The 2025–2026 NBA season is set to begin, and the excitement is building among fans across the country.
With new players, fresh coaching hires, and high expectations, this season could mark a turning point for several teams in the association.
Ahead of the season, Seton Hall students and faculty shared their thoughts on who might rise, who might fall, and which stars are ready to take over.
A New Era in New York
The New York Knicks enter the season with a new head coach, Mike Brown, who replaced Tom Thibodeau, after several seasons of playoff disappointment. Known for his player management and focus on defense, Brown steps in to lead a star-studded team eager to make another deep postseason run after falling short in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks made essential moves during the offseason, adding players like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to improve their bench scoring and depth. A tough shotmaker and energetic big respectively, Clarkson’s ability to create offense and Yabusele’s energy and size give the Knicks more options when resting their starters. The goal for the Knicks is to stay healthy and consistent, especially after how much they relied on star guard Jalen Brunson and center Karl Anthony-Towns last season.
Mikayla Stepper, a junior English major, believes this depth will make all the difference.
“I think the Knicks’ bench additions and new coach are going to lead to a lot of success this season,” Stepper said. “We were already strong with our starters, but last season we lacked consistency on the bench.”
While Stepper said she was sad to see Thibodeau go, she believes Brown’s approach will help prevent the fatigue and injuries that hurt the Knicks last year.
“Our starters were getting tired and injured because of so many minutes,” she said. “So using the bench more might be the key to finally getting us another ring.”
Sixers' Season in Star’s Hands
The Philadelphia 76ers continue to face uncertainty as they enter another season led by star center Joel Embiid and veteran wing Paul George. The team’s success depends heavily on the health of both stars, who have dealt with injuries in recent years. The bottom line is this: if Embiid and George can stay on the floor, the Sixers could challenge the top teams in the East—but if health issues return, their playoff dreams may fade quickly.
John Nolan, a junior Communications major, is realistic about his team’s situation.
“Unfortunately, the window has closed,” Nolan said. “Embiid is a Hall of Fame player, but it looks like this core isn’t capable of winning a championship.”
He added that Philadelphia’s young talent could help them reach the playoffs but said he doubts they can make a serious run.
Nolan also mentioned how the fate of the Eastern Conference depends on the Boston Celtics, who are without star wing Jayson Tatum this season due to a torn right Achilles tendon he suffered in last year’s playoffs.
“It depends on the Celtics,” he said. “Whether they can recover from the championship hangover will make or break the East.”
Flagg Takes the Torch in Dallas
Out West, the Dallas Mavericks have rebuilt around veteran leadership and the potential of rookie forward Cooper Flagg, who was the No. 1overall pick in this year’s draft . The 18-year-old forward joins a team with veteran players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, giving Dallas both star power and experience.
If Irving can return to his All-Star form and Davis can stay healthy, the Mavericks could emerge as a serious contender. The mix of youth and experience gives head coach Jason Kidd a strong foundation to work with, though the pressure to win remains high in a competitive Western Conference.
Assistant Professor in the department of communication media and the arts at SHU, Taylor Henry, believes the Mavericks have the right pieces to compete this season.
“The pieces are there and Kidd is locked in for the future,” Henry said. “They just need to rebuild trust with their fanbase.”
Young Stars Looking for Hardware
When it comes to the MVP conversation, Luka Dončić is a popular pick among the SHU community. Both Stepper and Professor Henry predicted Luka would capture the award this season.
“My gut says Luka,” Stepper said, praising his all-around play. Henry agreed, calling Luka the favorite to win the award with his new team in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, John Nolan went with a different choice—Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“So much talent,” Nolan said. “He’s ready to take over.”
With Edwards’ breakout potential and Luka’s continued dominance, the MVP race should be one of the tightest in years.
Sleeper Teams and Finals Predictions
When it comes to sleeper teams, opinions vary. Stepper said to “watch out for the [Washington] Wizards” in the East, citing their impressive preseason play. In the West, she pointed to the Mavericks.
Meanwhile both Nolan and Henry mentioned the San Antonio Spurs, saying their young core led by emerging superstar Victor Wembanyama and reigning Rookie Of The Year Stephon Castle could “advance a round or two.”
As for Finals predictions, two teams stood out: the Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both Nolan and Henry predicted that Oklahoma City would take the title over New York.
“Thunder in five,” Nolan said. Henry agreed, saying he would “take the Thunder over the Knicks in the Finals.”
Ever the hopeful Knicks fan, Stepper said her dream Finals would be Knicks vs. Timberwolves, though she admitted that deep down she believes “It’ll probably be Knicks vs. OKC.”
A Season Full of Possibilities
As the 2025–2026 NBA season tips off, fans can expect plenty of surprises. With the Knicks’ new leadership, the Mavericks’ next chapter post-Luka, or the potential of young stars like Anthony Edwards and Cooper Flagg, the league feels wide open.
Whether it ends with the Thunder repeating a championship or a long-awaited Knicks ring, one thing is clear—this season will shape the next generation of NBA greatness.
Jaden Highsmith is the assistant editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at jaden.highsmith@student.shu.edu.
