The NBA landscape has witnessed a seismic shift over the past three years, with a notable migration of talent between the Western and Eastern Conferences. Among the top-30 players, Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton have all made their way from the West to the East, impacting their new teams' fortunes significantly.
Impact Players Transforming the East
Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell have been particularly transformative. Both players brought new vigor and strategies to their teams, altering the dynamics of their respective franchises. Brunson, in particular, has shown his offensive prowess and ability to lead, while Mitchell has continued to build on his reputation as an elite scorer and playmaker.
Western Conference: A Dominant Force
Despite these significant departures, the Western Conference remains a powerhouse. Nine out of the top 12 NBA players hail from the West, a testament to the region's continued dominance. This superiority was also reflected in the Top 100 list, where the West boasted 54 players compared to the East's 46.
The West has also seen impactful returns. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis have made their way back to Western teams, adding further depth and star power to the conference.
Standout Performances and Shifts
Nikola Jokic is regarded by many, including analysts like Brad Botkin, as the best player in the league. Botkin notes, “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.” Jokic’s all-around game, leadership, and humility set him apart.
Desmond Bane's performance has been remarkable as well. Even with increased usage to 27.3% in his fourth year, Bane maintained his efficiency, showcasing his scoring ability, particularly in Ja Morant's absence. Bane averaged 24.6 points per game when Morant missed nine games last season, highlighting his capability to shoulder more responsibility when necessary.
A Look at Star Power in the West
Rudy Gobert continues to excel defensively, securing his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. Karl-Anthony Towns, another Western star, has been a consistent top performer, previously ranked as high as No. 11 on top-100 lists. Towns is often lauded by analysts like Sam Quinn, who stated, “Towns is among the best big man shooters of all time.”
Kevin Durant has had a stellar season, averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while maintaining a 41% shooting percentage from the three-point range. Kawhi Leonard also enjoyed a successful season, playing 68 games, scoring 23 points per game, and maintaining a better than 62% true shooting percentage.
Under the Spotlight: Timberwolves and Clippers
The Timberwolves achieved a significant milestone, reaching the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004. This success was spearheaded by Anthony Edwards, who led the team and made his first All-NBA appearance last season. The Clippers, on the other hand, face a challenging transition period as they look to integrate James Harden into their offense following Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia.
Emerging Stars
Jalen Williams showed glimpses of brilliance, drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not on the court. Williams is recognized for his versatility as a scorer and defensive prowess. His future seems bright, with All-Star appearances seemingly just a matter of time, as suggested by analysts like James Herbert.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic continues to be a marvel in the Mavericks' camp. His performances often leave spectators and analysts in awe, prompting thoughts like, “How is he doing this?” as Jasmyn Wimbish aptly noted. Doncic's ability to consistently deliver on the court cements his status as one of the league’s most captivating talents.
As the NBA continues to evolve, the interplay between East and West, the rise of emerging stars, and the continued excellence of established players ensure that the league remains an exciting and dynamic spectacle.