X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

NBA

Top 5 Up-and-Coming NBA Teams of 2014-15

1 of 11

Top 5 Up-and-Coming NBA Teams of 2014-15

Milwaukee Bucks v Cleveland Cavaliers
Getty Images

At the start of every NBA season, there are a few teams that surprise us after everyone has written them off. Last year, the list included teams like the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. This year's list might surprise you, and although I might be wrong about one or two of these squads, there will be some that are sure to shock many folks in the league. Check out my five up-and-comers starting on the next slide.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
Getty Images

5. Milwaukee Bucks

Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
Getty Images

Jabari Parker is going to be Rookie of the Year -- unless Andrew Wiggins displays maturity we have yet to see from him -- and the Milwaukee Bucks have a truly intriguing roster to build around. They will probably not make the playoffs this season, but they should eventually become a postseason fixture in the weaker Eastern Conference.

4. Brooklyn Nets

Joe Johnson reacts
Getty Images

4. Brooklyn Nets

Joe Johnson reacts
Getty Images

Brook Lopez's return should make them much more interesting next season. Losing Paul Pierce is not a great sign, but Deron Williams appears to be healthy and motivated for the first time in years.

3. New Orleans Pelicans

2012 NBA Draft Media Availability and Portraits
Getty Images

3. New Orleans Pelicans

2012 NBA Draft Media Availability and Portraits
Getty Images

New Orleans had some of the worst injury luck possible in their last campaign. It will not be as bad in the coming season, and Anthony Davis should be Defensive Player of the Year after building confidence this summer with Team USA.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

Andrew Wiggins NBA Minnesota Timberwolves
Getty Images

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

Andrew Wiggins NBA Minnesota Timberwolves
Getty Images

Pace is now key for the Minnesota Timberwolves. No team changed styles more than the T-Wolves did this past summer, and it should be fun seeing Flip Saunders return to the bench. Trading for Andrew Wiggins was a banner moment for a franchise that has not seen the playoffs in a long while.

1. Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Bobcats Media Day
Getty Images

1. Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Bobcats Media Day
Getty Images

The Charlotte Hornets got hosed last year due to Al Jefferson's injury in Game 1 of the playoffs; they would not have won that series anyway, but it sure would have been a lot more competitive against Miami. Expect new addition Lance Stephenson to take another step forward in his development, and that will make the Hornets a team to watch in 2015.