The Bounce Newsletter: Your Daily NBA Fix
The Bounce Newsletter is The Athletic’s daily dive into the world of the NBA, delivering insights, analysis, and predictions straight to your inbox. If you’re a basketball enthusiast looking to stay updated on the latest happenings in the league, signing up for The Bounce is a no-brainer. You can easily subscribe here and ensure you never miss a beat.
A Look Back: Tommy Heinsohn and Bill Russell
To kick things off, let’s take a trip down memory lane. In 1957, Tommy Heinsohn won the Rookie of the Year award, averaging 16.2 points and 9.8 rebounds. While those numbers are impressive, they pale in comparison to his rookie teammate, Bill Russell, who averaged 14.7 points and a staggering 19.6 rebounds. It’s a curious case that has sparked debates among basketball fans for decades—how did Russell, a player who would go on to become one of the greatest of all time, not win the award? 🤔
Season Previews: What to Expect in 2024-25
As we gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, The Bounce is previewing each division and key individual awards leading up to opening night on October 22. The newsletter has already covered the Atlantic and Central divisions, along with predictions for the Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards.
The Southeast Division
Let’s dive into the Southeast Division, where expectations are high and the stakes are even higher.
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Orlando Magic:
- Best-case scenario: The Magic clear 50 wins for the first time since 2011 and make it to the second round of the playoffs.
- Worst-case scenario: Defensive struggles and shooting woes lead them to a Play-In spot, only to be eliminated in the first round.
- Confidence in the Magic: 💪💪💪💪
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Miami Heat:
- Best-case scenario: #HeatCulture returns, with Jimmy Butler leading the charge for another deep playoff run.
- Worst-case scenario: The team struggles with last year’s issues, landing as the No. 8 seed and facing an early exit against the Boston Celtics.
- Confidence in the Heat: 💪💪💪
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Atlanta Hawks:
- Best-case scenario: New coach Charles Lee instills a winning culture, leading the Hawks to a respectable 30-35 wins and a playoff challenge next season.
- Worst-case scenario: Injuries plague LaMelo Ball, and the team fails to secure a top-six draft pick.
- Confidence in the Hawks: 💪
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Charlotte Hornets:
- Best-case scenario: The Hornets show promise with new talent, winning 30-35 games and positioning themselves for a playoff run next year.
- Worst-case scenario: They revert to their old ways, missing out on a top draft pick.
- Confidence in the Hornets: 💪💪
- Washington Wizards:
- Best-case scenario: Young players like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly develop well, leading to a top draft pick.
- Worst-case scenario: The Wizards remain stagnant, continuing their cycle of mediocrity.
- Confidence in the Wizards: 🚫
Awards Predictions: Who Will Shine?
As the season approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take home the Rookie of the Year award? This year’s rookie class is considered weaker than usual, reminiscent of past years when players like Michael Carter-Williams and Mike Miller won the award amidst lackluster competition.
Currently, the favorites for the Rookie of the Year include:
- Zach Edey (+450)
- Reed Sheppard (+650)
- Zaccharie Risacher (+850)
While Edey is the frontrunner, dark horse candidates like Cody Williams (+3000) could surprise us all. My prediction? Keep an eye on Cody Williams; he has a fantastic opportunity to shine.
The Case Against Parity in the NBA
In a recent discussion, the topic of parity in the NBA came up, and I firmly stand against it. The notion that every team should have an equal shot at the championship diminishes the thrill of competition. The NBA should be a challenging arena where only the best rise to the top.
The current landscape, where six different teams have claimed championships in the last six years, feels more like a battle royale than a structured competition. I long for the days of dynasties, where teams like the Warriors, led by Kevin Durant, forced others to innovate and adapt.
Winning should be a climb, much like the levels in a game of Mortal Kombat. The thrill of overcoming formidable opponents should be the essence of the NBA experience.
Bounce Passes: Quick Hits from Around the League
- John Hollinger has weighed in on the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and it’s no surprise who he has pegged for the last spot.
- In the West, Hollinger’s predictions have raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the Clippers’ low ranking.
- Injury updates: Paul George hyperextended his knee but is expected to recover quickly.
For more engaging content and in-depth analysis, don’t forget to check out The Athletic’s other newsletters. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, The Bounce Newsletter is your go-to source for everything NBA.