NBA 2023-2024 quick guide: 6 stories to follow in the Western Conference

The regular season of NBA 2023-2024 began with the first exhibits and demonstrations of what was to come.beginning of an era Victor Wenbanyama ‘s debut was spectacular. denver nuggets After the ring ceremony, they showed once again that they are the rivals to beat in the Western Conference.Beyond the genius of France’s number one and the antics of French players Nikola Jokic In mode MVP Without further ado, these are some of this year’s most notable Wild West stories.

Zion’s hour has come (the last hour)

After a summer that was “the most in the gym of the rest of my life,” Zion Williamson is ready to strike fear into the league. In his first game, he had a devastating sequence with two consecutive attacks, including a dunk, in the Pelicans’ win over the Grizzlies. The No. 1 draft pick hasn’t enjoyed the continuity he’d hoped for despite showing intermittent signs of quality and power, but his physical preparation is optimal and injuries have kept him busy. Everything could change this season if we respect it. Please be careful…

Two MVPs were won from among the best rookies.

The Western Conference has been the destination for two players who recently took the EuroLeague by storm. Sasha Bezenkov (Sacramento Kings) and Vasilije Micic (Oklahoma City Thunder) landed in his NBA as MVPs of the continental championships in 2022 and 2023 after their respective seasons. Although it looks difficult, it can probably compete with Wenbanyama. Henderson and Miller could be this year’s Rookie of the Year if the franchise gives them a chance. Only Bezenkov, who played 16 minutes in his first chance last night, had eight points, two rebounds and two steals. Micic watched his team win from the bench.

Seeking reintegration into society

Unfortunately, the NBA has recently been plagued with scandals involving players outside of the sport, and Ja Morant has been caught up in the scandal. The Grizzlies star will miss the first 25 games due to a long history of abuse, particularly two games that involved displaying a firearm on social networks. He averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists last year, and his contributions will be key in the Grizzlies’ season, which was severely affected by Steven Adams’ long-term injury.

success or failure

Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal. The Phoenix Suns’ “Big 3” is scary…but in basketball he can only play with one ball, which may be too much for a small chicken coop. Already knowing what it means to win in the ring, Frank Vogel is tasked with managing the best and worst teams in every sense of the word. For now, Beal missed the team’s debut game against the Warriors in the first slap in the face from “load management” to the NBA. The Suns won with Booker “in form” and a modest KD, so things look promising…

everything comes to an end

The Golden State Warriors will enter the 2023-24 season as a special “last dance.” The sensation was so great that they tried to rescue Chris Paul and give him the coveted ring. With Iguodala no longer here, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will be looking for a historic fifth title, ending one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. It is clear that the days when they absolutely dominated the competition are behind us, but no one doubts that they can achieve it.

LeBron, for all records

Wilt Chamberlain may be the most memorable player in the NBA, but LeBron James isn’t short either. The King will turn 39 midway through the season, but age won’t be an issue for the Lakers’ leader, who will aim to become, for example, the all-time leading scorer in professional basketball history. , surpassed Brazil’s Oscar Schmidt. With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, anything other than a season at the peak of his career would be a surprise and a disappointment. In his debut, it’s clear his minutes will be more limited than ever, and Dervin Ham’s plan is to keep him to no more than 30 games at a time during the regular season.