Ranking of eliminated teams in the NBA
While waiting for the last two spots in the postseason to be defined with Friday’s Hawks-Cavaliers and Pelicans-Clippers matchups, we are encouraged to make our list of the most promising ‘sotaneros’ for the next five years.
The requirements are simple, uncomplicated. By posting the worst records, these teams will once again have a chance in the 2022 Draft to complement their respective squads with the likes of Jabari Smith (Auburn), Paolo Banchero (Duke) and Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga), among others.
In addition, they have a solid core of young players who, with more experience, the story will be different in the seasons to come.
Without further ado, here is our ranking:
- Houston Rockets
What appeared to be a bad draft pick – because of how high (second pick) – has ended up being a hit. Jalen Green is not the best rookie in his class, but he is what Houston needed. A scorer, without complexes, electrifying and a highlight machine. A franchise face.
He recorded eight games with at least 30 points, the most for a Rockets rookie since Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon did it in 1985. In addition, in the last regular-series game, which was against the Atlanta Hawks, he finished with 41 points, the most since Olajuwon in December 1984, according to ESPN Data.
The Rockets had the worst record in the NBA (20-62), so they are assured of a good draft pick in 2022. Should they land a Top 5 pick in the lottery, they could choose from Jaden Ivy (Purdue), Smith (Auburn), Banchero (Duke), Holmgren (Gonzaga) or Keegan Murray (Iowa).
Houston is fifth on our list because, well…it’s the Rockets. And that’s what we mean when we say that for lapses, what is perceived of that organization in administrative matters, is not exactly reliable.
- Orlando Magic
The Magic, one of the most fun to watch during the 2021-22 season, rewarded president Jeff Weltman and GM John Hammond earlier this year by extending their contracts through 2025-26.
For years, the Magic have failed to attract superstars to Orlando. It happened a few decades ago in free agency with Tim Duncan and eventually, also, Tracy McGrady, ended up leaving the team. The Magic are one of those outfits that has to build a winning combo out of picks and role players. Dwight Howard was their last great figure.
Currently, they have a solid group of point guards (Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz); a center with projection in Mohammed Bamba; and a great draft pick in power forward Moritz Wagner, among others, such as the future return of Jonathan Isaac.
If they achieve a ‘Top 5’ again in the lottery, the Magic will be able to continue complementing this group of young players that, although they had a 22-60 record, played very good basketball at times.
- Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder, who continue to rebuild since trading Russell Westbrook in the summer of 2019, have 38 draft picks over the next few years. 19 of them first-rounders and another 19 second-rounders. “He’s an MPV,” Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James asserted a few months ago about Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti.
Future Lakers prospect, or simply, since they have so many draft picks, ‘campaigning’ for his son Bronny? Regardless, the Thunder’s future is bright.
Point guard Josh Giddey is a physical power forward, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a star when healthy and Aleksej Pokusevski a gamble that, if he works out as projected, will be key in any scheme. In addition to that, they’ll have a nice lottery pick. Holmgren (Gonzaga) would be a good fit for the Thunder, not only because of his skills, but because they would be patient with his development.
Another good thing about the Thunder is that, with so many picks, they can afford to trade up to bring in a big contract player who can complement all these young players. They finished the season with a 24-58 record.
- Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton… Nothing more to add.
Indiana traded star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings at the trade deadline for the 22-year-old point guard. What went through Sacramento’s mind? Yes, Sabonis is a phenom, a double-double machine and an ever-improving player, but leaving Haliburton?
The guard finished the season with averages of 15.3 points and 8.2 assists. But beyond his stats, you only have to watch one Haliburton game to appreciate that you’re seeing greatness. In that trade, they also brought in sharpshooter Buddy Hield.
If you add to that the addition of center Myles Turner, Dominican point guard Chris Duarte and guard Malcolm Brogdon, the sky is the limit for this team.
Likewise, Rick Carlisle’s coaching credentials are already proven. A good draft, a few more pieces, and these Pacers will compete for everything in the future.
Detroit Pistons
The return of the ‘Bad Boys’ 3.0?
After starting the campaign with an injury, the first pick of the 2021 draft lottery, Cade Cunningham, proved that the Pistons didn’t make a mistake with their pick. He proved to be one of the top three rookies in his class alongside Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes.
Cunningham, at 20 years old, is already Detroit’s leader. He is surrounded by pieces like Saddiq Bey (scored 51 points in a game in March), Isaiah Stewart (went viral after a run-in with LeBron) and Jerami Grant, who fit right in with the point guard in the starting lineup. A good draw and, similar to the rest of the teams on this roster, would continue to build a team to compete in the near future. They acquired, also, Marvin Bagley, who seems to be getting a second wind after not living up to expectations (he was picked over Luka Doncic in the draft by Sacramento).
The Pistons, prior to the All-Star Game, were a team that was getting pummeled during the first half of any game. After the break, the team changed its face. They competed until the end. Overall, they beat Eastern contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers (twice), Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks during the season.
Kevin Durant already warned: “Cunningham will be a tough opponent in the near future”.
The Pistons’ misery has an expiration date. So are the Rockets, Magic, Thunder and Pacers. They were one of those ‘sotaneros’ fun to watch on any Monday or Tuesday on NBA League Pass. Leaders of our ranking and future contenders.
