Predicting the Next 5 NBA Champions

It is hard to predict every free agent move and a draft pick for the next 5 years, but with what we know about everyone’s roster, cap space, and coaching staff, here are my predictions for the next 5 NBA Champions. This is assuming we do crown a champion for 2019-2020.

2019-20: Los Angeles Lakers

I had the Clippers winning this title from pre-season up until a few months ago when my decision suddenly changed. I do not believe this is solely because of Kobe Bryant’s passing, but because of how the team has been playing. Lebron and AD have been playing out of their minds up until the season suspension, and there are so many players hungry for the first ring on this team. AD, Dwight, and Kuz just to name a few.

2020-21: Milwaukee Bucks

I have one main reason for predicting the Bucks to win within the next 2 seasons. Their team is good enough to be a contender, no question, but they have a bigger issue with needing to do it soon. Giannis is a free agent after 2020-21, and it is presumed that he needs to see some serious winning if he decided to resign in Milwaukee. I believe the Bucks will do everything in their financial power to give Giannis an excellent chance to win the title, and that it will pay off with a championship in 2020-21.

2021-22: Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are going to be one of the title favorites every year up to this point, and I see them finally getting it done in 2021-22. Their core will still be together, with Kawhi and PG leading the way, and it is possible by then they will also have additional experienced players on minimum deals, looking to get rings. They will always have excellent depth and role players to complement their two MVP caliber stars. It may take longer than expected, but these new-look Clippers will bring home a championship.

2022-23: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are one of the most promising young teams in the NBA and have a potential all-time duo in Doncic and Porzingis. I believe they will only continue to improve and gain more chemistry together, and the Mavs have good role players with them. Hardaway, Brunson, Curry, Finney-Smith, Kleber, and Powell all give them good production. It is also possible that by this season, through free agency or a trade, they could have a “third star” to go along with their two go-to guys.

2023-24: Boston Celtics

It is impossible to ignore the Celtics young core when making a list like this. Tatum and Brown will be at the top of the league by this point, and they may still have Kemba playing at a pretty high level. With how unselfish this team is, and with Brad Stevens ingenuity, they may also add a max player during one of the offseasons leading up to this season. Either way, it seems a team this well run, with such good young players like Tatum, Brown, and Smart, will eventually be crowned NBA champions.