2024-25 Northwest Division Preview

 We are officially less than a week away from the start of the 2024-25 NBA season! To celebrate we are doing a brief preview of each division every day leading up to opening tip-off. We will discuss projected lineups and rotations, key players, and any question marks the team may have. For the projected lineups it is a prediction of the starters and the five bench players who will play most if each team has optimal health and success. These are mostly correlated to what is expected, but I sprinkled my own personal opinion in some situations. Any player with an asterisk is someone with a somewhat prolonged injury. Without further ado, here is the Northwest Division preview!

DENVER NUGGETS

G: Jamal Murray / Russell Westbrook

G: Christian Braun / Julian Strawther

F: Michael Porter Jr / Peyton Watson

F: Aaron Gordon

C: Nikola Jokic / Dario Saric / Zeke Nnaji

Player I Like: Peyton Watson

-I really like the upside of Watson. I truly think he can eventually be an All-Defensive level caliber player and I like some things I saw last year as a slasher and cutter. If he can be reliable from three he will be a huge factor them.

MVP: Nikola Jokic

-Clearly the best player in the world.

6MOY: Peyton Watson

-Added wing depth will be huge for a team struggling for depth.

X-Factor: Christian Braun

-Replacing KCP will be a tall task and they will look to Braun to up his production.

The Nuggets have enough talent in the starting five to remain one of the NBA's elite teams, but their lack of depth is worrisome to me. They will lean on lots of unproven young guys like Strawther and Watson for important minutes. 

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

G: Mike Conley / Nickeil Alexander-Walker / Rob Dillingham

G: Anthony Edwards / Donte DiVincenzo

F: Jaden McDaniels / Terrence Shannon Jr.

F: Julius Randle

C: Rudy Gobert / Naz Reid

Player I Like: Josh Minott

-A young player on the roster that I think can earn some minutes at the 3 or 4. His three ball looked improved over summer league and preseason.

MVP: Anthony Edwards

-Coming off a season where he blossomed into superstardom he looks to continue that momentum.

6MOY: Naz Reid

-The reigning 6MOY for the league no reason he shouldn't be one of the best bench players again.

X-Factor: Jaden McDaniels

-They will rely on him to guard the opposing teams best player most nights.

I think the Timberwolves should be one of the most fun teams to watch in the league. They have star power and good role players, I look forward to seeing how it works out. I love the addition of DiVicenzo and I

think the rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr can add some impact.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander / Cason Wallace

G: Alex Caruso / Lu Dort / Isaiah Joe

F: Jalen Williams / Aaron Wiggins

F: Chet Holmgren / Kenrich Williams

C: Isaiah Hartenstein*

Player I Like: Jaylin Williams

-An undersized center, he always plays so hard and does little things. He led the league in charges drawn (per 36) and I enjoy watching him play the game with so much passion.

MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

-He is one of the best players in the league now and will make another push for league MVP.

6MOY: Lu Dort

-They have so many quality guys on their bench it is hard to choose one. Dort will likely slide into the three spot while Hartenstein is out, but he will provide good defense and hopefully a consistent three pointer.

X-Factor: Isaiah Hartenstein

-The preseason DHO and playmaking ability Hartenstein showed was so exciting. His addition takes the Thunder team to the next level.

The Thunder will likely be one of the best teams in the Association again. Crazy star power, versatility, and depth, they will be a team no one wants to face.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

G: Scoot Henderson / Devonte Graham

G: Anfernee Simons / Shaedon Sharpe

F: Deni Avdija / Matisse Thybulle

F: Jerami Grant

C: DeAndre Ayton / Rob Williams III / Donovan Clingan

Player I Like: Jabari Walker

-He might get log jammed for minutes, but a player that I like to potentially be a good role player in this league.

MVP: Deni Avdija

-All reports are saying that he has been their best player in camp. Coming off a strong season in Washington I love this acquisition by the Blazers.

6MOY: Devonte Graham

-He will be able to put up good numbers if he gets any minutes.

X-Factor: Scoot Henderson

-Following a less than stellar rookie season, Scoot will look to be more comfortable in year 2. If he can do some of the things he has shown flashes of more consistently, I think we will be looking at a solid year two.

Unfortunately I do not see Portland competing for any playoff spot. I do not think they have the star power or talent to seriously compete.

UTAH JAZZ

G: Collin Sexton / Patty Mills / Isaiah Collier

G: Keyonte George / Jordan Clarkson

F: Lauri Markkanen / Cody Williams

F: Taylor Hendricks

C: John Collins / Walker Kessler

Player I Like: Collin Sexton

-An elite transition player, underrated scorer, and serviceable defender, Sexton is one of my favorite players in the league.

MVP: Lauri Markkanen

-He is their best player by far and his size creates mismatches at either forward position.

6MOY: Jordan Clarkson

-Always has been one of the league's better bench scorers.

X-Factor: Keyonte George

-If Keyonte can make a year two jump then I can see the Jazz maybe pushing for a play in spot.

All in all I don't think this roster has enough talent to win very many games. I am interested in how their young players perform, but this is another year to develop young talent amidst a rebuild.