Taking a look back at my early observations of all 30 NBA teams for 2024-25.
Atlanta Hawks
With veterans like Dejounte Murray & Saddiq Bey now gone/Trae Young, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De’Andre Hunter still around, young players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels (came over in the Murray deal), Zaccharie Risacher (2024 #1 pick), Onyeka Okongwu, and Kobe Bufkin will need to develop every day. I’ve already seen growth from all five of those youngsters, so that’s a good start.
Notes: The Hawks may have lost in the play-in, but there’s plenty to be excited about. You could see the every day growth from young guys like Johnson, Daniels, Risacher, Okongwu, and Mouhamed Gueye (Bufkin had a right shoulder injury and only played in ten games). Also Onsi Saleh has done a solid job since getting promoted to GM following the firing of Landry Fields: trading for Kristaps Porzingis, acquiring Asa Newell in the draft, and signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker & Luke Kennard. Moving on from vets like Capela, Bogdanovic, and Hunter didn’t turn out bad at all thanks to the development of their young talent/Saleh’s productive offseason.
Boston Celtics
Making sure Kristaps Porzingis stays healthy now that he’s finally made his 2024-25 debut is obvious, but besides that, I really think winning back-to-back titles seems realistic. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White are in their primes, Jrue Holiday & Al Horford still bring a lot as vets, and bench players like Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, and Neemias Queta continue to get better.
Notes: The Knicks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the East Semi-Finals vs. Boston, as Porzingis dealt with an illness, Brown played with a partially torn right meniscus, and Tatum would rupture his right Achilles tendon in Game 4. Winning the title again would have been nice, but from my view time was running out for KP (traded to Hawks), Holiday (traded to Portland), Horford (unlikely to re-sign), and Kornet (signed with San Antonio) on this roster. Now, it’s about seeing if Anfernee Simons (might get traded before season), Georges Niang, Luka Garza, and Josh Minott will fit the culture/developing rookies Hugo Gonzalez & Amari Williams for when Jayson returns.
Brooklyn Nets
New head coach Jordi Fernandez has already set the tone that his team won’t back down from anyone, so now it’s about which veterans will stick around long term and developing their young players. It will be interesting to see who their core guys will be by the end of the year (Cam Thomas & Nic Claxton definitely have a chance to be those players based on age/talent).
Notes: Now that Fernandez has settled in as Brooklyn’s head coach, the main focus has to be what the roster will look like overall. We’ll see how their five rookies turn out (Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf), but I think eventually they will find themselves in the same situation as the current players – feeling like the team doesn’t view them as long term pieces unless they’re a superstar (traded Cam Johnson for Michael Porter Jr./Thomas is still a restricted free agent).
Charlotte Hornets
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson wanting the Hornets to become a premier NBA franchise/head coach Charles Lee’s emphasis on defense is a solid start, now it’s time for the roster to get healthy and find continuity. Unfortunately, lack of health this season will likely prevent them from earning a play-in spot (Grant Williams tore ACL/Mark Williams still out/LaMelo Ball out at least 2 weeks with calf strain/Nick Richards & Miles Bridges have combined to miss 23 games).
Notes: 2024-25 was another year of injuries and no top ten finish in the Eastern Conference for Charlotte (Brandon Miller went down with a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist as well). Defense and health are very important. However, figuring out who their starting center is after trading Nick Richards & Mark Williams will be interesting (possibly rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner). Also, I wonder how much of an impact the team’s new veterans besides Collin Sexton can make (Spencer Dinwiddie, Mason Plumlee, and Pat Connaughton). 2025 first round picks Kon Knueppel & Liam McNeeley looked NBA ready at Summer League, too.
Chicago Bulls
Trying to be a play-in team again just doesn’t make sense to me if you’re the Bulls. Now that DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso aren’t on the roster anymore, I think executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas should just accept the reality of a rebuild (look out for Zach LaVine & Nikola Vucevic to possibly get traded).
Notes: Hopefully Chicago can re-sign restricted free agent Josh Giddey because he and Coby White as a backcourt is one of the few things keeping this group somewhat competitive (LaVine got traded to Sacramento/Vucevic remained with the team). It’s obvious at this point that no franchise changing free agents are going there, and you just need to keep finding trades like the Giddey one for younger talent/drafting players like Matas Buzelis. I’ve learned that Karnisovas simply doesn’t want to have a full rebuild and would rather accept yearly play-in spots, which must be frustrating as a fan.
Cleveland Cavaliers
New head coach Kenny Atkinson has helped lead the Cavs to a 18-3 start, so hopefully they can keep this jump in play going and get past the Second Round. With 4 possible All-Stars (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley) and role players getting it done at a high level, not making the Eastern Conference Finals would definitely be a disappointment for the group.
Notes: The Cavs weren’t fully healthy during the East Semifinals, but at the end of the day, this group isn’t where they want to be in terms of postseason success. They ended up winning 64 games during the 2024-25 regular season and Atkinson earned Coach of the Year, but I think it’s clear now that how good Evan Mobley becomes as a player will determine how far they ultimately go.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has another solid supporting cast around Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving. New addition Klay Thompson could be that missing sharpshooter they need to win it all (99.2 PPG/31.6% 3-PT vs. the Boston Celtics in 2024 NBA Finals). However, they also have to acknowledge that their defense must improve (Boston scored over 100 points in four of the five games).
Notes: I didn’t expect Luka Doncic to get traded at all. However, that’s reality, and Anthony Davis is now a Mav. Luckily, the team lost their final play-in game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies and ended up with 2025 #1 pick Cooper Flagg (another unexpected outcome). Kyrie Irving did tear his ACL in March, but he’s ahead of schedule getting back, which makes the roster ready to compete for a championship in Flagg’s first year.
Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray’s 2023 playoff run was magnificent, but who knows if Denver ever gets that same production from him again. After losing in the Second Round last year, I think they’ve gotta win games more collectively/increase the roles of Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther. Hopefully new veteran Russell Westbrook can make a difference off the bench come playoff time.
Notes: Besides the unfortunate firing of Michael Malone and losing in seven games to the eventual NBA champion OKC Thunder, there’s a lot to be excited for now that Denver’s season has ended. Former assistant coach David Adelman takes over a roster that’s already very familiar with him while the new pieces the front office added after not extending Calvin Booth are a good sign that Ben Tenzer (Executive VP of Basketball Operations) and Jon Wallace (Executive VP of Player Personnel) are making the right moves (traded for Cam Johnson & Jonas Valanciunas/signed free agents Bruce Brown & Tim Hardaway Jr.). I’m also thrilled about what DaRon Holmes can do as a rookie (tore right Achilles tendon during 2024 Summer League).
Detroit Pistons
President of basketball operations Trajan Langdon brought in playoff experienced veterans who can still produce in Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. while head coach JB Bickerstaff has implemented his mindset of selfless basketball. With young starters like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren now more mature (also keep an eye on Ausar Thompson’s growth), I wouldn’t be surprised if they sneak in as a play-in team this season.
Notes: Detroit proved me wrong, as they made the playoffs as a 6-seed instead of being a play-in team. The head coaching job Bickerstaff did in his first year with the group/Cunningham’s 2024-25 All-NBA Third Team performance were two major factors for the major jump last season. Now, it’s about not taking steps back.
Golden State Warriors
No more Klay Thompson means more shots for other players, but reestablishing that championship level defense will be key for Golden State. Buddy Hield making sure he keeps up his hot three-point shooting/how Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis respond to up and down minutes are extremely important as well.
Notes: Trading for Jimmy Butler at the 2025 deadline gave Golden State a major confidence boost – feeling like they could compete for a title again until Steph Curry went down. Hield fit in well, but the roles of those young players I mentioned (specifically Kuminga who is still a restricted free agent), need to be figured out so that the veterans can thrive.
Houston Rockets
Head coach Ime Udoka/veterans Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, and Steven Adams have made a tremendous impact on the group through their leadership. It doesn’t seem like Houston’s younger players care about numbers, and just want to win/reach the playoffs.
Notes: The Rockets had a stellar regular season (2-seed) and fought hard in their first round series loss to the Warriors in seven games. This team has multiple defenders that can get after it, but their 2024-25 leading scorer Jalen Green only averaged 13.3 PPG on 37.2% FG/29.5% 3-PT/66.7% FT in the playoffs, a problem future new starter Kevin Durant will solve with his efficiency as an all-time great scorer (Green & Brooks traded to Phoenix). I also wanted to mention the growth that Alperen Sengun & Amen Thompson continue to show/the productive offseason that GM Rafael Stone had (Durant trade/signed Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie/re-signed Aaron Holiday & Jeff Green/extended VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Adams, and Jae’Sean Tate).
Indiana Pacers
Reaching the Eastern Conference Finals again seems like a tough task, so I think the focus for Indy should be making sure players are getting better/bringing togetherness every day. Losing early in the 2025 postseason wouldn’t seem as bad if Tyrese Haliburton returns to his All-Star form for longer stretches by the end of the year.
Notes: Indiana had an even better season than 2023-24, making it all the way to the NBA Finals and losing in Game 7 vs. OKC. Unfortunately, Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon during that game (was already playing through a strained right calf) and free agent Myles Turner left for the Bucks this summer. The development of key young rotation pieces, continuing to play fast/full-court press, and finding out who they’re starting center will be are my three important areas to focus on without Haliburton for 2025-26.
Los Angeles Clippers
I’d say winning a title was more of a possibility with a younger Kawhi Leonard (now 33/still hasn’t played during 2024-25) and when Paul George was there (signed with 76ers). Inefficiency from James Harden and Kawhi’s lack of health are two early warning signs from my view, but they could surprise some people if Norman Powell & Ivica Zubac continue their career-best play into the postseason.
Notes: Yes, the Clippers lost in the 2025 Western Conference First Round to Denver and traded away Norman Powell after his career-year. But when you think about the productive seasons Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kris Dunn had/trading for Bogdan Bogdanovic, and the offseason additions of Bradley Beal (signed following buyout with Suns), John Collins (acquired in trade), Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul (both signed as free agents) – I see a team that could definitely be the best they’ve had since Leonard joined the roster back in 2019.
Los Angeles Lakers
New head coach JJ Redick seems committed to getting the most out of this group. You know what you’re getting from Anthony Davis & LeBron James (both looked great during the Olympics), Austin Reaves has developed into a starter since going undrafted/rookie Dalton Knecht adds needed shooting. Now it’s time for D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, and others to play winning basketball as the supporting cast.
Notes: The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell in December of last year, but were able to get Luka Doncic not long after in the Anthony Davis deal (lost 4-1 in the First Round vs. Minnesota). Signing Deandre Ayton & Marcus Smart following their buyouts helps fill needs at the center position and defensively. We’ll see how much of an impact the two can make though (also signed Jake LaRavia).
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grit and Grind mentality that Memphis lost a little bit last season is back thanks to the health of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane/multiple players stepping up like Santi Aldama, rookie Jaylen Wells, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jay Huff, and more. Marcus Smart has already missed 10 games, so making sure he’s injury-free to help make a difference on both ends, especially defensively, will be huge.
Notes: Firing Taylor Jenkins with nine games left in the season was very unfortunate because I think it’s obvious that Morant, Jackson, and Bane (now traded) couldn’t carry the roster. It seemed like Jenkins knew that their younger players had to get better to help those three, as Jaylen Wells & Zach Edey made All-Rookie First Team. So, new head coach Tuomas Iisalo now finds himself in a tough situation if you ask me. I also believe Smart playing in 39 total games as a Grizzly before getting traded to Washington was disappointing for fans/the organization (joined in 2023).
Miami Heat
I thought Tyler Herro coming back as a better player following an inefficient First Round series vs. Boston last year might make a difference, but that hasn’t really translated into wins (9-9 record). Unfortunately, it just feels like Jimmy Butler will be that guy to get traded if the front office doesn’t feel like making the East or NBA Finals can happen, when in reality this roster as a whole looks worse early on except for a few players.
Notes: Despite having solid seasons, Tyler Herro & Bam Adebayo learned just how hard leading a team can be once Jimmy Butler got traded. I also noticed during the playoffs that Andrew Wiggins was going to need some help on a nightly basis offensively (11.5 PPG in first round vs. Cavs), something that new guard Norman Powell (acquired in three-team deal) can help with following a career-year.
Milwaukee Bucks
Doc Rivers’ history of blowing 3-1 leads in the playoffs has been talked about a lot over his career, but I don’t think this roster cares about that and has goals of winning the NBA Finals. Giannis Antetokounmpo does it all, Damian Lillard can do great things offensively, and Brook Lopez still protects the rim very well for his age, so I’ll be focused on Khris Middleton’s health, perimeter defense, and bench play for the Bucks all year.
Notes: Trading Middleton, waiving Lillard (tore left Achilles tendon in playoffs), and not re-signing Lopez makes it clear that the Bucks need to find starters besides Giannis & the newly signed Myles Turner to compete for a championship again. Hopefully Kyle Kuzma can play better following a rough postseason (averaged 5.8 PPG & 0.8 APG on 34.3% FG/20.0% 3-PT/50.0% FT in First Round series loss vs. Indiana), but at this point, I believe that it’s up to how much Antetokounmpo loves Milwaukee if he’s gonna stick around.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle may not match Karl-Anthony Towns efficiency, but is still a 20 plus PPG scorer and a better passer, so hopefully he can focus on being a playmaker at the highest level for this Timberwolves group while Anthony Edwards leads the way. Defensive-minded Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels not being known as scorers/veteran Mike Conley Jr. averaging a career-low 8.5 PPG means that their bench has to provide a scoring punch.
Notes: The Randle trade led to the same result as 2024: losing in the Western Conference Finals. Edwards, McDaniels, and Naz Reid are still young (mid 20s), so there’s definitely room to improve. Also Terrence Shannon Jr. & Rob Dillingham could turn into major pieces following Atlanta’s signing of Nickeil-Alexander Walker.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans made a move for Dejounte Murray over the summer, and now after a horrible start mainly due to injuries, it’s definitely time for more trades. It’s no secret that they’ve been trying to move on from Brandon Ingram, but I think trading Zion Williamson becomes more of a reality by the day as he keeps missing games every year. Unfortunately for the Pelicans’ front office, I’d imagine getting the value you want back from dealing both of those guys isn’t the best right now.
Notes: Zion stuck around while Ingram was dealt in February and CJ McCollum got traded this summer, as injuries wreaked havoc on New Orleans during 2024-25. Joe Dumars & Troy Weaver took over the front office after the season ended and created pressure to win right away by trading their first-round selection next year for the 2025 13th pick to get Derik Queen. How well Jordan Poole plays will definitely be crucial for the group’s early success while Murray recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon.
New York Knicks
Adding Karl-Anthony Towns & Mikal Bridges to a roster of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, and Precious Achiuwa means that it’s time to start thinking about getting back to the NBA Finals (last appearance was in 1999). They have what it takes on both ends if those players live up to what they’re capable of, so these next 3-5 years are super important for the franchise.
Notes: The Knicks lost in the East Semifinals to Indiana and Tom Thibodeau got fired as head coach. Obviously, a major criticism about Thibs was his heavy minutes for top players and not using the bench enough. However, can new head coach Mike Brown lessen up playing time so the starters can be more fresh come playoff time/find the right lineup rotations?
Oklahoma City Thunder
With the additions of Alex Caruso & Isaiah Hartenstein to this already very talented roster, the ingredients are there for a deep playoff run. I trust Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Lu Dort as starters on both ends, so my biggest questions are if Chet can stay healthy, who that solidified 5th starter will be, and how their bench responds in the postseason.
Notes: Defense was top notch, SGA & J-Dub were amazing, Holmgren was able to stay healthy during the playoffs, Coach Daigneault found the right 5th starter that fit the matchup instead of permanently keeping one player, and different guys from their bench responded with big performances throughout – leading to a 2025 Finals victory for OKC. What stands out the most though is the togetherness of this first class organization that Executive VP & GM Sam Presti has created through the roster and staff.
Orlando Magic
Not only has Franz Wagner stepped up without Paolo Banchero (suffered a torn right oblique in late October), but so has the entire Magic roster. The group’s defensive intensity and selfless mindset continues to impress, as new veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has fit right in from those standpoints. Getting past the First Round would certainly mean a lot to their building process (lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games last playoffs).
Notes: Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs weren’t available enough during 2024-25, but it was obvious that the team needed more outside shooting and extra point guard play even when those three were healthy. The front office filled those holes by trading for Desmond Bane (KCP and Cole Anthony went to Memphis) and signing Tyus Jones. The Bane deal did include four future first round picks, but it’s clear that Orlando wants to win right now/already has plenty of young players.
Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey is shooting a career-low 41.7% from the field, but still scoring the ball at a high level (25.9 PPG). Meanwhile Paul George & Joel Embiid have appeared in a combined 13 games. With their Big 3 out for most of this 4-14 start so far, I hope head coach Nick Nurse has figured out who deserves to be in the rotation and who doesn’t (I like what I’ve seen from rookie Jared McCain, Andre Drummond, KJ Martin, Guerschon Yabusele, and Ricky Council IV).
Notes: The Sixers only winning 24 games proved that the health of Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George means everything for this roster. Tyrese played like a star you can trust when he’s available. However, PG & Joel saw a dip in numbers, which makes me wonder if they’re still the same players. Also, I wanted to mention that Quentin Grimes still remains a restricted free agent at the moment/rookie VJ Edgecombe will make an immediate impact.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns hired another NBA champion head coach in Mike Budenholzer (fired Frank Vogel after just one season) and also filled their need for a true point guard by signing Tyus Jones. Offensive efficiency is there again from Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, so defense will mean everything as a whole.
Notes: Not even making the play-in with a huge payroll felt like changes were on the way, as Coach Bud got fired, KD was traded, and Beal agreed to a buyout. Jordan Ott now takes over as Phoenix’s head coach and newcomers like Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams bring talent and experience next to Booker. Establishing culture and how to go about each day under Ott led by the veterans will be very important.
Portland Trail Blazers
Two important questions for Portland I have are who will be their franchise players/how does upstairs currently view head coach Chauncey Billups? Based on their age/potential, you would probably want Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan to become those guys. As for Billups, the front office could view his tenure as him not winning enough or in a more realistic way of simply not having the rosters every year to win yet (hopefully they’re looking at it from my second point).
Notes: Portland made huge surprises by trading the 11th pick for 16th to acquire Yang Hansen on draft night, buying out Deandre Ayton, and signing franchise legend Damian Lillard. Moving on from Anfernee Simons (traded to Boston for Jrue Holiday) was likely to happen though. Also Coach Billups didn’t help the team reach the postseason, but did win a career-best 36 games, which led to a recent contract extension. I love how this roster defended and you could see their young players getting better on offense. Now, it’s about continued player development and figuring out whether to keep Holiday, Jerami Grant, and Rob Williams.
Sacramento Kings
Acquiring DeMar DeRozan gives the Kings an all-time great scorer, but is more offense really what they need? Defense, heavy starter minutes, and three-point shooting are definitely early areas of concern. Also keep an eye on Keegan Murray’s shooting numbers (41.5% FG/27.4% 3-PT so far) and how much of an impact rookie Devin Carter will make once he’s ready to play.
Notes: Unfortunately, the Kings fired Mike Brown as a head coach and traded away De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio. Moves like these happen, but it felt so much more gut wrenching seeing this because their chances of making the playoffs like in 2023 are far away again. Two questions I currently have about the roster are can Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan go to another level in a deep Western Conference/will Keegan Murray & Malik Monk increase their three-point percentage?
San Antonio Spurs
With veterans Chris Paul & Harrison Barnes joining the team/their younger players more experienced, making the play-in or just missing a top 10 seed has to be a goal now. The health of Devin Vassell & Jeremy Sochan/how much small forward Julian Champagnie and rookie Stephon Castle can develop will determine quite a bit for this Victor Wembanyama led team.
Notes: Wembanyama missing the second half of the season with a blood clot/Gregg Popovich being out extended time until eventually stepping down hurt San Antonio’s top ten chances out West. However, De’Aaron Fox was acquired in early February through trade, Victor is now back healthy, and Mitch Johnson takes over as permanent head coach. Not to mention drafting rookies Dylan Harper & Carter Bryant, trading for Kelly Olynyk, and the free agent signing of Luke Kornet make the roster better overall.
Toronto Raptors
For a young group trying to build, the combination of head coach Darko Rajakovic and a super competitive roster is fitting nicely. A lot of the roster isn’t old at all, but have played in many NBA games, which has done wonders for the group as far as leadership/teaching goes. The individual progression of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, and Ochai Agbaji has been great to see so far.
Notes: Former vice chairman/president Masai Ujiri had sights on winning another championship one day, so the move Toronto’s top brass made to fire him caught me off guard. Coach Darko is still focused on the goal that Ujiri had, but how far they go will be up to the team’s starters like Barnes, Barrett, Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram (acquired at the trade deadline) while the young players keep growing.
Utah Jazz
Lauri Markkanen & Walker Kessler might be the only players this Jazz organization feels good about going forward at the moment. Veterans like John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are solid, but don’t seem to be a part of this team’s future. None of their rookies or sophomores have shown that they’re players you can trust to build with (Keyonte George looked exciting last year, but has been less efficient/turning the ball over more this season).
Notes: I was right: Collins, Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are all now gone (John & Collin traded/Clarkson bought out). Isaiah Collier & Kyle Filipowski had impressive rookie seasons and Brice Sensabaugh took a big leap in his sophomore year. 2025 #5 pick Ace Bailey could become the Jazz’s future star around this talented young group, but there’s still so much this roster has to prove as a whole that shows they’re worth keeping and can actually win enough games together.
Washington Wizards
The growth of Jordan Poole & Bilal Coulibaly has proved that head coach Brian Keefe can develop young players, so it’s now time for the same with rookies Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. Obviously winning a lot of games this season isn’t realistic, but losing almost every game by double digits like they have so far can’t continue as the season goes on. Look out for veterans Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas, and Malcolm Brogdon to possibly get traded as the losses pile up.
Notes: Kuzma & Valanciunas got traded during the season while Poole was dealt last month and Brogdon hasn’t re-signed. Developing this loaded roster of young players like Coulibaly, Sarr, Carrington, George, Tre Johnson, Cam Whitmore, AJ Johnson, Will Riley, Malaki Branham, and Jamir Watkins is clearly a major focus. Look for new Wiz veterans CJ McCollum & Khris Middleton to provide leadership and experienced play as well.
