It’s time for the NBA season to begin, and for the first time in a long time, the league truly is going to be a battle. With each team in the league looking different than in previous years, many teams have a real chance at a championship this season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert, making them a top eight team in the league as well as changing what the trade market looked like for the rest of the offseason. The Timberwolves really needed defensive help inside the paint and Gobert was the best option.

The Atlanta Hawks traded for Dejounte Murray, a top guard in the league, giving them a top five backcourt in the league. They now have guards who can really share the ball as well as score, making this a team to be feared in the Eastern Conference.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Donovan Mitchell, making them the best young team in the league. They now have an elite roster, making them a top option to win the finals as long as they are able to build chemistry with one another. If Darius Garland and Evan Mobley can have a repeat season, this team will be a real challenge to face throughout the season.

Last year’s draft included some players who could be the future of the league, including Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey.

Banchero was the first pick in the draft by the Orlando Magic. He is seen as the new cornerstone of their roster. With everyone being young on that team, they could be a threat in the near future if Banchero is able to live up to the hype that has been put on him.

Ivey was a top guard coming out of college. Drafted by the Detroit Pistons fifth overall, he really could be crucial to their future success. His pairing alongside Cade Cunningham, last year’s number one pick, could make them dangerous. With many fans thinking they won the draft by also trading for Jalen Duren on draft night, this team could shock some people.

With many stars returning to the court, like Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray, the league should be as competitive as ever.

Kawhi will really change the look of the Clippers. They seemed to struggle with defense last year, but with his return they could be a top defense in the league. With John Wall also joining their team in the offseason, this team is definitely some people’s favorite to win it all.

Jamal Murray is one of the league’s young superstars. With fans missing out on a whole season of him due to a torn ACL, some may have forgotten the scoring ability he showed in the bubble in 2020. He looked like the best player in the league then, and if he can return to play anywhere close to that, the Nuggets could be a serious contender.

The league has about 12 teams that could contend for the NBA championship. With last year’s champion Golden State Warriors seeming to have some locker room struggles, it is truly anyone’s chance to be the champions this season.