Nothing is guaranteed in the NBA. The 2016 NBA Finals showed that. The Golden State Warriors were supposed to be able to cruise to a second NBA championship and, just when they started to do that, LeBron James took it away from them.
It’s important to take advantage of opportunities when they become available. Things can change so fast. A guy can slip on a wet spot, hurt his knee, and fall apart in the biggest game in NBA history because his body won’t let him do the things he’s used to. The game is cruel and unpredictable.