In a perfect world – well, perfect for 24 teams – the streak of six different champions in six NBA seasons would extend to seven. That would serve the parity ambitions that are incorporated in the latest collective bargaining agreement. It would satisfy the maximum number of fan bases, at least in the short term. It would appeal to a concept of “justice” that even a child would enjoy. Everyone has their turn at the top.
Well, we might as well throw those hopes away now, even before the first of this season’s 1,230 games begins. The Boston Celtics are the best team in the league, with the greatest continuity and the greatest potential (after winning 64 games last season) to improve from within.
Boston is not without its flaws, mind you. Center Kristaps Porzingis will be out for a while as his rehab from foot surgery extends until about Christmas. His counterpart Al Horford is 38 years old. The substitutes after that are not worthy of a title, but that is a concern for May, not now.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have reached the stage where teams are reconfiguring themselves to rise to the occasion. They are the obvious reason why the Knicks are ready to unleash Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, and other clubs are also prioritizing wing defenders.
By: Steve Aschburner
NBA.com
