With the NBA season rapidly approaching, media days have concluded for all 30 teams, signaling the imminent start of the 2025-26 preseason. The offseason brought its share of drama, including significant trades, contract disputes, and player injuries. Despite the preseason being only weeks away from opening night, several key storylines remain unresolved.
As teams prepare for the upcoming season, our sports analysts have identified and addressed the most crucial questions facing each franchise. Topics range from the Golden State Warriors navigating the Jonathan Kuminga contract situation and the LA Clippers dealing with a league investigation into Kawhi Leonard, to the Indiana Pacers` championship aspirations. Here`s a breakdown of the top questions—and their answers—for every team as they enter the 2025-26 preseason.
Atlanta Hawks
Are the Hawks, led by Trae Young, ready to emerge as contenders in the Eastern Conference?
With other top Eastern teams like Boston, Indiana, and Milwaukee potentially facing setbacks due to injuries, Atlanta sees an opportunity to advance. The Hawks have strengthened their roster by adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, who are expected to improve floor spacing and provide more offensive options for Trae Young, last season`s assist leader. The return of Jalen Johnson from shoulder surgery, alongside the continued development of Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher, gives Young arguably his most talented supporting cast to date. This season will also be crucial for Young to demonstrate his value as he becomes eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension.
Boston Celtics
What is the primary objective for the Boston Celtics this season?
For many years, the Celtics` singular goal was to add more championship banners to the TD Garden. However, the 2025-26 season marks a significant shift in strategy. With Jayson Tatum`s torn Achilles and the trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in cost-saving moves, Boston`s direction is less clear. Will the team still aim for a playoff spot, relying on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, or will this be a designated “gap year” for rebuilding and retooling?
Brooklyn Nets
Will there be sufficient offensive space and opportunities for Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. to thrive?
Cam Thomas enters the season following an injury-plagued year that limited him to 25 games and a disappointing restricted free agency, leading him to accept a $6 million qualifying offer. Michael Porter Jr. arrived from Denver in early July in exchange for Cameron Johnson, having been a third offensive option in his previous team. Both players are aggressive scorers who prefer offensive freedom; Porter has never averaged more than 13.6 shots per game. Observing how these two balance their roles will be a key storyline as the Nets seek to establish a new team identity.
Charlotte Hornets
Can LaMelo Ball finally establish himself as the star player the Hornets desperately need?
LaMelo Ball has endured three difficult seasons, playing only 105 career games due to various injuries. While his talent is undeniable when healthy – he averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 47 games last season – Ball must prove he can consistently stay on the court and assume a leadership role for Charlotte. Improvements in his shooting efficiency and defense are also critical. Brandon Miller’s second season was also cut short by injury, limiting him to 27 games. While the Hornets anticipate another rebuilding year, second-year coach Charles Lee will be keen to see what his two young stars can achieve together over a full season, alongside Miles Bridges and No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel.
Chicago Bulls
Which of the Bulls` young players will step up and elevate their game?
Having moved past the DeMar DeRozan-Zach LaVine era, the Bulls have assembled a roster of promising young talent believed to have significant upside, including Josh Giddey (22), Coby White (24), Matas Buzelis (20), and Noa Essengue (18). However, for a team that has only made the playoffs once in the last eight seasons – and suffered three consecutive losses in the play-in tournament – the key to escaping “play-in purgatory” will be for one of these young talents to develop into a star.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Can the Cavaliers overcome their playoff struggles and advance further?
A highly successful regular season in franchise history was unfortunately overshadowed by a deeply disappointing playoff exit. The 2025-26 Cavaliers will be largely defined by their ability to rebound from that setback. The formidable core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen all return, alongside most of the squad that secured 64 wins in the East. While injuries contributed to their playoff loss, being swept by the Indiana Pacers highlighted the need for strategic adjustments in both their playing style and team mentality. The Cavaliers face considerable pressure in the East; failure to perform could lead to louder questions about the future composition of their roster.
Dallas Mavericks
When will Kyrie Irving return, and how quickly can he regain his elite form?
Mavericks fans received a hopeful update in September when Kyrie Irving told TMZ his recovery from a torn ACL was progressing “incredibly well,” raising optimism for a potential return as early as January. In the interim, Dallas must position itself favorably for Irving`s comeback. This requires Anthony Davis, returning from offseason eye surgery, to lead the team aggressively on both ends of the court. The development of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg will also be crucial, as coach Jason Kidd intends to give the rookie significant ball-handling responsibilities.
Denver Nuggets
Will the Nuggets` improved depth and defense be sufficient for a championship push?
Nikola Jokic is in the prime of his career, and the Nuggets cannot afford to squander this window. The additions of Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown are expected to significantly bolster the team`s previously thin bench depth. However, despite Jokic`s exceptional talent, Denver`s defense ranked 21st last season, allowing 115.1 points per 100 possessions. If the team fails to improve defensively, their aspirations for a deep postseason run may be cut short.
Detroit Pistons
What will Jaden Ivey`s role be in the Pistons` new strategic lineup?
Jaden Ivey was enjoying a career season, shooting 45% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, before fracturing his left fibula on New Year`s Day. The Pistons, then 14-18, saw their fortunes change after Ausar Thompson stepped into the starting lineup in Ivey`s absence. Thompson`s defensive prowess unlocked new dynamics for the first unit. Meanwhile, Ivey`s scoring and speed complement Cade Cunningham`s play style, raising questions about whether Ivey will return to the starting lineup or transition into a sixth-man role. Additionally, Ivey and Jalen Duren are both eligible for rookie-scale contract extensions, adding another layer to the team`s offseason decisions.
Golden State Warriors
Can the Warriors prevent the Jonathan Kuminga contract situation from negatively impacting their season?
The resolution of Jonathan Kuminga`s contract dispute will likely dictate both his early-season commitment to the team and his potential trade value closer to the deadline. This issue has consumed the Warriors` offseason and generated considerable media attention for good reason. If both parties can reach a reasonable agreement, any initial awkwardness might quickly subside. Kuminga is a valuable rotation wing who can either contribute or be traded to acquire additional reinforcement for an aging roster. However, if he is forced to accept a qualifying offer, remains unhappy, and is on track for unrestricted free agency in 2026, it could severely undermine the team`s rotation, flexibility, and overall morale.
Houston Rockets
Are the Rockets still genuine contenders in the Western Conference despite Fred VanVleet`s potentially season-ending torn ACL?
Yes, they are. The Rockets still possess Kevin Durant, a wealth of young, ambitious talent, and strong coaching leadership. According to sports analysts, barring a trade, Houston cannot sign a free agent to fill its single remaining roster spot due to being $1.25 million below the first apron. Therefore, attention turns to potential replacements from the current roster, such as Reed Sheppard (a sharp shooter and improved defender), veteran Aaron Holiday, and two-way phenom Amen Thompson, who is likely to get the first opportunity to step into VanVleet`s role. Thompson is expected to make a significant leap this season, having focused his offseason on enhancing his playmaking and ball-handling skills.
Indiana Pacers
What can realistically be expected from the Pacers this season?
Indiana`s Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals was a double blow, not only for the missed championship opportunity but also because Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles, a major setback for the 2025-26 season. Additionally, the team lost center Myles Turner in free agency. These circumstances leave the defending conference champions entering the new season with significantly reduced external expectations. The Pacers currently have four centers who will compete to replace Turner. Andrew Nembhard will be given more ball-handling duties as point guard in Haliburton`s absence. While many outsiders view this as a rebuilding or “gap year” for a team missing its star, this still-talented squad, which defied expectations last postseason, may have different ideas about their potential this season.
LA Clippers
How will the Clippers manage yet another NBA investigation involving Kawhi Leonard?
The NBA`s latest, high-profile investigation into the Clippers – focusing on whether the team circumvented the salary cap, a severe league offense – will undoubtedly cast a shadow over their entire season. Should new information surface before the investigation concludes, the situation could become even more uncomfortable. Overall, the inquiry could serve as a major distraction, or the team might compartmentalize it and await the outcome. However, this roster is built around aging stars, including 40-year-old Chris Paul, 37-year-old Brook Lopez, 36-year-old James Harden, and the 34-year-old Kawhi Leonard, who has a history of injuries and considerable career mileage. With a potential rebuild looming, the team cannot afford to squander what may be their final opportunity to achieve significant success in the Leonard era.
Los Angeles Lakers
Could this be LeBron James` final season with the Lakers?
The Lakers concluded the regular season with a 15-8 record when both LeBron James and Luka Doncic were on the court together. While their timely partnership secured the No. 3 seed for L.A., James and Doncic`s squad was subsequently eliminated by Minnesota in five games during the first round of the playoffs. With the Western Conference projected to be even stronger next season, the question arises: can the Lakers` formidable duo and their supporting cast keep L.A. at the top of the standings in what might be one of James` last campaigns? And if the team struggles to win, will James be content to finish the season in Los Angeles?
Memphis Grizzlies
Does Memphis` strategic decision to retool the roster better position the Grizzlies for sustained long-term success?
General Manager Zach Kleiman deserves credit for critically assessing the roster and concluding it lacked the consistent strength needed to compete in the Western Conference. This led to the dismissal of coach Taylor Jenkins and the promotion of assistant Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies also traded Desmond Bane to Orlando, acquiring a valuable package of picks that enabled them to draft Cedric Coward. Simultaneously, Kleiman and the organization managed to avoid severely impacting the team`s immediate competitiveness, continuing to build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with additions like Ty Jerome and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This balanced approach suggests a focus on both present capability and future growth.
Miami Heat
Can the Heat bounce back and overcome the disappointment of last season?
Jimmy Butler III`s departure to the Warriors at last February`s trade deadline proved tumultuous, and the Heat never truly recovered, culminating in a first-round playoff blowout loss to Cleveland. Miami responded by acquiring Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio, and drafting Kasparas Jakucionis to boost their offense. However, the team faces an immediate challenge with Tyler Herro sidelined for eight weeks after left foot surgery. Powell previously demonstrated his scoring capability when given more opportunities, performing at an All-Star level for the Clippers when Kawhi Leonard was injured. The Heat will need Powell to help Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins carry the offensive load. If anyone can keep the team cohesive and guide them to a strong rebound from last season, it is coach Erik Spoelstra.
Milwaukee Bucks
Can the Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, re-establish themselves as championship contenders?
The Bucks had a fully healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2024-25 season, where he performed like an MVP contender in 67 regular-season games and elevated his play even further in the playoffs. Despite this, Milwaukee still suffered a first-round exit for the third consecutive season. It has been seven years since Antetokounmpo first won the MVP award, and the Bucks have consistently and aggressively reshaped their roster in an effort to maintain contention. Even in what appears to be a weaker Eastern Conference, the Bucks are determined to reopen their championship window and provide Antetokounmpo another opportunity to compete for titles in Milwaukee.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Are Minnesota`s young players prepared to step up and make an impact?
After their second consecutive defeat in the Western Conference Finals, this time to the younger and deeper Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota coach Chris Finch pledged to expand his rotation for the upcoming season and explore the talent already within the organization. With Mike Conley turning 38 next month and Nickeil Alexander-Walker signing with Atlanta in free agency, Finch`s strategy to integrate new talent is a sensible one. The crucial question is whether Minnesota`s young prospects are truly ready for the challenge. Guards Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark, along with front-court options Leonard Miller and rookie center Joan Beringer, are all unproven at the NBA level. Given the established core of Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo, it will be interesting to observe how much patience Minnesota will show with this new group before considering external upgrades.
New Orleans Pelicans
Can the Pelicans maintain player health throughout the season?
While avoiding injuries is crucial for all teams, the Pelicans` situation is particularly dire, especially considering Zion Williamson played only 30 games last season, Dejounte Murray 31, and Herbert Jones 20. If their key players face similar injury woes this season, New Orleans will likely find itself back in the draft lottery. For now, the additions of guard Jordan Poole and rookie guard Jeremiah Fears are intriguing, and there`s hope for Saddiq Bey to rebound after missing last season with a torn ACL. However, historically, the team`s health report has largely dictated their record. The stakes are also higher this season because the Pelicans traded an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta for Derik Queen, the No. 13 pick in the 2025 draft. This means another poor season won`t be softened by a high draft reward.
New York Knicks
Will new coach Mike Brown alter the starting lineup?
In last spring`s conference finals, Mitchell Robinson started the final four games at center, moving utility player Josh Hart to the bench. Robinson`s ability to dominate the offensive glass allows Karl-Anthony Towns to play more naturally as a power forward. Hart, who started all 77 games he played for the Knicks last season and led the league in minutes, might have been overused by previous coach Tom Thibodeau. With significant expectations riding on this Knicks season, every decision made by Coach Brown will be magnified, starting with his choice for the opening five players.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Will the Thunder experience a “championship hangover” after their recent title win?
The Thunder return every rotation player from the team that secured the championship just three months ago. Their three top players—Chet Holmgren (23), Jalen Williams (24), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (27)—are still young, with a layer of rising talent beneath them. Therefore, there`s no logical reason to doubt their personnel; in fact, the best team in the world should theoretically continue to improve. The real question revolves around their mindset. They transition from being the hunter to the hunted. Motivation and physical fatigue can manifest differently in a title defense season after a short offseason. Could this lead to any kind of dip in their regular-season performance?
Orlando Magic
Can Desmond Bane elevate Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to the next level?
The Magic felt it was time to make significant moves to contend in the East. Orlando, having acquired Desmond Bane in exchange for four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick swap, hopes he is the missing piece to help Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs lead them to Eastern Conference success. First, the Magic must stay healthy: Banchero played only 46 games, Wagner 60, and Suggs just 35 last season due to injuries. If this young trio can return healthy and strong, Bane will significantly improve the team`s three-point shooting. Bane, at 27, is in his prime, capable of shouldering offensive responsibility, and brings valuable playoff experience (the Magic have yet to advance past the first round in the Banchero era). Tyus Jones also provides veteran depth at point guard.
Philadelphia 76ers
Will Joel Embiid remain healthy for the season?
This is arguably the most critical question facing any team in the league. If Joel Embiid is in peak physical condition, Philadelphia could realistically pose a significant threat to contend in the Eastern Conference. However, if he is not, the 76ers would likely face another lost season. In such a scenario, serious questions would inevitably arise about whether Embiid can ever return to the elite level he achieved during his prime, particularly when he won the MVP award in 2022-23.
Phoenix Suns
How will the Suns` ongoing rebuild impact Devin Booker?
Since his selection by Phoenix as the No. 13 pick in 2015, Devin Booker has had one of the more unique career paths in the league. The newly appointed Jordan Ott will be Booker`s eighth coach in his 11 seasons with the franchise. Despite this coaching turnover, Booker has blossomed, becoming the Suns` all-time leading scorer with 16,452 points and counting. He led the team to four playoff appearances, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2021. However, in the past two seasons, Phoenix was swept in the first round in 2023 and missed the postseason entirely in 2024, prompting the front office to dismantle its ill-fated “big three” experiment involving Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. The question now is how patient Booker, who turns 29 next month, will be as he waits for the Suns` rebuild to take hold.
Portland Trail Blazers
Can Scoot Henderson make significant strides before Damian Lillard`s return?
Scoot Henderson`s first two seasons were somewhat underwhelming given the high expectations. However, the latter part of his second year showed a positive upward trend, coinciding with the Blazers finishing 23-18 after a dismal 13-28 start. Entering his third season, the Blazers are intensely focusing on Henderson`s development as a point guard, with Chauncey Billups as his coach and Jrue Holiday as his backcourt partner. Damian Lillard, while rehabbing a torn Achilles, is also presumably mentoring Henderson. The key question is whether Henderson will look like a worthy successor to Lillard by the time Lillard returns for his final chapter in Portland. The start to this season will be challenging, as Henderson recently tore his hamstring and is expected to miss 4-8 weeks.
Sacramento Kings
Can the Kings` offensive talent compensate for their significant defensive shortcomings?
The Kings boast serious individual offensive talent. Zach LaVine averaged 23 points last season and shot nearly 45% from three-point range. DeMar DeRozan is among only 27 players in NBA history to score 25,000 points. Domantas Sabonis consistently puts up impressive numbers, and Malik Monk was a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year two seasons ago due to his scoring punch. However, there are considerable doubts about how these pieces fit together into a winning formula. Past performance raises skepticism: the team ranked 22nd in defensive rating last season (115.3). Assuming they will once again have a bottom-10 defense, a top-10 or better offense will likely be required for them to exceed expectations.
San Antonio Spurs
Can San Antonio overcome its lack of three-point shooting surrounding Victor Wembanyama?
This is possible if the Spurs capitalize on one of their biggest strengths: a roster filled with guards capable of driving aggressively to the basket for high-percentage shots. Victor Wembanyama`s presence and his willingness to shoot three-pointers will consistently draw opposing bigs away from the paint, creating open driving lanes for slashers like De`Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and rookie Dylan Harper. It’s also worth noting that Fox and Wembanyama only played five games together last season. Expect improved chemistry and increased scoring efficiency between the two in pick-and-rolls, along with better outside shooting from Fox this season.
Toronto Raptors
What will the Toronto Raptors` identity be this season?
The Raptors are one of the league`s biggest unknowns heading into this season. Brandon Ingram was acquired in February but never played due to an ankle injury. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, who arrived nearly two years ago, have played a combined total of only 724 minutes together (in contrast, a trio like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges played over 1,000 more minutes last season alone). How coach Darko Rajakovic integrates these players and what their on-court chemistry looks like will not only define this season but could also significantly shape his tenure in Toronto.
Utah Jazz
Will the Jazz make further progress in their rebuilding efforts?
The Jazz organization believes they have the right leader for their rebuild in coach Will Hardy, who signed a multiyear extension in May to oversee a team that concluded last season with the league`s youngest roster. Hardy aims to guide Utah to its next developmental stage with the assistance of several veteran acquisitions. The club shed veterans Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Collin Sexton in the offseason, replacing them with more experienced players like Kyle Anderson, Jusuf Nurkic, Kevin Love, and Georges Niang to support a young core led by Lauri Markkanen. While Utah`s frontcourt appears promising, the team`s overall prospects will hinge on the development of its backcourt.
Washington Wizards
In another rebuilding season, can the young Wizards continue their development and become more competitive?
The Wizards have successfully shed the contracts of Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, creating ample offensive opportunities and room for growth for their roster of developing talent. Washington is also projected to have over $80 million in cap space available for the next offseason. While player development is central to the Wizards` strategy, the franchise has endured campaigns with 64 and 67 losses over the past two seasons. The young core—comprising Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Cam Whitmore, and Will Riley—must demonstrate greater competitiveness in games this season, especially after Washington lost 25 games by 20 or more points. Veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton will aim to mentor these youngsters on how to win. The Wizards may face another challenging season, but seeing their young core actively compete in contested games will be a crucial indicator of their ongoing development.
Rupert Hollis