2. Denver Nuggets
After signing Jamaal Murray this offseason to stay alongside Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets have guaranteed that they will be a perennial contender for the next several years. It isn’t a top-heavy roster though like most contenders. They have a great young bench that features Malik Beasley, Monte Morris, and Michael Porter Jr.
Their core is here to stay for a while and should only build off last season which saw them earn the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and a trip to the Conference Semifinals. The natural progression for this team should lead them into being as strong of a championship threat as any other team in the league three years from now.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard alone would put the Los Angeles Clippers at or near the top of this list, but when you add in the fact that they are one of the most stable organizations in the league it becomes very clear that they are the team best positioned for long term success. With Jerry West pulling the strings it’s hard to imagine them not consistently surrounding their two superstars with a talented roster and giving them the best chance to win year after year.
The only potential wrinkle is that PG and Kawhi both have player options for the 2022 season. If they want out, they can leave at the same time which would obviously destroy what the Clippers have built, but that seems unlikely…at least for now.