With the beginning of the 2022-2023 NBA season, teams have once again renewed their hopes for competing for the Larry O’Brian Trophy. There have been some surprisingly strong starts, such as the Portland Trail Blazers, lead by the resurgent Damian Lillard, while other teams, such as the returning champion Golden State Warriors, have begun the season with lackluster performances. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are playing with the poise of serious title contenders, led by the recently added Donovan Mitchell. Moreover, Cleveland is playing without the aid of All-Star guard Darius Garland, who is out with an eye injury; expect the Cav’s to make a serious push for the playoffs this year. Continuing in the East, Giannis Antetekumpo and the Buck’s have started the season undefeated, dominating teams on the glass. Jayson Tatum’s Celtic’s have struggled without the rebounding and rim protection of towering center, Robert Williams III; expect his return to revamp their lockdown defense. In the West, Luka Doncic has gotten off to a phenomenal start, relentlessly beating down teams single handedly. Ja Morant’s Grizzlies have started the season with their trademark energy, overwhelming teams with their movement and physicality. While it is too early in the season to make any predictions about who will be holding the Larry O’Brian trophy in June of 2023, expect many of the teams who have gotten off to strong starts to be in the mix come playoff time.
