The NBA is back in action, kicking off the 2025-26 season with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. As teams gear up for another thrilling year, several storylines promise to capture the attention of basketball fans worldwide. From Australian stars securing lucrative contracts to the anticipation surrounding LeBron James’s potential retirement, here are five key narratives to follow as the season unfolds.
Australians Building After Big Paydays
Two prominent Australian players, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, enter the new season with significant expectations following their recent contract extensions. Both players have inked four-year deals worth $100 million USD, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.
Giddey, now a central figure for the Chicago Bulls, has the opportunity to elevate his game and lead his team, especially with Coby White sidelined at the start. The challenge for Giddey will be to transform his impressive statistics into victories and enhance the performance of his teammates.
Meanwhile, Daniels is coming off a breakout season with the Atlanta Hawks, where he finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. With the addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks are aiming for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, particularly as Indiana and Boston grapple with injuries.
“If the Hawks are to rise up to the top tier in the East, Daniels’s perimeter defence and continued improvements on the offensive end will prove critical in that jump.”
The ‘Gap Year’ Teams in the Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference faces a challenging start, with key players Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum sidelined due to injuries sustained during last season’s playoffs. This situation significantly alters the outlook for the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics.
Boston, with its championship pedigree, remains hopeful for Tatum’s return near the playoffs, while Indiana must adapt to the absence of Haliburton and the departure of Myles Turner. Veteran coach Rick Carlisle will rely on emerging talents like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin to keep the Pacers competitive.
Australia’s Johnny Furphy, known for his spectacular pre-season performances, could play a crucial role in Indiana’s rotation as they navigate this challenging period.
OKC’s Quest for a Dynasty
After a triumphant season culminating in an NBA championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to defend their title. Led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are favorites to achieve back-to-back championships, a feat not accomplished since the Golden State Warriors in 2017-18.
While the Thunder’s core remains intact, the team faces the challenge of maintaining their dominance. Jalen Williams’s recovery from wrist surgery and Chet Holgren’s potential breakout season could be pivotal in solidifying OKC’s status as a dynasty.
“OKC begins the season as an unbackable favourite to go back-to-back, but as Boston showed last season, a dynasty is promised to no-one.”
Challengers Eyeing the Champs
The rest of the NBA is not resting on its laurels, with several teams making strategic moves to dethrone the Thunder. The Houston Rockets made headlines by acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade, addressing their need for a clutch scorer.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets bolstered their roster by trading Michael Porter Jr for Cam Johnson and signing Jonas Valančiūnas. These additions aim to enhance the team’s depth and versatility, positioning them as strong contenders.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite their regular-season success last year, are eager to prove their mettle in the playoffs. The New York Knicks, under new head coach Mike Brown, hope to implement a more dynamic offense to complement Jalen Brunson’s leadership.
LeBron James: The Potential Farewell Tour
Speculation surrounds LeBron James as he enters his 23rd NBA season, coinciding with the final year of his contract. While a recent retirement tease was part of a commercial, the possibility of James retiring remains a topic of intrigue.
As James approaches his 41st birthday, his health and performance will be closely monitored. With sciatica sidelining him at the season’s start, the Lakers may manage his minutes carefully, potentially marking a shift in his storied career.
“It feels like the basketball world has been waiting for this cliff to arrive for half a decade and time after time James has continued to defy Father Time.”
As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, these narratives promise to shape the league’s landscape, offering fans a mix of drama, competition, and nostalgia.
