At the start of the NBA Finals, it’s good to reflect on what works in the current NBA. With the new CBA, roster building and how successful teams are constructed and sustained are altering even more in the league. The Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Finals after years of preparation. After drafting Nikola Jokic, the franchise changed and became title contenders. Their success has come from stability and continuity.
Players’ empowerment and movement have made it harder to keep teams together and avoid turnover. Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. were drafted organically, building the Nuggets’ foundation. They added key players through smart transactions. Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
They’ve kept their starting lineup and tried to establish a bench by drafting and developing. Their young prospects include Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, and others. There’s no guarantee those players hit or the Nuggets create a dynasty, but they’ve shown NBA teams how to succeed.
Boston and Dallas reached the NBA Finals utilizing similar techniques as the Nuggets. The Celtics have built around Jayson Tatuma and Jaylen Brown, who have been superstars, for years. The front management has carefully added players to highlight the Jays’ strengths, making them one of the best teams in basketball for multiple seasons.
Though not organic, the Mavericks have built around Luka Doncic since drafting him. They took a significant risk trading for Kyrie Irving, but they’ve integrated him. Undisputed results. Building an NBA champion from the ground up, sustaining a core, and believing in strong young players and their growth is smart.
