The Denver Nuggets embark on the 2023-24 NBA season as the defending champions, but they are not automatically considered the title favorites. Several other teams, including the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns, have bolstered their rosters with major offseason acquisitions.
The Nuggets return the same starting five that secured their first championship last season, led by the dynamic duo of Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and sharpshooting guard Jamal Murray. However, they must navigate the challenges posed by the loss of key role players Bruce Brown and Jeff Green in a highly competitive Western Conference.
The Western Conference features the Phoenix Suns, who added Bradley Beal to form a Big Three alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, creating a formidable threat. The Golden State Warriors, determined to secure another championship before their championship window closes, acquired veteran guard Chris Paul. With a mix of all-time greats like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, as well as promising young talent like Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors present a formidable challenge to the Nuggets.
Bob Myers, Warriors general manager and now an ESPN broadcaster, emphasized the unpredictability of the Western Conference, citing the thin margin for error. He acknowledged Denver’s championship credentials, noting the impact of losing some of their bench depth but highlighting their star player, Jokic, who possesses the ability to control possessions on offense akin to LeBron James, albeit from a different position.
The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, aim to claim the Larry O’Brien trophy after falling to the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals last season. The Memphis Grizzlies have also been steadily improving, further intensifying the competition in the West.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics underwent a significant transformation. They traded longtime player Marcus Smart and acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a bold move. The team then secured Jaylen Brown with a record-breaking five-year, $304 million supermax contract extension. With the addition of point guard Jrue Holiday, the Celtics boast one of the league’s best starting fives, alongside All-Star Jayson Tatum and Derrick White.
The Milwaukee Bucks, the reigning champions, emerged as winners in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, adding another offensive force alongside two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the departure of Jrue Holiday could impact their perimeter defense.
In contrast to the crowded Western Conference, Bob Myers sees a clearer picture in the Eastern Conference, with two teams, Boston and Milwaukee, standing in a tier of their own. He even places Boston ahead of Milwaukee at the moment.
All of these teams, including Denver, will face challenges throughout the season, particularly concerning the depth of their rosters and the potential impact of injuries on star players. The 2023-24 NBA season promises to be highly competitive and unpredictable.
The NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, with the first-ever in-season tournament starting on November 3 and concluding on December 9 in Las Vegas. The NBA Finals are set to begin on June 6.
