10 'Buy Or Sell' Statements About 2023-24 NBA Season
The 2023-24 NBA campaign is full of drama and storylines and there are rumors and points of view from the media that seems to stick. As such, major questions are raised this season. Will LeBron James ever win another title with the Lakers before he retires? Can the Nuggets repeat as champions? When will the next superstar player request a trade?
While we will never have definitive answers to the most important questions or statements around the league, we can easily name whether they are a Buy or a Sell. By collecting the 10 major talking points of the 2023-24 season, it is time to name them a “Buy” affirmation or a “Sell” refutation.
1. Joel Embiid Is The Best Scorer In The NBA Right Now
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Buy Or Sell? Buy
Buying Joel Embiid as the best scorer in the NBA right now is a no-brainer. The numbers speak for themselves, with Embiid leading the league in scoring with an impressive 34.8 points per game this season. What sets him apart is not just his ability to score at a high volume but also his consistency, as evidenced by winning the scoring title in the last two seasons with averages of 30.6 PPG in 2022 and 33.1 PPG in 2023.
What truly cements Embiid’s status as the premier offensive player in the world is his remarkable efficiency. Averaging 52.6% from the field, 35.3% from beyond the arc, and 84.4% from the free-throw line over the past three seasons is a testament to his versatility and scoring prowess. It’s not just about putting up big numbers; it’s about doing so in an efficient manner, and Embiid excels on all fronts.
Comparing him to other elite scorers like Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Embiid’s consistency, efficiency, and scoring ability make a compelling case for him being the best pure scorer in the world right now. His dominance on the offensive end of the floor is not just a flash in the pan but a sustained excellence that positions him at the top of the scoring hierarchy in the NBA which is why he might win his second straight MVP trophy.
2. LeBron James Is Not A Top 10 Player Anymore
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Buy or Sell? Buy
Buying into the idea that LeBron James is no longer a top-10 player requires acknowledging the impact of age on his performance. At 39 years old, it’s natural for Father Time to catch up with any athlete, and James is no exception. While his statistics still look impressive with 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, the key issue is the struggle to consistently maintain the high energy levels required to singlehandedly lead the 17-18 Lakers to victories.
The NBA landscape is evolving, and there’s a new generation of players making strong cases for being among the elite. Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, and Kawhi Leonard are all formidable talents with strong arguments for being considered better players than LeBron at this point in his career.
While LeBron remains a top-20 player without question, placing him in the top 10 seems increasingly unreasonable. The league is filled with younger, more energetic stars who can carry their teams in ways that James might struggle to do consistently now. It’s not a knock on his legacy, but rather a recognition of the natural aging process that impacts even the greatest athletes.
3. Los Angeles Clippers Will Win The NBA Title With James Harden
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Buy Or Sell? Sell
Selling the idea that the Los Angeles Clippers will win the NBA title with James Harden seems like a prudent choice. While the Clippers have certainly strengthened their roster with the addition of Harden and have shown impressive form with an 8-2 record over their last 10 games, several factors suggest caution.
Firstly, the team’s success appears to be heavily reliant on the health of Kawhi Leonard. One injury to Leonard could significantly diminish the Clippers’ championship aspirations, as they seem to go as far as he takes them. Paul George is an elite two-way player, but there are doubts about whether he can carry a team as the best player, and James Harden’s playoff failures are well-documented, raising concerns about his ability to perform at the highest level in crucial moments.
Moreover, the pressure and expectations in a do-or-die season could come into play, particularly given the history of playoff disappointments for both George and Harden. The postseason is a different beast, and the ability to handle the pressure and deliver in critical situations is crucial for a championship run.
When considering other teams in contention, the Celtics, Nuggets, Bucks, and even the Timberwolves are highlighted as potentially better-equipped squads in terms of continuity, team chemistry, and playing style. The Clippers are for real as a contender but they won’t win it all.
4. Luka Doncic Is The Best Point Guard In The NBA
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Buy Or Sell? Sell
Selling the notion that Luka Doncic is the best point guard in the NBA and placing him behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a bold take. While it’s true that Doncic is a top-five MVP candidate, posting incredible averages of 33.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, the argument for Gilgeous-Alexander as the superior point guard demands scrutiny.
Doncic’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks is undeniable, leading them to a solid 20-15 record and asserting himself as a triple-double threat consistently. However, suggesting that he is behind Gilgeous-Alexander, who is posting 31.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game for the 23-10 Thunder, is a truthful statement.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to elevate the Thunder, especially considering they lack a star player like Kyrie Irving, is commendable. Leading the team to a 23-10 record is impressive, and the positive influence on a rising talent like Chet Holmgren adds to his case. Even in the MVP race, Gilgeous-Alexander is ahead of Luka Doncic and we have to respect the guard as the best in the league right now.
5. Golden State Warriors Dynasty Is Over
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Buy Or Sell? Buy
The Golden State Warriors dynasty is over and we have to buy that statement. While Stephen Curry remains an elite point guard, averaging 27.7 points and 4.6 assists per game with impressive shooting percentages (41.0% from three), the supporting cast has faced challenges.
Klay Thompson’s uncertain contract situation and a dip in three-point shooting efficiency compared to his usual standard (37.7%) raise questions about his ability to return to peak form after significant injuries. Draymond Green’s ejections and off-court mental health issues add additional hurdles to the team’s stability. Andrew Wiggins’ underwhelming performance, averaging only 12.6 points per game on 30.1% shooting from three, further contributes to the team’s struggles.
While Chris Paul’s age (38) and the realization that he is in the final years of his career don’t directly impact the Warriors, it underscores the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber roster over an extended period. Considering these factors, it’s understandable to be skeptical about the Warriors continuing their dynasty beyond the current season. The core that led them to multiple championships is facing uncertainties, and the competition in the league has also become more formidable which could mean the chapter is closing for the Warriors.
6. Los Angeles Lakers Are Not Good Enough
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Buy Or Sell? Buy
Despite Anthony Davis’ impressive production (25.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocks per game), the team faces significant challenges that hinder its ability to compete for the title. The aforementioned weakening of LeBron James’ status as a top-10 player is a critical factor. While Davis is posting impressive numbers, the supporting cast appears to be lacking. The weakness of the bench, highlighted by players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura raises concerns about the team’s depth and star power beyond the top players.
The struggles of key players such as D’Angelo Russell, who has been on the trading block, further contribute to the team’s difficulties. Reaves is a good player, not a great one, Rui Hachimura is a bench player and nothing more (11.6 points per game), and the reported hot seat for coach Darvin Ham adds to the narrative that the Lakers are not performing at the level expected of a championship contender.
LeBron’s diminishing ability to singlehandedly carry the team to wins, coupled with the lack of depth and impactful role players, supports the argument that the Lakers may not be relevant in the championship race this season. It might be time that everyone settles down about the Lakers because this season could be a wrap.
7. Chet Holmgren Will Win Rookie Of The Year Over Victor Wembanyama
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Buy Or Sell? Sell
Chet Holmgren has had a strong start to his rookie campaign with impressive averages of 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game for the third-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. He is leading the Rookie of the Year race ahead of Victor Wembanyama right now, but he won’t win the award at the end of the season.
Wembanyama’s statistical performance, with 18.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, already surpasses Holmgren’s in several key categories. The primary factor holding Wembanyama back in the race has been the Spurs’ dismal 5-29 record. However, the expectation that the Spurs will improve after the All-Star Break could significantly impact Wembanyama’s candidacy for the most important award for first-year players.
If Wembanyama continues his impressive individual performance and the Spurs experience an uptick in wins, it’s likely that he will close the gap and become the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award. Team success often plays a crucial role in individual awards, and if the Spurs become a more competitive team, it could enhance Wembanyama’s chances and he will snatch the award from Holmgren at the end of the season.
8. New York Knicks Need A Superstar To Become Real Contender
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Buy Or Sell? Buy
While the acquisition of OG Anunoby was a positive move, it might not be enough to propel the Knicks to the championship level they aspire to reach. The Knicks’ February Deadline Guide provides a clear picture of their current roster and emphasizes the need for a blockbuster trade to secure a top-tier NBA talent to truly reach another level.
Zion Williamson stands out as a potential game-changer for the Knicks. The mere mention of his name has a magnetic effect on the New York media, and he has been linked to the team since before he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Pelicans. While trading someone like Julius Randle may be a necessary sacrifice in such a deal, the impact of trading for a player of Zion’s caliber in the Big Apple could be monumental.
If a deal for Zion proves challenging, exploring other superstar options like Dejounte Murray, who has garnered interest from the Knicks, becomes crucial. Players like Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan could be the final realistic options, adding considerable scoring and playmaking firepower to the Knicks’ lineup. New York won’t be achieving anything this season, even after the Anunoby trade, and a blockbuster deal will be the only way they will get to the top.
9. Donovan Mitchell Will Request A Trade This Season
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Buy Or Sell? Sell
Selling the idea that Donovan Mitchell will request a trade this season seems like a more plausible scenario. While there have been rumors linking Mitchell to various teams like the Knicks, 76ers, and Heat, his uncertain future with the Cavaliers doesn’t necessarily translate to an imminent trade request.
Mitchell’s performance on the court is undeniably elite, averaging 27.7 points per game with a respectable 35.1% shooting from three. Mitchell has not signed a long-term deal with the Cavaliers, leaving room for uncertainty about his future and teams are itching for a shot to put together a trade package. However, it’s essential to recognize that Mitchell is a competitive player and a leader for the Cavaliers. His desire to prove his star power and guide the franchise past the first round of the playoffs might motivate him to stay and compete with the Cavs this season.
While Mitchell’s long-term plans remain unclear, the likelihood of him requesting a trade this season might be lower than initially speculated, leaving linked teams like the Knicks, 76ers, and Heat potentially disappointed with this outcome.
10. Chicago Bulls Will Trade Both Zach LaVine And DeMar DeRozan
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Buy Or Sell? Buy
We have to buy the notion that the Chicago Bulls will blow the roster up and trade both Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. LaVine has been occasionally mentioned in trade talks and he can provide scoring, athleticism, and playmaking. At 28 years old, he is in his prime and can indeed contribute at a high level, but trading him would likely require a significant return that aligns with the Bulls’ win-now mentality.
DeMar DeRozan, despite being 34, has been playing at an All-Star level for the past two seasons, and his veteran presence and clutch performances have been invaluable for the team. The Bulls cannot keep their roster the same because they are 15-21 and would be lucky to make the postseason through the play-in tournament. What is the point, though?
The Bulls will trade both LaVine and DeRozan in all likelihood. The Lakers have been linked to LaVine for obvious reasons while the 76ers could use a third piece alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to push towards the top seed in the Eastern Conference now that OG Anunoby was traded to the Knicks. DeRozan is being monitored by many teams including the Knicks and Heat, who would like to have a veteran scorer who can create offense for himself. It might not be long before the Bulls make the trades involving their stars.