The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been characterized by the creation--and subsequent dominance--of "super" teams for the greater part of the last decade. After acquiring Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014 to complement superstars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the NBA Finals in four consecutive seasons.
Yet, the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks won the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2019 and 2021, respectively, without a trio of superstar players.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
The defending NBA champions were given 9/1 odds to repeat. Five-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo returns for his ninth season and first of a five-year, $228 million supermax extension.
2. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have three of the best players in the league (Durant, Irving, and James Harden). It's no surprise they're one of the favorites to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy entering the 2021-22 NBA season. The Lakers complemented them with Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
4. Phoenix Suns
The Suns reached the NBA Finals last year for the first time since 1993. Phoenix brought back veteran point guard Chris Paul on a four-year, $120 million contract.
5. Golden State Warriors
The team boasts former MVP Steph Curry and the anticipated return of Klay Thompson after missing two full seasons with injuries.