Will A Cat Get A Championship In 2014? The Way Too Early Odds

The NBA season may have just closed with a fantastic finish last night but it’s never too early to start looking towards next year. Following the Heat’s back-to- back titles former Cats Pat Riley and Josh Harrellson were the only Cats to add to their jewelery collection even though they weren’t on the court. Next season perhaps a former Cat will be able play a major role in landing a championship.

It’s a bit too early to examine the odds considering major players such as Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Monta Ellis could instantly change a franchise. Eric Bledsoe and Cousins have been a part of trade talks early so they could find themselves in a new location. Then guys like Nazr, Bogans, and Jodie Meeks could all find new teams as a result of free agency. Not only that but with Noel and Goodwin getting picked up in next weeks draft there are going to be former Cats spread all over the association. Without a doubt these odds will be moving depending on the acquisitions but here are the odds for next season’s run for the LArry O’Brien trophy:

 

Miami Heat 2/1
DeAndre Liggins Daniel Orton and the Oklahoma City Thunder 11/2
Marquis Teague, Nazr, and the Chicago Bulls 15/2
Eric Bledsoe and the Los Angeles Clippers 18/1
Terrence Jones and the Houston Rockets 20/1
Tayshaun Prince and the Memphis Grizzlies 20/1
Jodie Meeks and the Los Angeles Lakers 22/1
Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics 33/1
Keith Bogans and the Brooklyn Nets 40/1
Enes Kanter and the Utah Jazz 100/1
Nerlens Noel? and the Cleveland Cavaliers 150/1
Anthony Davis, Darius Miller and the New Orleans Pelicans 150/1
PPatt, Chuck Hayes, and Big Cuz. The Sacramento Kings 150/1
John Wall & The Washington Wizards 150/1
Brandon Knight and the Detroit Pistons 300/1
MKG & The Charlotte Bobcats 500/1
Doron Lamb & The Orlando Magic 500/1

 

Which of these odds do you find surprising? For me I think it’s John Wall and the Wizards being so low. At 150/1 you have to assume they aren’t going to make the playoffs. However when Wall and Nene where in the lineup last season they were a pretty solid team with a winning record. Add another top three pick to the roster and next year could be a breakout year for the Wiz. You also have the Heat as the odds-on favorite at 2-1. Hard to argue after 3 straight runs to the finals but they did start to show some flaws during this year’s run. I wouldn’t want to bet against Lebron though. Is next year ther year a former Cats wins a championship?