Current:Home > InvestFour NBA teams that could jump back into playoffs this season-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Four NBA teams that could jump back into playoffs this season
View Date:2025-01-11 09:45:02
Last season, five NBA teams made the playoffs that did not in 2022.
In 2022, five teams made the playoffs that did not in 2021.
It’s not the same 16 teams in the playoffs year after year. Cleveland’s acquisition of Donovan Mitchell before the 2022-23 season propelled it into the playoffs last season, and New York benefitted from the addition of Jalen Brunson to get back into the playoffs. Sacramento’s emergence behind the play of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox and the coaching of Mike Brown put the Kings in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
For multiple reasons, teams rise and fall.
Who is ready to make the jump into the playoffs this season? Here are four teams on the rise:
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City made the play-in game last season with a 40-42 record, a significant improvement over its 24-58 mark in 2021-22. A season ago, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned into an All-NBA guard (31.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals per game), Josh Giddey emerged as a strong scoring, passing and rebounding guard (16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists per game), Lu Dort can defend and Jalen Williams (14.1 points per game, 52.1 FG%) was an All-Rookie selection. And, Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, will be on the court after missing last season with an injury. Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti has amassed talent, the Thunder are on the rise and just how rapidly they ascend is a major storyline in the West.
Orlando Magic
The Magic were 34-48 last season and were a postseason contender up until late. Forward Paolo Banchero earned Rookie of the Year; Franz Wagner improved from his rookie to second season and could be a 20-points-per-game scorer in his third season; and the Magic drafted well in June, taking Arkansas’ Anthony Black at No. 6 and Michigan’s Jett Howard at No. 11. Cole Anthony, Mo Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Joe Ingles and Gary Harris round out a squad with depth and veterans. Health will play a significant role in Orlando’s success.
More:Counting down the NBA's top 30 players for 2023-24 season: Nos. 30-16
Indiana Pacers
A patient rebuild turned into an accelerated rebuild. Guard Tyrese Haliburton was named an All-Star and Benedict Mathurin, a potential All-Star, was named an All-Rookie selection, giving the Pacers a strong backcourt. In free agency, Indiana signed Bruce Brown, who is coming off a significant role in Denver’s title run, and acquired Obi Toppin from New York. The Pacers selected Houston’s Jarace Walker with the No. 8 pick and Belmont’s Ben Sheppard with the No. 26 pick in June. They still have Myles Turner and could trade Buddy Hield for players and/or draft pick. The Pacers were 35-47 and five games behind Chicago for the final play-in game spot. They should be on the verge of the postseason come April.
Utah Jazz
After trading Donovan Mitchell before the 2022-23 season, the Jazz were another team expected to tank. Instead, Utah started 10-3. Yes, the Jazz missed the playoffs, but they were just three games from the final play-in spot in the West. They revealed their talent with the play of 2022-23 Most Improved Player Lauri Markkenen, former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, 2022-23 All-Rookie selection Walker Kessler, Kelly Olynyk and Talen Horton-Tucker. Utah used its three first-round picks on UCF’s Taylor Hendricks at No. 9, Baylor’s Keyonte George at No. 16 and Ohio State’s Brice Sensabaugh at No. 28. The Jazz also traded for John Collins, putting together a promising mix of talent, depth, youth and veterans.
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on X @JeffZillgitt
veryGood! (433)
Related
- Judge sets April trial date for Sarah Palin’s libel claim against The New York Times
- Trump assassination attempt hovers over Republican National Convention | The Excerpt
- How to quit vaping: What experts want you to know
- Lionel Messi brought to tears after an ankle injury during Copa America final
- Seattle man faces 5 assault charges in random sidewalk stabbings
- Father, daughter found dead at Canyonlands National Park after running out of water in 100-degree heat
- How husband and wife-duo JOHNNYSWIM balance family, music
- Real Housewives Star Porsha Williams’ Revenge Body Fashion Includes a $35 Bikini She Recommends for Moms
- IAT Community Introduce
- 2024 Olympics: BTS' Jin Had a Dynamite Appearance in Torch Relay
Ranking
- Auburn surges, while Kansas remains No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
- New York’s Green Amendment Guarantees the Right to a ‘Healthful Environment.’ Activists Want the State to Enforce It
- See Taylor Swift's brand-new 'Speak Now' gown revealed at Milan Eras Tour
- Macy’s ends takeover talks with Arkhouse and Brigade citing lack of certainty over financing
- Five best fits for Alex Bregman: Will Astros homegrown star leave as free agent?
- RHONJ's Jennifer Aydin Addresses Ozempic Accusations With Hilarious Weight Loss Confession
- 'The Daily Show' revamps RNC coverage after Donald Trump rally shooting
- I’m a Shopping Editor, Here’s What I’m Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024
Recommendation
-
Disney x Lululemon Limited-Edition Collection: Shop Before It Sells Out
-
French sports minister takes a dip in the Seine weeks before the 2024 Paris Olympics begin
-
Battered by Hurricane Idalia last year, Florida village ponders future as hurricane season begins
-
Second day of jury deliberations to start in Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial
-
Waymo’s robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles
-
Sparks Fly in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Double Date Photo With Brittany and Patrick Mahomes
-
Man arrested in the U.K. after human remains found in dumped suitcases
-
MLB draft 2024: Five takeaways from first round historically light on high school picks