The NBA season is barely underway, but it’s already fairly easy to separate teams with legit championship potential from those that look better on paper. Injuries have changed the outlook for some contenders, while a few unexpected teams are making early statements.
We’re buying stock in five teams, including one that has emerged as a particularly interesting threat in the Western Conference. Two familiar contenders still have some convincing to do.
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Five contenders
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San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have the top centerpiece in the league. Victor Wembanyama has the potential to become the best player in the world, and he’s starting to look increasingly comfortable carrying those expectations.
The supporting cast is just as encouraging. De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper give San Antonio multiple playmakers, while veterans Tobias Harris and Harrison Barnes provide much-needed experience. If Wembanyama continues developing and the young guards grow together, this team has a legitimate championship path.
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Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are quickly becoming one of the most interesting teams in basketball. Their quick start isn’t a fluke, and they have the physicality, athleticism, and offensive balance to give anyone problems.
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Amen Thompson continues to develop into a matchup nightmare, while Alperen Sengun gives Houston an offensive centerpiece who can create for himself and others. Even at 38, Kevin Durant remains a lethal scorer who you can depend on in the clutch. The Rockets have the depth and personnel to compete in a playoff series, and should be seen as a legitimate threat.
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New York Knicks
The New York Knicks deserve the benefit of the doubt despite their sluggish start. Jalen Brunson remains a proven playoff leader, and Karl-Anthony Towns gives them an offensive mismatch that few teams can comfortably defend.
Losing Mitchell Robinson hurts them on the glass and defensive side of the ball, but the core of the team has already shown it can win at a high level. The Knicks will be right there again come spring.
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Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers might have the highest ceiling and one of the widest ranges of possible outcomes. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James give Philadelphia an enormous amount of star power.
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The concern is obvious: health and longevity. It remains to be seen whether Embiid and LeBron can hold up through a full season and playoff run. Maxey looks ready to be a championship-level contributor, while VJ Edgecombe gives the team another exciting young piece. The talent is undeniable, but availability will decide how far it goes.
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Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have a legitimate chance to make it out of the West. Luke Doncic is playing at an MVP level, Walker Kessler gives them a legitimate rim protector, and Austin Reaves continues to emerge as a high-level offensive player.
There are still questions about depth and defense, but the pieces fit better than people might expect. With Doncic orchestrating the offense, the Lakers are worth a buy.
Two pretenders
Denver Nuggets
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Nikola Jokić can make any team competitive, but that’s exactly what makes evaluating Denver difficult. His individual brilliance can mask roster problems for long stretches. Jamal Murray’s availability remains a concern, and losing Peyton Watson takes away another valuable piece.
The Nuggets need more than Jokić carrying the offensive load. They need consistent secondary scoring, dependable perimeter defense, and enough depth to survive a playoff series, and they haven’t proven they have all three.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have plenty of talent, but we’re not sold on the fit. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden give them two accomplished offensive creators, but they both need the ball to be effective. That raises questions about how the offense will function when the postseason slows down.
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Evan Mobley also hasn’t become a consistent offensive force, and concern is mounting about whether he ever will. Cleveland is talented enough to make a deep run, but there’s a difference between being a good team and having the pieces to win a championship.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
