Nikola Jokic continues his steady climb toward basketball immortality as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. The Denver Nuggets star has now moved into seventh place in career MVP award shares, surpassing legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. With another strong season, he could pass Bill Russell and Magic Johnson - a testament to his sustained excellence.
As teams finalize preparations for the new campaign, with schedules released and training camps opening in just over a month, several key statistics highlight the fascinating storylines across the league.
In Atlanta, Jalen Johnson's potential breakout looms large. Despite playing just 36 games last season, Johnson joined elite company by averaging 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game - a feat only accomplished by Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Domantas Sabonis last year. If healthy, Johnson could be the x-factor in Atlanta's push for contention.
The Boston Celtics face a significant transition with Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles tear. Equally concerning is their complete overhaul at center, where they've lost Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet - players who accounted for 99.5% of Boston's playoff center minutes. Their replacements (Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, and Xavier Tillman) represent a clear downgrade.
Kevin Durant's arrival in Houston addresses the Rockets' most glaring weakness. Houston ranked 22nd in half-court scoring efficiency last season but found a solution in Durant, who led the league with 1.21 points per isolation possession. This precision scoring could transform a promising young team into a legitimate contender.
The Golden State Warriors discovered something valuable last season - Jimmy Butler III's ability to stabilize their offense when Stephen Curry sits. Without both Curry and Butler, the Warriors scored just 104.2 points per 100 possessions (5th percentile). With Butler but without Curry, that number jumped to a respectable 113.9 (47th percentile). This balance could prove crucial in the grueling Western Conference.
In Milwaukee, the Bucks' post-championship struggles continue to perplex. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo being in his prime, Milwaukee has won just one playoff series in four years since their 2021 title. Injuries have played a role, but this 1-4 playoff series record represents a massive disappointment for a team with championship aspirations.
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder return virtually their entire roster, with players accounting for 99.2% of their playoff minutes coming back for another run. This continuity gives OKC an edge as they attempt to become the first repeat champions in eight years.
For LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, unlocking chemistry with Luka Doncic remains essential. The star duo set picks for each other just 4.4 times per 100 possessions in the regular season - far below the 15.1 picks per 100 possessions James and Kyrie Irving utilized in their Cleveland days. Though their pick rate increased to 9.2 in the playoffs, maximizing this lethal combination could determine the Lakers' ceiling.
Anthony Edwards continues his ascension toward superstardom for Minnesota. Having finished sixth in All-NBA voting last season, he's approaching the elite tier that championship teams typically require. The past 21 NBA champions have featured a current or recent first-team All-NBA player - a threshold Edwards now approaches at just 24 years old.
As teams make final adjustments before the season tips off, these defining statistics offer a window into what might determine success or failure in the coming campaign. From established superstars to emerging talents, the numbers tell a story of a league in transition, with new contenders rising and traditional powers fighting to maintain their status.
