It was an amazing spectacle to witness, an estimated 750,000 people join the Nuggets in Denver to celebrate their first title in 47 years. However, teams around the league are already plotting their best move to put them in a position to dethrone the champs. Several teams in the league are under pressure to climb to the mountain top next season despite the new CBA restricting big spending and adding another obstacle to overcome in achieving that objective. It makes the upcoming off-season an interesting topic of conversation, and in this article, we look at the biggest questions facing four championship contenders.
1. Will the Boston Celtics find the missing ingredient?
The Boston Celtics have already decided to keep Joe Mazzulla as their head coach moving into next year. The franchise has wisely added Sam Cassell and Charles Lee to its staff to provide a better spine to support Joe. However, the team is searching for answers after letting a golden opportunity slip their fingers to make it to the Finals for back-to-back seasons. The Celtics must answer the big question this off-season whether to offer Jaylen Brown the super-max extension worth 295 million dollars over five years. Brown had a disappointing series against Miami, and his deficiencies in handling the basketball were hard to watch. Also, Grant Williams will test free agency, and it will be interesting to see if he gets a big deal and whether the Celtics will match it. Fans are clamoring for big changes to the roster, with some looking to move Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, or Malcolm Brogdon. I think this team has the necessary talent but is missing a player who will set the tone from a leadership standpoint and championship experience. The Nuggets proved that continuity could enhance the ability to contend, and the Celtics have that in place. It will be interesting to see if they can find that player to fill that void while retaining most of the roster. Can Brad Stevens get creative to accomplish this goal? It will be an intriguing off-season in Beantown to watch.
2. How will the Milwaukee Bucks bounce back?
The Bucks and Celtics underachieved by getting knocked out in the first round and Eastern Conference Finals to the Miami Heat. The Bucks were stunned by their first-round exit because the team folded in 5 games although Giannis Antetokounmpo missed two games in the series due to injury. Giannis famously denied that the season was a failure, but then the Bucks showed it was by firing their coach, Mike Budenholzer. The team has hired veteran Raptors assistant coach, Adrian Griffin, to fill the vacant position in Wisconsin. However, we will soon find out whether this team needed a new voice from their head coach or lacked personnel last season to reach their potential. The team’s approach of recruiting veterans Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder, and Joe Ingles backfired, and Khris Middleton did not look back to his best. Do the Bucks try to find a new supporting cast around Giannis, or do they stand pat and trust the core that led them to the tile in 2021?
3. Can the Lakers give Lebron the ammunition to win his 5th title?
The Lakers and Warriors played a highly watched televised series in the Western Conference Finals, with the franchise from Southern California prevailing 4-2. At the time, the Lakers likely felt that the Warriors were the biggest hurdle to getting to the finals, but the Nuggets proved that thought was a mere fantasy. The Nuggets swept the Lakers, and the loss was so bad that Lebron appeared to be contemplating retirement. I don’t believe he will retire, but Rob Pelinka will be the man in the hot seat to find a piece or 2 to complete. No one should doubt Pelinka’s ability to do just that, having reshaped the roster at the trade deadline and fueling a miraculous turnaround for the franchise. Will they be able to pay both D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves top dollars at their position? Having Lebron James on your squad means championship or bust in his quest for a 5th championship, and the pressure is on the front office to deliver.
4. Can the Warriors make one more championship run?
The Warriors had a disappointing 2022-23 season, despite progressing to the Western Conference Finals. It is a difficult challenge to repeat as champions, but the team was woeful on the road with a dismal 11-30 record. The season started in controversy following Draymond Green’s punch to Jordan Poole’s face. Green would apologize for his action, but the chemistry of the team appeared to be lacking. Poole did sign a 4-year big deal worth 140 million dollars but failed to produce his best in the playoffs. The first domino to fall was Bob Myers’ resignation as President of the franchise, having orchestrated the dynasty in the Bay area. The Warriors got outplayed by the Lakers due to their size and physicality. It will be interesting to see what other changes will be made in the organization and on the roster. Will the Warriors, for instance, look to move Poole, Moses Moody, and Johnathan Kuminga for players ready to help the Warriors nab a 5th championship? Only time will tell.