- The Suns, Bucks, and Celtics made moves to be at the top of the list
- The Nuggets are the current champions and a big candidate to repeat
- The Lakers could be a dark horse in the Western Conference this season
As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolds, the league’s landscape is a tapestry of hopes, dreams, and aspirations, each franchise with its unique path to the coveted championship. In this comprehensive breakdown, we examine the championship chances for every NBA team across distinct tiers, factoring in current rosters, star power, and the competitive dynamics at play.
0-1% Chance Tier
Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
Amidst the highly competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference, the Hornets face a daunting challenge as they strive for contention. While they boast exciting young talent in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, breaking through in a conference filled with powerhouses presents a significant obstacle. The Hornets are in the early stages of their journey, and the road to championship contention may be a longer one than they hope.
The Jazz, dealing with the absence of star players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, find themselves in a transitional phase. To rekindle their championship form, the Jazz must undergo significant retooling. The team’s focus on rebuilding and developing emerging talent like Lauri Markkanen is indicative of a long-term strategy, suggesting that championship contention is not on the immediate horizon.
The Pistons are firmly entrenched in a rebuilding phase. Their championship aspirations remain a considerable distance away, with a primary focus on developing young prospects such as Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson while cultivating a winning culture for the future. The journey toward contention is ongoing but promises a brighter tomorrow.
The Magic have a glimmer of hope with Paolo Banchero, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, providing a potential cornerstone for their future. However, the road to championship contention is a long-term endeavor, marked by the need for player development, strategic planning, and a patient outlook. They have pieces like Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. in the frontcourt, but need to be developed further.
After parting ways with Bradley Beal, the Wizards have embarked on a rebuilding process. Their path to championship contention will demand patience, strategic planning, and a commitment to nurturing young talent. The Wizards’ focus on building a sustainable foundation suggests that their championship potential lies in the more distant future guided by new star scorer Jordan Poole.
A series of transformative moves, including the trade of Damian Lillard to the Bucks, signals a shift in the Blazers’ focus toward the future. With the introduction of rookie Scoot Henderson and the presence of Deandre Ayton, Shaedon Sharpe, and new young pieces, the team is at the beginning of a new chapter. Championship aspirations are presently a long-term project, contingent on nurturing emerging talent and establishing a new era of competitiveness.
Selecting Victor Wembanyama as the number one pick in 2023 signifies the commencement of a fresh chapter for the San Antonio Spurs. Their championship potential is positioned further down the road, as they focus on nurturing emerging talent and establishing a new era of competitiveness. The Spurs are in the early stages of a comprehensive rebuild, signifying a deliberate approach toward long-term championship prospects.
10-20% Chance Tier
Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets
In the post-Fred VanVleet era, the Toronto Raptors have embarked on a transitional phase with a renewed focus on the future. Scottie Barnes, the reigning Rookie of the Year, ignited a spark of hope among Raptors fans. His development is not just an aspect of the Raptors’ future; it’s a central pillar of their future championship aspirations.
The Indiana Pacers find themselves at a crucial juncture in their journey. With the need to redefine their identity and construct a championship-caliber core, the Pacers are faced with a complex challenge. Transitioning from the era of Paul George, the Pacers have been building a cohesive unit around their emerging stars, which is pivotal to their championship ambitions.
The Bulls are experiencing a resurgence. This newfound vigor has rekindled optimism in the Windy City. However, the journey to championship glory is marked by the delicate task of blending this mix of new and existing talent into a unified unit. The Bulls are in the process of crafting a distinctive identity that combines the exuberance of their young stars with the wisdom of seasoned veterans.
The Rockets have entered the early stages of a rebuilding process, guided by the likes of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, signings of the last offseason. Patience and player development are at the forefront of this transformative journey with young stars like Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. In a league defined by its ebbs and flows, the Rockets are committed to nurturing their young talent and building a foundation for the future.
30-40% Chance Tier
Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets
A mixture of emerging talent and seasoned veterans positions the Thunder as a team on the rise. A shrewd move or two could elevate them into the championship conversation. The Oklahoma City Thunder have undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from a rebuilding phase to a team with intriguing potential. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s emergence as an All-NBA player, the promising development of Josh Giddey, and the presence of Chet Holmgren as a highly-touted rookie have infused new energy into the franchise.
For Atlanta, a team that went to the Conference Finals in 2021, Trae Young’s playmaking brilliance and Dejounte Murray’s two-way impact have elevated the Hawks’ prospects. Their youthful energy and ongoing development make them a team with substantial championship potential if they can start putting the pieces into the right place.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert compose a formidable frontcourt, offering the Timberwolves a robust foundation. Their evolution as a unit will influence their path to contention after betting strongly on a Big 3 that disappointed last season. Despite that, they are still a dangerous team in the West.
The Kings, spearheaded by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, made significant strides by securing the third seed in the West in the previous season. Their ability to build on that success is pivotal after they missed the postseason for more than a decade and a half. Last year’s results make them a contender to be reckoned with.
The Grizzlies, a burgeoning force in the league, are anchored by a promising young core. Their progression and continued development will determine their championship prospects. With Ja Morant as a top point guard in the league and Jaren Jackson Jr. as the reigning DPOY, Memphis has a young core that is poised to be a contender in future years.
The acquisition of Donovan Mitchell in 2022-23 provided a star-studded boost to the Cavaliers. For them, it’s all about fostering chemistry and depth to undertake the championship journey. With young pieces like an All-Star Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland has a roster more than capable of contending.
With Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson filling the void left by Kevin Durant, the Nets are a compelling team to watch. Their championship odyssey relies on the adaptation and cohesion of their revamped roster that just needs one superstar in the mix to be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
50-70% Chance Tier
New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors
The Pelicans are anchored by Zion Williamson, whose potential seems boundless. With the addition of key pieces, their growth curve is a key determinant of their championship prospects. The New Orleans Pelicans have placed their hopes on the shoulders of Zion Williamson, a generational talent whose ceiling appears limitless. With key acquisitions and an emphasis on player development, the Pelicans are poised for growth. Their journey toward a championship depends on the continued development of their core players and the cohesiveness of their roster.
Led by the towering presence of Joel Embiid and the offensive brilliance of James Harden, the 76ers have already reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Sustaining and building on that level of success is imperative for their championship aspirations. The Philadelphia 76ers have reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals, showcasing the potent combination of Joel Embiid’s dominant inside presence and James Harden’s scoring and playmaking abilities. To win an NBA championship, the 76ers need to maintain their momentum and address any potential weaknesses in their roster. Their championship chances are closely tied to their ability to continue their postseason success and potentially make a deep run.
The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson as their primary star, alongside Julius Randle, stand at the threshold of contention. The acquisition of another star to complement their roster could prove to be a decisive factor. The New York Knicks have embarked on a journey toward contention with Brunson, supported by Randle. While they have made significant strides, adding another star player to their roster could be the key to pushing them into championship conversations. The Knicks’ ability to secure that crucial piece will be a major factor in determining their championship prospects.
The electrifying duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving offers the Mavericks a thrilling backcourt. The cohesiveness of their play, along with the right supporting cast, is the linchpin of their championship pursuit. The Dallas Mavericks boast an electrifying backcourt duo in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Their combination of scoring and playmaking makes the Mavericks an exciting team to watch. To contend for an NBA championship, the Mavericks will need to build a supporting cast that complements the skills of their star players and maximizes their potential. The development of team chemistry will play a crucial role in their championship aspirations.
The Heat, with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro in their arsenal, are already considered contenders. Securing the final piece to complete their puzzle is vital for their championship dreams. The Miami Heat are already regarded as contenders, thanks to the presence of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. Their blend of experience and youth provides a strong foundation. To enhance their championship chances, the Heat may need to acquire another All-Star player or a key role player. The completion of their roster will be a pivotal factor in their championship aspirations.
Despite battling injuries, the Clippers, led by Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, remain perennial contenders. The duo’s health and their capacity to rise to the occasion are pivotal for their championship odds. The Los Angeles Clippers have proven to be perennial contenders, even in the face of injury challenges to key players such as Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. To secure an NBA championship, the Clippers need their star players to stay healthy and perform at their best during the postseason. Their success in clutch moments and the development of their supporting cast are critical factors in their championship journey.
The Lakers, featuring the iconic LeBron James and the game-changing Anthony Davis, have an abundance of star power. Their journey towards a championship relies on the depth and cohesiveness of their supporting cast. The Los Angeles Lakers boast an abundance of star power and the ability of role players to complement the performances of their star duo will be a key factor in their championship aspirations.
The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and the new arrival, Chris Paul, boast a star-studded lineup. Their mission to rekindle their championship form hinges on collective synergy. The Golden State Warriors possess a star-studded lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and the newly acquired Chris Paul. Their championship quest centers on rekindling the success of their past and fostering collective synergy. The Warriors’ ability to mesh their talents and maintain their health will play a pivotal role in their championship journey.
80-90% Chance Tier
Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics
Anchored by Devin Booker’s scoring prowess, Kevin Durant’s versatility, and Bradley Beal’s shooting excellence, the Suns are undeniable championship contenders. Their blend of experience, individual brilliance, and collective firepower sets a high bar for success.
The Suns possess an exceptionally well-rounded roster, built for both regular-season dominance and postseason excellence. With Devin Booker leading the charge, the Suns have already demonstrated their ability to make deep playoff runs. The addition of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal has solidified their status as one of the teams to beat. They are well-equipped to contend for an NBA championship in 2023-24.
The Bucks, led by the dynamic Damian Lillard and the dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo, find themselves in a position of strength. A well-rounded supporting cast and the memory of past triumphs make them top-tier contenders.
The Milwaukee Bucks have successfully added top-tier talent and are poised to continue their championship pursuit. Damian Lillard’s arrival has bolstered an already potent lineup led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. With a championship-winning core, the Bucks have a solid chance of securing more titles. Their ability to maintain their performance and stay healthy will be pivotal in determining their success.
The Nuggets‘ blueprint for success centers around the reigning Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, and the ever-reliable Jamal Murray. Their championship-winning experience, cohesive teamwork, and a dash of Mile High magic make them formidable adversaries. The Denver Nuggets are the defending champions, thanks to the extraordinary talents of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Their championship run showcased a combination of outstanding individual skills and exceptional team chemistry. The Nuggets are a well-rounded team that can compete at both ends of the floor. Their championship chances remain high due to their dynamic duo and the experience gained during their title run.
With a quartet of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics wield considerable firepower. Their prospects of hoisting the championship trophy are intrinsically tied to the chemistry and consistency they can develop. The Boston Celtics have assembled a star-studded quartet of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis.
These players provide the Celtics with a potent blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. Boston’s championship hopes are closely linked to how well this quartet gels and how effectively they adapt to different game situations. If they can establish cohesion and perform consistently at a high level, the Celtics will be formidable championship contenders.
