Where the Old Guard Ends, the Future Begins

The so-called “Parity Era” of the NBA may finally be ending. While teams struggle under the weight of the second apron, the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, seem only to be getting stronger, poised to become the next dynasty. 

The 2025-26 NBA season feels like a generational shift as the 2010s “Old Guard” is entering its twilight. Chris Paul fittingly returns to the LA Clippers for one last shot at an elusive championship.  Lebron James, entering a record-breaking 23rd season, continues to chase his fifth ring while passing the torch to Luka Dončić, though Father Time may finally be catching up, as he’s set to miss opening night for the first time in his career. Stephen Curry, also chasing a fifth ring, enters Year 17 with the Golden State Warriors, still lethal. Kevin Durant finally completes the NBA jersey rainbow, joining the contending Houston Rockets, as Russell Westbrook found a late home in Sacramento, signing with the Kings just a week before the season began. 

The Old Guard’s last stand (Illustration: X/Twitter)

As the legends of the 2010s prepare their farewells, the spotlight turns to the New Guard: young superstars like Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić are ready to define the next decade. The NBA stands at a thrilling crossroads: one era ending, another beginning and the balance of power shifting before our eyes.

Offseason Recap

After the Blockbuster Luka-AD trade midseason, one would think the offseason couldn’t match up to it. Kevin Durant’s move to the Houston Rockets was the headline-grabber. The two-time NBA Champion and former league MVP  joins a young and feisty Rockets squad that finished second in the West last season. The Rockets traded away Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to get KD, a good move for them, as Jalen Green was largely a net negative, averaging only 13.3 points per game in their first-round elimination against the Warriors. The Suns finally dropped Bradley Beal and look to rise again after struggling to find success in the playoffs, after blowing up the 2021 finals team and trading away all their future picks. 

Now 37, Kevin Durant’s window to get a 3rd ring and elevate his legacy is closing (Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Out on the East Coast, the Boston Celtics faced a harsh offseason reality. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss most of the season, the 2024 champions were forced into shedding payroll to stay under the second apron. By losing key championship pieces, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and declining to re-sign Al Horford, what was once considered a super-team and the next dynasty has been completely dismantled by injuries and cap rules. 

Meanwhile, Milwaukee made the most shocking move of the offseason by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s $113 million contract to clear cap space for Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million deal. Bucks also re-signed key pieces like Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr., but questions lurk around Giannis’ status as he is still believed to request a trade to a contending team. This is a massive gamble because Milwaukee will pay Lillard $22.5 million a year through 2030 not to play for them. 

Dame Time is finally back in Portland. Two years after trading the endlessly loyal icon, the Blazers re-signed Damian Lillard despite his torn Achilles, which will keep him out for the entire season. A move fully driven by loyalty over logic gives Lillard and the Blazers’ fan base a rare storybook ending. 

In the Western Conference, Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency left the Golden State Warriors frozen, not being able to make a move until he re-signed two months into free agency. Once he did, they added Al Horford, bringing championship pedigree and a limited but much-needed solution at center. 

Towards Southern California, the Clippers' offseason was overshadowed by allegations of salary-cap circumvention through a no-show deal involving Kawhi Leonard and a now-defunct company. Meanwhile, the Nuggets brought back champion Bruce Brown and traded Michael Porter Jr for Cameron Johnson, retooling around three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. 

The Favourites

 Shai Gilgeous Alexander led the OKC Thunder to their first NBA Championship (Photo: Joe Murphy/ Getty Images)

The OKC Thunder are a clear choice to run it back. With their young core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren intact, OKC boasts a dominant defense, the league’s best role players in Lu Dort and Alex Caruso and a treasure chest of future first-round picks. They are looking to become the first team to repeat since 2018. With everything going their way, they will be the NBA’s next dynasty. 

The only team that could stop the Thunder in the West is the Denver Nuggets. Led by the best player in the league for the past five years, Nikola Jokić continues his prime, hungry for revenge. After a year with no help, the Nuggets have finally brought in a strong supporting cast of veterans in Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown. With a deeper rotation, Aaron Gordon taking a leap, Jamal Murray staying healthy, dominating the 2-man game with a re-energised Joker looking for revenge, they’re the best bet at taking down the Thunder and reclaiming the title. 

Out East, the New York Knicks have their best shot at a championship since the Patrick Ewing era. After firing head coach Tom Thibodeau, who took them to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Knicks have brought in Mike Brown, an NBA championship-calibre coach who has the responsibility of meeting the highest of expectations. The biggest challenge for this team is getting Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to defend when they share the floor. Injuries have ravaged the East, and with one of the best 7-man rotations in the league, you can’t bet against the Knicks ending their 50-year title drought. 

The Contenders

The Cleveland Cavaliers have also kept their core intact – All-NBA First team guard Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen – after a 64-win season that earned them the No. 1 Seed. Their collapse against the underdog Pacers exposed playoff inexperience, but the addition of Lonzo Ball (if he stays healthy) adds much-needed playmaking. They should breeze through an Injury-riddled East, but being unproven in the playoffs keeps them just below the Knicks. 

After surprising everyone with a second-place finish in the West, the young Houston Rockets acquired one of the greatest scorers in NBA history: Kevin Durant. His late-game shot creation will give this inexperienced roster a serious boost. With Amen Thompson breaking out last year as an elite two-way force and Alperen Şengün emerging as a top-five center, Houston has the talent to contend, but losing Fred VanVleet to a season-ending ACL injury leaves a point guard-shaped hole. With the addition of KD, the Rockets now have a starting lineup with four 6’11” players. This size will overwhelm most teams in the regular season, but without a reliable point guard, their ceiling remains uncertain.

Curry and Butler went 23-8 to finish last season (Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors went 23-8 after trading for Jimmy Butler last season, but a series-ending injury to Stephen Curry killed their playoff run. Butler’s playmaking and ability to get to the free-throw line fit perfectly alongside Curry’s off-ball brilliance, while Al Horford’s arrival brings shooting and interior defense, taking the defensive load off Draymond Green. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody are trending upwards, and if Jonathan Kuminga can finally click in Steve Kerr’s system, the older stars can stay fresh for a deep playoff push. As long as they are healthy, they will be one of the toughest teams in the league. 

The LA Clippers enter the season as the league’s oldest roster, with the “Aspiration” scandal clouding their offseason. Yet, a healthy Kawhi Leonard brings two-way dominance, and former MVP James Harden can still keep the offense running as a playmaker and three-point threat. Add underrated big man Ivica Zubac, a possible resurgence for Bradley Beal to boost the offense, and a veteran center in Brook Lopez, and the talent is undeniable. But questions about health, consistency, and age linger, especially after last year’s humiliating first-round Game 7 blowout loss. The question remains: can this team stay healthy enough to contend, especially when it matters the most? 

The Dark Horses 

After health derailed their rise last year, the Orlando Magic — statistically the best defense outside of OKC — are back stronger and more complete. Their biggest acquisition, 41% career three-point shooter Desmond Bane, is bound to fix their league-worst perimeter offense. The rising duo of Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner have brought the Magic back into contention for the first time since the Dwight Howard era. With more offensive spacing and one of the league’s deepest young benches, the Magic are ready to ascend to being the best in the East. 

Anthony Edwards is undoubtedly the new “face of the league”, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference finals. He continues to develop new facets of his game, finishing as the league leader in threes made last season. Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid provide floor spacing, but Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert must step up offensively. Depending solely on Ant won’t hold up in the playoffs for the Timberwolves.

This Wemby-led Spurs team will look to get some much-needed playoff experience (Photo: Twitter)

Two words: Victor Wembanyama. Entering the season as a top-five player, if Wemby plays 60+ games, it’s hard to imagine the San Antonio Spurs missing the playoffs. De’Aaron Fox finally gives him a veteran point guard, while Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle takes a leap this season, along with 2025 Draft’s 2nd overall pick Dylan Harper, who brings boatloads of potential. Still, with zero playoff experience, the Spurs have yet to prove that they are a championship-caliber team. 

The most intriguing team this season – the Atlanta Hawks – has quietly built their best supporting cast around Trae Young. Jalen Johnson’s length and athleticism, Dyson Daniels’ elite defense and the growth of 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher finally gives Young the help he’s long needed. The additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker off the bench and the arrival of a stretch five in Kristaps Porzingis (if healthy) give Atlanta a chance to escape the play-in purgatory they’ve been stuck in since 2022. 

After trading away Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić midseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have their first full season with the 27-year-old superstar as their new focal point, as Lebron James takes on a secondary role for the first time in his career. To support Luka, the Lakers have shifty scorer Austin Reaves and a reliable 3-and-D wing in Rui Hachimura. But defensive issues remain glaring as Marcus Smart may be past his prime, while DeAndre Ayton has shown to be inconsistent and unreliable throughout his career. Their championship hopes hinge on Luka Magic and LeBron turning back the clock one last time. 

Players to watch

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

After missing the second half of the season due to blood clots, the 2023 No.1 pick and ROTY enters his third year following an intensive offseason training with Hakeem Olajuwan and Shaolin Monks in the offseason. The front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year, Wemby’s alien-like abilities in ball-handling, shot-blocking and shooting put him in a class of his own.  He could become the first player since Giannis in 2020 to win both MVP and DPOY in the same season. 

Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

He’s finally the guy in Los Angeles and still just 27. After criticism of his conditioning, Luka has lost over 30 pounds this offseason. “Skinny Luka” will be a nightmare for defenses, and the Lakers should expect him to lead the league in usage rates and be firmly in the MVP conversation.

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

After an All-NBA season leading the Pistons from a 14 to 44-win team, Cunningham thrives with a competent roster around him. His composure, playmaking and shot creation make him the face of Detroit’s long-awaited revival.  

As the No.1 pick, Flagg faces immense pressure to prove his doubters wrong. (Photo: Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Selected first overall by the Mavericks, Flagg enters the league as one of the most hyped prospects in years. The athletic forward brings exceptional two-way versatility, elite defensive instincts, high-level basketball IQ and incredible size. Playing alongside veterans Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving (once healthy) and Klay Thompson will accelerate his adjustment to the league. 

V.J. Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers

Explosive, athletic and fearless, Edgecombe might be this season’s breakout rookie. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, he’ll get plenty of touches with Joel Embiid and Paul George expected to miss time. His ball handling, speed and scoring should shine next to Tyrese Maxey. 

Yang Hansen, Portland Trailblazers

Initially projected as a second-rounder, the Chinese big man was drafted 16th and traded to Portland. His passing and touch are already being compared to Jokić and Şengün, but he needs to develop defensively. With an impressive feel for the game and a likeable personality, Hansen promises to be one of the league’s most exciting prospects.

Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

The No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, Risacher flashed real star potential in the second half of the season, with his three-point percentage jumping from 32% to an impressive 41% after the All-Star break. His blend of shooting, IQ, length and effort on defense will be necessary as the Hawks try to escape the play-in spot. 

Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Someone who many believe will be the Most Improved Player, Buzelis has shown flashes of improved shot creation, an improved 3-point stroke and added muscle to make him an inside scoring threat. Now a starter, he gives Bulls fans their first real reason for optimism in 15 years.

As the 2025-26 Season tips off, the NBA stands between two eras, where icons chase their final rings and rising stars begin to build their own legacies. Whether we see a familiar face or a new dynasty, one thing is certain: the league is more unpredictable than ever.