Amanda Knapp
Sports, and basketball, will come back. While the world is currently dealing with the pandemic, sports will return swiftly and fundamentally unchanged. The NBA will also be back, with the 2025 NBA Playoffs already underway, and the 2025 offseason storylines already taking shape. The 2024 season also saw several NBA players make a comeback and prove their mettle among the NBA's elite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basketball will come back | Yes |
| NBA players' generosity | NBA players made sizable donations to fund the lost wages of hourly arena workers |
| Owners' support | Owners have put together paid time off packages |
| NBA postseason | 16 teams are battling it out in the 2025 NBA postseason |
| NBA players' comeback | NBA players who faced adversity are determined to prove their talent and value |
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What You'll Learn
Player transfers and free agency
One of the most significant trades during this period involved Luka Doncic, the 2019 Rookie of the Year and five-time All-Star. Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he will play alongside the legendary LeBron James. This move sent shockwaves through the league and has the potential to create a new Western Conference powerhouse. Additionally, Anthony Davis, a ten-time NBA All-Star and a member of the 2020 NBA Champion Lakers, was also part of this trade, joining the Mavericks' star-studded roster that already included Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
Klay Thompson's move to the Dallas Mavericks was another notable free agency signing. After spending 13 years with the Golden State Warriors and winning four NBA titles, Thompson signed with the Mavericks, hoping to pursue a fifth championship. His deal was part of a larger trade scheme involving multiple teams.
Looking ahead, stars like Luka Doncic, Draymond Green, and Damian Lillard hold player options for the 2026 season, which teams will monitor closely. Additionally, the college basketball transfer portal has closed, but not before some notable names entered the portal, including Yaxel Lendeborg and PJ Haggerty, who topped the list of the top 150 free agents.
The NBA also has specific rules and processes regarding free agency. For instance, restricted free agency exists for former first-round draft picks following their fourth year of rookie "scale" contracts, and for veteran free agents with three or fewer seasons in the NBA. In these cases, the player's original team has the "right of first refusal," meaning they can retain the player by matching any offer sheet the player signs with another team.
The moratorium period is also worth noting, where any deals made are considered agreements but are non-binding and do not count towards team salaries. During this time, teams can sign their first-round draft picks to standard rookie-scale contracts, and second-round draft picks can accept required tenders to keep their rights with the team.
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Coaching changes
College basketball has seen a significant number of coaching changes in recent years, with the 2024 cycle being particularly notable. The men's college basketball coaching landscape has been active, with numerous high-profile moves. For instance, Kevin Willard left Maryland after their NCAA tournament run and joined Villanova as their new coach. Will Wade joined NC State, and Sean Miller took over the Texas Longhorns after the firing of Rodney Terry. Additionally, there have been coaching changes at prominent programs such as Michigan, Stanford, and Kentucky.
The women's college basketball scene has also witnessed its fair share of coaching changes. Keisha Newell, formerly of Division II Lewis University, took over as head coach at San Diego after serving as an associate head coach at Georgia Tech. Kellie Harper, formerly of Tennessee, moved to Missouri. Adia Barnes left her alma mater, Arizona, to take over at SMU, replacing Toyelle Wilson. Scotty Fletcher joined UL Monroe, replacing Missy Bilderback, who departed after two seasons for her alma mater, Southern Miss.
The 2024-25 season also saw several coaching changes. Bob Huggins stepped down from West Virginia, and vacancies at prominent programs such as Washington, Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Louisville were filled. The mid-major programs that lost coaches to these high-major schools have also completed their searches.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, there have been 55 coaching changes in the cycle so far, with just two vacancies remaining at the mid-major level: Florida A&M and UC Riverside. Creighton has announced its next men's basketball coach, with High Point's Alan Huss agreeing to a contract to become the coach-in-waiting under Greg McDermott.
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Player comebacks
One of the most remarkable player comebacks in NBA history occurred on November 27, 1996, when the Utah Jazz faced a daunting 36-point deficit against the Denver Nuggets. Led by the dynamic duo of Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek, the Jazz embarked on an extraordinary comeback, outscoring the Nuggets 71-33 in the second half to secure a historic 107-103 victory. This game solidified the Utah Jazz's reputation as "The Comeback Kids".
Another notable player comeback was orchestrated by Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics in 2002. Facing a 26-point deficit against the New Jersey Nets in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, PierceRelevant Documents: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20
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Answer: Basketball is a sport that has seen some incredible comebacks over the years, with players and teams making history through their determination and skill. Here are some notable player comebacks in the world of basketball:
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players in NBA history, and his comeback story is legendary. After initially retiring, Jordan made a famous return to the sport, showcasing his exceptional talent once again.
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce led the Boston Celtics to a remarkable 26-point comeback against the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics outscored the Nets 41-16 in the fourth quarter, with Pierce's leadership playing a pivotal role in their victory.
LeBron James
LeBron James has had several notable comebacks throughout his illustrious career. In 2017, he scored 41 points and a triple-double to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 25-point comeback against the Indiana Pacers. James also played a crucial role in the Lakers' comeback against the Suns in 2024, finishing with 21 points and eight dimes.
Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek
In one of the most memorable comebacks in NBA history, Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek propelled the Utah Jazz to victory over the Denver Nuggets on November 27, 1996. The Jazz overcame a 36-point deficit, with Malone and Hornacek scoring 31 and 29 points, respectively, in an improbable comeback.
Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady's performance against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 deserves a mention. McGrady's scoring prowess, including eight rebounds, two assists, and five steals, led his team to a remarkable comeback victory.
Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller's performance in the 1995 Pacers vs. Knicks game was extraordinary. With just nine seconds remaining, Miller scored eight points, including two free throws and a three-pointer, to secure a thrilling comeback win.
These player comebacks showcase the resilience and talent of some of basketball's greatest stars, and their impact on the sport's history is undeniable.Basketball is a sport that has seen some incredible comebacks over the years, with players and teams making history through their determination and skill. Here are some notable player comebacks in the world of basketball:
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players in NBA history, and his comeback story is legendary. After initially retiring, Jordan made a famous return to the sport, showcasing his exceptional talent once again.
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce led the Boston Celtics to a remarkable 26-point comeback against the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics outscored the Nets 41-16 in the fourth quarter, with Pierce's leadership playing a pivotal role in their victory.
LeBron James
LeBron James has had several notable comebacks throughout his illustrious career. In 2017, he scored 41 points and a triple-double to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 25-point comeback against the Indiana Pacers. James also played a crucial role in the Lakers' comeback against the Suns in 2024, finishing with 21 points and eight dimes.
Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek
In one of the most memorable comebacks in NBA history, Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek propelled the Utah Jazz to victory over the Denver Nuggets on November 27, 1996. The Jazz overcame a 36-point deficit, with Malone and Hornacek scoring 31 and 29 points, respectively, in an improbable comeback.
Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady's performance against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 deserves a mention. McGrady's scoring prowess, including eight rebounds, two assists, and five steals, led his team to a remarkable comeback victory.
Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller's performance in the 1995 Pacers vs. Knicks game was extraordinary. With just nine seconds remaining, Miller scored eight points, including two free throws and a three-pointer, to secure a thrilling comeback win.
These player comebacks showcase the resilience and talent of some of basketball's greatest stars, and their impact on the sport's history is undeniable.
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Playoff teams' performance
The NBA Playoffs is an annual postseason tournament held to determine the league champion. The 2025 NBA Playoffs are currently underway, with 16 teams battling it out. The top three teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics, have already won their first games by at least 17 points, setting the tone for the tournament.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite having talented players like Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, have lost nine out of their last ten playoff games. They will need to step up their game to avoid another disappointing loss. The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are also under pressure to perform better in Game 2 after losing their home games.
The Clippers, led by Leonard, are hoping to carry their late-season momentum into the playoffs. If they can overcome a relatively quiet postseason from Harden, they might have a chance to upset the Nuggets in the first round and advance further.
The Detroit Pistons, despite their lack of experience, are giving it their all and scrapping for every point. They are second in fast-break points, with four players contributing to their success in this area. On the other hand, the Orlando Magic's season was derailed by injuries to their top players, and they will be looking forward to a better 2025-26 season.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs are shaping up to be exciting, with teams fighting to overcome their flaws and prove their mettle. Only time will tell which team will emerge as the champion.
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Impact on arena workers
Sports, including basketball, will come back, but the hiatus has already caused a lot of harm to those who depend on it for their livelihoods. Arena workers, for example, have been out of a job since the season was suspended. NBA players and owners have stepped up to fund the lost wages of hourly arena workers, but these workers will continue to be out of work until basketball resumes. The layoff is likely to stretch through spring and into the summer months, and it remains to be seen whether additional aid will be provided to support these workers.
The suspension of sports events has had a significant impact on arena workers, who are often part of the middle and working classes. They are now facing financial challenges and uncertainty due to the loss of income. While some aid has been provided through donations and paid time off packages, it may not be sufficient for those facing long-term unemployment. This situation highlights the precarious nature of employment for many, who are now dependent on the generosity of others to get by.
Arena workers are an integral part of the sports ecosystem, and their contributions are essential to the smooth functioning of basketball games. From taking tickets to selling refreshments, their roles are diverse and crucial. However, their employment is often contingent on the continuation of sports events, and any disruption can have a ripple effect on their lives. The current crisis has brought to light the vulnerability of these workers and the importance of providing them with adequate support and security.
As sports fans eagerly await the return of basketball, it is essential to recognize the impact that the hiatus has had on the lives of arena workers. The resumption of sports will not only bring back the excitement and community that fans crave but also provide much-needed employment and income for those who work behind the scenes. The return of basketball will be a comfort to many, offering a sense of normalcy and a chance to redirect their energy and expertise towards their passion.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, basketball will come back. Sports are a resilient, lucrative business and are important to many people.
The NBA will come back after the current crisis recedes. The 2025 NBA Playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2025.
Some storylines to follow for the 2025 NBA offseason include the future of Kevin Durant with the Phoenix Suns, the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons' spending power, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' viability.
Some NBA players who are poised for a comeback in 2024 include LaMelo Ball of the Chicago Bulls, Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets, and Jordan Poole of the Washington Wizards.
