Opinion
There is an element of pure joy in seeing an underrated or under-appreciated team exceeding expectations in the sporting world.
The NBA is no exception, as year in year out teams display an element of skill and drive to carry them to greater success than anyone thought possible.
Most recently it was last year’s Sacramento Kings, who broke a 17-year playoff drought after just a 30-win season in 2021-22.
So, with the anticipation of the 2024 season at an all-time high, here are five teams I think could see a vast improvement next year and surprise us all.
It was an impressive campaign for Mark Daigneault’s Thunder last season, which is why I have them at just fifth on this list.
A 16-win improvement and a Play-In appearance is remarkable, but I along with others expect an even bigger step-up next season from OKC.
In 2023 they were a top five scoring side in the league, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an All-NBA first teamer and Josh Giddey continued to smash records while improving his scoring in his sophomore season.
And now a previously injured Chet Holmgren comes into the starting lineup? 2024 could shape up to be an OKC season to be remembered.
The Hornets are my dark horse to take strides in their basketball this coming season.
Some troubles on and off the court resulted in a disappointing 2023 for Charlotte, with only 27 wins from 82 games as star guard Lamelo Ball battled ankle issues.
However there was a silver lining, as the Hornets scooped up Brandon Miller in this year’s NBA draft with the 2nd pick.
The versatile 6 foot 9 forward has displayed glimpses of his elite scoring ability both on the interior and beyond the arc, bringing another level of offence to Charlotte.
His defensive IQ will boost the Hornets on the other end of the court, and I think with a healthy Lamelo Ball, this duo could cause some damage on the hardwood.
A hot start saw the Utah Jazz sit at 10-3 early into last season, before things began to take a turn for the worst, winning only 27 of their remaining 69 games.
However, this ultimately underwhelming season for Utah was not all bad, as a breakout season for Lauri Markkanen earned him the Most Improved Player Award.
The Jazz front office has had an eventful offseason also, acquiring forward John Collins from Atlanta to boast their frontcourt.
Being led by Markkanen who I believe will only get better, while Jordan Clarkson, John Collins and Walker Kessler will make up the starting 5? Expect a strong push from the Jazz.
If your team lost a player or two during the trade period, chances are they landed on the Rockets.
The Houston roster is looking stacked going into this season, now including Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jock Landale and Jeff Green.
Let’s not forget the success Houston had on draft night, picking up guard Amen Thompson with the fourth pick as well as diamond in the rough Cam Whitmore, the 20th overall pick who went on to win the 2023 Summer League MVP Award.
With the future of the Rockets being led by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr, this deep squad could cause serious damage this year.
Now this is a team I am excited about.
The Magic are in the fortunate position where they can take huge strides going forward. A team of youthful talent has the opportunity to build on their 34-win season last year.
This roster is headlined by Paolo Banchero, last year’s Rookie of the Year on the back of one of the best first year seasons the NBA has seen in a long time.
Paolo Banchero during his time in college. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
With the Magic poised to simply improve going forward, I expect big things for the Magic this year and onwards.
While these teams are not necessarily Championship contenders just yet, I think they are positioned to see some serious improvement in 2023-24 and ones to keep your eyes on next year.
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