Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

[Dice]

NOW, this is to estimate those teams that we basically know that isn’t making the playoffs. So for this exercise, I’m gonna exclude some teams like the Knicks, Bucks, Rockets, T-Wolves and Suns because they still have realistic shots at making the playoffs. So for now, we’ll talk about the following teams who we know for sure aren’t in the running:
Bobcats
Hornets
Wizards
Kings
Warriors
Blazers
Nets
Cavs
Raptors
Pistons

So who do you see as contenders in the next couple of years?

[Nathan_OS]

NOW, this is to estimate those teams that we basically know that isn’t making the playoffs. So for this exercise, I’m gonna exclude some teams like the Knicks, Bucks, Rockets, T-Wolves and Suns because they still have realistic shots at making the playoffs. So for now, we’ll talk about the following teams who we know for sure aren’t in the running:
Bobcats
Hornets
Wizards
Kings
Warriors
Blazers
Nets
Cavs
Raptors
Pistons

So who do you see as contenders in the next couple of years?

I definitely will go with the Kings, Nets, and the Cavs

[Drewski]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

Cavs without question. In a Eastern Conference that is historically letting average to below average teams into the 8 seed, Kyrie Irving/Tristan Thompson is a great starting point. Another solid draft pick, clearing out cap which they are on track to do and eventually signing some solid pieces to fit into what they have there, and they will be back in the playoffs very soon.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

Nets by FAR but they will need some serious luck however.

And by that I mean Deron stays, Nets get a top 3 pick this year and the Rockets make the playoffs so they get an extra 1st rounder this year. Otherwise, my choice would be the Cavs, Wizards and Kings.

The rest of the teams it's hard to say because their future is kinda cloudy at this point.

[Kriech23]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

East-Cavs
West-Kings

[SteelersFreak]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

Easily the Cavs, Nets and Kings. I could see the Pistons making some moves with some more solid draft choices.

[phenom1990]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

I don't see how it isn't the Blazers. They have Aldridge and they could have two lottery picks in this year's draft; unless I messed something up on the Gerald Wallace trade.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

Chad Buchanan, acting GM of the Trail Blazers tells Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com that if the Nets don't wind up with the #1, #2 or #3 pick in the Lottery, Portland may trade whatever pick they get.
"A big part of acquiring that pick (from the Nets), we realize that there'll be value not only to us in the draft but also to other teams where you might be able to flip that high pick into a proven player that is ready to help your team now."

Even still, that depends on who they get back for it.

[cavsfan2]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

The cavs. there are on a serious losing streak and they'll probably get a 5 top pick in the draft, plus kyrie looks like the next cp3 and tristan is averaging 13 ppg and 8 rpg as a starter and has shown that he can defend.
In the west I say Portland. Batum, aldridge, and possibly two lottery pick in this draft

[King_B_Mack]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

I'd definitely say Cleveland and Portland. Those are the frontrunners.

[Vaporub83]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

The Warriors in the West no question. A healthy Curry and Bogut will instantly improve that team to the 8th spot in the West.

I like the Bobcats in the East. I'm assuming they will get Anthony Davis. Kemba, DJ, Henderson, & Davis would be a nice young core.

[Checmate101]

Re: Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

You already know who I'm picking..we can beat any team on that list, just a little more expierence and we good..couple more shooters, umm a new coach, a GM..damnit, couple more years we in there..lol