Who Has The Best Chance To Win The NBA Championship Next Season?

Tyler Rose by Contributor Written on June 19, 2009
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14:  Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the Bill Russell MVP trophy and the Larry O'Brien trophy after defeating the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won 99-86.  NOTE TO USER:  User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Now that the season has ended and the new Champs have been crowned, let's take a look at who has a legitimate chance to win it all next season.

 

L.A. Lakers

The Lakers are the favorites heading into next season, (assuming they get at least one deal done with either Ariza or Odom) and rightfully so.

They have one of the games top three overall players, a top three center, a point guard who just wins regardless what the stat sheet says, and until I hear otherwise they have Phil Jackson—winningest coach in NBA history.

Now If they don't get Ariza or Odom back, they will definitely be lacking at the SF position and their bench will no look nearly as intimidating.

Keys to their off-season:
-Make sure Phil's coming back for one more year
-Resign Ariza (not Odom) Ariza is much younger, a better defender, and will request less money; also he's the starter

Chance of repeating

3:1

 

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cav's are hard to depict.

They have LeBron James, who almost single handedly carried them to the Finals again. But after that they still have no-one.

I'm beginning to wonder does James make those around him better or worse? Sure, Mo Williams was an All Star this past season, but he put up similar numbers in Milwaukee.

They have an obvious need for a big man, someone with decent size who can shoot. Someone like Hedo Turkgalo.

Although they do not have the cap room necessary for a trade like that to go down, maybe they could work out a sign and trade or something.

Keys to their off-season:
-Find a good star to be LeBron's true sidekick
-Get Bigger!!!!
-Don't trade for Shaq

Chances on winning the title

5:1

 

Boston Celtics

Kevin Garnett returning and having the most passionate player in the NBA guarantee back-to-back championships has to mean something.

Sure these Celtics are aging quickly, but that's fine, they all have aged well to this point and continue to do what they are needed to do on a nightly basis.

The two keys to their championship run next year are KG's health and Ray Allen playing well even though he'll be 34 at season's start (where most shooting guards fall off significantly).

They have obvious needs for a player with length off the bench and a good bench shooter. Yet they still look decent enough for a lengthy post season run next year.

Keys to their offseason:
-KG rehabbing well
-Rondo Working on his Jump shot
-Getting a big man with length

Chances on winning the title

5:1

 

Now, Orlando made it to this year's finals, but i don't realistically see them making it back next season.

They are almost assuredly losing Hedo and Marcin Gortat. Two players who meant very much to their team.

Without them, I believe they fall back to a one and done in the post season. Regardless of how dominant Dwight Howard is.

This is my opinion feel free to leave input on what you think.

(1)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

34 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

824
reads

34
comments

written on June 19, 2009 Opinion

The best Lakers newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.