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NBA: Power ranking the top 5 championship contenders for 2024

By Akhil Ahmed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers react to a Laker foul during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers react to a Laker foul during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports) /

4. Milwaukee Bucks

The trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday played a mere 23 games together in the past regular season. Specifically, health has been an issue for the star forward Khris Middleton for the last couple of years.

This lack of synergy resulted in the Bucks getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat in embarrassing fashion.

During free agency, the Bucks didn’t make any big signings aside from adding Robin Lopez and Malik Beasley. The key part of Milwaukee’s offseason included re-signing Brook Lopez and Middleton. They also made a coaching change, going from Mike Budenholzer to Adrian Griffin.

Giannis remains to be one of the best players in the world and is still in his prime. We can expect them to bounce back stronger in the coming season.

3. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics were on the verge of back-to-back NBA Finals appearances until they weren’t. Down 0-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals, they fought back to tie the series at three games apiece but then fell apart on their home floor in Game 7 to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

In an attempt to improve the roster, the Celtics swung a blockbuster trade that netted them Kristaps Porzingis (in exchange for Marcus Smart).

Porzingis could give additional scoring and provide some solid defense in the frontcourt. This addition makes the Celtics a strong contender for the upcoming season.