With the 2024-25 NBA season underway, each team has the same broader goal of winning this year’s championship. Only one will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June, though, so it’s vital to have goals beyond the zero-sum “title or bust” mindset.
Some teams head into the year knowing they may not crack 20 or 30 wins, but they still have purpose (or at least they better).
Usingย B/R’s predicted win-loss recordsย as a guideline, the following is a list of each team’s No. 1 goal for the 2024-25 season.
Atlanta Hawks: Make the Playoffs
Goal:ย The Hawks were a dangerous Eastern Conference contender not long ago. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but they haven’t been able to get out of the first round since.
Last year, they didn’t make the playoffs. Some of their problems were injury-related, but roster composition has been an issue.
The Hawks aren’t dramatically better on paper this season than they were last year. However, they do have talent and should do whatever they can to return to the postseason, especially since they owe their fully unprotected 2025 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs.
Boston Celtics: Back-to-Back ‘Chips
No. 1 Goal:ย This is a list of goals beyond winning the title, but the Celtics will stand as the lone exception. Anything but another ring will be a step backward for the reigning champions. Boston is looking for No. 19, period.
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