In the past three years, the landscape of the NBA has witnessed a noticeable shift, particularly in the distribution of talent across the conferences. The movement of top-tier players has been a trend, with five top-30 players—Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton—making a cross-country journey from the high-octane Western Conference to the competitive Eastern Conference.
This shift has undeniably impacted the fortunes of several teams. Jaylen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell, for instance, have made substantial contributions to their respective teams, altering their trajectories. Brunson's performance in New York and Mitchell’s influence in Cleveland have been nothing short of transformative.
The West Dominates
Despite these movements, the Western Conference still appears to be the powerhouse of the league, with nine of the top twelve NBA players hailing from the West. The Top 100 list also favors the West, showcasing 54 players compared to the East's 46. It’s evident that the battle for supremacy remains heavily weighted towards the Western teams.
Some of the impactful moves back to the West include Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis, each adding significant firepower to their respective teams. Durant's average of 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists last season, combined with his 41% shooting from the three-point range, underscores his continued dominance.
Nikola Jokic, arguably the best player in the league, epitomizes this Western dominance. As Brad Botkin eloquently puts it, “His defense has made great strides. The fact that he has zero interest in being recognized as the world's best player is, in part, what actually makes him the world's best player.”
Impact Players and Rising Stars
The performance of Desmond Bane stands out in the context of rising stars. Bane maintained his efficiency even with an increased usage rate of 27.3% in his fourth year, averaging 24.6 points in the absence of Ja Morant. The latter missed nine games last season, during which Bane’s contributions were pivotal. James Herbert noted, “The Grizzlies' franchise player was willing to defer to Bane at times when they shared the floor.”
Another player who has consistently proven his mettle is Rudy Gobert, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for the fourth time. Karl-Anthony Towns, once ranked as high as No. 11 on the top-100 lists, continues to showcase his versatility. As Sam Quinn highlights, “Towns is among the best big man shooters of all time.”
Kawhi Leonard also made a significant mark last season. Playing 68 games, Leonard posted an average of 23 points per game while maintaining a better than 62% true-shooting clip, underscoring his efficiency and impact.
Timberwolves on the Rise
The Timberwolves' journey to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004 was a milestone, largely driven by Anthony Edwards. Edwards led the Timberwolves and earned his first All-NBA appearance last season, reflecting his rising stature in the league.
Challenges and Expectations
The Clippers, meanwhile, face the complex challenge of integrating James Harden into their offense following Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia. The onus will be on the Clippers' coaching staff to seamlessly blend Harden's style of play with the existing roster to maintain their competitive edge.
Jalen Williams has also been a player to watch, with his statistics without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the court reminiscent of Kevin Durant's numbers. Williams is seen as a versatile scorer and a defensive asset, with a bright future ahead. As James Herbert remarks, “His future looks bright with All-Star appearances seemingly just a matter of time.”
Amidst all these movements and performances, Luka Doncic continues to be a marvel. His feats on the court leave fans and analysts alike in awe. Jasmyn Wimbish's observation rings true: “Even after six years in the league, it's not uncommon to walk away from watching Doncic play and still think, 'How is he doing this?'”
As the NBA season progresses, the dynamic shifts and standout performances of these players will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative of the league. The ongoing East-West talent migration, coupled with the emergence of new stars and the unwavering excellence of established players, ensures that every game remains a testament to the evolving and thrilling nature of professional basketball.