The NBA has not had a repeat champion since Golden State defended its title in 2018.
Since then, the Raptors, Lakers, Bucks, Warriors, Nuggets, Celtics, Thunder and Knicks have each lifted the trophy. Eight seasons, eight different champions. A ninth would extend a run of parity rarely seen in the league.
Could the Spurs Make It 9-9?
San Antonio may be the clearest candidate to keep the run alive.
Victor Wembanyama gives the Spurs a player capable of changing a playoff series at both ends. He can protect the rim, defend across multiple positions and punish smaller line-ups without needing the entire offence built around post-ups.
The Spurs are no longer simply waiting for their young core to mature. Their next step is proving they can handle the slower, more physical basketball of a deep playoff run.
They have the talent to become the ninth different champion. They now need the experience and got close last season, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since winning it in 2014.
Can the Timberwolves Finally Break Through?
Minnesota have been close enough to understand what is required.
Anthony Edwards gives them a reliable playoff scorer who is comfortable carrying the offence late in games. The Timberwolves also have the size and defensive personnel needed to compete with the strongest teams in the Western Conference.
Their issue has been turning strong postseason stretches into four complete rounds. Shot creation can become too dependent on Edwards, while the half-court offence has occasionally stalled against organised defences.
Minnesota are not an outsider hoping for a surprise run. They have spent several seasons building towards this point. The next step is reaching the Finals and finishing the job.
Could the 76ers Keep the Run Going?
Philadelphia’s new-look roster gives them a route into the title conversation.
LeBron James has joined Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, creating a starting group with scoring, playmaking and significant playoff experience. Anfernee Simons and VJ Edgecombe also offer depth around the headline names.
Availability remains the obvious concern. Embiid’s health will shape Philadelphia’s season, while LeBron must be managed carefully across the schedule.
If the main group reaches the playoffs together, the 76ers have enough individual shot creation to survive difficult half-court possessions. That has often been the difference between a strong regular-season team and a champion.
Can the Knicks Defend Their Title?
New York will attempt something none of the previous seven champions managed: winning it again.
Jalen Brunson remains the organiser and late-game scorer, while Karl-Anthony Towns stretches opposing defences from the frontcourt. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges give the Knicks valuable length and versatility on the wings.
The challenge is repeating the physical and mental effort required to win four playoff series. Every opponent will now measure itself against the champions.
Are the Thunder Still the Team to Beat?
Oklahoma City’s title window remains wide open.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the league’s most dependable scorers, while the Thunder have the depth, defence and athleticism to adjust between series.
Their roster is young, but championship experience has removed the largest question hanging over them. They know their system works in May and June.
Can the Lakers Turn Star Power Into Another Title?
Any team led by Luka Dončić deserves attention.
The Lakers have the elite creator required to control playoff games, but their supporting structure will decide how far they go. They need enough defence, shooting and frontcourt stability around Luka to survive the strongest teams in the West.
Star power gives Los Angeles a chance. Balance will determine whether that chance becomes a genuine title run. Will it be a case of no LeBron, no problem for LA?
Bring on the new season
We’ve got a brilliant season ahead of us, with every week packed with fixtures worth circling. LeBron’s draw is still obvious, but he is only one part of it.
Nikola Jokic remains the league’s great problem-solver, capable of turning any game into a lesson in angles and timing. Giannis Antetokounmpo still brings force few teams can contain, making the Heat a formidable force, while Luka Doncic gives the Lakers a player who can bend an entire playoff series around his pace. Stephen Curry is still appointment viewing, Kevin Durant remains one of the cleanest scorers the league has seen and Victor Wembanyama is moving closer to becoming the sport’s next defining figure.
Then there are Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson and Joel Embiid. Different styles, different teams, same pressure.
The title race is wide open, the star power is everywhere, and the next champion could come from almost any direction. That is the promise of this NBA 2026-27 season. Not just great teams, but great players colliding almost every night.
