The Golden State Warriors ended up winning their fourth championship in eight years, as Stephen Curry earned his first Finals MVP.
Let’s take a look at the top contenders for next season.
Top Contenders to Win the 2023 NBA Title
Stephen Curry proved that he still has plenty left in the tank, as he averaged over 31 points on over 48 percent shooting from the field in the Finals.
Klay Thompson came back and proved to be a positive despite missing over two years of playing time due to torn ACL and Achilles injuries.
Andrew Wiggins has blossomed into a two-way star, providing a scoring jolt with his ability to hit the three and create his own shot in the mid-range while also using his length and lateral abilities to shut down Jayson Tatum.
Draymond Green also continues to be a force as a playmaker and switchable defender, as he can also score if given space or open lanes.
Jordan Poole has emerged as a breakout scorer with his ability to shoot from deep and take it to the rack, sliding in perfectly next to the Splash Brothers.
With the core still very well intact, the Warriors aren’t going anywhere. They’re going to be tough to beat yet again next season.
Jayson Tatum struggled in the Finals as Andrew Wiggins took his defensive assignment to heart. However, we all know how dominant of a scorer Tatum is, so we can expect to see him get even better next season as he’s still only 24 years old.
Jaylen Brown has proven he can be the co-star the Celtics need next to Tatum with his ability to shoot and get to the rim.
With enforcers Marcus Smart and Al Horford returning, the Celtics are going to be right up there as a contender next season.
Kevin Durant is still Kevin Durant. A dominant scorer who loves the game of basketball and will stop at nothing to make his team a championship contender.
However, it’s the pieces around him that are in question.
Assuming no mandate gets reinstated (it likely won’t), Kyrie Irving should be with the team all season long next season.
When he’s on the court, Irving is one of the most dominant and efficient scorers the league has to offer. However, injuries can be a concern with him, although most of the time, he missed the last two seasons hasn’t been due to injury.
Ben Simmons will be coming off a year layoff and back surgery, but assuming he can get acclimated and healthy, he will add a lot to help the Nets’ defensive woes and be the playmaking presence they’ve missed since trading away James Harden.
If the Nets can stay healthy, add another wing defender, stretch big, and rim protector, they will end up being the favorite to come out of the East next season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the league’s best player, as he has a dominant ability to score at a high level almost exclusively in the paint and be a table-setter for his teammates.
Jrue Holiday is also one of the better point guards in the league with his ability to score, pass and defend the other team’s best guard or wing.
If the Bucks didn’t lose their best shot creator in Khris Middleton during their second-round loss to the Celtics, maybe they would’ve been back in the Finals this season.
With Kawhi Leonard missing all of last season, the Clippers couldn’t even get to the playoffs, as they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament.
With Leonard expected to return next season and Paul George still in town, this team will be a huge threat with those two alone.
Add in the fact that they have Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Reggie Jackson, and Marcus Morris; this team has the depth to do some serious damage next season.
Value Plays
The Phoenix Suns are lurking as a team who could potentially win it all, as they’re just a season removed from making the Finals and just finished this regular season with the best record by a wide margin.
However, Chris Paul may struggle to play to his full potential in the playoffs, with fatigue increasingly becoming a factor for him.
If they can add some depth in a potential Deandre Ayton trade, then that could help put them back on track next season with Devin Booker leading the way.
The Miami Heat are another team to watch out for, as Jimmy Butler poured his heart and soul into each and every game this past postseason.
Bam Adebayo is also still a factor with his ability to score in the paint and defend multiple positions. If this team can keep the continuity going and add a piece or two, they’ll be in the mix.
2023 NBA Championship Pick
The Brooklyn Nets should be back and better than ever next season, with Kevin Durant wanting to prove his doubters wrong while proving he doesn’t need the Golden State Warriors to win a championship.
With Kyrie Irving back in the fold full-time and Ben Simmons being the addition this team so desperately needed, this team has all the makings to dominate the league, similar to their 2020-21 season.
KD and Kyrie are best friends, so they will do everything they can to keep the continuity going and finally end up winning a championship together.
2023 NBA Championship Betting Lines
Golden State Warriors – +450
Boston Celtics – +650
Los Angeles Clippers – +750
Milwaukee Bucks – +750
Brooklyn Nets – +800
Phoenix Suns – +900
Dallas Mavericks – +1200
Miami Heat – +1400
Memphis Grizzlies – +1600
Philadelphia 76ers – +1600
Denver Nuggets – +1800
Los Angeles Lakers – +2000
New Orleans Pelicans – +3300
Minnesota Timberwolves – +4000
Utah Jazz – +4000
Chicago Bulls – +5000
Toronto Raptors – +6000
Atlanta Hawks – +6600
Cleveland Cavaliers – +7500
Charlotte Hornets – +10000
Portland Trail Blazers – +10000
New York Knicks – +15000
San Antonio Spurs – +25000
Washington Wizards – +30000
Detroit Pistons – +50000
Indiana Pacers – +50000
Sacramento Kings – +50000
Houston Rockets – +100000
Oklahoma City Thunder – +100000
Orlando Magic – +100000
