5 NBA Franchises That Could Create The Next Super Team

Good franchises rise, fall and sometimes reach the NBA zenith through winning championships and building the “super team.” Several star-studded teams have won titles and have drawn the ire of diehards from the other 29 fan bases. But who will build this next super team? Who will bring the pieces onto one floor and create the next talent-laden NBA lightning rod?

5 NBA Franchises That Could Create The Next Super Team

Good franchises rise, fall and sometimes reach the NBA zenith through winning championships and building the “super team.” Several star-studded teams have won titles and have drawn the ire of diehards from the other 29 fan bases. But who will build this next super team? Who will bring the pieces onto one floor and create the next talent-laden NBA lightning rod?

5. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles is the “Hot Green Bay” of basketball. During 56 years in the City of Angels, the Lakers have claimed 11 titles. Although Kobe Bryant’s contract is a one-year mess and California’s tax rate is higher than many players would prefer, the Lakers still have the pedigree to get the premium talent. By 2016, the Lakers could field a lineup of Jahlil Okafor surrounded by the new “big three,” which could be Kevin Durant, Mike Conley and the prize of the prom, LeBron James.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles is the “Hot Green Bay” of basketball. During 56 years in the City of Angels, the Lakers have claimed 11 titles. Although Kobe Bryant’s contract is a one-year mess and California’s tax rate is higher than many players would prefer, the Lakers still have the pedigree to get the premium talent. By 2016, the Lakers could field a lineup of Jahlil Okafor surrounded by the new “big three,” which could be Kevin Durant, Mike Conley and the prize of the prom, LeBron James.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

What if LeBron has put the childish antics of Dan Gilbert behind him and decides to opt-in and stay with Cleveland? Well then let the wheeling and dealing begin. Perimeter pieces such as J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert could stay, Kevin Love would get shipped for a star in return and maybe Carmelo Anthony (a close friend of James) could be convinced to hoop in the Midwest.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

What if LeBron has put the childish antics of Dan Gilbert behind him and decides to opt-in and stay with Cleveland? Well then let the wheeling and dealing begin. Perimeter pieces such as J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert could stay, Kevin Love would get shipped for a star in return and maybe Carmelo Anthony (a close friend of James) could be convinced to hoop in the Midwest.

3. New York Knicks

If the Knicks could just figure out how to keep James Dolan out of every single basketball decision, the Knicks could parlay their No. 4 pick for an instant addition and could also lure a team into giving up too much for Anthony. That’s at least two pieces right there and another big contributor could be found through free agency.

3. New York Knicks

If the Knicks could just figure out how to keep James Dolan out of every single basketball decision, the Knicks could parlay their No. 4 pick for an instant addition and could also lure a team into giving up too much for Anthony. That’s at least two pieces right there and another big contributor could be found through free agency.

2. Miami Heat

Pat Riley will rise again. The slick-haired GM has built a champion through multiple embodiments and is one of the most brilliant minds in basketball. Finding stars to flock to the income-tax-free haven of South Beach is almost too easy for Riley.

2. Miami Heat

Pat Riley will rise again. The slick-haired GM has built a champion through multiple embodiments and is one of the most brilliant minds in basketball. Finding stars to flock to the income-tax-free haven of South Beach is almost too easy for Riley.

1. Golden State Warriors

The NBA is a salary cap league and although the Bay Area’s cost of living is enormous, so is the gratitude players show toward Steve Kerr. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are early into their reign and Draymond Green has a basketball IQ that exceeds even his athletic ability. As players have enjoyed playing for LeBron, look for the Warriors to peddle some West Coast charisma and gather skilled veterans on the cheap in building the next great NBA super team.

1. Golden State Warriors

The NBA is a salary cap league and although the Bay Area’s cost of living is enormous, so is the gratitude players show toward Steve Kerr. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are early into their reign and Draymond Green has a basketball IQ that exceeds even his athletic ability. As players have enjoyed playing for LeBron, look for the Warriors to peddle some West Coast charisma and gather skilled veterans on the cheap in building the next great NBA super team.