24 key storylines before 2023-24 season

NBA basketball returns Oct. 24. We are counting down the days like the seconds on a shot clock. As of Oct. 1, our writers will list 24 storylines heading into the 2023-24 NBA season.

A new storyline will drop each day. Here’s a look at the storylines covered so far.



Bucks’ massive trade for Damian Lillard puts the league on notice.
— Steve Aschburner



Even with Chris Paul, another title will be tough for Warriors.
— Shaun Powell



Will additions of Jrue Holiday & Kristaps Porzingis be enough for Celtics?
— John Schuhmann



Grizzlies face a tough climb while awaiting Ja Morant’s return.
— John Schuhmann



Here’s why the Kia Rookie of the Year chase won’t be a 1-man race.
— Steve Aschburner



The Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving combo will be better in 2023-24. Here’s why.
— John Schuhmann



Ime Udoka is back on the bench, and Rockets fans should rejoice.
— Michael C. Wright



Even with Paolo Banchero and a solid core, Magic have a ways to go to end playoff drought. 
— Michael C. Wright



The Clippers are hoping for a full season out of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
— John Schuhmann



New Orleans’ ceiling is primed to rise if Zion Williamson is fully fit this season.
— Michael C. Wright



The Blazers are entering a new era with Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton leading the way.
— Shaun Powell



Will the Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert pairing work better in Year 2?
— Steve Aschburner



International stars are primed to once again dominate the Kia MVP chase.
— Michael C. Wright



Cavaliers eager to learn from their first-round playoff loss to breakthrough season.
— Steve Aschburner



Why offensive efficiency should continue to rise in 2023-24.
— John Schuhmann



Jimmy Butler remains the NBA star in need of the most help.
— Shaun Powell



Will the Nets or Knicks put the Big Apple on notice in 2023-24?
— Michael C. Wright



Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker has put the West on notice.
— John Schuhmann



Which rule change will have the biggest impact on the 2023-24 season.
— Steve Aschburner



Five players seem to be clear favorites in the 2023-24 scoring title chase.
— Shaun Powell



Why Atlanta should manage just fine after trading John Collins
— Shaun Powell



In-Season Tournament brings a new dimension to the start of the season.
— Steve Aschburner



Why you should not count out LeBron James and the Lakers.
— Shaun Powell



The Nuggets have all the pieces they need to defend their NBA championship.
— Michael C. Wright