The 2023 NBA Finals have just wrapped up, with the Denver Nuggets claiming their first-ever championship title. The road to triumph was not an easy one – it took grit and determination to make it through the grueling playoff season filled with some of the best teams in the league.
In this article, we will break down the top contenders aiming for the 2024 NBA Finals trophy. With some of last year’s champions still expected to contend and new teams rising through the ranks, it promises to be a thrilling season ahead!
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets rose to the league’s pinnacle in 2023, and a considerable part of their success is credited to Nikola Jokic. Having been with the team since 2015, Jokic has solidified himself as one of the best players in the NBA – both statistically and stylistically. He was a force on both ends of the court throughout the playoffs, averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. His performance earned him unanimous MVP honors for the finals, further proving his value to Denver’s championship run.
Jokic won’t be alone in leading the Nuggets to a potential repeat next season; Jamal Murray showed significant improvement during this year’s postseason, showing flashes of brilliance that could transform him into an All-Star caliber player by next season. As long as these pieces stay together and continue to develop their chemistry on the court, there’s no reason why the Nuggets shouldn’t remain a top contender with respect to the 2024 NBA finals odds.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics remain one of the top contenders in the league, despite their disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. They have already established an impressive core led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Their firepower on offense is undeniable, averaging 116.8 points per game during the regular season, but their defense is what makes them difficult to beat. With dominant shot-blockers in Al Horford and Robert Williams III, along with tenacious defenders like Marcus Smart and Derrick White, the Celtics should cause some trouble for even the best teams in the league.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks finished with the NBA’s best record in 2022-23, and they’re likely to be a major player again as they contend for the 2024 NBA title. Two-time former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the 2021 champions, and he has plenty of support alongside him. They are blessed with excellent 3-point shooters like Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday and great defenders like Brook Lopez and Lindell Wigginton.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns should once again be a threat for the NBA title in 2024. After losing to Denver in the Conference semifinals this year, they have already taken steps to improve their roster to get them over the hump next year. The team is finalizing a trade that would send veteran Chris Paul to the Wizards for superstar Bradley Beal, a significant talent upgrade. Beal scored 22.4 points per game in 2022-23 compared to Chris Paul’s 17.9.
With Kevin Durant leading the way and Devin Booker scoring at will, the Suns are serious about winning the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship.
Final Thoughts
The road to the 2024 NBA Finals will begin in the fall, and clubs will be busy doing all they can to better their roster. With the upcoming NBA Draft and looming free agency, more twists and turns are expected before next October’s opening tipoff. Between the reigning champions, Nuggets, and the up-and-coming contenders such as the Celtics, Bucks, and Suns, it’s sure to be an exciting road ahead.
