Post by The Athletic on Jan 3, 2017 22:56:12 GMT -5
While teams like Grizzlies, Jazz, Warriors, Bucks, Hawks are running things right now there are some teams, that despite their records are in a position to take a leap in the coming years. We've highlighted three teams, we really like to take that next within the next couple years and start to be contenders in their respective conferences. Let's dive in.
New Orleans Pelicans
While they may currently be win-less i really like this Pelicans franchise and think they make the jump sooner rather than later. Their pick this year should be very high, and net them a stud in this up coming draft, they also have Pacers first this year as well. However, this isn't the main reason i like the Pelicans, their management has proven to be very prudent and i have a lot of faith in the ability to scout talent. They also have a centerpiece in Andre Drummond which is very important when moving forward as a franchise. The management has shown to be very dedicated and will continue to do what they can to improve. Guys like Winslow, Portis, and Len have a lot of talent and potential but also have shown good character and seem like guys who will continue to work hard and improve year after year. The best way to improve is good management paired with young talent, this franchise has the both of them and i expect them to continue to climb the ladder year after year.
Boston Celtics
Boston doens't have a ton of young talent but they do have two of the key ingredients, being a smart and active management and draft picks. This draft is really one of my favorites and the Celtics will have a lot of good shots and some really game changing talents. The Celtics decided instead of being a middle of the pack, maybe even low end playoff team, they would rather go all in on a rebuild and i respect that. The picks should give the Celtics a very good chance to reload with some awesome talent. On top of the picks, the Celtics have a ton of cap to pursue some game changers this off-season. To top it all off Yacob has one of the most skilled bigs in the league locked up for years to come. Jokic is unbelievably skilled for his height, age, and everything. The Celtics have an awesome building block, a plethora of picks, and smart and committed management. The Celtics should be back in a big way pretty soon.
Brooklyn Nets
Again the theme seems to be committed management. Josh caught a lot of flak from some GMs around the league but i really like the team he has put together. The Nets probably have the greatest collection of young talent around the league. They have a lot of cap, and guys like Jabari, Aaron Gordon, and Mudiay. A lot of people aren't super high on Mudiay but i really like him and think those three will be a really good core for years to come. Josh seems to really know young talent. That being scared, he has avoid that thing that happens when young owners become obsessed with their young talent and never take it to the next level. With good management this Nets team can be competing out East as soon as net year.
New Orleans Pelicans
While they may currently be win-less i really like this Pelicans franchise and think they make the jump sooner rather than later. Their pick this year should be very high, and net them a stud in this up coming draft, they also have Pacers first this year as well. However, this isn't the main reason i like the Pelicans, their management has proven to be very prudent and i have a lot of faith in the ability to scout talent. They also have a centerpiece in Andre Drummond which is very important when moving forward as a franchise. The management has shown to be very dedicated and will continue to do what they can to improve. Guys like Winslow, Portis, and Len have a lot of talent and potential but also have shown good character and seem like guys who will continue to work hard and improve year after year. The best way to improve is good management paired with young talent, this franchise has the both of them and i expect them to continue to climb the ladder year after year.
Boston Celtics
Boston doens't have a ton of young talent but they do have two of the key ingredients, being a smart and active management and draft picks. This draft is really one of my favorites and the Celtics will have a lot of good shots and some really game changing talents. The Celtics decided instead of being a middle of the pack, maybe even low end playoff team, they would rather go all in on a rebuild and i respect that. The picks should give the Celtics a very good chance to reload with some awesome talent. On top of the picks, the Celtics have a ton of cap to pursue some game changers this off-season. To top it all off Yacob has one of the most skilled bigs in the league locked up for years to come. Jokic is unbelievably skilled for his height, age, and everything. The Celtics have an awesome building block, a plethora of picks, and smart and committed management. The Celtics should be back in a big way pretty soon.
Brooklyn Nets
Again the theme seems to be committed management. Josh caught a lot of flak from some GMs around the league but i really like the team he has put together. The Nets probably have the greatest collection of young talent around the league. They have a lot of cap, and guys like Jabari, Aaron Gordon, and Mudiay. A lot of people aren't super high on Mudiay but i really like him and think those three will be a really good core for years to come. Josh seems to really know young talent. That being scared, he has avoid that thing that happens when young owners become obsessed with their young talent and never take it to the next level. With good management this Nets team can be competing out East as soon as net year.