The NBA is in the midst of an era of true parity. In the last eight years, eight different teams have won championships. The introduction of the second apron and the general increase in overall talent level has evened the playing field of NBA contention. Dynasties are a thing of the past; instead most fans can enter every season believing their team can make a run at a title if things break right.
The title landscape has never been broader, in fewer words. There are still dominant squads who can boast the strongest chance of raising the Larry O’Brien trophy, with talent on paper superior to nearly every opponent, all else equal. But as the Pacers, Mavericks and Heat taught us in recent seasons, the right combination of top talent and fortunate circumstance can result in a shocking Finals run—and when it all comes down to a single seven-game series, anything can happen. The NBA’s parity era means one lucky bounce can change history.
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