There might be 16 teams in the NBA playoffs each season. But realistically, only 5-7 teams have a chance of winning the title each year. Out of the 5-7 teams, only 2-3 are favourites. This year, those teams are the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks. Houston, Boston, Philadelphia and Denver all have a decent chance. But the remaining 21 teams are either going to stay home or will end up there after the first round of the playoffs.
Each of the remaining 21 teams wants to contend for the title. Teams like the Knicks, Hawks, and the Cavaliers are at least a few years away from doing so. Teams like Minnesota, Sacramento, Chicago, and Pelicans will challenge for playoff spots next year but won’t be a title contenders till they add more pieces. The Golden State Warriors don’t count because they were out of contention because of injuries. Here are the three teams likely to make the jump to contenders next season.
Team #1: Miami Heat
Miami is in the top half of the eastern conference already. They got their superstar in Jimmy Butler in free agency before 2019/20. Bam Adebayo became their second superstar through growth. The rest of the supporting cast is great but Butler and Adebayo are likely not enough to challenge for a title on their own.
Regardless, Miami has a chance of being title contenders next season. They will need Tyler Herro to continue growing and become a high-level NBA starter. They will also have to retain players like Crowder and Derrick Jones Jr. If they can add solid help like Alec Burks from free agency, they could be a contender next season.
Team #2: Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic will be a top-5 player next season. That is not under question. Most analysts agree on this fact. He might already be there. A team with a top-5 player usually contends for a title. The fact that Dallas already has the 6th highest net rating in Doncic’s second season. This is despite Doncic and Porzingis still figuring out how to co-exist.
That process should complete itself by next season and make Dallas lethal already. Dallas is reportedly going to try for Drummond who would bring valuable interior presence for the team. With or without his addition, a working tandem of Doncic and Porzingis is enough to vault them into title contention next season.
Team #3: Brooklyn Nets
The Nets only qualify here because they have not been title contenders since they were in New Jersey. Otherwise, their situation is similar to the Warriors. With a healthy Durant and Irving, they would be contenders this season. But they will have them next season. With arguably the best player in the game, a bonafide supporting superstar, and brilliant depth, Nets will not only be contenders, but will be one of the favourites.
