We have recently surpassed the midway point of the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Every team has played at least 41 games and we are getting a clear look at who is going to be there at the end in the playoffs and who is already preparing for the 2024 offseason.
With the NBA Trade Deadline now less than two weeks away, it is a good time to evaluate where some franchises are heading into the second half. There are a few teams who have separated themselves from the pack, earning high marks in the midseason grades of ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.
One of the teams who have surpassed all expectations are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently, in first place in the Western Conference, their acquisition of Rudy Gobert in the 2022 offseason may not have paid off right away, but they are reaping the benefits currently.
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Minnesota is 32-13 and playing some great basketball. Everyone is falling into roles they are comfortable with under Chris Finch, with Anthony Edwards ascending toward superstardom. Karl-Anthony Towns is his sidekick while Gobert anchors a top-ranked defensive unit. Wily veteran Mike Conley Jr. brings it all together.
The Timberwolves were one of three teams to receive an A grade from Pelton. The other Western Conference team to receive such high praise was the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are second right behind the Timberwolves with a 31-13 record.
Ahead of schedule in the eyes of many people, Oklahoma City looks like it will be a sustained contender. They have an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and an incredible supporting cast. Chet Holmgren looks like a future All-Star in his first season and the same goes for Jalen Williams.
Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallce and Kenrich Williams are all part of a deep, versatile supporting cast. People are wondering if the Thunder will make a trade to consolidate and bring in an established star with their overflowing draft capital, but the team, as currently constructed, is good enough to compete right now.
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The only thing they are missing, which they will gain over time, is experience. That is what sets the Western Conference duo apart from their Eastern Conference foe who received the last A grade, the Philadelphia 76ers.
While playoff series are going to be new in Minnesota and Oklahoma City, the 76ers have a battle-tested roster loaded with experienced veterans. While they haven’t had the success they were hoping for in the postseason, the 76ers have made it six straight seasons with five loss in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
With reigning MVP Joel Embiid leading the way and Tyrese Maxey playing at an All-Star level, this is a dangerous team. But, their straddling of wanting to keep their salary cap clean in the summer of 2024 and wanting to contend right now is a tough juggling act. They could have to commit to one path ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline in what is another wide-open season for the NBA Finals.
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