1. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a team that is absolutely equipped to thrive in the regular season. Had they closed out the year a little stronger last season, they may have very well earned the top seed as they were very close to doing so and were in that spot for much of the year. They’re returning almost an identical team to last year – a team that was absolutely formidable – and they’ll be among the best teams in the West yet again.
They also made an underrated addition in Jerami Grant, and they could even have X-factor type players in Michael Porter Jr. or Bol Bol, depending on what kind of roles and progression they’re able to take on. Key young guys such as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris should only continue to get better and I’m certain that their bet on continuity will pay large dividends as they pick up where they left off last year.
The other reason the Nuggets are so sturdy in the regular season is that they hold one of the best home court advantages in the league. Last year, they went 34-7 at the Pepsi Center for the best home record in the NBA. Their tough home crowd and the thin oxygen of high elevation provide them a nice boost that will aid them in what I believe will be a one-seed performance this upcoming season.
They were nearly the top seed a year ago, and unlike teams like the Clippers or Lakers, they have far less reason to rest players or focus on load management since they have a much younger and less injury-prone squad.
With this being the case, don’t be surprised if the Nuggets take home the regular season crown, even though come playoff time, I wouldn’t be surprised if their youth and lack of star power ultimately prove fatal in comparison to three or four of the teams below them in the standings.