By Aidan Mastandrea, Joseph Caruso and Tyler Morello
Signal Sports Staff
Most valuable player
Joe: Nikola Jokic
Already having won the award three times in the last four years, the dreaded “voter fatigue” has been no match for Jokic’s historic offensive output. With that being said, one week into the 2024 NBA season, he has ascended to an even higher level.
Already with two 40-point games in the Nugget's first four contests, Denver’s less-than-ideal supporting cast will force the three-time MVP to put up even crazier numbers than previous years if they have championship aspirations.
With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling to look like their usual selves, and sharpshooting Kentavious Caldwell-Pope lost in free agency in favor of the fossil that is Russell Westbrook, the Joker dragging this team to home-court advantage in a tough Western Conference would be his most impressive trick yet and enough to warrant serious MVP consideration.
Aidan: Anthony Davis
After the Lakers championship in 2020, many people around the league expected Anthony Davis to take the baton from Lebron James and ascend to an even higher level. Unfortunately, some injuries in the two years following the ring thwarted that growth, and Davis started to be mocked for his proneness to injury.
Somewhat quietly, Davis has risen back to his pre-2021 form and been tremendous for the Lakers over the past two seasons. While only a few games into the young season, Davis has been a monster on both ends of the floor, averaging over 30 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks a game.
It is clear that Davis is now the focal point of a new Lakers offense and barring injury, the Lakers should be in good position in the Western Conference which would give Davis a great shot at his first MVP.
Tyler: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After a week of the NBA season, it seems possible that we may get a first time MVP. The Thunder seem to be the most well rounded team in the West, and if they finish with one of the top records in the conference, there's a good chance Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will get the award.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the most consistent players in the league over the past few seasons, almost always finishing with at least 30 points and 6 assists while also being one of the only star guards who play elite defense. If he keeps up his consistent play with the Thunder getting a top two seed in the Western Conference, the MVP should be Shai’s for the taking.
NBA Champions
Joe: Oklahoma City Thunder
Finishing with the second-best record in basketball in the 2023 season, the Thunder only have gotten scarier this season. The runner-up in MVP voting last season, 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the brightest young stars in the league, excelling on both sides of the ball.
Chet Holmgren has taken a leap in his third season, and Jalen Williams is one of the most underrated young scorers in the league. All of this is expected from coach Mark Daigneault’s squad, but the moves they made over the summer are what should get Thunder fans excited.
General manager and basketball genius Sam Presti killed two birds with one stone, getting rid of Josh Giddey and replacing him with two of the most impactful role players in the NBA, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Assuming the stars stay healthy, Oklahoma City should cruise to the number one seed in the Western Conference and rack up 60 wins in the process.
Their experience will certainly be a question mark come playoff time, but their depth and shooting should make them the favorite to advance to the NBA Finals.
Aidan: Celtics
There doesn't seem to be much of an argument against the Celtics winning the championship this year other than injuries. Even with that, star center Kristaps Porzingis has not played yet this year and Boston has looked as dominant as ever.
The depth of the roster alongside superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is something that the league has not seen in a long time. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has proven to be one of the best in the league and his players seem to respond to his eccentric personality.
There is a universe in which the Celtics break down and get beaten come playoff time, but it seems infinitely more likely that they will cruise through the Eastern Conference and win their second straight title.
Tyler: Celtics
It is difficult to picture a team other than the Boston Celtics holding up the Larry O’Brien trophy in June. Their high-powered offense that consists of shooting as many threes as possible has created a new dynamic for NBA offensive schemes.
Even though they are averaging over 50 three-pointers attempted per game, they never seem forced in any given situation. Their five-out set also allows the paint to be wide open when they are run off the three-point line. Even though they have the highest offensive rating in the league through four games, they also have a top tier defense thanks to their ability to switch positions one through five and protect the rim with centers Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
Jayson Tatum is playing like an MVP after his jump shot was seemingly fixed from the end of last season, and Jaylen Brown is playing with some fire within him after being snubbed off the USA Olympics team. The East is going to run through the Celtics again, it's just a matter if a team from the West can stop them.
Dark Horse Champions
Joe: Orlando Magic
The Magic have everything you want from an up-and-coming squad. A budding superstar in Paolo Banchero, a do-it-all second option in Franz Wagner, and some of the best role players in the league.
A 3-1 start has been spearheaded by the aforementioned Banchero, with a statement performance in a win against the Indiana Pacers where he recorded 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. At just 21 years old, the sky's the limit for Banchero.
Alongside him and Wagner, Orlando has a plethora of great role players, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black and defensive wizard Jonathan Issac. The Magic have a lot of room to grow before being thrust into contention talks, but if Banchero and Wagner hit their ceiling, there is no telling where this team will be come playoff time.
Aidan: Los Angeles Lakers
Can a team anchored by Lebron James and Anthony Davis truly be a dark horse? According to the odds makers and television personalities they certainly are. It's only been 4 games, but new head coach JJ Redick seems like the real deal.
With practically the same roster as a year ago, the Lakers look like a completely new squad. The offense has been refreshing and with Davis controlling play on the defensive end, and the ascendance of Austin Reaves this team could make a run through the Western conference and win a title.
Tyler: Los Angeles Clippers
After reports that Kawhi Leonard would be out for an indefinite period, fans were worried the Clippers would be competing for the worst record in the league with their draft pick going to the Thunder.
However, James Harden is proving he can still lead an effective offense. The Clippers have all the right role players a team would want with a great mix of shooters and defenders. Big man Ivica Zubac is proving to be one of the more underrated players in the league and he provides great rim protection which is what all contenders need.
The biggest question is still Kawhi Leonard though. If he can come back by the end of the season with the Clippers in a playoff spot, he could put together one last playoff run.
