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Prior to the start of the every season in the NBA, predictions are on a annual high on every website, channel and newspaper. However the possibility of some of those predictions going wrong is so high that often times there is also a list of teams that will surprise in the upcoming season.The list consists of teams that have what it takes to go higher in the Conference rankings. In other words these are the teams that are the top under-rated ones among all in the league. So enough talk and let’s get to it. Here are the 4 teams that could surprise this season:
#4 New Orleans Pelicans
Given the off-season that each of the eight Western Playoff teams had, the same eight could make it to the Playoffs again for the first since 1980. There are only 2 teams who could possibly sneak in this season Phoenix Suns, who missed out last season by a single game and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans won 34 games in their 2013-14 campaign, far less than one would expect given the talent at their disposal in the roster. The top 5 players in the team missed a combined 151 games last year, so provided the key players can remain healthy this team is sure to make it to the post-season.
Owing to their failures last season, not many know the true talent and potential of this team. Anthony Davis was selected an All-Star and this season he is ready to make the jump to the superstar level. Their impressive 4-2 record in the pre-season not only shows their potential but also the impressive depth the roster has.
#3 New York Knicks
Last two seasons a team even with a losing record has made it to the Eastern Conference Playoffs and last season the New York Knicks with a record of 37-45 were only one game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the last Playoff spot so even if you don’t consider the coaching and roster changes in the off-season those of you betting on the Knicks making the Playoffs this season would definitely get their money’s worth in April.
Every move that President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson has made in the summer has been a step towards stability for the franchise, something the Knicks have been longing for a long time. Derek Fisher, a disciple of Jackson’s triangle system from the former’s playing days in Los Angeles is now the Head Coach of the team.
Mind you there is a lot of talent on this squad. Given the right direction and coaching they are sure to blossom under the consistently successful triangle offense. Kurt Rambis, a defensive assistant coach with Jackson during the latter’s coaching days was added over the summer to up the defense, something the Knicks were sloppy with last season.
#2 Memphis Grizzlies
Every season for the last three years, the Memphis Grizzlies have not been taken seriously based on their performance in the regular season but come Playoff time, all their players step their game up to another level. A team with one of the best defenses in the league, the offense for the Grizzlies has been the weak link.
They depend heavily on their big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph for offense and the team has made a consistent effort during the regular season and summer to bring in players to help them on offense. Once again they might be slow out of the gates this season with key players of their rotation in Ed Davis and Mike Miller have signed elsewhere.
However the addition of Vince Carter, a more than average long range shooter brings freshness and an effective twist to their offense which is generally focused in the paint. Well know erratic forward Michael Beasley is also another player the team welcomes in the off-season. He might have lost his game but he was still a former second overall pick so it would be interesting to see if he could find a place in the team’s rotation.
#1 Miami Heat
The Big 3 era officially ended in Miami this summer with LeBron James joining his home state franchise of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Suddenly nobody backed the Miami Heat and counted them out but the fact remains that this team is still led by two perrenial All-Stars in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Witty as he is General Manager Pat Riley first secured Bosh, then went ahead and bought bits and pieces in Danny Granger, Luol Deng and Josh McRoberts. Not just that he re-signed most of the players from last year’s roster like Mario Chalmers, Chris Anderson and Udonis Haslem.
More than a couple of signs for a positive year have shown themselves so far in the pre-season. Losing weight over the off-season has already shown a more aggessive and quicker Wade on offense in the pre-season so far. Bosh has stepped up his game on both ends of the floor now that he has the added responsibility in James’ absence.
They might not be a title contending team but in the weaker Eastern Conference there should be no doubt about the fact they will make it to the Playoffs.
Guess the Lakers players!
