I'm not a big "window slammed shut" guy but I do believe in timelines.
Chicago was an elite team from 2008-2015. 7 seasons, 3 Cups and then all downhill. Natural course of regression.
Los Angeles was elite from 2010-2015. 5 seasons, 2 Cups.
Pittsburgh was elite from 2007-2013. 1 Cup, then they completely retooled the roster due to good drafting and trades. They also happen to have generational Sid.
More often than not, a team's "elite" contending period is about 7 seasons. If we consider the Avs began truly being "elite" in the 19-20 season, well this is now season 5. The Avs have to make the next couple of seasons count, because it is damn near impossible in a cap era to continue your dominance past 7 seasons without great drafting/trades.
We know the Avs can trade but they can't draft for shit.