract obviously too) but the leap of Miles McBride to overtake that defending guard role who can provide a spark to Knicks lineup off the bench with his hustle plays and three point shoot making ability. Look out for the come up if he gets in his runs.

Philadelphia 76ers (PG and others make em Good) - Jared McCain

Philly is going to be legit in the east if the big man is healthy. They filled their depth out with Drummond, Oubre and Caleb Martin with getting a star in PG. Maxey will continue to make a jump and be consistent down the stretch, but Embiid is obviously the shoulders Philly relies on. The choice here as Philly's exciting guy is going to Jared McCain, their first round draft pick out of Duke. The kid can score the basketball at a very high level and has a deep NBA range three point ability. He is quick and decisive and will be a high level player off the bench for Philly, and in a draft where people feel like the talent lacked, Philly hit it out the park with McCain.

Toronto Raptors (Good Coach, some good players, Play in?) - Immanuel Quickley

So Drake might go to games and have some cool social media moments with his funky outfits. On the other hand, Toronto is much more in the rebuild phase rather than contending, but they do have a great coach in Darko Rajaković and a young core of Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Grady Dick that they have invested in. Maybe they sneak into the play in, or maybe they are in the lottery hoping for Cooper Flagg.  Exciting player here is going to be Immanuel Quickley for me. This guy has played in big minutes for the Knicks and has the ability to score, assist, defend and rebound, kinda everything. So Quickley taking a leap this year and being more of a respected player around the league could be the enjoyment for Raptors fans this season.

Chicago Bulls (WOOO my team.... Not good Kevo) - Matas Buzelis

 So the Bulls front office may have no idea what they are doing and fails to be realistic to themselves about the state of the team, but but... they kind of do have some cool young pieces that are going to cover the over for their win total of 27.5 of Fanduel. Real quick the dope pieces to me include, Coby, Ayo, Julian Phillips(sneaky), P Willy (maybe), Jalen Smith, Giddey and our choice here of Matas Buzelis. Matas is going to be a first round pick that we will be very happy about. Right off the bat, the mentality and in which the way he talks about winning, it means something to him. So having a guy that is going out there to compete and kick ass every night at 6'10, who can defend and blocks shots, attack the rim viciously, and create his shot and create for others makes this guy really exciting for Bulls fan and the main reason to tune every night. It only be a matter of time til he overtakes P Willy.

Cleveland Cavaliers (D Mitch dependent) - Evan Mobley

Another year of running it back with the same squad that has not performed to the level the front office would hope for in the East. A big part of the ceiling of this team focuses down on the man himself Evan Mobley. Mobley is a player who to be honest has not raised his level of play like Cavs fans would hope for since coming into the league. Mobley is a solid player with tremendous upside, but him being assertive and taking that jump as a scorer on offense will have direct correlation to the success of the Cavs this year. 

Detroit Pistons (Hey may be fun) - Jaden Ivey

Since Jaden Ivey and Co have been freed from the Monty Williams phase, the Pistons will hopefully now be in a position where the young players on the roster such as Cade, Duren, Thompson, Holland and our pick Jaden Ivey can develop into their hopeful high upside potential. Ivey being the pick today is because of the freak athleticism he posses that gives him a spark when attacking with the ball downhill and because of the upside he is showing in creating his own shot for himself early on this season. Giving Ivey more opportunities with the ball is only going to help Detroit in winning games and will bring fans to their feet even more this season with the dunks from Jaden Ivey.

Indiana Pacers (Fast paced makes em tough) - Bennedict Mathurin

A Team that achieved to a pretty high level last year will be dependent on the growth from the young core and Pascal Siakam from last seasons trade with Toronto. A player who can be an a possible sneaky x factor in their perimeter defense growth is Bennedict Mathurin. The competitive edge this guy plays with is noticeable and the future growth in his offensive game only gives the room to blossom even more. Mathurin is a freak athlete who will gladly take on the challenge of guarding the other teams best player night in and night out. The explosive plays Mathurin posses when going downhill will be an another exciting reason to watch this high level offense score the basketball this year. 

Milwaukee Bucks (Giannis can make them better than they are) - AJ Johnson

The Youngster who social media won't tell you averaged less points a game than Bronny James did at his previous level and was taken 23rd overall in the first round of the 2024 draft. Now I'll stop being a hater, Johnson going in the first round shows the upside he posses within. The Bucks are a team that are in the East, so will always have a chance but, also maybe are not getting better like the other teams in the conference and rather getting hurt by age and health. AJ Johnson comes in within the youth movement the bucks tend to draft, with development being a focal point. Johnson at 6'5 is a lengthy guard who was just an absolute hooper at the high school level and went overseas to play professional hoops rather than the college scene. Johnson was able to score and create for others, while also providing a lengthy defender to his teams passing lanes, the exciting part will be to see if the Bucks can hit on another diamond in the rough guy, Big #77 hopefully gets some run this year. 

Atlanta Hawks (Mid, had first pick in draft and have Trae Woo) - Dyson Daniels

Apart of the Dejounte Murray trade to the Pelicans, Dyson Daniels was a nice assest the Hawks received in return for Murray. Daniels was the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, which shows the upside that was once viewed upon him. Daniels at 6'7 has the ability to handle and create at his size, while also being able to defend at a solid with upside NBA level. Daniels with benefit from getting more opportunities with the ball in Atlanta and will grow the confidence in his game to create shots for himself, which will open up his game to a higher level than he has been accustomed to on the bench in New Orleans. Taller guards who can create always excite me and give me hope that they can become a bigger asset than a normal guard and Daniels seems to be right up that alley.

Charlotte Hornets (Young Star Hoopers on Roster) - Brandon Miller

Brandon Miller might not fit the mold that the rest of this follows, as he is much more proven than these other guys, but any chance I get to talk about Brandon Miller I have to use the floor. He is going to be not only the most exciting player for the Hornets this year, but the growth and high potential B Miller posses, should only show that he may be the face of the franchise. Brandon Miller at 6'7 is a guard/wing who can score at all three levels and especially that three point level. The quick trigger, range and shot creating ability for Brandon Miller makes him one of the most gifted offensive players in the league. B Miller also comes off as a player who kind of wants it more than others and wants to take his game to the next level, and from all that I see on social media Miller seems to be that basketball gym rat who wants to learn from the Vets above him and be great then in his own way. The guy is special, could go on for a lot longer, most exciting player in Charlotte = Brandon Miller.

Miami Heat (Kinda good, but same team) - Nikola Jovic

Jovic is a player that has flown under the radar or been looked at scritly as a developmental piece for Miami and this is suppose to be the year where they unless the man. Jovic is projected to be in the starting lineup over my guy Jaime Jacquez Jr., and after looking into the roster, with an aging Jimmy Butler who is still a dog wherever and whenever you need him, with the younger cats in Herro and Bam it almost makes too much sense that the Miami Heat are ready to plug in their own Jovic. The Heat have been able to develop this kid for a couple years and make him into their own. With his unique style of play at 6'10 and the passing ability he provides at his size, the heat will hope he plugs in and is able to create his own shot at the next level, while also giving the Heat lineup some more life and excitement to compete in the East this year. 

Orlando Magic (On the up, flecced Bulls smh) - Paolo Banchero

The former number one overall pick is a superstar in the making. Coming off of 50 point night, he looks to continue to prove me right with taking him as my first round pick in fantasy hoops. Jokes aside Paolo is a 6'10 freak who can score from 3 levels and a more juiced younger Jayson Tatum who always has the long strides and strength of Giannis when driving... kind of sounds like a demi god. Paolo is looking to improve on his field goal percentage to help lift his scoring efficiency. The Magic have top 4 upside in the East with their young emerging stars and Paolo is going to continue to put the league on notice this year.

Washington Wizards (Yikes) - Bilal Coulibaly

The long, lengthy and former French teammate of Victory Wembanyama is one of the few bright spots in Washington. Bilal was the 7th overall draft pick 2023 and is still only 20 years old. at 6'8 Bilal projects to have high upside on the defensive end and is still raw on the offensive, but the flashes he shows when attacking downhill or playmaking for others shows to why the Wizards took a chance on this kid. To be honest, he probably is better than Sarr, we will see how that ages. With all that being said, Bilal Coulibaly may not get all the volume with Kuzma and Poole trying to see who can shoot more shots, but with him being so young, he can continue to grow and develop in his opportunities. 

Denver Nuggets (Jokic is Stupid Good) - Christian Braun

Denver, Denver... They have brought unnecessary pain to my live over these last couple seasons being a Bron fan. The level at which Jokic can uplift and put his teammates in the right position possession after possession is something to see. With those lose of KCP, the exciting piece nuggets fans are looking at could be Christian Braun. He has played in big mintues before, so Nuggets fans know how good he is, but the oppurntunity to be the primary defender night in and night will show Nuggets fans even more of a hidden gem they got in Braun. He improved his three point percentage from 35.4% to 38.4% from his rookie to sophomore year and the Nuggets would for that to get to 40% to help fill the KCP void. Braun is a stud, Lakers coming Jokic....

Minnesota Timberwolves (Ant keeps being that dude) - Rob Dillingham

The T Wolves are becoming a team that the media loves with the emergence of Ant becoming a Top 10 player in the league. After making a run to the western conference finals the T Wolves chose instead of running that same team, they would adjust and make moves. The unloading of the KAT contract and psstt (a player who sat on the bench at the end of playoff games for them) will probably be the right move in the long haul. They also got younger get 2 first round picks in Terrance Shannon Jr from Illinois and the man of the hour Robby Dillingham. The man is so quick and so so cold, some of his crossovers are like some number 3 dude from the Sixers back in the day. The problem with Robby will be his size and smaller frame, so we will see how that pans out, but his scoring ability is probably one of the better ones we've seen in recent classes. He was in a Drake rap song already too so......

Oklahoma City Thunder (Window begins Now) - Jalen Williams

Watching the playoffs last year I was so blown away to which the level Jalen Williams has taken his game. He is a perfect fit alongside Shai and Chet and can truly score at all three levels at a high clip. Coming off a season where the Thunder showed to the world that they are a team ready to win now with these young cats. Jay W is coming off a season of scoring nearly 20 points a game and also shooting 42.7% from three... Did not realize it was that high, my lord. The growth and develop of Jay W and this Thunder will only continue to grow as the season goes along and expect the Thunder to be competing for that chip in the summer. 

Portland Trail Blazers (Not Good, hopefully get Flagg) - Deni Avdija

Hmm weird spot for the Blazers, they have Ayton and Grant who are just not really winning players playing key roles for this team. They do have some cool young pieces in Scoot, Sharper, Simmons, Clingan that will hopefully get big roles on this team. The Man of the hour though is going to be Deni Avdija, who I know has probably been forgotten by some NBA fans, but Deni will have an opportunity to bring his European bigger guard playmaking to a team that doesn't have great playmakers in general. He should get more of a chance to playmake in the half court and help push the pace for the Blazers and could make a rather dull year maybe exciting for Portland....

Utah Jazz (Need to hit on a star draft pick) - Keyonte George

The Jazz are very much in a spot like how we talk about the Thunder with how many picks they have. Looking at the picks, they have two 1st in 2025, two 1st in 2026, FOUR 1st in 2027, Two 1st in 2028 and Three 1st in 2029..... That is 13 first round picks in the next 6 years. Danny Ainge cooked, they are set up to go get a star with those picks or hopefully hit on a couple of those and be chillin. The exciting player for them though this year for me would be Keyonte George. George was the 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft and looks to be a steal for them. After leading rookies last year in total assists with 285, Keyonte George showed the playmaking ability that he possess to go alongside with his very skillful scoring ability. Dude is a bucket getter who can pass and plays in control, but has a very quick first step and will be a dynamic player for Utah.

Golden State Warriors (Steph there, so hopefully top 8 seed) - Trayce Jackson-Davis

A team that goes as far as Steph takes them. The Warriors are always going to have a flashy fun way of playing the game of basketball that makes them always the perfect fit for a primetime game always. Nobody is probably more exciting to watch then Steph, but just for this lets go a different route and go with Trayce Jackson-Davis. The 57th overall pick in the 2023 Draft, has no doubt flashed to be a steal for his value. Davis stands at 6'9 and is a athletic type of forward who it looks like the Warriors are trying to guide down the path to eventually fill the role of Draymond with his age. That would be a big stretch for him to do, but his athletic finishingand willing ability to run the Warriors offense and find the open shooters he could become a fun young player for Warriors to cheer for.

Los Angeles Clippers (Really not good) - Kai Jones

This one is kind of random, but the it could be cool if we look back and he's decent. The pick for the little bros of LA would be Kai Jones. Jones was cut by the Hornets and the Clippers are the team giving another shot. The 19th overall pick in the draft in 2021 always has had crazy leaping ability that is on full displays when he attacks downhill. Jones stands at 6'11 and also is bald and wearing number 23 lol. He should be the backup to Zubac throughout the year, but when his chance comes he's going to have to make the most of it. Freak athlete

Los Angeles Lakers (Better than people think) - Max Christie

Coach JJ has the boys balling early, love it. The pick for the Lakers could always be LeBron or maybe AD, but let's go with a youngin per trend of the most of this article. From Rolling Meadows high school, Max Christie has always been a straight bucket. After going to Michigan State for a season, Max was ready to go to the league. Lakers used the 35th overall pick on him in 2022 and has been a guy who hasn't gotten much run with a veteran lead team. Early on he has gotten that opportunity in spurts as a primary defender and a corner/wing shooter. Max is way more capable scorer than what will be shown in LA, but he truly can score at three levels and at 6'6 is an interesting defensive prospect.

Phoenix Suns (Book and KD have to be enough) - Ryan Dunn

The 28th overall pick in 2024, Ryan Dunn is going to be the choice as the most exciting player over KD and Book. Dunn is a 6'6 high upside defender who will get an opportunity for big runs in Phoenix this year with their lack of wing defenders. The three point shot is the questions with Dunn, but as a player who will have simpler role on offense were he may just need to hit open shots and run transition, I can see the jumper developing and him being a steal in this type of draft. Book already is talking pretty highly of him as well which is dope.

Sacramento Kings (Good Maybe? Probably Play in) - Demar Derozan

Hmmm Deebo in Sacramento interesting... to be honest he fills the perfect role of being a clutch time scorer and guy who can basically go get a bucket whenever they'll need him to do so. As a Bulls fan, Deebo will always get love, he backpacked them and kept them competitive night in and night out. His willingness to shoot the three ball seems to be continuing to rise, which will only add to his fun to watch offensive game. In the fourth quarter watching Demar hit clutch shots on two dudes will make Kings happy that Fox will have that other true scoring wingman.

Dallas Mavericks (Window is Now and got better) - Klay Thompson

Luka is just kind of stupid good. That should be enough for the Mavs... kidding they added the splash brother to their team this season. After numerous claims of being washed, the thing that Klay can and has always done is shoot the three ball. Over the last couple of years, Klay has really forced shots to try and get himself back to that old lights out form. Playing in Dallas will allow Klay to be free in space and constantly drawn open looks when Luka and Kyrie are creating and drawing numerous defenders. Klay is looking to get back to that 40% three point percentage that he fell below last year at 38.7%. Klay should provide some fun, clutch shots for Mavs fans this year. 

Houston Rockets (Good Young Core, let em play now) - Reed Sheppard

Rockets might've gotten the best player in the 2024 NBA draft... Reed Sheppard is a flat out stud who has a pure offensive game and clean jump shot that he can get off whenever he wants. Watching him in pre season, the comp that comes to my head right away is Tyler Herro. Thats the offensive style in which Reed plays (both Kentucky guys). Reed will be hoping for his shot throughout the year on such a deep Rockets team. In the pick and roll, Reed reads it as well as any guard in the past draft and only real question mark about him is his size. Sheppard shot a ridiculous 52.1% from three last season at Kentucky, which is unreal... Can not leave this man open. Rockets better let him get some run and show the stud they got. 

Memphis Grizzlies (Ja Healthy, gonna compete) - Zach Edey

Well looking back at this draft, with how many question marks there were about the prospects, its probably safe to just draft the one that is 7'4 and hope that he is alright lol. The 9th overall draft pick in the recent 2024 draft, is an absolute giant that Memphis is trying to see if they can get the most out of on the defensive end and as an absolute brick wall of a screen setter. Filling the void of Stephen Adams, Edey is going to get a chance to start and really play for the Grizzlies. Finishing around the rim is something Edey needs to get to a really high effeienct to make it worth it having him out there late in games. Fun pick for Memphis, lobs from Ja are going to be a treat, maybe Edey could lob it to Ja too)

New Orleans Pelicans (Mid in West, but healthy Zion could elevate) - Dejounte Murray

The big pick up of the offseason for the Pelicans, and a player with a proven background of providing high level defense, playmaking and scoring on the offensive end. The Pelicans are a team that can go as far as a healthy Zion can take them. With the hope of him being healthy with the roster they have put together with Dejounte, CJ, Ingram, Zion and Herb Jones, the Pelicans are in a contending window, as they would view it. Dejounte comes it and hopefully takes this team to another level by adding a star in Dejounte who will bring the physicality and energy this Pelicans team misses when Alvarado is not on the floor. Pelicans got upside to their ceiling with adding Murray and will add some joy to New Orleans. 

San Antonio Spurs (Wemby drives the boat) - Stephon Castle

My favorite pick from the 2024 draft, Stephon Castle comes into a young Spurs team with old ass CP, and hopes to make some sneaky noise in the west behind the alien Victor Wembanyama. Castle comes from UConn and the epic Bobby Hurley program that provides and plugs the most mature and physical ready players into the league. Castle has shown his skills early in summer league and preseason and looks like a future spurs dog in the making. The high level playmaking, high level defense on the ball and off the ball, with the upside to create his own shot and finish physically down in the paint. Everyone will soon know the Spurs hit on back to back first round picks very soon.

Thank you for reading this article and I hope everyone is as excited for the NBA season as I am. Best of luck to all your favorite teams, to bad they are all playing just to lose to the Bulls... ahh, maybe one day. Go ahead and give me a follow on twitter as I am going to try to be active on that throughout the season covering fantasy hoops, NBA talk and even some clips and other dope posts as well. Have a great day.

-Petey

Twitter - @Talkin_Ball__