Even though we’re just hours away from the start of the NBA Finals, the table is set for us to already start planning and talking about the future.
With that in mind, NBA analyst Jay Williams has already put together his list of the top five NBA championship contenders for the upcoming season, and there are no surprises.
It’s never too early to look ahead! @RealJayWilliams top 5 NBA title contenders for NEXT year. Who do you think the favorite is? pic.twitter.com/f7PRixfFgD
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) May 31, 2023
At No. 5 five, Williams chose the Boston Celtics, who may have fallen from grace after another heartbreaking playoff meltdown.
The Celtics need to figure out what to do with Jaylen Brown and his impending supermax contract extension, and a lot of their chances of competing at the highest level will depend on how they ideal with that.
Then, Williams chose the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 4, which makes sense, considering they’ve already hired Nick Nurse to be their next coach.
There’s still no word about James Harden’s future with the organization, but they’ll still have the reigning MVP and a much better tactician leading the way.
The Phoenix Suns get the nod at No. 3.
They still don’t have a new coach, and we don’t know if Chris Paul or Deandre Ayton will be there next season, but they’ll be championship contenders for as long as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are in town.
The Milwaukee Bucks get the No. 2 spot, with Adrian Griffin making his debut as a head coach and the new ownership trying to retain both Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
And unsurprisingly, the Denver Nuggets sit at the top spot on Williams’ list, as he fully expects the band to stay together and Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. to make it back to the big stage next season as well.
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