The NBA is a league where teams often try to copy what has worked before. For years, teams have attempted to recreate the success of the Miami Heat by forming star-powered lineups. Now, some are looking at how the New York Knicks built their team as a possible model for others.
Finding a player like Jalen Brunson is rare because he stands out from most guards in the league. His intelligence, determination, and drive make him special in ways that are hard to replicate. Still, there is value in the type of players the Knicks have chosen to build around.
The league’s most recent champions all had certain things in common. They each had a top-tier leader, strong supporting talent, and enough playoff experience to make deep runs. With that in mind, analysts are examining which teams outside the championship circle have a chance to win titles.
They are looking at teams that haven’t won since 2019 and asking who might be ready for their first title. The San Antonio Spurs are considered the top contenders for the next championship. They have a superstar in Victor Wembanyama and several other key contributors.
Their defense and offense were both among the best last season. Even though they lost in the Finals, their ability to compete at that level shows promise. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics had similar struggles before eventually winning titles.
The Spurs added veteran Tobias Harris to improve their frontcourt. They also face challenges with their coaching staff and how they manage the team during high-pressure moments. The Philadelphia 76ers are another team that could be in contention for a championship.
They now have more championship experience thanks to players like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining the team. Joel Embiid has had trouble staying healthy in the playoffs, which is a concern for the team’s future. The team must now find ways to work together as a unit with four ball-dominant stars.
They also need to improve their defense, which ranked poorly in recent seasons. The Minnesota Timberwolves have a young core led by Anthony Edwards. He has shown he can lead his team in tough playoff situations.
But they still struggle to finish strong when games get close. After a disappointing loss to San Antonio, the team made changes in the offseason. They brought in LaMelo Ball and traded away Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
This shift may help them with playmaking but could hurt their size. Edwards must continue to grow after facing strong competition in past playoff series. The Detroit Pistons are also considered a team that could make a deep run.
They have a strong defense and a young star in Cade Cunningham. The team has improved through smart draft picks and development. They need to add a secondary playmaker to balance their offense.
Their performance in the playoffs dropped off after ranking ninth in offense during the regular season. If they can fix issues with Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency and add more playmaking, they could be dangerous. The Cleveland Cavaliers are another team that has shown promise but hasn’t quite made it to the top.
They added James Harden for his experience and leadership. However, they missed a chance to bring in LeBron James this summer. The team is trying to stay together despite constant roster changes.
Houston’s Rockets are also working to improve after a disappointing playoff run. They kept their core together and ranked in the top ten on both offense and defense last season. VanVleet is expected to help with playmaking as they try to improve their offensive efficiency.
The team’s performance in close games has been a weakness. Thompson is seen as a key player who could help with spacing and scoring. The Indiana Pacers are another team that came close to winning a title in recent years.
They were leading Oklahoma City at halftime of Game 7 in the 2025 Finals. But Tyrese Haliburton missed most of the season due to injury. His return is uncertain, and it’s unclear if he’ll regain his form from before the injury.
Haliburton was a standout player during the playoffs last season. He will return to a team that includes Pascal Siakam and other familiar faces. The Miami Heat are still trying to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
They lack a strong secondary ball handler to support their offense. Adding Tim Hardaway Jr. could help with that. They also lost key scorers Norman Powell and Tyler Herro in the offseason.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has shown he can make teams competitive even with imperfect rosters. The Atlanta Hawks are a different kind of team that doesn’t rely on one superstar. They have strong defense and good depth but lack a proven leader.
They beat the Knicks twice in the playoffs last year, showing they can compete. The Orlando Magic are another team that could surprise people this season. They had a strong season despite limited playing time from their top players.
They nearly beat the Pistons in the first round of playoffs. With a new coach and more focus on defense, they could be dangerous. The Dallas Mavericks are focused on the future with their young talent.
They have a promising prospect in Chet Holmgren who could be a cornerstone for years to come. The team is rebuilding around their top pick and preparing for the next era. The Utah Jazz are also building with young players and a strong draft strategy.
They added Jaren Jackson Jr. to their lineup and have several promising young guards. The team is aiming for a return to the Finals after years of rebuilding. They also gained two first-round picks from trading with the Lakers.
The Charlotte Hornets are taking a long-term approach to team building. They traded LaMelo Ball and are focused on developing their young players. The Memphis Grizzlies have entered a new phase after Ja Morant’s departure.
They selected Cameron Boozer with the third overall pick in the draft. Boozer brings maturity and a complete game that could be the foundation for the team’s future. The Chicago Bulls are still searching for their next franchise leader.
They have a new coach and front office after a poor season last year. Wilson is the fourth overall pick and has no pressure to immediately turn things around. The Washington Wizards are another team that is working on their long-term plan.
They have a young roster with several first-round picks and are trying to build around them. The Portland Trail Blazers are in a difficult spot. They are not clearly a contender or a rebuilding team.
Unless Deni Avdija improves significantly, they may struggle to compete at the highest level. The Phoenix Suns have been inconsistent since their run to the Finals in 2021. They have spent a lot of money on players but haven’t seen consistent results.
The team doesn’t control any of its first-round picks through 2033. The LA Clippers are also trying to find their next franchise star. They have been close to winning titles but haven’t succeeded yet.
The team is considering whether to draft a young player or pursue a veteran star. The New Orleans Pelicans are still struggling to build a consistent team. They lost key players like Chris Paul and Anthony Davis.
Their young players don’t fit well together, and they made few moves this offseason. The Sacramento Kings are hoping for a breakthrough after years of mediocrity. They have a passionate fanbase and talented players like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
But they’ve failed to develop or keep their top picks over time. The team continues to search for a way to turn things around and make a deep playoff run.
IMAGE: Victor Wembanyama. Photo: Thomas S / Wikimedia, taken 2021-09-11, CC BY-SA 2.0
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