For nearly a decade, the conversation in the NBA was how the Western Conference was better than their Eastern counterparts.
Last season was dominated by the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it was expected that one of them would win the title. That was the consensus since the opening tip.
As always, one team would fall to untimely injuries. Thus, the Spurs, led by the Alien, Victor Wembanyama, marched to the NBA Finals.
Despite his otherworldly talents, Wemby was not able to overcome the team of destiny. The New York Knicks went on a glorious run and gave the Big Apple their first title after 53 years.
After one offseason, how much of the landscape has changed? A lot, but some things have remained the same. Still, it was enough to tilt the balance of power.
Why the East is Better
Here are the top reasons why the East is now more exciting than the West
More Contenders
The biggest question mark in the offseason involved LeBron James. It was time for the King’s next, and likely, last chapter.
While his presence still matters, it was no longer enough to lift a team into contender status. So he made a smart move and joined a team that would have been in the conversation: the Philadelphia 76ers.
They already had a top point guard and center, also with rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe. But the upgrade (or at least, de-aging) from Paul George to Jaylen Brown is what pushed the needle for them. That also swayed LeBron’s decision.
The Sixers will join the defending champion Knicks, the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat with Giannis, and the Toronto Raptors with Kawhi Leonard as possible contenders. There are question marks on the Cleveland Cavaliers even as they parade the core of last season’s Eastern Conference finalists, and the Indiana Pacers with the comebacking Tyrese Haliburton.
For the first time, there seems to be more notable teams in the East than in the West. That being said:
Unpredictability
The Knicks will be the heavy favorites. After all, they took down a legitimate contender in the San Antonio Spurs. However, they do not have an aura of invincibility, and the fact that there are new possible contenders.
How will they fare against the new look Sixers? The Boston Celtics were a dangerous team, but now they have Jayson Tatum back. The Miami Heat has the best defensive tandem in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
In contrast, the Western Conference is still cut and dry with the San Antonio Spurs and OKC Thunder. Sure, there were improvements with the LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Houston Rockets will go for redemption. However, barring major injuries, it’s too safe of a bet to see the Spurs and Thunder rematch in late May.
Rivalries and Storylines
The main storyline for the West is the Lakers and how Luka officially takes full rein with a new crew built specifically for him. Most storylines were about downfalls–the LA Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies officially gave up their best players and embraced the fate of the rebuild. That’s not exciting.
Meanwhile, the classic rivalries from the 70s and 80s are fully revived in the East with the Knicks, Celtics and Sixers all ready to wage war. It’s the defending champions and two teams involved in a mind-boggling trade. All their playdates will be must-see TV, and since they’re also division rivals, they have five games between them.
The big trades with Giannis, return of Haliburton, and Kawhi back in Toronto are also big points of interest.
Future Prospects to Watch
The most notable player in the FIBA U17 tournament was Nikola Jurustica of Serbia. He is a 6’9 guard who has the length and wingspan to also play against bigs. Think Magic Johnson in college.
Meanwhile, the MVP was Team USA’s Joaquin Boumtje-Boumtje, a 6’11 center who played pro in Barcelona. Thus, he is tank-built yet athletic, but also European League polished. Of course, he has committed to Duke.