Twelve-year NBA veteran Patrick Beverley has shared his picks for the top five teams that he believes have the best chance of winning the 2024-2025 NBA Championship. In his podcast, BeverlNBAy listed the teams he considers the strongest contenders for the coveted title this season. His picks included the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Dallas Mavericks. While these teams are all major players in the league, Beverley’s inclusion of the Clippers raised some eyebrows, as many may have expected other teams to make the cut.
This article delves deeper into Patrick Beverley’s NBA picks for 2024 and examines the rationale behind each selection, including a closer look at the teams Beverley believes are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Patrick Beverley’s Top 5 NBA Championship Contenders for 2024
When asked to name the teams he believes will be competing for the 2024 NBA Championship, Patrick Beverley didn’t hesitate. He named five teams that he believes are well-positioned to take home the title this season. Below, we’ll explore each of these picks in greater detail.
1. Boston Celtics – The Top Contender in the East
First on Beverley’s list is the Boston Celtics, a team that has been consistently dominant in the Eastern Conference in recent years. With a 21-5 record at the time of Beverley’s podcast, the Celtics are currently sitting in second place in the East, just behind the Milwaukee Bucks. The team has remained one of the favorites for the title, thanks to its deep roster and star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Beverley’s choice of the Celtics as a top contender makes sense given their strong all-around game. Boston boasts one of the best offenses in the league, with Tatum leading the charge as an MVP candidate. The Celtics’ defense, anchored by players like Robert Williams and Al Horford, is also formidable, making them a balanced team capable of excelling on both ends of the floor.
Additionally, the Celtics’ experience in the postseason in recent years – including an NBA Finals appearance in 2022 – gives them the edge in terms of playoff readiness. With their current form, the Celtics are undoubtedly among the top NBA championship contenders in Beverley’s 2024 NBA picks.
2. Denver Nuggets – Defending Champions with MVP Talent
Second on Beverley’s list is the Denver Nuggets, who are fresh off their first NBA Championship in franchise history. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are a team that remains a significant threat in the Western Conference. Although they currently sit in fifth place in the West with a 14-10 record, the Nuggets’ deep playoff run last season proves that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
The Nuggets are a complete team, with Jokic’s elite playmaking and scoring ability complemented by strong supporting players like Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr.. Denver’s unique style of play, centered around Jokic’s versatile offensive game, makes them a tough matchup for any team. Beverley’s recognition of the Nuggets as one of the top contenders aligns with the broader consensus in the NBA community – they remain a team to watch in the 2024 postseason.
For Denver, the key to another championship run will be staying healthy, particularly with Murray and Jokic, and maintaining their defensive improvements from last season. If they can do that, they will certainly be one of the top teams to beat.
3. Los Angeles Clippers – A ‘Matchup Problem’ in the Playoffs
While the Clippers’ performance has been inconsistent at times, Patrick Beverley remains a firm believer in their ability to compete for the 2024 NBA Championship. He sees the Clippers as a potential “matchup problem” in the playoffs, a team that can cause trouble for anyone due to the combination of their stars and their defensive prowess.
The Clippers have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – two of the league’s most accomplished and versatile players. When both are healthy and in top form, the Clippers can compete with any team in the league, thanks to their elite defense and ability to generate offense through Leonard and George.
However, the Clippers’ injury concerns have been well-documented over the years, and their lack of consistency remains a point of concern. With Russell Westbrook providing energy off the bench and other key players like Ivica Zubac contributing in the paint, the Clippers have a well-rounded roster capable of making a deep playoff push. But Beverley’s inclusion of them in his 2024 NBA picks suggests that he believes the Clippers’ playoff potential outweighs their regular-season inconsistencies.
4. Milwaukee Bucks – Always a Threat with Giannis
Next on Beverley’s list is the Milwaukee Bucks, who remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the helm. Despite the Bucks sitting at fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 14-11 record, Giannis’ elite play and the presence of other key contributors, such as Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez, make the Bucks a serious threat in any playoff series.
The Bucks have been one of the top teams in the league over the past several seasons, with a championship in 2021 to show for their efforts. The addition of a new coaching staff and their revamped roster should only improve their chances as the season progresses.
Beverley’s 2024 NBA picks highlight the Bucks’ status as championship contenders, primarily due to the dominance of Giannis, who can take over games on both ends of the floor. If the Bucks can stay healthy and integrate their new pieces effectively, they will certainly be one of the favorites in the East.
5. Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic’s Dominance
Rounding out Beverley’s list of NBA championship contenders for 2024 is the Dallas Mavericks. At the time of the podcast, the Mavericks were sitting at fourth place in the Western Conference with a 17-9 record, and much of their success has been driven by the brilliance of Luka Doncic.
Doncic, a perennial MVP candidate, is one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the NBA today. His ability to dominate both as a scorer and playmaker makes the Mavericks a dangerous team, especially in the playoffs. The Mavs’ success hinges largely on the health and performance of Doncic, as well as the contributions of players like Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Grant Williams.
The Mavericks’ combination of Doncic’s star power and the addition of Irving as a second scoring option makes them a formidable team. Beverley’s inclusion of the Mavericks as a top contender highlights the belief that the Mavericks have the potential to compete for a championship – especially if Doncic continues to perform at an MVP level.
Why Patrick Beverley’s NBA Picks 2024 Matter
Patrick Beverley’s NBA picks for 2024 carry weight due to his experience and knowledge of the league. As a veteran player who has competed with some of the best in the game, Beverley has a keen eye for what makes a championship contender. His selections reflect teams that have the right mix of star power, playoff experience, and depth to make a legitimate title push.
Beverley’s commentary on the Clippers, in particular, shows his understanding of the playoff landscape. The Clippers, while not always dominant during the regular season, have the potential to be a serious threat when their stars are healthy and clicking in the postseason. His bold inclusion of the Clippers suggests that he sees something that others may overlook.
Conclusion: Who Will Win the 2024 NBA Championship?
As the season continues to unfold, Patrick Beverley’s NBA picks for 2024 will certainly spark discussion about which teams are truly the most dangerous. While the Celtics, Nuggets, Bucks, and Mavericks are all solid picks, the inclusion of the Clippers shows that Beverley sees the potential for surprises in the playoffs. With Luka Doncic in Dallas, Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, and Nikola Jokic in Denver, it will be fascinating to see which team ultimately emerges as the 2024 NBA Champion. Regardless of who takes home the title, Beverley’s analysis offers valuable insight into the teams to watch this season.
