Good things may be on the horizon for a handful of teams that came up short this year. Here are four NBA lottery teams likely to make the playoffs in 2020.
Twenty-first century philosophers and pop-punkers, New Found Glory, once famously said “failure’s not flattering.” It certainly wasn’t a good look for the 14 NBA teams that missed the playoffs this year.
While the basketball universe fixates on the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors, most teams have been eyeing next season for weeks. Maybe even months.
Some of them hope to evolve into serious contenders. Others probably know they’re destined for the lottery, again.
Then there are a handful of teams that missed the playoffs, but rightly believe they’ll be playing into May next season. These teams are, predominately, coming off injury-riddled campaigns and pack plenty of upside. Four specific teams should be subtly confident the playoffs are in their near futures.
This list doesn’t consider the possibility of blockbuster trades or free agency acquisitions. That’s just too many unknown variables too juggle. For example, it is very possible the New York Knicks craft some sort of deal to land, say, Kyrie Irving, propelling them from lottery team to playoff contender. Or perhaps the New Orleans Pelicans fail to negotiate a peace treaty with Anthony Davis.
While New Orleans Pelicans executive Vice President David Griffin and All-Star Anthony Davis‘ agent Rich Paul will continue discussions, it’s highly unlikely Davis‘ stance changes on trade, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2019
This list lays out why four particular lottery teams will likely make the NBA playoffs next season with their current roster and draft assets. Here they are.