NBA Western Conference Preview: 2023-2024 Season

A thorough look at the Western Conference teams–from roster changes to expectations–ahead of the new NBA Season which opens on October 25 (Manila time).

Jokic, Nuggets gear up for road ahead as they try to defend NBA title

Last season: 53-29, won the first NBA title in franchise history.

Coach: Michael Malone (10th season with Nuggets, 367-270; 12th season overall, 406-337)

What to expect: Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat in five games to hoist the franchise’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy. Before that, the Nuggets were known more for their iconic rainbow skyline jerseys and their ABA roots. The combination of Jokic and Jamal Murray led Denver to a 16-4 mark in the playoffs, including a sweep of their nemesis, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the Western Conference finals.

They have the full attention of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers after they heard some perceived gloating out of the Mile High City. Perhaps fitting the Lakers are in town for the opener on Oct. 24 when the Nuggets raise their championship banner to the rafters. Coach Michael Malone insisted the page has been turned on last season.

“If we’re serious about being a team that can repeat, if we’re serious about trying to be a team that can be a dynasty, we have to bring our best every single day,” Malone said. “I don’t want to live in the past.”

The first order of business for Denver is finding a replacement for veteran guard Bruce Brown, who signed a lucrative deal with Indiana. Christian Braun will receive more minutes. So, too, will guard Reggie Jackson and Peyton Watson. Denver boasts one of the top starting lineups in the league in Jokic, Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Departures: Brown, F Jeff Green, C Thomas Bryant, G Ish Smith.

Additions: G/F Justin Holiday, F Julian Strawther, G Jalen Pickett, F Hunter Tyson.

Player to watch: Murray. Everyone knows when the playoffs roll around, he takes his game to an entirely different level. The challenge from Malone is to do that night in and night out in the regular season. Murray, who missed the 2021-22 season to recover from a torn ACL, is looking to make his first All-Star team. “What Jamal did in the playoffs was ridiculous,” Malone said. “I think if Jamal can continue to play the way he played during those playoffs and get off to that kind of start, that’ll be so impactful for our group.”

Season opener: Oct. 24 against rival Lakers.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 5 1/2 to 1.

Memphis Grizzlies targeting NBA title despite Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension

Last season: 51-31, earned No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the first round.

Coach: Taylor Jenkins (5th season with Grizzlies, 179-130)

What to expect: The Grizzlies are targeting their deepest postseason run since the 2013 Western Conference finals with center Steven Adams expected back healthy. They also believe one of the NBA’s best defensive units will be even stingier after trading for Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Smart will be pulling double duty early as he handles point guard duties with two-time All-Star Ja Morant suspended for the first 25 games for flashing a handgun on social media for the second time in three months. They also added 2011 MVP Derrick Rose for more much-needed experience. They just have to prove they can survive early without Morant.

Departures: G Dillon Brooks, G Tyus Jones.

Additions: Smart, Rose and draft pick GG Jackson. Smart and Rose insist they aren’t here to babysit Morant. Still, they have lots of NBA experience. Both have played long into postseasons in the kind of games these Grizzlies are trying to reach for the first time.

Player to watch: Morant. The 2020 Rookie of the Year and 2022 Most Improved Player will be able to travel with the Grizzlies, practice and even take part in pregame shootarounds while suspended. General manager Zach Kleiman made clear Morant still has steps to take to fulfill all the requirements of the suspension handed down in June. The Grizzlies previously have proven they can win in the regular season when Morant is hurt or suspended. But the flashy, fearless guard is the reason why the Grizzlies are a threat to win as long as he stays healthy and on the court. His suspension means he will miss the NBA’s first in-season tournament, with his first game back Dec. 19 at New Orleans. Sitting out 25 games also means Morant won’t be eligible for season awards.

Season opener: Oct. 25 hosting New Orleans.

Fanduel Sportsbook title odds: 23-1.

Kings look to build on last season’s playoff return and win in postseason

Last season: 48-34, lost in Western Conference first round.

Coach: Mike Brown (2nd season with Kings, 48-34; 10th season overall, 395-250).

What to expect: The Kings will look to build on a breakthrough campaign last season that ended a 16-year playoff drought that was the longest in NBA history. Sacramento lost a seven-game series in the first round to Golden State and will be aiming for playoff success this season. The Kings were the top offensive team in the league last season thanks to the combo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis but need to get better on defense. They brought the same core back for another season and are counting on Keegan Murray to take on a bigger role after a successful rookie season and hoping for another healthy campaign to keep up in the tough Western Conference.

Departures: G Terence Davis, C Richaun Holmes, G Matthew Dellavedova, F KZ Okpala.

Additions: C JaVale McGee, F Sasha Vezenkov, G Chris Duarte, G Colby Jones.

Player to watch: Sabonis had a strong season last season, averaging 19.1 points, a league-high 12.3 rebounds and a career-high 7.3 assists, while shooting 62% from the field. But he struggled against the Warriors in the playoffs with his production dropping in all three categories and his shooting percentage falling below 50%. The Kings are hoping to get the regular season version of Sabonis again this year and hope that carries over to the playoffs.

Season opener: At Utah on Oct. 25.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 50-1.

Suns build around Booker, Durant and Beal as they chase first title

Last season: 45-37, reached Western Conference semifinals

Coach: Frank Vogel (First season with Suns; 12th season overall, 431-389)

What to expect: Mat Ishbia has been the owner of the Suns for less than a year, and there have already been seismic changes to the roster. Three-time All-Star Devin Booker is the only player left from the franchise’s run to the 2021 NBA Finals, and he’s emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers. He’ll be joined by Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, giving Phoenix a trio of stars that should match up well with just about anyone in the league.

The Suns continued their rebuild right up until preseason training camp, dealing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Trail Blazers in exchange for a package that included Jusuf Nurkic. There’s also almost an entirely new cast of role players, including shooters like Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen.

Finally, the Suns also have a new coach in Frank Vogel, who led the Lakers to a title in 2020. Vogel has a defensive reputation and it’ll be interesting to see how he meshes with an offensive-minded roster.

Phoenix might have a few growing pains early in the season, but health willing, this looks like a roster that could play deep into the postseason. The Suns are still hunting for their first title in franchise history, which started in 1968.

Departures: Ayton, Darius Bazley, Bismack Biyombo, Torrey Craig, Jock Landale, Chris Paul, Cameron Payne, Terrence Ross, Landry Shamet, T.J. Warren.

Additions: Beal, Chimezie Metu, Udoka Azubuike, Bol Bol, Gordon, Drew Eubanks, Keita Bates-Diop, Yuta Watanabe, Jordan Goodwin, Nasir Little, Nurkic, Allen, Keon Johnson.

Player to watch: Beal. The 30-year-old has been a prolific scorer in the league for more than a decade, but he has been stuck on mediocre Wizards teams for much of his career. Now he’s got a legit shot at playing meaningful games in May and June. The three-time All-Star averaged more than 23 points per game last season on 50% shooting, including 37% from 3-point range. It remains to be seen how Beal, Booker and Durant will share the ball, but the early returns are promising.

Season opener: At Warriors on Oct. 24.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: +550

Health of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George key to Clippers’ bid for an NBA title

Last season: 44-38. Lost in five games to Phoenix in first round of the playoffs.

Coach: Tyronn Lue (4th season with Clippers, 133-103 ; 8th season overall, 261-180).

What to expect: The Clippers have talent, size, athleticism, experience, and versatility. What they desperately need is what one of the league’s highest payrolls can’t buy: a healthy roster. Adding Russell Westbrook, Mason Plumlee and Bones Hyland last season filled holes and gives the team so much depth that playing time will be hard to come by. Lue, a respected tactician, will have to juggle players eager for minutes without letting it affect chemistry.

Westbrook, a former NBA MVP, came over from the Lakers and helped speed up the offense, while his hard-charging ways energized the team. “

Kawhi and PG are more silent leaders and Russ is more outgoing,” Lue said. “You mix those three guys together, you have great leadership.” The Clippers head into their final season at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, which they share with the Lakers and NHL’s Kings, before moving to Inglewood and their new Intuit Dome in 2024-25.

Departures: G Eric Gordon.

Additions: F Kenyon Martin Jr., F Kobe Brown.

Players to watch: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The two stars must stay healthy for the Clippers to have a chance at a deep playoff run, something that hasn’t happened during their era. Leonard was limited to 52 games last season and two postseason appearances before going down with a knee injury.

“The last two years have been unfortunate for me,” Leonard said. “I got hurt, tore my ACL, then at the end of the year tore my meniscus. I’m a two-way player, play hard, so injuries are going to come up.”

George played in 56 games last season. This may be their last chance to win a title together. Both Leonard and George are eligible for extensions and the Clippers will have to decide whether it’s worth keeping the injury-prone duo together. “That’s how we can help ourselves, just stay healthy throughout the whole course of the year, and putting it all together when it comes to playoff time,” George said.

Season opener: Oct. 25 vs. Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena.

FanDuel NBA title odds: +2700.

Stephen Curry, Warriors set their sights on another title with addition of Chris Paul

Last season: 44-38. The defending champions from 2022 held off Northern California rival Sacramento in a thrilling seven-game first-round playoff matchup before losing to LeBron James and the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.

Coach: Steve Kerr (10th season, 473-238)

What to expect: The early season will be a key time to determine how veteran Chris Paul fits into the fold alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, who acknowledged his prior dislike for Paul over the years. They all have one thing on their minds and that’s another title run come spring, so the work on their chemistry was already well underway during the summer.

Departures: Jordan Poole, who was traded to Washington on draft night, Donte DiVincenzo and veteran leader Andre Iguodala, who has retired.

Additions: Paul came to the Warriors in the deal from the Wizards. Rudy Gay, Dario Saric, rookies Brandin Podziemski and Kendric Davis.

Player to watch: Andrew Wiggins was limited to a career-low 37 regular-season games because of illness, injury and a personal matter that kept him out for two months and the final 25 regular-season games. Wiggins can’t wait to get going again and find the consistency and continuity he never had last season after being a key figure in the franchise’s 2022 championship run.

Season opener: Oct. 24 vs. Phoenix Suns at Chase Center.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: +1400

Lakers keep core around LeBron James, Anthony Davis after impressive run to conference finals

Last season: 43-39, reached Western Conference finals

Coach: Darvin Ham (2nd season with Lakers, 43-39)

What to expect: After making several big changes to a struggling team at the last trade deadline and subsequently streaking into the NBA’s final four, the Lakers decided they didn’t need their annual roster overhaul. GM Rob Pelinka largely tried to maintain continuity around James and Anthony Davis this time around. As a result, they appear to have their most cohesive roster since their championship season in 2020. Los Angeles re-signed Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, keeping together most of the role players who clicked superbly around the two superstars from March onward. The new roster mix is deep, balanced and versatile. Reaves returns as the starting shooting guard with a new contract and more confidence from his impressive international play. Hachimura and Vanderbilt are likely to compete for the fifth starting spot at small forward. But as always since their arrival in Hollywood, the health of James and Davis will determine whether the Lakers are a contender for the franchise’s 18th title.

Departures: Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley, Lonnie Walker, Troy Brown Jr., Wenyen Gabriel

Additions: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino

Player to watch: Russell. The much-traveled point guard excelled after rejoining the Lakers, but was relegated to a minor role in the conference finals against Denver after ineffective play. He still re-signed with LA, and Ham confidently declared Russell his starting point guard before training camp began, even with the Lakers’ addition of Vincent. The 27-year-old Russell knows he has his best opportunity yet to reach his full NBA potential, and he spent the offseason working on his defensive shortcomings.

Season opener: At Denver on Oct. 24.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: +1300

Timberwolves, now firmly built around Edwards, give the Gobert-Towns pairing another shot

Last season: 42-40, lost to Denver 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

Coach: Chris Finch (4th season, 104-101).

What to expect: The Timberwolves are entering a crossroads type of season during which they ought to find out whether their bold move to pair big men Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns together can help make them a true contender.

The foundation is now firmly built around budding star guard Anthony Edwards, who signed a maximum contract extension in the summer, but after missing 52 games on the 2022-23 schedule with a calf injury this will be a telling season for Towns and his long-term fit.

Backup center Naz Reid was re-signed to a three-year, $42 million contract that gives the Timberwolves the luxury of bringing him off the bench and having him ready to go if Towns were to be hurt or traded. The Timberwolves return almost their entire regular rotation, toting as much upside as any team in the NBA. After needing the play-in tournament to reach the playoffs for a second straight year, the sights are clearly set beyond that for a top-four seed in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves also have one of the lowest floors among the teams that made the postseason last spring, with just as much potential to implode if they can’t shake the injuries and immaturity that have dogged them in recent years.

Departures: F Taurean Prince, G Jaylen Nowell, G Austin Rivers, C Nathan Knight.

Additions: G/F Shake Milton, G/F Troy Brown Jr., F Leonard Miller, G Jaylen Clark.

Player to watch: F Jaden McDaniels. The 2020 first-round pick, who came in the same draft as Edwards, had a breakout third season with an average of 12.1 points per game on 51.7% shooting. The 6-foot-9 McDaniels is Minnesota’s best defender and part of a formidable tandem with the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner Gobert and his rim-protecting prowess.

McDaniels missed the playoff series against Denver with a broken hand that occurred when he punched a wall out of frustration in the final regular-season game, one of several self-induced setbacks for the team in 2022-23. The Timberwolves believe McDaniels has untapped offensive potential to pair with his defensive ability against some of the best wings in the league.

Season opener: Oct. 25 at Toronto.

Fanduel NBA title odds: 55-1.

Pelicans enter the season with healthy Zion Williamson and high hopes for playoff contention

Last season: 42-40, capturing the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference. Lost to the Oklahoma Thunder in the Western Conference play-in.

Coach: Willie Green (3rd season with Pelicans, 78-86)

What to expect: The Pelicans are confident they can be among the best teams in the Western Conference if their stars — Zion Williamson in particular — can stay healthy. Their optimism stems from their 23-14 record from the 2022-23 regular season opener through last Jan. 2, when Williamson went out for the season with a right hamstring injury.

Williamson will be flanked by a formidable starting lineup that also features guard CJ McCollum and high-scoring wing Brandon Ingram. Defensive standout Herb Jones also is likely to start along with center Jonas Valanciunas. Another option in the starting lineup, depending on how New Orleans matches up with a particular opponent, will be third-year pro Trey Murphy, who is among the club’s top 3-point shooters and who also dunks with enough panache to have been invited to the dunk contest at last season’s NBA All-Star weekend.

The Pelicans have made the play-in two seasons in a row. This season, they aim to bypass the play-in and advance straight to the NBA playoffs by finishing in the top six in the conference.

Departures: G Josh Richardson, C Jaxson Hayes, C Willy Hernangomez, G Garrett Temple.

Additions: C Cody Zeller, G Jordan Hawkins.

Player to watch: Williamson. When healthy, the versatile and explosive, 6-foot-6, 285-pound power forward has been a reliable scorer, averaging nearly 26 points per game for his career. With his ability to handle the ball, along with his unusual quickness and jumping ability for his size, he is a highlight waiting to happen and has been twice named an All-Star.

The Pelicans also intend to experiment with playing Williamson at center when matchups allow, given his demonstrated ability to score in the post and also to set up open teammates when multiple defenders collapse on him. However, the 2019 first overall draft choice out of Duke has yet to play more than 61 games in a season and has played fewer than 30 games in three of his first four NBA campaigns — one of which he missed entirely. This offseason he changed his routine by spending much of his time in New Orleans at team headquarters, working out under the supervision of team personnel. Time will tell if that improves his odds of being reliably available throughout the season.

Season opener: Oct. 25 at Memphis.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 42-1.

Talented young Oklahoma City Thunder look to turn the corner this season

Last season: 40-42, reached play-in tournament.

Coach: Mark Daigneault (4th season, 86-150).

What to expect: With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, the young Thunder should reach the playoffs. Oklahoma City should be among the highest-scoring and most exciting teams in the league. Gilgeous-Alexander was a first-team All-NBA selection last season after finishing fourth in the league with 31.4 points per game. He dominated at the World Cup, leading Canada to a win over the United States in the bronze medal game.

Oklahoma City also will have Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft who missed last season with a foot injury. In his first two preseason games, the 7-foot-1 forward/center averaged 18.5 points in 18.8 minutes of action. He has been matchup nightmare on offense who fills a key void by adding an elite rim protector on defense.

Josh Giddey was named to the All-Rookie second team two years ago, then averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game last season for the Thunder. He stepped forward for Australia this summer and averaged a team-high 19.4 points for a team that went 3-2. He just turned 21 this month.

Jalen Williams, a 6-foot-6 guard/forward averaged 14.1 points and 4.5 rebounds last season. He was runner-up for Rookie of the Year and was on the All-Rookie first-team. He added strength in the offseason to help him better switch roles throughout games.

Lu Dort, known as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, averaged 13.7 points for the Thunder last season. He was a defensive stopper for Canada at the World Cup while averaging 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds.

The Thunder bench is stacked with young players who have gained experience during the rebuild the past few years. Second-year French forward Ousmane Dieng has been solid in the preseason and has a high ceiling. Oklahoma City has several established role players in Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann, Jaylin Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Lindy Waters III and Olivier Sarr.

Departures: None.

Additions: Holmgren, G Vasilije Micic, F Davis Bertans.

Player to watch: Holmgren. He added more than 10 pounds of muscle while recovering from his injury and has been playing fearlessly in the preseason. He should be a top contender for the rookie of the year award.

Season opener: At Chicago on Oct. 25.

Fanduel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 85-1.

Mavs have Doncic, Irving from the jump after their partial-season debut was a dud

Last season: 38-44, missed playoffs.

Coach: Jason Kidd (3rd season with Mavericks, 90-74; 8th season overall, 273-264).

What to expect: The Mavericks will find out what a full season looks like for the All-Star pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas faded and missed the playoffs after the blockbuster trade that brought Irving from Brooklyn. Injuries limited their chances together.

This season starts with an injury question for Doncic. He’s battling a left calf strain that might keep him out of the opener. The Dallas front office believed the roster around Doncic and Irving was part of the problem last season.

The club’s two first-round picks — Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper — could be in the rotation or even start. Grant Williams was acquired from Boston in an effort to upgrade the frontcourt. Sharpshooting Seth Curry is back for a third stint in Dallas, which hopes his presence will loosen things for Doncic and Irving and give the club another scoring option when the superstars aren’t on the court.

Departures: F/C Christian Wood, G Reggie Bullock, F Davis Bertans, C JaVale McGee, G Frank Ntilikina, F Justin Holiday, G Theo Pinson.

Additions: F Grant Williams, G Seth Curry, C Dereck Lively II, F Olivier-Maxence Prosper, G Dante Exum, F Richaun Holmes, F Derrick Jones Jr.

Players to watch: It’s all about Doncic and Irving if the Mavericks are going to be a factor in the playoffs two seasons after reaching the Western Conference finals. Kidd contends offense was never a problem in their short time together last season, and he has a point. Dallas knew defense would be an issue since stopper Dorian Finney-Smith was part of the package that went to the Nets. The Mavericks had their mind on defense when drafting Lively and Prosper, so they expect to be significantly better on that end of the court even while counting on rookies. Dallas basically has two seasons to figure it out with Doncic and Irving. The mercurial Irving has a player option after the 2024-25 season.

Season opener: Oct. 25 at San Antonio in No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama’s debut with the Spurs.

Fanduel SportsBook NBA title odds: 25-1.

Rebuilding Jazz have scoring to contend in West, but defense and depth could hold them back

Last season: 37-45, did not qualify for the playoffs.

Coach: Will Hardy, second season with the Jazz (37-45 overall).

What to expect: Utah made sweeping changes a year ago after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and the team isn’t done rebuilding. Lauri Markkanen blossoming into a star and Walker Kessler putting together a strong rookie season helped the Jazz be more competitive than expected, but Utah still missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Climbing the ladder in a deep and talented Western Conference will be challenging.

The Jazz acquired John Collins from Atlanta in a trade to partner with Markkanen and Kessler in the frontcourt, and he is another reliable option on offense. They also extended Jordan Clarkson’s contract after he averaged career highs in points (20.8), assists (4.4) and rebounds (4.0) and fully guaranteed the final season of Kelly Olynyk’s deal to give their young roster some veteran leadership.

Point guard is one position that remains in flux. First-year guard Keyonte George could be the point guard of the future, but Hardy plans to run the offense by committee to start the season. Clarkson, George, Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kris Dunn all figure to split minutes at point guard early while Hardy experiments with his backcourt.

The Jazz have plenty of scoring threats but they will need to shore up a weak defense and get consistent performances from a relatively inexperienced second unit to take a significant step forward this season.

Departures: F Rudy Gay, C Udoka Azubuike, F/C Damian Jones, F Juan Toscano-Anderson.

Additions: Collins, George, F Taylor Hendricks, F Brice Sensabaugh.

Player to watch: Markkanen flourished in his first season in Utah in an offense tailored to fit his strengths. The Finnish forward was named an NBA All-Star for the first time, and he earned the league’s Most Improved Player honors after posting career highs of 25.6 points per game and 49.9% shooting. Utah has committed to build around Markkanen as the franchise’s latest budding star. If he can build on his successful debut season, Utah has a shot at returning to the postseason sooner than expected.

Season opener: Oct. 25 vs. Sacramento Kings.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 500-1

Trail Blazers embark on a fresh start without Damian Lillard

Last season: 33-49, missed playoffs for second consecutive year.

Coach: Chauncey Billups (3rd season with the Blazers, 60-104).

What to expect: The Trail Blazers are in rebuilding mode without seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks just before the start of training camp. Lillard averaged 32.2 points last season and has averaged at least 24 in each of the last eight seasons. Also gone is starting center Jusuf Nurkic, who went to the Phoenix Suns.

The Blazers acquired Deandre Ayton from the Suns and Robert Williams from the Celtics, giving Portland a pair of big men to work with. Portland also acquired guard Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 pick in the NBA draft. As a result of the flurry of offseason moves, Portland’s roster has no players over the age of 30. While Portland did not win a single game in the preseason, it appeared that coach Chauncey Billups has a potential starting lineup this season in Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharp and Ayton.

Simons thrived two seasons ago when Lillard played just 29 games because of injury, averaging 23.4 points and 5.8 assists as a starter.

He had 18 games with five-plus 3s. Ayton is looking for a fresh start with Portland. The No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, he averaged 18 points and 10.0 rebounds in 67 games with the Suns last season.

Departures: Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, Drew Eubanks, Grayson Allen, Cam Reddish.

Additions: Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, Scoot Henderson, Malcolm Brogdon, Kris Murray.

Player to watch: Sharpe embarks on his second season with the Blazers. The No. 7 pick in the 2022 draft averaged 9.8 points in 79 games last season, wowing fans with a number of highlight-reel dunks. He started in Portland’s final nine games, scoring 20-plus points in all but one of them. He was the only rookie in the league with 27-plus points, six-plus rebounds and six-plus assists in multiple games last season.

Season opener: Oct. 25 at the Los Angeles Clippers.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: +50,000.

Rockets hire Udoka, add veterans Brooks, VanVleet as they try to escape NBA’s basement

Last season: 22-60.

Coach: Ime Udoka (first season with Rockets, 2nd season overall, 51-31).

What to expect: The Houston Rockets invested money to bring in veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet to play with their young talent this season as they look to take a step forward after three seasons as one of the league’s worst teams. They also drafted Amen Thompson No. 4 overall this year to give them another high pick to play with 2022 No. 3 pick Jabari Smith and Jalen Green, the second pick in 2021.

Also new is coach Ime Udoka after Stephen Silas was fired after three seasons. Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2021, then was suspended last season after the disclosure of an inappropriate relationship with a female Celtics employee.

Udoka is looking to develop Houston’s young players. Though the Rockets should be better this season with the addition of Brooks and VanVleet, oddsmakers still expect them to be one of the NBA’s worst teams.

Departures: G Kevin Porter Jr., G Josh Christopher, F Kenyon Martin Jr., F/C Usman Guruba,

Additions: Brooks, VanVleet, Thompson, Jeff Green, C Jock Landale, F Cam Whitmore, G Victor Oladipo, F/C Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, G/F Reggie Bullock, G Aaron Holiday.

Player to watch: Jalen Green. The guard made marked improvement last year in his second NBA season, but is looking to do much more. After averaging 17.3 points and 2.6 assists as a rookie, the 6-4 Green averaged 22.1 points and 3.7 assists last season. He’s focused on leading the Rockets back to the playoffs. “I take a big responsibility in that,” he said. “I know the fans are relying on me. I know my coaching staff and my teammates are relying on me to be that as a leader and as a better player this year.”

Season opener: At Orlando on Oct. 25.

Fanduel NBA title odds: 500-1.

All eyes on Victor Wembanyama as the No. 1 pick opens a new era with San Antonio Spurs

Last season: 22-60. The Spurs missed the playoffs for fourth straight season.

Coach: Gregg Popovich (29th season, 1,366-761).

What to expect: Wembanyama! Wembanyama! Wembanyama! All eyes have been on No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama and that hype will only increase once the season gets underway. At 7-foot-3 with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama has impressed in the preseason with his long-range shooting, footwork in the paint, ability to quickly close defensively and block shots as well as his immense skills around the rim.

The 19-year-old from France has done little to dampen the hoopla that began swelling following his performance in the 2021 FIBA U19’s in Latvia. Tim Duncan had a lot of talent around him when he joined the Spurs a quarter-century ago, but that’s not the case for Wembanyama.

His supporting cast includes Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson along with Zach Collins at center and Tre Jones at point guard.

Key reserves include Doug McDermott, Julian Champagnie and Malaki Branham. Still, with the Spurs scheduled for 19 nationally televised games after no such appearances last season, the league and its fans can see what many are already describing as Wembanyama’s out-of-this-world talent.

Departures: F Keita Bates-Diop, C Gorgui Dieng, G Romeo Langford.

Additions: Wembanyama, F Sidy Cissoko, F Cedi Osman, G Sir’Jabari Rice.

Player to watch: Vassell. The fourth-year guard can build off a solid if short season while opposing defenses focus on Wembanyama. Vassell averaged 18.5 points and 3.6 assists per game last season, both career highs, but only played 38 games due to injuries and rest. Vassell, who has added muscle and is healthy, is averaging 17.3 points in the preseason while shooting 40% on 3-pointers. With Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stating the team’s internal focus has shifted from development to winning, Vassell has a chance to have a big impact on the Spurs’ fortunes.

Season opener: Oct. 25 vs. Dallas Mavericks

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 500-1.