The Boston Celtics are the 2024 NBA Champions, a title that brings both celebration and scrutiny. As the team prepares for the next season, many analysts suggest their path to victory was smoothed by injuries to key players on other top Eastern Conference teams. With a healthy league, the Celtics will face a formidable array of challengers aiming to dethrone them. We take a look at who we think are the top contenders.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics enter the upcoming season as the favorites, brimming with confidence. The core lineup of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard remains intact. Their depth, versatility, and star power make them a force to be reckoned with. While there are no guarantees in the competitive NBA landscape, few would be surprised to see Boston return to the Finals, driven by the motivation to prove their championship run was no fluke.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers were among the top teams in the East until Joel Embiid’s injury disrupted their momentum. Although Embiid returned for the playoffs, he wasn’t at full strength despite impressive individual performances. The team’s reliance on Embiid highlights the need for a more robust support system. To contend next season, Philadelphia will need to make strategic roster improvements during free agency and possibly seek more consistent production from their supporting cast, including Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. A healthy Embiid, combined with the right offseason moves, could make the Sixers a major threat.
Milwaukee Bucks
Injuries plagued the Bucks playoff run, with Giannis Antetokounmpo missing eight of 11 playoff games, including the entire second-round series against Indiana. Damian Lillard also missed two games against the Pacers. Despite these setbacks, Milwaukee showcased their resilience and depth. With limited roster flexibility, new head coach Doc Rivers, who replaced Adrian Griffin midseason, must find a way to maximize the potential of Antetokounmpo and Lillard. A fully healthy Bucks team, led by their dynamic duo, can challenge any team in the league.
Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic’s continuous improvement and the potential for building a stronger team around him and Kyrie Irving make the Mavericks a formidable contender. Their success hinges on their ability to improve defensively and find the right complementary pieces to support their star backcourt. If Dallas can strengthen their roster, another deep playoff run seems plausible.
Denver Nuggets
The 2023 champions are led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. They remain one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Their cohesion and experience are significant assets, but the Nuggets face crucial roster decisions to stay competitive. Maintaining their core while addressing any weaknesses will be essential for their title aspirations.
As the next season approaches, the Boston Celtics aim to defend their title amidst a field of strong contenders. The landscape of the NBA is ever-changing. Teams are striving to overcome past injuries and roster challenges. The 2024-2025 season promises to be fiercely competitive. Each contender has its unique strengths and potential pitfalls, setting the stage for an exciting battle for supremacy in the league.
