There are a total of 30 teams in the NBA. Each team has its differences, uniqueness, strengthens and weaknesses. But only 1 team prevails victorious and picks up the NBA Championship trophy.
Here’s our ranking of top title-contending teams from this NBA season, from 5-1.
5. Denver Nuggets
Conference: Western
2019-2020 Record: 46-27
Seed: #3 in Western Conference
Denver Nuggets has been one of the most improving teams since the past four-five seasons. Last year they exceeded the expectations of many people in the league. They were the only team in NBA history to make a come back from two 3-1 deficit in the same playoff run – against Utah in the first round and the Clippers in the second round. They eventually fell to the Lakers (who went on to be the champions) 4-1, in the Western Conference Finals. The team is well-led by the best center in the league – Nikola Jokic and their point guard Jamal Murray. No one will be surprised if this Nuggets team made another deep playoff run, or even manage to win the championship.
4. Brooklyn Nets
Conference: Eastern
2019-2020 Record: 35-37
Seed: #7 in Eastern Conference
This season, the Nets easily have one of the best duos in the whole league with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Durant was out the whole season last year due to a torn ACL injury. But this year, he is back and looking better than before – shooting flawlessly, dribbling with no hesitation, getting to the rim with ease and picking difficult rebounds. Apart from these two All-Stars, the team is stacked with talent. Players like DeAndre Jordan, Caris LeVert, Jarret Allen, Joe Harris, Landry Shamet all have game-changing potential. The reason the Nets aren’t ranked higher in this list is, their team isn’t experienced to perform in the playoffs and we can’t expect Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to be in their best shape just one season after their injury. Never the less, this stacked Brooklyn looks dangerous.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Conference: Western
2019-2020 Record: 49-23
Seed: #2 in Western Conference
Los Angeles Clippers have the best two-way team in the league, defensive and offensive threat players. Last year, they had a great regular season. But they had an unexpected exit in the second round of the playoffs against the Nuggets 4-3 (where they were leading 1-3). The leadership and duo of All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are impeccable. The Clippers organisation changed their coaches, firing Doc Rivers and hiring Ty Lue as the new head coach. Ty Lue has previously won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where LeBron was the leader. The Clippers even have the three-time Sixth-Man of the year, Lou Williams who has been adding depth to their bench since the past 4 seasons now. With a few new additions like Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum, they have not only added talent but also added a lot of needed experience on the squad.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Conference: Eastern
2019-2020 Record: 56-17
Seed: #1 in Eastern Conference
The Bucks had the best record in the whole league, last season. The team is led by the back-to-back MVP and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year – Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team were stunned last year when they were shocked by the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs 4-1. But Bucks fans have something to be happy about, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a five-year, $228 million contract keeping him Milwaukee till the 2024-2025 season. Often, the other All-Star, Khris Middleton doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, being the perfect wingman for Giannis. They have had new acquisitions like Jrue Holiday, DJ Augustin and Bryn Forbes who will have a positive impact on the team.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Conference: Western
2019-2020 Record: 52-19
Seed: #1 in Western Conference
The reigning NBA Champions are the favourites to win the 2020-2021 NBA title and have back-to-back trophies. The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, teamed up for the first time last season and managed to win a championship with the Lakers. They proved their dominance last season. But this season, the team looks stronger than ever. They have had so many acquisitions including the reigning Sixth-Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol and Dennis Schroder. There is no doubt that the Lakers has the most talented team in the league and have good players even on their bench. With the great leadership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, many see this team win back-to-back Championships.
Other than these great teams, teams like Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Houston Rockets do deserve a mention on this list.
