By David Peto ‘23
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are the favorite team to win it all this year, and that’s for good reason. They’re coming off a championship and have managed to improve in the offseason, building around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers have added reigning sixth man of the year, Montrezl Harrell, runner-up sixth man of the year, Dennis Schröder, Marc Gasol, and Wesley Matthews, and this was done while only giving up Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, and Dwight Howard. The only possible negatives of this team are the lack of experience playing together, and LeBron is entering his 18th season, already declining physically.
Milwaukee Bucks
If the Bucks are going to win a championship with arguably the best player in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the time is now. They used a 4 team trade to bring in All Star and two-time All-Defensive player, Jrue Holiday, to match him with Kris Middleton and Giannis. The Bucks gave up 3 future first round picks, Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and Wes Matthews. The obvious drawback from this trade is a lack of depth, but Milwaukee fans hope the new big three is enough to win the NBA Finals
Brooklyn Nets
As of right now, Brooklyn has been rather quiet this offseason, trading for young sharpshooter, Landry Shamet and strong defender, Bruce Brown, but the possible acquisition on everyone’s mind this offseason would be a trade bringing James Harden to the Nets. If he was brought in, the Nets would have arguably the two best scorers in the league with Kevin Durant and Harden, plus six-time All Star Kyrie Irving would be contributing. Even if this team looks strong on paper, the chemistry of 3 different ball-dominant players would be in question, especially with Kyrie Irving historically having a problem sharing the spotlight. Another question mark is the lack of defense, but as long as they’re able to stay around league average in defense, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Miami Heat
The Heat are coming off a very successful season, making it to the NBA Finals, and now with relatively the same squad, they bolster the chemistry needed to make a deep playoff run. Miami didn’t sign anyone significant, but re-signed starter Goran Dragic and extended all-star forward Bam Adebayo; this should lead to an increase in experience in the young team, something that needed some work. It’s possible they took a slight step back this offseason by losing Jae Crowder and Derrick Jones Jr., but these shouldn’t be major losses as the Heat are poised to target big named free agents next offseason with the freed-up cap space.
Philadelphia 76ers
Many wouldn’t have the 76ers making their own list of contenders, but with the combination of my love for the team, and their sheer talent, I believe they have a serious chance of winning it all this year. Philly had one of the best offseasons in the league, starting out with the hiring of illustrious coach, Doc Rivers and president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey. Morey started off with a trade for much-needed sharpshooter, Danny Green which simultaneously unloaded the egregiously large contract of Al Horford, then added even more perimeter shooting on draft night by trading for Seth Curry and drafting Tyrese Maxey and Isaiah Joe. The Sixers then filled their last remaining spot of backup center by signing an excellent team player in Dwight Howard. Even with such a successful offseason, the 76ers have plenty of possible downfalls. Oft-injured Joel Embiid rarely stays healthy for the entirety of the season, or the team could simply underperform. Either way, the season looks promising for the 76ers.