The 2025 NBA Season: 7 Teams and Players to Watch, New Developments, and Predictions

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is entering its 80th season as the most expansive and prestigious basketball league in the world. With 30 teams scattered across four time zones and a vast geographic footprint, the NBA's success is undeniable. However, its vastness also presents a challenge: to the casual basketball fan or U.S. sports fan, most of its 30 clubs are nondescript, and their ability to differentiate themselves beyond their local markets is limited. In the other major U.S. leagues, there is space for 30 teams because those 30 are the best in the world. But in the NBA, teams from different markets compete for attention and programming hours, media dollars, and headspace. The NBA must give fans and media reasons to care about and talk about its teams, rather than about other leagues or teams from other countries. Despite its challenges, the NBA has a clear path to broader relevance: investing in its players. However, its owners and executives have shown little willingness to do so, frequently speaking about being a "league of choice" but failing to agree on a plan to become one. Instead, they will savor stability and continue to reap the benefits of their broadcast rights, which now fetch $3 billion per year from ESPN. Despite the growth of the NBA pie, each slice of the knife makes it less distinguishable. However, there are still seven NBA teams that stand out and deserve our attention in 2025:

1. Golden State Warriors: The Warriors have been a perennial powerhouse in the NBA, with a rich history of championship runs and star-studded rosters. They are a must-watch team for any basketball fan.
2. Boston Celtics: The Celtics are another storied franchise with a long history of success. They have a strong fan base and a rich tradition that makes them a must-see team.
3. Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers are a legendary franchise with a long history of championship runs and star players. They are a must-watch team for any basketball fan, regardless of their local market.
4. New York Knicks: The Knicks are one of the most iconic franchises in sports, with a rich history and a strong fan base in New York City. They are always a must-see team in the NBA.
5. Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have a rich history of success and are known for their fierce competitiveness on the court. They are a must-watch team for any basketball fan who loves intense games.
6. Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers have a young and talented roster with high-profile players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. They are a must-watch team for any basketball fan who loves watching young talent develop.
7. Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks have a young and dynamic roster with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. They are a must-watch team for any basketball fan who loves watching high-level play on both ends of the court. In conclusion, while the NBA may struggle to differentiate itself from other leagues or teams in some cases, there are still seven teams that stand out and deserve our attention in 2025. These teams offer unique stories, traditions