5 NBA Teams That Will Win A Title Before the Cleveland Cavaliers

5 NBA Teams That Will Win A Title Before the Cleveland Cavaliers

By Chipper Murphy

July 1, 2015

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5 NBA Teams That Will Win A Title Before the Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James Cavs — LeBron James took his team through the playoffs to the finals. Still, he could not win a championship alone. Much like his Heat teams, the bench was thin and susceptible to scoring droughts. Cleveland needs a stronger bench, but more importantly they need Kevin Love to return and accept his role. If these things don't happen, the Cavs will once again fall short of their goal only to have these teams hang championship banners instead.

LeBron James took his team through the playoffs to the finals. Still, he could not win a championship alone. Much like his Heat teams, the bench was thin and susceptible to scoring droughts. Cleveland needs a stronger bench, but more importantly they need Kevin Love to return and accept his role. If these things don't happen, the Cavs will once again fall short of their goal only to have these teams hang championship banners instead.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder — The Thunder have flirted with the role of title contender since the 2011-12 season. In April, college coaching legend Billy Donovan took over after incumbent Scott Brooks was fired. Donovan figures to restore hope in a franchise that was rich with it. With Kevin Durant's impending free agency, he will be more determined than ever to have a great season. Donovan's pressure "D" plays right into the team's strengths, and he will take OKC to the top.

The Thunder have flirted with the role of title contender since the 2011-12 season. In April, college coaching legend Billy Donovan took over after incumbent Scott Brooks was fired. Donovan figures to restore hope in a franchise that was rich with it. With Kevin Durant's impending free agency, he will be more determined than ever to have a great season. Donovan's pressure "D" plays right into the team's strengths, and he will take OKC to the top.

4. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs

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4. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs — After losing in the first round to the Clippers, once again the Spurs have heard the negative rumblings that their unique dynasty is over. They have responded by doing something different and attempting to sign a high-priced FA: LaMarcus Aldridge. In doing this, the Spurs finally recognize they need more than the big three. The Spurs are attempting to move into the era of the "superstar" in their own way. If it works, watch out.

After losing in the first round to the Clippers, once again the Spurs have heard the negative rumblings that their unique dynasty is over. They have responded by doing something different and attempting to sign a high-priced FA: LaMarcus Aldridge. In doing this, the Spurs finally recognize they need more than the big three. The Spurs are attempting to move into the era of the "superstar" in their own way. If it works, watch out.

3. Miami Heat

Miami Heat

3. Miami Heat

Miami Heat — Pat Riley is a genius. He wrestled away Goran Dragic from the Suns for two future first-roun picks and a rotation player. Riley always comes through, and he will again in free agency. Riley is not like other executives. The real prize is in 2016 when Kevin Durant is a FA and Dwyane Wade's ego can't mess that up. Wade, Durant, Bosh, Dragic; that's what Reilly will sell Dragic and Wade on this summer. That's why they'll win.

Pat Riley is a genius. He wrestled away Goran Dragic from the Suns for two future first-roun picks and a rotation player. Riley always comes through, and he will again in free agency. Riley is not like other executives. The real prize is in 2016 when Kevin Durant is a FA and Dwyane Wade's ego can't mess that up. Wade, Durant, Bosh, Dragic; that's what Reilly will sell Dragic and Wade on this summer. That's why they'll win.

2. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets

2. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets — After a miraculous comeback against the Clippers, Houston faced the eventual champion Warriors and couldn't stack up. There's no shame in getting clobbered by the champs, but they were so close. With two superstars in their primes under contract, they are set up to be long-term contenders. They will once again go big name FA shopping this month. After their playoff run they will score big. Howard made them a contender; now they need the winner.

After a miraculous comeback against the Clippers, Houston faced the eventual champion Warriors and couldn't stack up. There's no shame in getting clobbered by the champs, but they were so close. With two superstars in their primes under contract, they are set up to be long-term contenders. They will once again go big name FA shopping this month. After their playoff run they will score big. Howard made them a contender; now they need the winner.

1. Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors

1. Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors — One of the hardest things to do in sports is repeat as champions. The Warriors will be the favorites of course, but history will be against them. Their core of Curry, Thompson and Green is young which sets up the Warriors well to succeed in the long term. Barring the almost impossible departure of RFA Green, it doesn't seem like anything can impede their many imminent playoff successes.

One of the hardest things to do in sports is repeat as champions. The Warriors will be the favorites of course, but history will be against them. Their core of Curry, Thompson and Green is young which sets up the Warriors well to succeed in the long term. Barring the almost impossible departure of RFA Green, it doesn't seem like anything can impede their many imminent playoff successes.

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Cleveland Cavaliers

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