Top five threats to the Nuggets repeating

The Denver Nuggets are NBA champions. And with Finals MVP Nikola Jokic in his prime, 26-year-old Jamal Murray emerging as a superstar and defensive stopper Aaron Gordon signed long term, the Nuggets look poised for a long run.

But nothing is certain in the NBA, so here are the top five threats to the Nuggets repeating as champs.

1. Phoenix Suns

The only team that gave Denver trouble in their 16-4 run through the NBA playoffs was Phoenix, who won two games behind huge performances from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. They didn’t have a lot of help, especially after Chris Paul got hurt, but they have a full off-season to add depth - and defense - around their two superstars.

2. Boston Celtics

They went out badly this year, but Boston has made the Eastern Conference Finals five times in the last seven years, albeit with only one NBA Finals appearance. Barring a surprise trade this summer, they’ll still have Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon. Plus, in Robert Williams and Al Horford, they have two credible defenders who can slow down Jokic - as much as anyone can slow down the Joker.

3. New CBA

The new collective bargaining agreement in the NBA contains severe penalties for teams that go over the luxury tax line. With Murray eligible for a large extension this summer, Jokic on a $270 million supermax, plus big deals for Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., Denver’s ownership could be wary of their payroll going too high. But even if the Nuggets owners get squeamish, that’s likely a concern down the road - not in 2023-24.

4. Jimmy Butler, with more help

The Miami Heat had no business making the NBA Finals this year, except for Jimmy Butler finding another level in April and May. Butler scored 13 straight to keep Miami in Game 5, and was their most important player. Should Pat Riley pull off another piece of front-office wizardry and turn Kyle Lowry into more supporting help, it’s not hard to imagine Butler returning to the Finals for the third time in five years.

5. Injuries

Murray was incredible in this year’s playoffs, just over two years removed from a devastating ACL tear. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. had his healthiest season but still missed 20 games. Jokic seems almost indestructible, no matter how many scratches line his arms, but to paraphrase Mike Tyson: Every NBA team has a plan before their star limps off the court.