3 Biggest threats to Denver Nuggets’ back-to-back title hopes
By Sam LaFrance
2. Boston Celtics
As a completely unbiased journalist, the only reason that the Boston Celtics aren’t at the top of this list is because they’d only prevent the Denver Nuggets from repeating if they win the title themselves — which isn’t something they’ve been able to do with their current core.
But, they made waves this summer when they offloaded longtime fan-favorite Marcus Smart in a three-team trade where they landed Kristaps Porzingis. Boston is serious about this — at the very least.
Plus, Jaylen Brown just signed the largest contract in NBA history, agreeing to a five-year, $304 million extension to remain with the Celtics. Will he take his game to the next level? Maybe.
Jayson Tatum is already there. He finished fourth in The Joker’s MVP race last season and is poised for a run at the award himself. Tatum has proven that he can play in the postseason, posting excellent numbers in elimination games (except for Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat when he rolled his ankle).
The Celtics are right behind the Nuggets with +500 odds to win the championship next season.
Who knows? They could disappoint the entire fanbase and take a step backward for sure. But, they certainly have one of the highest ceilings in the league.