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#3 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets surprised everyone last year by going on a deep NBA playoffs run before they were stopped by the eventual champions, the LA Lakers. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were key players during their run and could repeat the magic in this NBA campaign too.
Fast forward to 2021, and Jokic has switched gears this season. He has been posting MVP-caliber numbers for the Nuggets while his playmaking abilities on the floor are at par with the best point guards in the NBA.
The Nuggets could look to bringing in more offense to their team by adding a three-point specialist who could make the trey regularly, giving them a dependable scoring option when they hit a rough patch offensively.
#4 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are looking primed to make it big, as they have two of the brightest stars - Luka Donic and Kristaps Porzingis - in the NBA on their roster.
However, the Mavericks are facing an issue with Porzingis's health. The 25-year-old missed the 2020 NBA playoffs with an injury. He has since made a full recovery and rejoined his team, but it remains to be seen how he fares in the NBA this campaign.
If Luka Doncic and Porzingis are at their hundred percent, the Mavericks could be scary good in the coming years. All that the franchise might require is the presence of veterans who could guide the young players during crucial moments during the postseason.
Another area where the Dallas Mavericks could add more depth is the center position. Perhaps a trade that brings in someone like Nikola Vucevic could elevate them as legitimate title contenders.
The Mavericks have a good track record with international players flourishing in their system.
#5 Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the most gifted offensive teams in the NBA, with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum tearing it up on a nightly basis.
The main reason behind them not yet being a legitimate NBA title contender is their lackluster defense though. While the Trail Blazers have rectified that by bringing in two-way players in the off-season, it may still be short of what is needed.
The Trail Blazers are the dark horses in the NBA this season. But if they don't make the conference finals this campaign, a big roster change could be on the horizon.
CJ McCollum campaigned to get Draymond Green to come over to the side earlier in the season, but that didn't happen. This season could determine the future of an otherwise promising Trail Blazers unit.
Guess the Lakers players!
