Edwin Kiplagat

updated at October 20, 2023 at 8:28 AM

• The 2023/24 NBA season is here
• The 2023/24 season promises to deliver plenty of drama, entertainment, and storylines
• Los Angeles Lakers legend, Shaquille O'Neal recently made his predictions for the new season

After a well-deserved break, the 2023/24 NBA season tips off next week. Two mouth-watering games will usher in the new season, which promises to be entertaining.

The Denver Nuggets will face the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Golden State Warriors will lock horns with the Phoenix Suns on October 24. Lakers icon, Shaquille O'Neal recently made his predictions for the season.

Last season, the Nuggets lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy after beating the Miami Heat in five games; Joel Embiid beat Nikola Jokic to win the MVP award, Paolo Bancgherio won the Rookie of the Year, while Lauri Markannen won the Most Improved award.

This season will definitely offer more drama and entertainment than last season. The storylines heading into the new season will also be interesting.

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LeBron James is entering his 21st season with plenty of expectations; Victor Wembanyama will be looking to make his mark in his first season; while a star-studded Phoenix Suns will be looking to right the wrongs of the past campaign.

Shaquille O'Neal's 2023/24 predictions

The legendary center recently made his picks for the new season.

He surprisingly picked Ben Simmons to win the Most Improved Player award. The Brooklyn Nets guard has had a few tough years. He played 42 games last season, his worst season statistically, and missed the entire 2021/22 NBA season. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how he performs this season.

O'Neal picked 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama to win the Rookie Of the Year. Most fans would agree with that, especially considering what we've seen in pre-season.

His boldest pick was Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA title, via NBA TV. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs definitely have the ability to win the title but will need to be flawless in the playoffs. They will need to fell some giants in the Western Conference like the Lakers, Suns, Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors.

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He also backed Nikola Jokic to win his third MVP award in 2023/24.

Shaq rejects Top 10 list

Sports Brief earlier reported on Shaq rejecting a list of the top 10 NBA players of all time because it didn't feature his teammate, Kobe Bryant.

Shaq shared a top 10 list made by Playmaker, and although he agreed with himself getting in the top 5, he didn't like that his former LA Lakers teammate, Kobe Bryant was omitted.

The late great Bryant was named 10th in the Athletic's top 75 NBA players of all time, with James coming first and Stephen Curry third.