by jubba910 on Thu Apr 28, 2022 7:29 am
Season Review – Lottery Teams
30. Orlando Magic (25-57)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Brook Lopez (81), Julius Randle (78) (T), Dario Saric (75) (2YRT), Dewayne Dedmon (74), Beno Udrih (73), Nate Robinson (72), Andrea Bargnani (73), Jerian Grant (72) (2YRT), Tyler Ennis (70) (T)
A perennial contender bows out of the hunt in Orlando. The streak of playoff appearances has come to an end for the Magic, and likely forcing their second rebuild since 2011 after impressively shooting up the rankings with Brook Lopez. Their big man appears to be on the outs as the franchise heads in a different direction, steered by Julius Randle and Dario Saric.
29. Chicago Bulls (27-55)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Derrick Rose (77), T.J. Warren (76) (T), Justin Anderson (72) (2YRT), Terry Rozier (71) (2YRT), Malcolm Brogdon (71) (T), Cristiano Felicio (71), Rashad Vaughn (70) (2YRT)
Another tough season for the Windy City, as captain Derrick Rose goes down with two more serious injuries. A lot of faith is being put in their new crop, but without their own first round Pick this season and only a Boston mid-to-late first, Chicago could still be a while away from contending once again. One thing going for the Bulls is the likely free agency of Kevin Durant, luring the three-time MVP to the landmark franchise.
28. Los Angeles Lakers (29-53)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Patrick Patterson (77), Emmanuel Mudiay (77) (2YRT), Timofey Mozgov (75), Josh Smith (74), Andre Roberson (74), Donatas Motiejunas (74), Quincy Pondexter (74), Marcelo Huertas (73) (T), Kevon Looney (72), Sam Dekker (71) (2YRT), Tarik Black (71) (T)
It's a fire sale in Los Angeles, with the Lakers clearing house on a majority of bad contracts. Also missing their first rounder similar to the Bulls, the iconic purple and gold is in a holding pattern, banking on the likes of Nikola Vucevic, Emmanuel Mudiay and Sam Dekker to salvage at least some success next season.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (29-53)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Derrick Favors (84) (P), Devin Booker (79) (2YRT), Robin Lopez (76), Marcus Morris (76), Kendrick Perkins (72)
Another developing year for the Sixers, as they look to stockpile another top draft prospect. With a combination of experience plus youth including the recently awarded Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, Philadelphia looks to be once again on an upward trajectory, and back in the postseason hunt next season. Derrick Favors will be key to retain, though with their cap space and prospects, there's always a chance for a deal to be put on the table for another low-post star.
26. Detroit Pistons (29-53)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Aaron Gordon (77) (T), Mario Hezonja (74) (2YRT), Jordan Mickey (72) (2YRT)
Bad luck continues for the Pistons, who remain the only team in the Eastern Conference to miss the postseason since 2010. Trading away Chris Bosh at the deadline all but signals that the playoffs will not be on the horizon for the Pistons any time soon, as they continue to build around their young core. Pressure will be on Brandon Knight to improve his production after a substantial dip in performance over last season, while Al Jefferson's one year extension at the deadline appears to be table-setting for prospect Domantas Sabonis to take over as Detroit's big man of the future.
25. Los Angeles Clippers (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: C.J. McCollum (83), Dennis Schroder (78), Carl Landry (74), Devin Harris (73), Alexis Ajinca (73), Wesley Johnson (73)
Another team to blow up their roster at the deadline, the Clippers now look to reset, with the first step being the re-signing of C.J. McCollum, followed by Dennis Schroder. With star PF Blake Griffin locked up for the long haul, there is potential to emulate the success of the Magic in a flash rebuild in the seasons to come, with a strong first rounder injecting life back into the former contenders.
24. Dallas Mavericks (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Dirk Nowitzki (84), Stanley Johnson (76) (2YRT), Darrell Arthur (75), Boban Marjanovic (75), Spencer Hawes (73), Deyonta Davis (71) (T), Adreian Payne (70)
The Mavericks continue their state of flux, relying on aging stars that appear to have their tanks on empty. A lucky lottery selection is essential for Dallas to have any chance of contending in the near future, haunted by their oversized contracts to both Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay.
23. Washington Wizards (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kyle Lowry (86) (P), Andrew Wiggins (83) (T), Nerlens Noel (79), Enes Kanter (77) (P), Frank Kaminsky (75) (2YRT), Kevin Seraphin (72)
A disappointing season for the Wizards, who on-paper looked likely to take the next step from playoff participant to contender. An early loss of Enes Kanter took its toll however, sitting Washington at the lower end of the East for another season. Kyle Lowry's Player Option will be key to watch, as the tandem of Lowry and Reggie Jackson doesn't appear to be clicking on all cylinders. Another player to spotlight has to be Andrew Wiggins, who plateaued this season when expected to take over as the franchises #1 option.
22. Phoenix Suns (32-50)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jabari Parker (81) (T), Zach LaVine (78) (T), Jerryd Bayless (75), Josh Richardson (74), Alan Williams (70), Dorrell Wright (70)
Matching the Pistons in the East, the Suns are the only West team to not taste the postseason since 2010. Considered a rebuilding year, Phoenix came out sluggish but recovered well down the stretch. It was another strong year for superstar PG John Wall, and with further development from Jabari Parker and key trade piece Zach LaVine, there's still hope that this lineup could cause issues in the near future.
21. Indiana Pacers (32-50)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Chris Bosh (86), Kyle O'Quinn (78), Allen Crabbe (75), Ty Lawson (74), Trey Lyles (73) (2YRT)
A crash and burn for the Pacers, taking the plunge on Chris Bosh to will themselves to the postseason. The Pacers are stuck in the middle at the moment, with the major regression of both Ty Lawson and Roy Hibbert causing serious problems with Indiana's development. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Pacers in a worse position this time next year.
20. Sacramento Kings (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Zach Randolph (79), Michael Beasley (75), Cameron Payne (74) (2YRT), Paul Pierce (73)
Another aging lineup that has run its course, Paul Pierce, Michael Beasley and Zach Randolph all look likely to fly the coop as the Kings reset once again, failing to measure up to their great performances earlier in the decade. A weak prospect pool lines Sacramento up with the Pacers as another team likely to take a tumble next year.
19. Atlanta Hawks (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Joe Johnson (77), Elfrid Payton (76) (T), Gary Harris (76) (T), J.J. Hickson (74), Chase Budinger (70)
A positive year to build on in Atlanta, as Nicolas Batum continues to outplay his contract with a second straight All-Star selection. Young prospects Jamal Murray and Miles Turner will be the future of the Hawks franchise, which is looking a lot brighter than most anticipated, especially with the loss of J.J. Hickson during the season. After 11 years in Atlanta, Joe Johnson looks likely to have another go-round, continuing his mentorship of Jamal Murray.
18. Portland Trail Blazers (36-46)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Thaddeus Young (80) (P), Jusuf Nurkic (77) (T), C.J. Miles (75), Jason Smith (73), Randy Foye (72), Briante Weber (71) (T), Jeff Ayres (70)
No team suffered more this season from injuries than the Trail Blazers, who sit as one of the biggest "what could have been" stories the league has seen in quite a while. With a majority of the crew likely to return, next year is where we can truly measure the power of this Blazers lineup, who looks to be the best ever assembled.
17. Memphis Grizzlies (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Ersan Ilyasova (74), Mitch McGary (72) (T)
Despite trading out longtime PG Mike Conley and likely turning a new leaf, the Grizzlies were only a few wins away from a playoff berth. With Chicago's first rounder in a similar position to the Mavericks pick from last season, Memphis needs to earn back their reputation of strong picks after a lackluster first season from Dragan Bender. With Kawhi Leonard in his prime and Patrick Mills more than stepping up to the plate, could the Grizzlies ship the pick for a superstar and get themselves back in the playoff hunt?
"I just tried to play the right way." - Kwame Brown
Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
Ottawa Senators (NHL)
Baylor Bears (NCAAB)
TCU Horned Frogs (NCAAF)