Opinion article: Top 5 teams to win the NBA 14-15 season
OKC Thunder
This team has been incredibly unlucky in the previous 2 seasons when it comes to playoffs. I was going to say 3 but I don't think the Thunder were ready to defeat the heat in that season. However, things have changed since then. Durant is now more experienced, he has matured as a man and has truly become the leader that OKC needs him to be. This was shown during the 13-14 season where he averaged 32 points a game. Of course Durant cannot do it alone but he has a wonderful support squad around him. While Westbrook is often flamed for being a ball hog the guy is a crucial piece to the championship puzzle. Few others are as athletic as Westbrook and his 5 second coast to coast is nothing short of brilliant. Ibaka's presence defensively always reassures the thunder team and often leads to demoralising blocks. He has also developed a reliable jump shot as seen in the pick and pop plays that he usually runs with Durant.
The only issues which might stand in the way of OKC winning this year is their centre Perkins. As coach Nick from BBallbreakdown always points out, when Perkins is on the court it's basically 4 vs 5. The guy offers nothing but a brick wall screen. If OKC want to solidify their defence they need to find a better replacement or hope that Collison can step up. Finally, their coach Scott Brooks is infamous for his inability to run a decent play. OKC have been scrutinised as a "your turn my turn" team. As in, Durant and Westbrook take turns on offence showing off their individual talent while the other guys spot up or set screens.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
This is no surprise. Despite my disdain for Lebron there's no denying that any team he joins automatically becomes a championship contender. The Cavs spared no expense in quickly supporting him with an excellent squad as well. All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving will now have reliable options to pass to (James, Love, Marion). His assist numbers should go up this season and because of the presence of Lebron and Love defences cannot afford to double team him. This will surely leave him open for plenty of open shots which he has no trouble knocking down. At the very least Cavs are expected to make the conference finals where they will be tested by the Bulls. Regardless, the burden is on Lebron to once again drag a team all the way to the finish line. Despite the excellent talent surrounding him, many of his teammates have never been to the playoffs let alone the finals and this could be their fatal flaw.
3. San Antonio Spurs
First of all, congratulations on claiming what was rightfully yours 2 years ago. The spurs have a reputation for somehow always 'being there'. When everybody counts them out due to age or injuries they just sneak their way into the finals quietly. Before you know it you're cheering for the Spurs because they're the final team standing between Lebron and a three-peat. I was really impressed by how the bench stepped up in the playoff finals and if the bench continues to perform at such a high level this team will easily go back-to-back. The whole "Duncan and Ginobilli are ageing" argument goes out the window when Kawhi Leonard and Borris Diaw play the way they did in the finals. The Spurs have somehow managed to replace their superstars with young, but humble, talent (with the exception of Parker, I don't think they have a point guard that good). Don't get me wrong, I don't expect any bench player to replace the Big Fundamental (Tm Duncan), but if Borris Diaw plays at a high level then Duncan can afford to sit on the bench and not wear himself out.
The only trouble I imagine this team facing is the motivation and hunger factor. They have satisfied their thirst for revenge and need to set their sights on a difference objective which will fuel them for the season.
4. Chicago Bulls
I'm not going lie, I was hesitant to put this team here. Bulls have definitely made the necessary adjustments to contend for a title but I'm just not sold on their cornerstone: Derrick Rose. Just by watching his performance in the FIBA tournament it was clear he just isn't what he was 2 years ago. He averaged just under 5 points a game and didn't show that signature element of completely taking over games. I understand that he's rusty from his long recovery process but that's exactly why I think this isn't their year. I expect them to push the Cavs to their limits in the Eastern Conference finals but I can't see them taking the title. This team will definitely be a highly ranked defensive team with Butler, Gasol and Noah. I expect to see plenty of post play from this team and air-tight defence.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
This team has the right pieces for a championship run but just can't seem to get it done. Perhaps we can pinpoint it to Deandre Jordan being a liability on offense if he isn't receiving ally-oops from Chris Paul. Blake Griffin has definitely upped his game by developing a post-game, respectable dribble and a decent shot. Sixth man Jamal Crawford is capable of leading offensive sets and it astounds me why he has not been added to the starting 5 rotation yet. This team has really flourished under the leadership of Doc Rivers and Chris Paul. Perhaps the Donald Sterling situation lowered morale and took their focus away from the championship against OKC, perhaps those crucial moments in game 5 were the difference between a Western conference finals and losing. Whatever it is, this team is ready to have a solid run for the championship.
Notable mentions
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets