It is time to start talking about the 2024 –2024 NBA season since the trade deadline has passed and new deal renewals are being inked here and there. Even though it has not been even two months to the day since Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and the remainder of the Denver Nuggets won the team’s first NBA championship, we must look ahead to the upcoming basketball season in the US in order to predict what will happen.
The reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, must now prove they can keep their title. When it comes to defending their championship, the Nuggets are probably going to face huge challenges and obstacles. In all honesty, it is becoming more difficult for teams to win back-to-back NBA titles. The last team to achieve this feat was Golden State (in 2017 and 2018). Across the last 5 seasons, a different winner was always crowned compared to the previous season.
If Denver cannot do it, who will impose itself to perform the task instead of them? There are many topics on which to reflect and theories to be formed.
Can the Nuggets Win Another Title?
One issue constantly arises before each season: would the current champion be able to repeat as champion two years in a row? Doing this is quite challenging. The Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018 became the latest of only 13 champions to repeat.
These teams either kept the majority of their players or improved throughout the summer. What about the Nuggets, then? In light of the names they lost, they did appear to have lost some strength. Their 6th man with the best shooting, Bruce Brown, committed to Indiana. Thomas Bryant joined Miami while the seasoned swingman “Uncle” Jeff Green inked with Houston. Denver will sadly miss Brown and Green since they played significant roles in the team. Jack White and “Ish” Smith also left. On the flip hand, they signed Justin Holiday and a few rookies while releasing several veterans. Some young people who have proven themselves will be given extended positions, which typically works out well. Overall, it might not be very favorable to the Nuggets.
They stand a good chance if Jokić and Murray keep up their dominance and the supporting cast contributes. The remainder of the league must push them against the wall. Many teams have improved and are prepared to make a far more forceful and determined run for the title.
With the addition of Bradley Beal and Chris Paul’s departure to the Golden State Warriors, who also lost Jordan Pool (who took Beal’s place in Washington), the Phoenix Suns are again heavily loaded. The richest signing in NBA history was signed by Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis was acquired by Boston. Everyone remains impatient to see how the story of Damian Lillard, who wants to join the Miami Heat and aid them to recover from recent finals setbacks in 2020 and 2024 , will end.
Now, let us dig deeper into these theses…
Which NBA Teams Have Most Chances to Win the Title in 2024?
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets’ record for the 2022–23 season is 53–29, and Nikola Jokić is their star player. This year, they earned their first NBA championship. One of the explanations as to why Denver is one of the odds-on favorites to win yet another title is the fact that all 5 of the starting players will still be under contract. This is fairly crucial because maintaining rosters can be difficult for top teams.
The fact that the Denver squad features Jokić, the most talented player in the NBA, is advantageous to the group. This strong man from Serbia is now guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame given that he recently claimed his first championship. Jokić has also won two MVP awards in addition to the MVP of the Finals.
The Nuggets had the No. 1 seed when they won the title. They played immaculate basketball in the playoffs and dominated the regular season. Denver finished the playoffs with a 16-4 record. Bet365, as well as practically all the best NBA betting sites in 2024 by the link, gives the Colorado-based side +450 odds to repeat the feat from 2024 .
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics had a 57-25 record during the 2022–23 season, and Jayson Tatum is their star player. They have amassed an overall total of 17 NBA titles. The Celtics enjoyed a tremendous regular season the previous year, but they suffered a postseason slump. Boston made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Miami in 7 games.
The most urgent issue facing Boston was the rumor that Jaylen Brown might leave the team. It did not happen though. That would have undoubtedly had a significant negative impact on the Celtics’ prospects of capturing a championship the following season. In each of the previous three seasons, Brown proved to be a key contributor for Boston. The good news is that Boston will retain Jayson Tatum, who is at present a consistent MVP contender.
William Hill put the Massachusetts-based franchise odds of +500, making it the second favorite to reach the NBA crown.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks can win the NBA title in 2024 without a doubt. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton make up a potent core for them, and this offseason they acquired Bobby Portis and Serge Ibaka as important additions. However, the Bucks’ 2022–23 season was severely hampered by injuries, and if they want to win the title again, they must be fully healthy.
The 888sport bookmaker set odds of +550 on the team based in Wisconsin, making it the third overall favorite for the championship.
Phoenix Suns
After losing much of their firepower to Kevin Durant last season, the Phoenix Suns were able to trade Chris Paul for Bradley Beal at the eleventh hour, combining three of the league’s greatest scorers with Deandre Ayton for a $169 million total salary.
This time, oddsmakers are taking longer to name the favorites in the Western Conference after a significant transfer. Nevertheless, as for the Arizona-headquartered team, the odds are already set. For now, they are +650 on Bet365 – the Suns are the favorites No. 4 for the title.
Conclusion
With all the events that occurred throughout the offseason, we are certain to have a spectacular season to come. The stage is set, and even though some factors could still drastically alter the forecasts, the supporters are overjoyed.
We are here for what promises to be an incredible campaign. The NBA seems to get better and more hyped with each new season, but this is not always the case. We will see whether the Nuggets can win another title. Canada (because of Murray), Serbia (we already said why), and the whole of Denver all certainly hope so!