Party in the NBA?: Nine Teams That Could Win the NBA Title
For the first time in a long time, the NBA seems to be relatively balanced. It seems like there are good and even great teams in each conference. In my opinion, there are nine teams that have a good shot at a championship and of those nine teams, four are legitimate contenders. The five teams in the “Threats” category are teams that are either a player shy or have something fundamentally wrong with them. The “Legitimate Contenders” are teams who I think have the right pieces and have a player (or two) who is arguably the best in the world.
Threats
Philadelphia 76ers: Lead by MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid, the 76ers have looked great this year. The team’s supporting cast is more fitting than last year and their stars have improved. The only reason they are not in the top tier is that I don’t trust them in crunch time.
Miami Heat: The Heat might stand out to some on this list because they haven’t looked too hot this year, but remember, they did make the finals last year and Butler has proven he can flip the switch.
Boston Celtics: The Celtics are another team that hasn’t looked as good this year compared to last year. The reason that they made this list is that I believe in their young duo: Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz do have the best record in the league, but unlike the rest of the teams on this list, the Jazz do not have an elite offensive player. Enough said.
Denver Nuggets: Denver does not have anyone to stop elite offensive players and while they might have the second-best offensive trio in the league (after Brooklyn), someone has to be able to stop a LeBron-, AD-, KD- or Kawhi-level player in order to win a championship.
Legitimate Contenders
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets are built differently. They added Harden to a title contender composed of KD and Kyrie. And on the seventh, they picked up former all-NBA forward, Blake Griffin. As far as star power, the Nets win easily. Also, offensively, it's nearly impossible to stop this team.
Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks have yet to prove themselves in the playoffs, but Giannis has already proven that he is an all-time talent. Also, the addition of Jrue Holiday helps. Unlike the other three teams’ best players on the list, Giannis has not won a FMVP and does not know what it takes to get over the hump.
LA Clippers: The Clippers underachieved last season, but any team with Kawhi on it has to be a contender. The two-time finals MVP is one of the greatest defenders of all time, while also being elite offensively.
LA Lakers: Assuming Anthony Davis is back, the Lakers are definitely real contenders. Sure, LeBron is getting old and the Lakers lack rebounding, but they are the reigning champions and have the best duo in the league, along with a solid supporting cast.
Jacob Roney is a junior
business administration
major from Sturgeon, Mo.