In NBA culture, the team with the most superstars is often perceived to be the favorite to win it all. The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are commonly looped into such discussions. But have we ever considered that the most boring and consistent team would be the one to hoist the NBA Finals trophy? That team, for the 2022-23 season, is the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks organization is not a big-market team compared to the teams in California, New York or Florida. The franchise had had only a few superstars in its history, consisting of players such as Ray Allen and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But even with its small-market reputation, the Bucks have still managed to build a competent roster.

The first reason why the Bucks will win it all is because of their synergy. Their big three, consisting of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, have proven success as a unit. Midway through the previous season, the big three were 32-9 when on the floor together. A bench consisting of Bobby Portis, Grayson Allen and Serge Ibaka provides shooting and interior defense for the big three’s offensive scheme.

The second reason is that championship-caliber competition within the Eastern and Western Conference is dwindling. The main competition in the NBA East are the Cleveland Cavaliers led by Donavan Mitchell and the Philadelphia 76ers led by Joel Embiid.

The Cavaliers have a great deal of young talent and a well-rounded team, whereas the 76ers have two superstars in James Harden and Embiid, both well-rested after their early second round exit. But the Cavaliers and 76ers as a whole lack experience playing together compared to the Bucks. The Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics are either dealing with off-court drama or injuries plagued by the previous season.

The outcome of the Western Conference will be hard to predict. The Phoenix Suns and Warriors are still the favorites, but with offseason drama regarding the Suns owner and Draymond Green, both need to reorient themselves if they hope to return to the finals. The Suns have an aging Chris Paul problem, and the Warriors lost several key players, such as Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II.

The Bucks organization and its players, especially Antetokounmpo, are all committed to winning another championship and have very little drama within the team. With their roster synergy and the dwindling competition, it is clear that the Bucks will win their third NBA championship.