Next season, the defending champion Denver Nuggets will once again be one of the best teams in the league but will face a formidable challenge trying to get back to the Finals. Multiple teams have made moves in free agency so far this off-season and their are 3 in particular I think are the biggest threats to the Nuggets. I will breakdown which teams are most likely to stand in the way of Denver's hopes to repeat as champions.
3. The Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings were one of the surprise great teams in the league last season. Led by two all-stars in DeAaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings were one of the best teams in the league last season. Despite coming up short against the Golden State Warriors in a hotly contested 7 game series in the first round of the playoffs the Kings will be a force to be reckoned with next season. With the playoff experience they gained last season the Kings look like a talented young team that is capable of taking another step forward next season. Outside of Jokic, Sabonis is arguably the best passing big man in the league and have an explosive scoring guard in DeAaron Fox. Fox is similar to Murray due to the fact that he steps up in the biggest moments of a game and I expect him to lead the Kings on a strong playoff run next season.
2. The Milwaukee Bucks
Last season, the Bucks faced a crushing loss to the 8th seeded Miami Heat and will look to have a major bounce back next season. After resigning both Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez the Bucks appear set to make another title run after bringing back a core that helped them win 58 games in the 22-23 season. Their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a MVP caliber season last season and I expect more of the same from him in the coming season as he looks to avenge his disappointing postseason loss. I expect the Bucks to be the best team in the east next season and even if the Nuggets return to the Finals next year I believe the Bucks could stand in their way. Right now, Milwaukee is the best team in the east and despite falling short last year I think they are still the most likely team to make it out of the east in the 23-24 season.
1. The Los Angeles Lakers
No team in free agency has been as active as the Los Angeles Lakers so far this offseason. After an unexpected run to the conference finals the Lakers have found a way to both resign key contributors and bring in major additions to the roster. With returning pieces such as Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves and new pieces like Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince the Lakers are arguably the biggest threat to the Nuggets. Though they were swept in the Conference Finals by the Nuggets last season with the new-look roster they have put themselves in position to contend once again. Of course, their main concern will be the health of their superstar duo in Lebron James and Anthony Davis but the Lakers now have their best supporting cast since their 2020 championship squad.
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