The Milwaukee Bucks just celebrated their second NBA title in franchise history after winning over the Phoenix Suns in six games. However, the celebrations will end at some point as we look ahead to the upcoming season.
According to various sports bookies, the defending champions aren’t even the favourites to win it all in 2021/22, especially with the other contenders in the Lakers, Nets, and runners-up Suns laser-focused on winning the Larry O’Brien trophy the next time around.
The 2020/21 season may have just concluded. But here at SBOTOP, we’ll take a super early look at the NBA 2021 odds for next term.
Brooklyn Nets
One can argue that the Nets should’ve gone to the Finals – or even win it all – if it weren’t for Kevin Durant’s big foot.
Kevin Durant went toe-to-toe against Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 7 of the ECSF and he almost sank the Bucks with his late long shot, but the game went to OT since his foot was on the line.
From there, the Bucks took control with big shots from Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest is history.
Injuries and COVID-19 basically got the best of the Nets last season as they were without their three superstars playing together at a considerable amount of time.
In the playoffs, Brooklyn were without Kyrie Irving and James Harden, leaving Kevin Durant to shoulder all the load offencively.
Despite coming up short in the playoffs, the Nets easily have the highest odds in winning the title next season due to their vaunted firepower.
If healthy with Irving, Harden, and Durant, the Nets have the talent to go to as far as the NBA Finals. However, they may need to focus on beefing up their frontcourt depth this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are another team that needs a clean bill of health if they plan on winning a second title in the last three years.
Last term, LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (heel) had to sit out a huge chunk of the season and they dropped to as low as the seventh seed.
Los Angeles went through the play-in tournament to secure their playoff date against Phoenix, and they eventually got bounced out of the first round.
Even with the first round exit, the Lakers still own one of the highest odds of winning the championship because of the proven frontcourt duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
But if they are going to bring back the title to Hollywood, the Lakers must fill out the point guard spot as well as bolstering their outside shooting.
Milwaukee Bucks
With their core set for next season, the Bucks should remain in contention once more for the NBA title.
Milwaukee are fresh from a tough Finals series against Phoenix, as they were able to bring home their first Larry O’Brien trophy in over five decades.
Like the other teams, the Bucks will have some offseason work to do, such as working out new deals for Bobby Portis and PJ Tucker – although the two forwards are expected to re-sign for one more run.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix will build off their impressive playoff run and try to finish the job next term, but they need to first figure out what to do with Chris Paul.
Chris Paul has until August 1 to decide whether he’ll pick up his $44.2-M player option for nex season, or decline to test out free agency.
With Chris Paul’s decision a hot topic in the NBA 2021 news, other teams such as the Lakers are reportedly interested in bringing over the 36-year-old.
Although they are one of the favorites next season, Phoenix will have to make big decisions down the stretch since their young players are due for contract extensions soon.
Even if Chris Paul leaves or not, locking up Devin Booker is a top priority. The Suns also need to add depth in order to stay at the top of the West.
Los Angeles Clippers
For sure the Clippers aren’t content with last season despite reaching the conference finals for the first time in franchise history. However, first things first, maintaining their core will be their utmost priority.
Kawhi Leonard is priority No. 1 as he can decide to be a free agent with his player option. However, his injury history remains a major concern especially after suffering a partial ACL tear last season.
Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum are also free agents who have had strong outings in the postseason, while Serge Ibaka’s future is uncertain coming off of an injury-riddled year.
Injuries and COVID-19 have also ravaged the Clippers. But if they’ll all be healthy in a Clippers uniform, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’ll make it to their first Finals ever.
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