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Three years ago, when ESPN analyzed why all 30 NBA teams were fully committed to the 2022-23 season, it took a while before they first mentioned the Thunder.
At that time, the Thunder had only one cornerstone player — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had not yet been selected for the All-Star game. Moreover, the Thunder had just selected Chet Holmgren (second overall) and Jalen Williams (12th overall) in the 2022 draft. Although the team's young talent and draft assets brought some hope, it was difficult to predict that this team would rise to the level of success it achieved in the previous season — winning 68 games in the regular season and then advancing to the NBA's second youngest championship team in the playoffs.
However, this clearly shows that not every team can continuously chase for the championship.
Even in an era characterized by balanced strength — the league has produced different champions for seven consecutive seasons, setting a historical record — only a few teams each year truly have the capability to compete for the championship. Therefore, some teams may follow the path of the Thunder three years ago, fully committed to developing young core players, or like the Warriors or the Blackhawks, fully committed to developing along two time lines simultaneously.
After analyzing each team's roster, salary cap projections, and draft prospects, we have our views on how fully each team is committed. As the 2025-26 season approaches, we have divided the teams into eight categories, which will define each team's relative success or failure.
Committed to... winning the championship before the championship window closes
Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves
When you have the best player on the planet, your team will be fully committed to the present. For the Nuggets, this is indeed the case, and the reason is not only that Nikola Jokic is the three-time MVP. First, this super star center may become a free agent in two years. This certainly brings a sense of urgency, although it is widely expected that Jokic will sign a new contract in the summer of next year. In addition, to build the current roster, the Nuggets have almost traded all of their future draft assets, including the 2032 first-round pick, trading for Cameron Johnson in exchange for a small Michael Porter.
It can be said that no team in the league is more present than the Bucks, who are fully committed to the present. They are the team that has been fully committed to the present, and the reason is not only that they have the best player on the planet, but also that they have the best team in the league. However, the Bucks have also been fully committed to the present, and the reason is not only that they have the best player on the planet, but also that they have the best team in the league. However, the Bucks have also been fully committed to the present, and the reason is not only that they have the best player on the planet, but also that they have the best team in the league.