For these NBA teams, the 2018-2019 season has been a disappointment. Phoenix, New York, Cleveland, Atlanta and Chicago make up the teams with the worst records in the NBA.
While these five teams may have the worst seasons, there is always potential to improve going forward. All will have a shot at landing the number one pick in the draft.
Of the worst teams in the NBA, who has the brightest future going forward?
#5- Cleveland Cavaliers
Since LeBron James’ departure, Cleveland has plummeted to second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavs don’t have much to work with into the future outside of rookie Colin Sexton, who was taken with the eighth pick in last year’s draft.
Sexton is having a solid rookie season, averaging 16.2 points per game. Jordan Clarkson is productive as well, averaging 17 points per game.
Cleveland is hurt going forward by the big contracts of players that are hard to move. Kevin Love, who signed a new contract with the team last summer, is guaranteed nearly $145 million thru the 2023 season.
Tristan Thompson earns a guaranteed $36 million over the next two years, while Brandon Knight will make $30 million in the same timeframe.
Until the deals of Thompson, Knight and JR Smith expire next summer, the Cavs have their hands tied. Cleveland should look to trade Love this summer if there are any possible suitors, but would anyone want that big of a contract for a player past his prime?
#4- Atlanta Hawks
While the Hawks have the best record of the five worst NBA teams, it doesn’t mean they have the brightest future. Outside of rookie Trae Young, Atlanta doesn’t have a lot of young talent.
Young may be the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year award, especially since the All-Star Break. Starting every game for the Hawks this year, Young is averaging 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
John Collins, a second-year big man, has also had a great season with Atlanta, averaging 19.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
Going forward, Young and Collins will be the future for the Hawks. Besides them, there aren’t too many players on the roster that have a high ceiling.
Dumping the contracts of Kent Bazemore and Miles Plumlee should be priorities for the Hawks, in hopes of freeing up cap room for possible free agents.
Since Atlanta probably won’t be in the playoffs anytime soon, the franchise needs to draft well with the picks they get, especially this season. Developing young players will be the Hawks’ best chance for success.
#3- Chicago Bulls
Chicago is in a similar position as Atlanta, but with slightly more talent.
Zach LaVine leads the Bulls in scoring with a career-high 23.7 points per game, along with 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Lauri Markkanen, a second-year player, is also having a strong year with 18.9 points and nine rebounds per game.
The Bulls have a few young, promising players as well including Kris Dunn and Otto Porter, who unfortunately for Chicago is guaranteed $53 million until 2021.
Besides Porter, Chicago is flexible with cap room and doesn’t have many big contracts outside of LaVine.
While bad currently, Chicago can be good in the future as their talent still develops. A high draft pick and plenty of cap space gives the Bulls an opportunity to improve their roster and become a perennial playoff team again.
#2- New York Knicks
The Knicks are the worst team in the Eastern Conference this season. However, this could change if the franchise has a successful offseason. Based on cap space and market, the Knicks can have a very bright future as soon as next season if they are able to play their cards right.
On their current roster, the Knicks don’t have much to work with talent-wise. Dennis Smith Jr. and Kevin Knox will be the team going forward, and can play well at the guard position.
This summer, the Knicks are looking to sign big names. With lots of cap space and the allure of playing in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks could attract multiple star players.
New York-native Kemba Walker could decide to move on from Charlotte, and Kevin Durant is one name that keeps appearing in rumors. Tobias Harris, DeMarcus Cousins and others are possibilities for the Knicks.
Combine a couple stars with some solid rotation players and a potential number one pick, and the Knicks could be back in the playoffs next season. However, the team’s success comes down to how players feel about joining a chaotic franchise.
#1- Phoenix Suns
While they are terrible now, the Suns can be very good in the near future.
Devin Booker is emerging as one of the best young players in the NBA. This season, he is averaging a career-high 26.2 points, as well as 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Booker went off for 59 points against Utah on Monday, but only for the Suns to lose by 33.
DeAndre Ayton, the first pick in last year’s draft, has had a strong rookie season, averaging 16.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. Going forward, Ayton can develop into a star big man in the league.
Kelly Oubre has also emerged as a strong player for the Suns this year, and the team should try and retain him in his unrestricted free agency this summer.
Give Ayton a little more time, and the Suns can have a very good one-two punch with him and Booker. Players like Oubre, as well as Josh Jackson and rookie Mikal Bridges, will likely develop their games more as time goes on.
If the Suns get the number one pick again this year, they would likely add Zion Williamson, who is predicted by many to be a game-changer for any team. Free agents may be hard to lure, but it is possible that the Suns can acquire some pieces to mix with their young talent.
Phoenix is playing a waiting game, but if the roster develops up to their potential, the Suns can be an example of small-market success and smart drafting.
Photo credited to AP.
States credited to basketball-reference.com.
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