Rising Parity in the NBA: Echoes of the 1970s

The 1970s are considered the most competitive era in NBA history, with eight different teams winning championships and six of them securing their first-ever titles. Similarly, the 2020s are reflecting this competitive spirit, as evidenced by the Denver Nuggets’ recent exit, guaranteeing a new champion for the sixth consecutive season— a pattern last seen from 1974-75 to 1979-80.While some argue that league parity is beneficial, others believe dominant dynasties boost the NBA’s popularity, citing the high viewership during the reigns of Michael Jordan’s Bulls and Stephen Curry’s Warriors. JJ Redick, however, contends that the current NBA is more captivating than ever, with talent and depth evenly distributed across teams, leading to many competitive franchises.Currently, the Boston Celtics are favored to win their 18th championship, while the Dallas Mavericks have strong odds to secure their first title since 2011.