By: Hank Bartholomew
As we near the middle of the 2024-2025 NBA season, there has been no shortage of excitement. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by star guard Donovan Mitchell and a supporting crew of young players, lead the league, but closely behind them are the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics. There are the comfortable, familiar favorites, like LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s continued dominance at ages forty and thirty-six, respectively. But there have also been star newcomers, like Philadelphia’s Jared McCain and Los Angeles’s Dalton Knecht. Through this first half of the regular season, these are the trends that have defined the Association.
Philly Needs to Break Things Off with Embiid
Despite the massive off-season acquisition of Paul George from the Clippers, the 76ers have struggled mightily. A combination of injuries, poor shooting, and a lack of identity and effort has led Philadelphia to a record that is, as of this writing, below .500. But the biggest problem is undeniably Joel Embiid.
An incredibly talented player, Joel Embiid has established himself as one of the NBA’s best big men, winning MVP in 2023. But this season, he’s struggled. The Cameroonian superstar has always been prone to injuries, but a knee injury that has been prevalent for a few years has caused him to miss a series of games already. It’s rare that he’s able to string two consecutive performances together. A professional team can’t build around that. Embiid’s three-pointer, one of his most valuable attributes, has become slow, and he often struggles to get it off unless given a wide-open shot.
There is also the question of effort. An often emotional and irritable player, Embiid was called out by teammate Tyrese Maxey for his lack of intensity in games and in practice. Embiid is currently raking in $51.42 million a year, and when a team is investing that type of money into him, a lack of effort is inexcusable.
The 76ers have tried to build a team around Embiid, but ultimately have failed, and Philadelphia cannot compete in a stacked Eastern Conference. The best choice would be to trade him. Philadelphia can build off draft picks and its young core; guards Tyrese Maxey and rookie Jared McCain present a bright future for a struggling franchise.
The Knicks Offseason Was (Mostly) a Success
This summer, the New York Knicks made headlines with their decision to trade shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo and veteran center Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves in return for star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. For the most part, it appears the Knicks front office won this trade.
Although he initially struggled adjusting to his new role in Tom Thibodeau’s lineup, the Knicks have started to learn how to use Towns’s unique skill set. His chemistry with superstar guard Jalen Brunson is growing, and Brunson’s talent and reputation have allowed Towns to find one-on-one matchups in the paint. Similarly, Brunson’s ability to drive the lane with incredible success (especially for a guard) is beginning to provide Towns with open looks from outside the arc.
The other big New York move this off-season was the team’s acquisition of small forward Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn. The Knicks paid five first-round draft picks for the player who made a name for himself in Phoenix, and, at least so far, it appears that such a price may not have been worth it. Bridges has not played poorly, but he has at times looked unsure out on the court. Essentially, Bridges has not played at the level of a player worth five first-round picks.
But that may change. Bridges has begun to find himself and has started to play with a sense of confidence and an almost carefree nature. He has established his mid-range jumper, and with some time, he might reach his full potential.
The Nuggets May Be Wasting Jokic’s Best Years
Denver isn’t necessarily doing poorly, but they’re certainly not doing well. They do have a winning record, but for a team with championship aspirations, that’s not the goal. With the league’s best player’s remaining years dwindling, the Nuggets need to find a solution.
When Jokic struggles (which is rare, but happens sometimes) or when the Serbian center misses a game, the responsibility usually falls to guard Jamal Murray. But the University of Kentucky product is not playing at the level Denver needs him to. Despite nearly a five-minute increase in playing time this season, Murray’s rebounds, assists, and points per game haven’t seen a major increase. And even when he does turn in a solid performance, it’s rarely followed by another one. Murray is inconsistent, and for Denver fans, that’s not acceptable. Michael Porter Jr. has done what he can, but with Aaron Gordon battling through injuries, Denver doesn’t have anywhere else to turn to.
