Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1). Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA has not witnessed this much parity in 50 years

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 5/20/24

There's a reason the 1970s are regarded as the most competitive era in NBA history. The decade saw eight different franchises hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy and six of them — the Knicks, Bucks, Warriors, Blazers, Bullets and Sonics — crossed the final threshold for the first time in their history.

After the last four decades were dominated by various dynasties, the 2020s are starting to give off those 1970s vibes. The defending champion Nuggets' season-ending loss Sunday means the NBA will crown a new champion for a sixth consecutive season.

The last time that happened? The seasons between 1974-75 and 1979-80 when the Warriors, Celtics, Blazers, Bullets, Sonics and Lakers captured the title across six years.

The NBA will crown a different champion for the sixth straight season.

2023-24: TBD...
2022-23: Denver
2021-22: Golden State
2020-21: Milwaukee
2019-20: L.A. Lakers
2018-19: Toronto

The only other time in league history with six different champions in a six-season span was… pic.twitter.com/HSCjXUXgTN
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 20, 2024

Although some believe parity is a healthy sign for the NBA, others have maintained that the league benefits from 29 teams chasing a juggernaut. Case in point: the NBA saw its highest television ratings and overall product interest during the era of Michael Jordan's Bulls and Stephen Curry's Warriors.

JJ Redick is among the former. On a recent episode of "The Old Man and the Three" podcast, the popular analyst argued that the NBA is the most intriguing it's ever been.

"This is the best the league has been in terms of overall talent and depth, and how that depth is spread across the league. And it's reflected in the number of good teams," Redick said.

The Celtics (-130) are overwhelming favorites to hang banner No. 18, per ESPN Bet. Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks (+900) have the second-shortest odds to win their first title since 2011.

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