Nikola Jokic’s Finals MVP run, which led to Denver’s first-ever championship, was one of the best moments in the NBA in 2023.
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Periodically, NBA.com editors will offer their thoughts on key storylines or hot topics around the league.
What is your favorite NBA moment of 2023?
Denver wins the 2023 final. This ticked a few boxes. First, the Nuggets became the last of the four former ABA teams to reach the NBA Finals – and then I won it. Coach Michael Malone won while his father, former NBA coach Brendan Malone, was there to see it. And Nikola Jokic, like Kia’s two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, no longer needs to hear complaints about “what did he do in the playoffs?” » — Steve Aschburner
Sacramento ends its record playoff drought. Returning playoff basketball to my hometown is an easy choice. After 16 years of frustration and disappointment, this hungry fanbase was rewarded with an electrifying team on the field and in the Sacramento sky. Every victory brought the chants “Light the Beam” and a purple laser glowing like the Bat Signal, proclaiming that the Kings have returned. — Brian Martin
Sacramento ends its long, dreary playoff drought. You couldn’t help but feel a pang in your heart when the Kings finally put their struggles aside. Their streak of non-playoff seasons ended when De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and coach Mike Brown combined to pull off the NBA’s biggest upset. Playoffs baby! — Shaun Powell
The decisive pass of the year… that no one saw. Nowadays we usually have multiple angles of the best pieces. But when Nikola Jokic threw a baseball pass to Aaron Gordon from 70 feet and without much time to think about it, neither team showed it. One of the greatest passes ever thrown, and the images I had to find out as if it happened 50 years ago. — John Schumann
Adoption of policies to increase player participation. There was the new CBA, which requires players to play 65 regular season games to be eligible for certain awards. Then the league adopted a new player participation policy. Stars drive the NBA. But his fans catalyze his popularity. So it’s nice to see people being rewarded by policy for spending their hard-earned money on tickets and discounts. – Michael C. Wright
What surprised you the most in 2023?
Players and coaches embrace the tournament in season. Look, a memo was sent out from NBA headquarters that people who earn salaries in the league should be optimistic about the new season start concept. But once group play began, the competitive spirit kicked in. There was something to be gained, and most played and spoke accordingly. With a few tweaks, the second edition should lean more towards tradition. — Steve Aschburner
The instant success of the In-Season Tournament. “Why are they doing this?” ” How it works ? ” “Who cares?” Many skeptics were present when the In-season tournament was announced. The key is the last question: “Who cares?” » The players did it. The coaches did it. And finally, the fans did. Everyone bought in and delivered an entertaining and competitive first two months of the season. More of that, please. — Brian Martin
LeBron James’ anti-aging game. With Father Time on his heels in 2023, running to throw a chasing block, LeBron still made the shot. And continues to do so. Here in our late 30s, we are still waiting for a sign that the end is near. Instead, LeBron remained a top 10 player in 2023 and took the Lakers to Western Conference Finals with superb play in the playoffs. — Shaun Powell
The Miami Heat’s run to the 2023 NBA Finals. They were a very mediocre team in the regular season, going 44-38 and get upgraded 26 points in his 82 games. Then he was minutes away from losing in the Eastern Conference Play-In …only to finally beat the top-seeded Bucks And Second-seeded Celtics en route to the final, becoming the first team in 64 years to reach the championship round after being dominated in the regular season. — John Schumann
San Antonio wins the draft and selects Victor Wembanyama. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich once described being “the beneficiary of chance.” But twice? We won’t go back to 1987, when San Antonio won the lottery and selected David Robinson. But Spurs have now drawn the lucky balls three times and selected generational big men, with Victor Wembanyama the latest vessel of the club’s good fortune. — Michael C. Wright
Which player had the best 2023?
Joel Embiid. He was elected Kia Most Valuable Player Last spring. He almost took the Sixers to the East Finals. And just when it looked like things were going to head south for Philly, it broke free of James Harden and that complicated situation and has a fresher, more dynamic crew led by Tyrese Maxey playing like a renewed contender . Pretty good 12 months. — Steve Aschburner
Jamal Murray. Murray thought Denver would trade him after he tore his ACL and became “damaged goods.” The Nuggets did not hesitate to believe in him. After countless hours of rehabilitation, Murray returned to train and was rewarded with a championship run. — Brian Martin
Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center owned 2023, in a way that made him legendary. His journey to the championship was characterized by consistent high-level performances, and he dominated the NBA Finals. Couldn’t ask for more from the Nuggets center who also started 2023-24 on an MVP-like tear. — Shaun Powell
Nikola Jokic. He is the best player in the world and he won his (first) championship. He led the playoffs in total points, rebounds and assists, recording triple-doubles in half (10) of his team’s 20 games. He even stayed for the parade before enjoying the (shorter) summer with his horses. — John Schumann
Nikola Jokic. First championship, and first NBA Finals MVP Award followed by 107 days of celebrating at home and basking in the glory of it all. The 28-year-old couldn’t have written his script better. — Michael C. Wright
Which star player traded in 2023 will have the best 2024?
Jrue Holidays. His feelings took a hit when Milwaukee sent him in their acquisition of Damian Lillard, but the league’s best two-way guard couldn’t have had a better touchdown catch if he had been a free agent during the summer. Holiday was a catalyst for the Bucks’ 2021 NBA title and now he’s part of the heavily favored Celtics with a chance at his second ring. — Steve Aschburner
Damien Lillard. This is Lillard’s best chance to advance to the NBA Finals and compete for a title. He has eight playoff appearances and two series-clinching shots, but has yet to reach the game’s brightest stage. “Lady Time” is now. — Brian Martin
Kevin Durant. Most of the stars traded in 2023 have started the inevitable slide down the other side of the hill. So the question is: which player has better brakes than the others? In this sense, I choose Durant. The guy is still in top form as a shooter, and we assume his desire to win a title with his own team – not Steph Curry’s – remains strong. — Shaun Powell
Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics look like the best team in the league, with apologies to the Nuggets, who don’t have a star traded. And Porzingis is a vital part of their success, providing both spacing and post presence on offense while protecting the rim on the other end of the court. Porzingis has had a fascinating (and somewhat disappointing) journey from New York to Dallas and Washington, but he’s clearly in the right place now. — John Schumann
Kyrie Irving. He is preparing to return from a heel injury. Once Irving joins the roster, the guard will resume his role as the co-star of a team positioned for a strong playoff run. Rookie big man Derek Lively II has been a revelation. — Michael C. Wright
What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
A sixth different franchise winning the championship. Nothing against the Nuggets, Warriors, Bucks, Lakers or Raptors, but variety is often the spice of life. Dynasties have their place, as does the distribution of wealth and rings. If any of the other 25 teams celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Trophy this spring, champion parity will be equal the NBA’s journey from 1975 to 1980 (Warriors, Celtics, Trail Blazers, Bullets, SuperSonics, Lakers). — Steve Aschburner
The 2024 NBA Playoffs. The in-season tournament whetted my appetite for high-stakes hoops. We have the trade deadline, the playoff race and the Play-In tournament before we get there, but April-June is the best time of year. — Brian Martin
Victor Wembanyama because I’m curious about the development of the Next Big Thing. He will finish his rookie season in San Antonio, then play for France in the Paris Olympics, then return for his second NBA season. Hopefully he will improve with each step. — Shaun Powell
The Western Conference playoffs. There are so many teams I’m fascinated to see in the playoffs. You have the defending champions, the top-seeded Wolves, the promising Thunder, the new and improved Clippers, the offensive Kings and Mavs, the star-laden Suns, and the Lakers with LeBron James trying to make one more run. And one or more of these teams might not make it. — John Schumann
Ja Morant’s Redemption Tour. Named conference Player of the week After returning from a 25-game league suspension, Morant faces the daunting task of keeping Memphis on a 50-win pace for a chance at the playoffs. — Michael C. Wright
