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The 2021-22 NBA season will tip-off on October 19th, 2021, with a doubleheader involving the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and LA Lakers. All four teams will have the opportunity to show their hands early as the league returns to its regular 82-game schedule.
Activities in the offseason have given us an idea of which team will dominate the 2021-22 NBA season. Although winning the championship is the end goal, every team will be looking to get into a groove early that will extend into the postseason.
The LA Clippers still look formidable, even as they did not make any high-profile signings in the offseason. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have bolstered their ranks with Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker, both of whom will impact their shape and productivity on both ends of the court.
Despite the Phoenix Suns' impressive run in the 2020-21 NBA season, the chance of recreating that stellar performance is slim. For the Philadelphia 76ers, the Ben Simmons situation might shake things up drastically, enough to mess with their rhythm as the season gets underway.
Every team will make a push for top seeding from the go as things develop as basketball is a competitive sport. Regardless, few will stand out and outright dominate the 2021-22 NBA season.
That said, let's take a look at the top five teams that are most likely to dominate during the 2021-22 NBA season.
#5 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz finished the 2020-21 NBA season as the No.1 seed from the West with a 52-20 run. While they have exceptional players that can get buckets, it was their difference that made the difference.
Led by Rudy Gobert, the Jazz ranked fourth in defensive rating but led the league in total rebounds and blocks. If they can continue to limit opponents' points per game as they did in the 2020-21 season, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the new season.
With Donovan Mitchell and 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson on the roster, the Utah Jazz will not have any problems putting up points.
#4 Milwaukee Bucks
Outside of the teams that splurged in the 2021 NBA offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks will be under severe pressure to run it back. They still have arguably the best two-way forward in the NBA, who can turn things around in a jiffy.
However, many would argue that the Bucks won mainly because of the injury plague that occurred league-wide. That cannot take away from the effort and grit they came with throughout the 2021 NBA playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo made a remarkable recovery from a hyperextended knee to help rally his team to the NBA title. Let's not forget his mind-blowing Game 4 clutch block and 50 points outing in the series clincher. With the core of the championship team still intact, the Milwaukee Bucks stand a good chance of finishing in the top-three in the Eastern Conference.
#3 Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry is coming off an outstanding 2020-21 NBA season, where he earned the scoring title with his 32 points average. Despite their five-year dominance, the Golden State Warriors have featured in the playoffs since 2019.
When healthy, the Warriors have shown that they can dominate effortlessly. They bettered the Chicago Bulls' 72-10 record after finishing the 2015-16 NBA season with 73 wins. With a reunion of the core players in that run imminent, the Golden State Warriors are undoubtedly one to watch in the 2021-22 season.
Curry has shown that he still has the shooting touch with his April takeover last season. His partnership with his splash bro, Klay Thompson, is one of the most anticipated events of the 2021-22 NBA season. With those two firing on all cylinders and Draymond Green leading the defense, the Warriors can easily dominate the West.
#2 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers are already the favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the West, even as no one has seen how their veteran All-Star team combines. Things went south for the Lakers fast during the 2020-21 season after LeBron James and Anthony Davis were sidelined due to injuries.
Their loss to the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA playoffs first round showed how over-reliant they are on their superstar duo, which is why they aggressively approached the offseason and brought in elite talent.
The Lakers have signed seven players aged 30 or more in the 2021 offseason, with Rajon Rondo and DeAndre Jordan being the latest additions. Although age is a factor, the Lakers front office has made it clear that they will be bringing in certified bucket getters to compensate in situations where LeBron and/or Davis are unavailable.
Based on how their offseason has turned out so far, the Lakers will field one of the most feared and complete rosters. However, how all superstars will combine and play their roles is yet to be seen. Ego management will be a huge factor in the Lakers' success or failure.
#1 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets had the most lethal offense during the 2020-21 NBA season, but injuries did not let them achieve greatness. Even without the injuries, the Nets might have had a hard time going all the way as they had one of the worst defenses in the league.
However, the Nets took advantage of the offseason to bring in defensive juggernauts like Paul Millsap and LeMarcus Aldridge. Patty Mills, a seasoned veteran, was also acquired and will provide the much-needed depth the Nets lacked in the 2020-21 NBA season.
It goes without saying that health will play a significant role in the Nets' run during the 2021-22 season. Regardless, the Brooklyn Nets are currently the most lethal team in the NBA.
