NBA executives pick Miami Heat as the favourite to win the title next season – NBA News
In a recent poll of NBA front office executives, Miami Heat has come out as the clear favourite to win the NBA title again next season.
Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated conducted a poll of 19 executives from NBA franchises and asked them to give their top three picks for winning the NBA championship next season. Three of the voters submitted only
first place votes. Miami came out on top, winning 15 first place votes, 1 second place vote and two third place votes. The Lakers followed with two first place votes, nine second place votes and six third place votes. Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning Western
Conference Champions, received two first place votes, six second place votes and eight third place votes.
In an on-line voting that was answered by NBA fans, 48.84 percent of the votes sided with the Lakers winning the title next season. Miami got 30.69 percent of the votes where as the Oklahoma City Thunder received
7.53 percent.
Miami are being considered as the clear favourites because they added Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to the team in the summer, which will enable them to spread the defence and open up the floor. The move will make
the Heat even stronger, as it will allow James and Wade more easy shots in penetration.
The Lakers were written off as Western Conference contenders after their loss to the Thunder in the playoffs this past season. However, they added Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to the team in the summer and are
once again the favourites from the Western Conference. While the Thunder managed to sign contract extension with Head Coach Scott Brooks and forward Serge Ibaka, they are still deemed as not having enough playoff experience to topple the Heat.
One Western Conference General Manager who ranked Miami as the favourite to take the crown said:
“Miami: Obvious reason. Lakers: If Nash can stay healthy. OKC: Too much talent.”
Another Western Conference GM who also voted Miami, LA and OKC said:
“LeBron and Dwyane Wade will carry the Heat once again. The Lakers will need to jell and stay healthy, but with their new mix of players they will be tough to beat. I don’t see the Thunder getting back to the
Finals if the Lakers play to their potential, but the Thunder should be back in the West finals again for another crack at it.”
The next season is building up to be a great one for the NBA and basketball in general; with many teams having a realistic shot at the NBA title, and many teams anticipated to break into the playoff bracket this
season after some good roster additions in the summer.
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