NBA: Olympic Aftermath and Other News

NBA after the Olympics

Now that members of the NBA are back in the United States after the Paris Olympics, attention turns to the start of training camps. Teams need to try and catch the Boston Celtics, favored at 3-1 (+300) to successfully defend their title, according to NBA odds.

Just unveiled is the 2024-25 NBA schedule, and while that information isn’t as exciting as such a release in the NFL, it’s still something anticipated by the teams and their fans.

Here’s a look at three of the biggest news stories over the past week . . . 

A Second Chance

While the 2024 Paris Olympics provided some excellent action on the court, a fifth consecutive American gold medal was tougher than expected. Serbia and France provided serious competition along the way.

Of course, NBA executives always keep a close eye on the international stars. A few names really stood out, one that earned himself another crack in the league.

It was the Philadelphia 76ers signing France’s Guerschon Yabusele to a one-year, $2 million deal. This will be a chance to see how Yabusele, a former first-round (2016) draft pick of the Boston Celtics, fares in his second stint in the league.

Yabusele averaged 2.3 points (74 games/two seasons) in Boston before being waived.

What’s In Season

Trying to add zest to the grind of an 82-game regular season, the in-season tournament saw the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Indiana Pacers to win this past title.

It will return this season, but it's now renamed the Emirates Cup. The Dallas Mavericks visit the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 12th to begin the event, Klay Thompson facing his old team.

Games will once again take place Tuesdays and Fridays. Teams will play four games during the group portion of the competition. Among the ‘opening night’ pairings are the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.

Then, eight teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament, the final four teams off to Las Vegas to contest the championship. Groups were drawn based on records of last season, though the league has also mixed in some rivalries.

NBA Schedule Has Been Released

Shortly after confirming the Emirates Cup schedule, the NBA released the entire 2024-25 schedule. It’s difficult to get excited about all 82 games during the arduous season, but some events have the appeal.

The season begins Tuesday evening, Oct. 22nd, as the Boston Celtics celebrate their 18th championship before what figures to be a tough game against the rival New York Knicks.

There will be another solid pairing later Tuesday. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers opposing Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Back to the Knicks and their addition of Mikal Bridges via a many first-round draft-choices trade with the Brooklyn Nets. New York finished 14 games behind the Boston Celtics last season, but is expected to take a huge leap this season. Despite not having won a title since 1973, the Knicks are 17-4 (+425) third choice to at least win the East, as per NBA conference odds.

Christmas was also ‘celebrated’ during the release of the schedule. James and the Lakers will oppose Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, while last season’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, leads the San Antonio Spurs against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns are featured in a battle of Western Conference elites.

Rounding out the five-pack on the Christmas holiday slate are the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers meeting the Celtics in Boston.

The end of the 2024-25 regular season is Sunday, Apr. 13th.