DENVER NUGGETS: A Dark Horse for the NBA Title?
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic believes the Denver Nuggets could be under the radar in the quest for an NBA championship.
Challenging the Favorites
However, the Nuggets are far from being true underdogs. They stand just behind the current champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the race for the Larry O’Brien trophy this season. The Northwest Division is brimming with talent, with Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves looking like serious competitors, alongside promising teams like Portland and Utah.
Comments from Jokic
“They are certainly the team to beat, and they’re performing well,” Jokic stated regarding the Thunder. “We hope to be the — how should I put it? The unexpected contender?”
General Managers’ Predictions
According to the league’s annual preseason poll, three of the top four Western Conference seeds are expected to arise from the Northwest, with only the Houston Rockets breaking that trend. The path to the title is firmly through Oklahoma City, where MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his team are focused on retaining their championship.
Aiming for Repeat Success
“Losing the NBA championship in 2026 would be disappointing,” Gilgeous-Alexander noted. “That’s our new objective.” He highlighted a memorable summer, where he celebrated his championship in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, receiving the key to the city.
Assessing the Northwest Division Teams
Here’s a breakdown of each team in the Northwest Division, ranked by predicted finish:
Oklahoma City Thunder
As defending champions, the Thunder may have improved further this season, having extended contracts for stars like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. This continuity is set to bolster their title ambitions.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are restructuring following their playoff exit to the Thunder, trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and acquiring Jonas Valanciunas. The team also added Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown, while Jokic remains a pivotal player, having averaged a triple-double last season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves showcased commitment to their core during the offseason, re-signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid. With seven of their top eight players returning, they expect significant contributions from their young backcourt.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are nurturing their youthful lineup, including players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. They’ve recently traded key players but welcomed veteran Jrue Holiday and former star Damian Lillard, who is mentoring the team from the sidelines due to injury.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz are in a rebuilding phase, led by Lauri Markkanen, who remains a trade target. With new first-round picks like Ace Bailey, they will be focusing on development after last season’s struggles.
Conclusion
As the NBA season draws near, the Northwest Division is shaping up to be an exciting battleground with teams straightforwardly vying for superiority.
