Full Court Press #5: Early Top 3 East & West teams

Written by Noah Kang and Liam Bekavac, 12/09/2024

1. Oklahoma City Thunder - Meeting pre-season expectations the young core of the Oklahoma city thunder has proved that they are the strongest force in the western conference. Led by young MVP caliber guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander and young “Do it all” forward Jalen Williams, they have proved that a strong defense sets you apart. Shai alone is top 5 in steals in the league, Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort are both known as all around lockdown defenders, and Chet holmgren acts as a top rim protector in the league. The team is currently the number one seed in a tough western conference despite dealing with injuries to all 3 of their viable Centers, most notably a 6 week absence from Chet Holmgren.

2. Memphis Grizzlies - After an unfortunate 23-24 season filled with injuries and missed games. The Memphis Grizzlies have come back from their tanking season majorly. With the return of high flying superstar Ja Morant from suspension and injury the grizzlies have jumped from the 13th seed in the west to the 2nd. This is to the surprise of few as the grizzlies were a major force to be reckoned with in the 22-23 season before their whole team caught the injury bug. Now, after a few tweaks to their roster the grizzlies have come back to their “Grit and grind” roots. The Grizzlies have added former DPOY Marcus Smart via trade, and the traditional rookie big man Zach Edey through the draft. The Grizzlies have created an extremely deep roster with no real clear weaknesses to why it might not succeed beyond injury luck. Fans of basketball should continue to watch this grizzlies team as they continue their 24-25 campaign.

3. Houston Rockets - The 23-24 Rockets were regarded as a good basketball team, not a great one. In the previous season they finished with the best record for a team ever that didn't make the play-in due to how competitive the western conference was. This year they have proved that the development of their young core is the next step to high level competition. Despite not having a clear “Star” player, the Houston Rockets have played tough and used their depth and defense led by coach Ime Udoka to climb the western conference ladder. No-one on the team in particular has taken a massive leap stats wise from last season but everyone is playing well. The Rockets are headlined by versatile big man Alperen Sengun along with High flying guard Jalen Green. Both of the 2021 draftees have proven themselves in Houston and should be watched as they rise 

1. Boston Celtics - While it's hard to deny the Cavaliers early season tear, leading the east by 1.5 games, the Celtics have shown that they are still the team to beat. The defending champs have played almost all their games thus far with the absence of all-star caliber center Kristaps Porzingus, and have still led the league in three pointers made by a large margin. Jayson Tatum is a legitimate MVP candidate, something else the Cavs lack, and Payton Pritchard has been a standout, one of the best statistical shooters in the league. The team's combination of depth, pure firepower, and upside in lieu of a healthy Porzingus make them the scariest team in the NBA, and the favorites to win it all.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers - The Cavaliers have had a historic start to their season, being the fourth team to win their first 15 games. They lead the league in offensive rating and field goal percentages, while the frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jerret Allen have made a formidable defensive impact. The combination of size, offensive efficiency, and defensive presence account for the team’s success, a combination that has yielded only three losses all season. Donovan Mitchell has had historic games already, while Darius Garland has taken a step up since his injury riddled campaign last year. The team definitely could make a significant finals push this year.

3. New York Knicks - In lieu of the severe injuries plaguing the Magic, being one of the remaining contenders, the New York Knicks are the third team in the east power rankings. The Knicks had a somewhat rocky start to the season, after many considered them the second, or even first best team in the Eastern conference. However after a brief adjustment period, in which Brunson took on a slightly smaller role in favor of KAT’s All-NBA level year, averaging 25/13/3 on efficient splits. The result of their offseason addition resulted in a 15-9 record, the fourth best in the East.. Mikal Bridges has had his struggles, but Josh Hart has picked up the defensive slack. Nonetheless, they will prove to be a formidable playoff team and a hopeful contender.

As previously mentioned, The Memphis Grizzlies have been on an absolute tear to start the season. As has their superstar Ja morant, Ja has had somewhat of a “What if” career leading up to this point. ja’s been unable to overcome injury and off court issues since 2022 but has more than redeemed himself this season. The young superstar has publicly begun to say he’s taking his health more seriously even going as far as to say he was “done dunking” a shocking statement from a guard who has become known as one of the greatest highlight reel players ever. This has remained only somewhat true as he hammered home an incredible double clutch reverse dunk over Kristaps Porzingis in a win over the Celtics on saturday. He claims he only dunked because he felt it was the only way he could get the basket. Ja has put on an impressive season thus far and if he continues to stay healthy, there is no reason he shouldn’t be in the MVP conversation.