5. Detroit Pistons - Despite having one of the worst records in the NBA in 2021/2022 at 23-58, Pistons fans have a lot to be excited about. They have 3 young studs in Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, and Saddiq Bey that they can build around going forward. Cade had a solid rookie season averaging 17, 6 ' and 6. If he can polish his scoring output going into next season, Detroit's big 3 along with a top lottery pick this year can catapult Detroit back into the play in, and maybe even the playoff picture next year. Detroit does not have an established center which they should for sure target this offseason. Detroit may look to pursue Rudy Gobert if he becomes available for trade. All in all, the Pistons have one of the most intriguing young cores in the , and will be formidable for years to come.
4. Indiana Pacers - The Indiana Pacers traded away an All-star to get a future all-star who fits their timeline better. Tyrese Haliburton's playmaking ability is elite and as he polishes his scoring, he has the potential to be a franchise point guard. With Myles Turner returning from Injury next season, along with players such as Buddy Hield and Malcolm Brogdon, The Pacers are primed to improve drastically next year. The Pacers finished their 2021/2022 Campaign with a 25-56 record dealing with injuries and midseason trades. Finding complementary role players to build around Tyrese and Miles going forward can help facilitate the next generation of Pacers basketball.
3. Sacramento Kings - The Sacramento Kings chose to build around Deaaron Fox instead of Tyrese Haliburton in a questionable move, but Damantas Sabonis is an all-star caliber player. A core of Sabonis, Fox, and solid young role players such as Davion Mitchel, Richaun Holmes, and Chimezie Metu provides hope for years to come. Although the culture of the organization itself is in question with reports surfacing that players are treated poorly by management. A clean wipe of the front office may be necessary in order to build a championship-driven culture, but the talent is there.
2. New York Knicks - The New York Knicks had yet another disappointing season after shocking the world last year and making the playoffs as a 5 seed. RJ Barrett has star potential and in his 3rd season is averaging a career-high 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchel Robinson are not the best trio offensively as they all are not great 3 point shooters. The Knicks should look to add quality versatile 3 and D wing players to complement RJs game and create more spacing. Julius Randle may need to be moved or accept a 6th man role in favor of more shooting and floor spacing. Having three below average 3 point shooters in your starting lineup in 2022 is asking for trouble. All in all, the Knicks have a lot of depth and solid role players, especially at the guard position with Derrick Rose, Emmanuel Quickley, Alec Burks, and Evan Fournier. Bringing back Mitchel Robinson and adding wing shooters through free agency and the draft can help the Knicks take the next step as R.J. Barrett develops going into his 4th year.
Los Angeles Lakers - There's no surprise who takes the title for the best non-play-inn team, and that would be the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers were expected to compete for a championship this season with Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and newly acquired Russell Westbrook, although injuries and inconsistent play especially on the defensive end of the floor led to an abysmal 32-49 record heading into the final game of the regular season. Even though the Lakers did not come close to meeting their expectations, they still have 2 of the 15 best players in basketball when they are healthy, and can reshape the roster around their dynamic duo to better compete next season. Defense, shooting, and shot creators off the dribble should be a top priority in constructing next year's Lakers team. Even though the Lakers underperformed this year, improving the supporting cast can put them right back in the hunt for a title next year.
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