With the start of the NBA season fast approaching, I decided to create a list of five underdog teams that will have breakout seasons.
1: Dallas Mavericks
After finishing 13th in the Western Conference last season, I believe the Mavs have the talent to compete for a playoff spot next year. Their major offseason moves were adding former All-Star center DeAndre Jordan and top prospect Luka Doncic. With a core of veterans including Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, and Jordan to go along with the young stars Dennis Smith Jr. and Doncic, I think Dallas will surprise a lot of people next season.
2: Denver nuggets
Even though the Nuggets finished at an underwhelming 9th in the West last season, I expect Denver to take a big jump this next year. Their biggest offseason changes were drafting Michael Porter Jr and signing former All-Star Isaiah Thomas, but I think their real improvement comes from the guys they already had.
Three of their best players, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris, are all under 23 years old, so I expect them to progress a ton from last season. With all those improvements plus a now healthy All-Star in Paul Millsap, I expect Denver to improve drastically next year.
3: Detroit pistons
The Pistons didn’t make any major player moves coming off a disappointing 9th place finish in the West last season, but I still think they will improve next year. Blake Griffin should take a big step forward next season, as he’s had a full year to create chemistry with the team. Andre Drummond is still fairly young and should be entering his prime soon so he should take a step forward as well.
But Detroit’s biggest addition was a new coach in Dwane Casey. The 2018 NBA Coach of the Year award winner, Casey will look to take a team that has often underperformed and turn them into a real powerhouse. With a new coach and a strong supporting cast, expect the Pistons to make a jump next year.
4: Phoenix suns
The Suns had one of the busiest offseason out of any team. Their biggest moves were drafting Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, signing Trevor Ariza, and trading for Ryan Anderson. Besides their rookies, they have other young talent looking to progress including Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender, and star Devin Booker. Their clear improvement over the offseason has Phoenix looking to squeeze into the playoff picture.
5: boston celtics
I know what you’re thinking. How does a team that finished 2nd in the East last year make this list? But with the return of All-Star Gordon Hayward, a fully healthy Kyrie Irving, the progression of young studs Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Smart, and one of the best coaches in Brad Stevens, I think Boston has the potential to not only finish 1st in the East, but challenge and beat the seemingly invincible Golden State Warriors. Oh man, next season should be fun.