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The 2022-23 NBA season has concluded, and the Denver Nuggets are your NBA Champions! With the highly anticipated 2024 NBA season on the horizon, fans and bettors are already looking forward to who might be in the race for the Larry O'Brien Trophy next season. With the 2023-24 NBA season looking to be more competitive than ever, we'll dive into who the favorites are to win the 2024 NBA Championship!
Sensibly, the Denver Nuggets open the offseason as the favorites to win the NBA Championship. Despite being the runners-up in 2023, the Miami Heat rounded out the odds table's top ten to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2024. Despite failing in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics are the second favorite to win it all next season.
Let's answer some critical questions about the 2024 NBA Championship!
Odds retrieved on 14 June 2023 from DraftKings Sportsbook
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| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| DEN | 53-29 | 117.5 | 114.2 | 98.1 | 115.8 | 11.8/.379 | 43.0 | 28.9 | 4.5 | 7.5 |
| League Rank | 1st (West) | 5th | 15th | 23rd | 12th | 18th/4th | 19th | 2nd | 20th | 11th |
Head Coach: Michael Malone
Key Players: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon
Key Free Agents: Bruce Brown Jr., Jeff Green, Thomas Bryant
2023 Performance:
The Denver Nuggets earned their place at the top of the Western Conference through the quality of their offensive play. With Nikola Jokic, the reigning two-time league MVP, leading the way, Denver surpassed expectations and will have home-court advantage throughout their post-season run.
The Nuggets boast one of the NBA's most challenging home-court advantages. While their offense averages just 115.9 points per game (10th in the NBA), they shoot 50.5% from the field (1st in the NBA) and 38.1% from three (5th in the NBA) while dishing 28.9 assists per game (2nd in the NBA). Their offense has been their calling card through the post-season, though, averaged 116.4 points on 49.0% from the field and 38.6% from three as they progressed to the NBA Finals in just 15 games.
Nikola Jokic has led the Denver Nuggets all season. Through the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Jokic averaged 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists on 53.8% shooting from the floor and 47.4% from deep. He's been supported by Jamal Murray, who has contributed 27.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.1 threes per game on 48.0% from the field and 39.8% from beyond the arc. While the Nuggets' role players have been solid, it'll be their stars that define their chances at victory.
The 2023 NBA Playoffs have come to a close, and all eyes are on who will win the 2024 NBA Championship. Many contenders are the same as last season, so the coming NBA Draft and free agency period could quickly shake up these rankings!
| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| BOS | 57-25 | 118.0 | 111.5 | 98.5 | 117.9 | 16.0/.377 | 45.3 | 26.7 | 5.2 | 6.4 |
| League Rank | 2nd (East) | 2nd | 3rd | 20th | 4th | 2nd/6th | 7th | 7th | 6th | 27th |
Head Coach: Joe Mazzulla
Key Players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart
Key Free Agents: Grant Williams, Danilo Gallinari
2023 Performance:
The Boston Celtics continue to show that their young core is one of the most devastating combinations in the NBA. However, that same young core has been prone to inconsistency, which has been the root cause of their failure in key post-season matchups.
Through the regular season, the Boston Celtics were strong, holding on to the top seed in the East for most of the year until a late surge by the Milwaukee Bucks. They were also dominant in the post-season. However, Boston's young stars failed to adjust against a veteran-led, experienced team in the Miami Heat, and the team suffered.
With the Celtics failing to progress toward another NBA Finals appearance, Boston could have some shake-ups. But regardless of who flanks Jayson Tatum, Boston's lead player is strong enough to carry any capable group of role players to a long playoff run.
| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| MIL | 58-24 | 115.4 | 111.9 | 100.5 | 116.9 | 14.8/.368 | 48.6 | 25.8 | 4.9 | 6.4 |
| League Rank | 1st (East) | 12th | 4th | 10th | 8th | 4th/10th | 1st | 12th | 11th | 27th |
Head Coach: Adrian Griffin
Key Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday
Key Free Agents: Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez
2023 Performance:
The Milwaukee Bucks didn't start the 2022-23 season as strong as they liked, as injuries hampered all of their stars for some portion of the season. However, they came on strong late and earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Unfortunately for the Milwaukee Bucks, their top seed earned them nothing but a First Round matchup with the Miami Heat - in which they were eliminated through five games. Given their post-season experience and Championship-calibre roster, the Bucks' early elimination was the biggest shock of the playoffs.
After the playoffs, Milwaukee decided to part ways with longtime head coach Mike Budenholzer and asked Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin to leave their longtime rivals and lead them to a Championship. The Bucks have much work to do between free agency and the start of the season, and after their recent playoff disappointment, their offseason moves will define their chances at the Larry O'Brien trophy.
| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| PHX | 45-37 | 115.1 | 113.0 | 98.2 | 113.6 | 12.2/.374 | 44.2 | 27.3 | 5.3 | 7.1 |
| League Rank | 4th (West) | 14th | 7th | 22nd | 17th | 13th/7th | 11th | 4th | 5th | 16th |
Head Coach: Frank Vogel
Key Players: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul
Key Free Agents: Torrey Craig, Bismack Biyombo
2023 Performance:
The Phoenix Suns enacted some shrewd business to boost their chances in the NBA Playoffs, but it was too late for their team to gel and succeed in a competitive Western Conference. Regardless, the Phoenix Suns enter the 2023-24 season as one of the most intimidating teams in the league.
With aims on finding their way back to the NBA Finals since their last appearance in 2021, the Phoenix Suns looked focused going into the playoffs. Unfortunately, depth and injury issues hampered them, resulting in their elimination in the Western Conference Semifinals by the eventual champion Denver Nuggets.
With the league's most dangerous scoring duo in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns are just a few role players away from being a genuine championship contender. While Chris Paul's future is uncertain, the Suns must find a way to make up for the loss of two-way star Mikal Bridges to balance their squad. If they can find consistency in play and health, the Suns have a great chance at winning the 2024 NBA Championship.
| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| LAL | 43-39 | 114.5 | 113.9 | 101.3 | 117.2 | 10.8/.346 | 45.7 | 25.3 | 4.6 | 6.4 |
| League Rank | 7th (West) | 20th | 11th | 3rd | 2nd | 24th/25th | 6th | 15th | 16th | 26th |
Head Coach: Darvin Ham
Key Players: LeBron James, Anthony Davis
Key Free Agents: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell
2023 Performance:
The Los Angeles Lakers surprised many when they qualified for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. While they struggled in the first half of the season, some shrewd mid-season moves and improved health helped them overachieve and find their way into an impressive post-season run.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were still standout players for the Lakers through the 2022-23 NBA season, but their inability to stay on the court with regularity hurt their team. Big moves were made mid-season in hopes of better balancing the roster, but the breakout play of Austin Reaves was the most exciting part of the Lakers' season.
With Lebron James and Anthony Davis contracted with the Lakers until 2025, expect them to improve their roster in hopes of competing for a championship. They proved that their regular season finish doesn't represent their post-season ability, so that a deeper bench will determine their chances at another NBA title.
| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| GSW | 44-38 | 116.1 | 114.4 | 101.6 | 118.9 | 16.6/.385 | 44.6 | 29.8 | 3.9 | 7.2 |
| League Rank | 6th (West) | 8th | 17th | 2nd | 2nd | 1st/2nd | 8th | 1st | 25th | 14th |
Head Coach: Steve Kerr
Key Players: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green
Key Free Agents: Draymond Green, Donte DiVincenzo
2023 Performance:
The Golden State Warriors are always in reach of the NBA title when Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green lead the way. However, when things mattered most, they should have a significant lack of growth and experience in their bench unit.
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are still the leaders on the Warriors roster, but with all three 32 or older, the time is now for Golden State to choose their future. The trio led the way for them in the playoffs, but a lack of production from younger talents like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga limited their chances at victory.
With Draymond Green and Klay Thompson coming up on the end of their contracts, it seems the Warriors' championship window is closing. With no reason to rebuild their roster, don't be surprised to see Golden State go after a big fish in the off-season.
| Team | Record | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PTS | 3PM/3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL |
| MIA | 44-38 | 113.0 | 113.3 | 96.3 | 109.5 | 12.0./344 | 40.6 | 23.8 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| League Rank | 7th (East) | 25th | 9th | 29th | 30th | 7th/27th | 27th | 25th | 30th | 6th |
Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra
Key Players: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro
Key Free Agents: Kevin Love, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus
2023 Performance:
The Miami Heat were won of the NBA's surprises through the 2022-23 NBA season. While they overachieved through the regular season, the Heat were unable to achieve their ultimate goal of an NBA Championship. When the 2023-24 season rolls around, they'll be another team to look out for.
As the key players on their roster, Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro will define the Miami Heat's success. They reached the NBA Finals in 2023 without Herro, due to injury, but they'll hope that having a healthy roster will be the difference needed to earn their fourth NBA title.
Some may question Miami's direction, but regardless of their finish they will always be competing for an NBA title with Pat Riley guiding the franchise. They'll be in the market for a top tier scorer to complement their already stellar defense.
There's no reason to bet against the Denver Nuggets as things stand. Their key players are locked into long-term contracts, and they'll only become a more attractive destination in free agency after their 2023 title win. After going through top Western Conference contenders in 2023, their path back to the NBA Finals doesn't become more intimidating, regardless of the competition.
The 2023 NBA Champions were the Denver Nuggets! After eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers through the Western Conference, they defeated the Miami Heat in five games to secure their first-ever NBA Championship!
It was the first time the Denver Nuggets reached the Finals since they were a member of the ABA in 1976!
After winning his first NBA Championship, Nikola Jokic was named the 2023 NBA Finals MVP, averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on 58.3% from the field and 42.1% from the three-point range.
Several NBA franchises are yet to win an NBA title. While some of these teams have won ABA Championships or titles before relocating to their current city, they have yet to win an NBA title in their current iteration. Whether they’ve been close or never within striking distance, these teams still want to add the Larry O’Brien trophy to their cabinet.
The following teams have never won the NBA title:
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The NBA Champions receive the Larry O'Brien Trophy upon closing out their opponents in the NBA Finals. The Larry O'Brien Trophy was only awarded beginning in 1984. Before that, teams received the Walter A. Brown Trophy - now in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.Regarding prize money, the NBA Champions don't receive anything. Since teams participating in the NBA Playoffs earn additional television revenues, players receive a bonus for each game. The prize pool winner had approximately $3 million to split between their players. In 2018, the amount was reported to be in the realm of $20 million.Exposure is also a massive reward for the NBA Champions during their following season. Significant signage, imagery, and player likeness from the championship side are used for the subsequent season. Champions can also expect an increase in nationally televised games. For example, the 2019 Champion Toronto Raptors received 11 nationally broadcasted games in 2019-2020, compared to an average of just three per season in their previous ten seasons.
The Larry O'Brien Trophy is the ultimate reward for the year's NBA Championship team. Introduced in 1984, the Larry O'Brien Trophy replaced the more cup-like Walter A. Brown Trophy. Unlike the Walter A. Brown Trophy, each team gets to keep one version of the Larry O'Brien Trophy for themselves.The Larry O'Brien Trophy is made of seven kilograms of sterling silver and vermeil, with a 24-karat gold overlay as defined by Tiffany & Co. The design imitates a basketball entering the net. The team name and year of their victory are engraved on the trophy's base, usually displayed prominently in the team's home arena.Players, coaches, and staff can usually organize times during the offseason to acquire the Larry O'Brien Trophy for temporary, personal use.
Since NBA players on the championship side don't get to keep a version of the Larry O'Brien Trophy for themselves, Championship Rings have been standard for teams to commission for their players.Compared to the outset of the NBA, Championship rings have grown more beautiful and lavish as the years have passed.Jason of Beverly Hills crafted the 2022 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors ring, the first Championship ring made primarily of yellow diamonds. The ring features approximately 16 carats of yellow and white diamonds, representing the team's 16 wins in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. It even features a secret compartment that unveils all the trophies won by each player on their rings!
The first NBA Champions were the Philadelphia Warriors. In the National Basketball Association's (NBA) inaugural season in 1946-1947, the Philadelphia Warriors emerged as the champions by defeating the Chicago Stags in a five-game series. The Warriors were led by notable players such as Joe Fulks and coach Eddie Gottlieb.
The Boston Celtics have won 17 NBA Championships, the most of any team in NBA history. Their rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, have the second-most NBA Championships, with 16 total.
Founded in 1968-1969, the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA Championship during the 1970-1971 NBA season. Outside of the Philadelphia Warriors, who won the inaugural BAA Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks were the fastest expansion team to the title. But how did they do it?After drafting Lew Alcindor, later known as NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in 1969 and acquiring Oscar Robertson in a trade, the Milwaukee Bucks found their way to an NBA Championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA Finals.
AUTHOR
Christian Jope
1129 Articles
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
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