1. Denver Nuggets
And finally, I'm not 100 percent ready to throw in the towel on the Denver Nuggets. Even though they were upset by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals, I'd have to believe that the Nuggets are going to come back better next season. It's unlikely for them to make a rash move this summer and they're going to keep their core intact. If they can find a way to add another piece or two at some point before next year's NBA Playoff run, the Nuggets should be in a good spot to make another NBA Finals run next season.
Interestingly enough, of all the teams that could've met the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals this past season, it was the Nuggets that likely would've given them the most trouble. Especially if Kristaps Porzingis wasn't going to be healthy for the entire series.
We didn't see it this past season but perhaps we could see it next year. And if we do, the Nuggets could be the team that stops a potential Celtics dynasty from ever developing.