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#3 - Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards lost Russell Westbrook this offseason, but gained three quality rotational pieces in return. Combining that trio with the additions of Spencer Dinwiddie and Aaron Holiday, along with players returning to health, the Wizards suddenly have the makings of a deep roster.
The point guard position consists of Dinwiddie, Holiday, and Raul Neto. Shooting guards include superstar Bradley Beal and Kentavious-Caldwell Pope. Deni Avdija, Rui Hachimura, Corey Kispert, Davis Bertans and Kyle Kuzma make up the wings and forwards. Thomas Bryant and Montrezl Harell are their dynamic offensive center duo. At least 10 players on the roster can be relied on to play consistent NBA minutes on a nightly basis.
Last season, the Wizards dealt with a handful of unfortunate injuries and some of their young pieces needed time to get acclimated to the NBA. Rui Hachimura is due for a jump in production to be one of the top options on this team, and Deni Avdija can work his way into being the ultimate "do it all" wing.
Of course, the team is still going as far as Bradley Beal takes them. Beal led the NBA in points per game last season and showed the ability to put up 40 at any moment. The Wizards' new depth could lead to a notable increase in wins this season.
#2 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Yes, the Minnesota Timberwolves were recently in the headlines for the wrong reasons with the firing of Gersson Rosas. Yet there are still ways to find optimism for the Wolves.
After hiring Chris Finch at the end of last season, the team went 7-5 in the 12 games with a new voice leading the way. Additionally, the trio of Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards have hardly been able to share the floor.
It's always going to be hard to win games when your best players are not able to share the floor. Malik Beasley also had some off-court issues that led to him only participating in 36 games. If all four of the aforementioned players are able to consistently be on the floor, the team has a path to improvement.
Internal growth from Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Edwards, or Okogie could be on the way. Patrick Beverley was added to the roster for some veteran experience, grittiness, and infectious energy at the guard spot. Bevereley has been vocal about never missing the playoffs in his career and he doesn't plan to make 2021-22 the first time.
If the Timberwolves can remain healthy and work past the off-court drama in a timely manner, they are candidates to overperform this season.
#1 - Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry proved he can still produce at an MVP level in the NBA last season, and Draymond Green showed his defensive impact remains game-changing. That wasn't enough for Steve Kerr and the Warriors to appear in the 2020-21 NBA postseason, however, and the chief difference this season is the return of Klay Thompson.
Thompson suiting up and contributing even 80 percent of his previous rate would be a ginormous relief to the previously thin Warriors roster. Andrew Wiggins' vaccination situation may end up being complicated, but if that is worked out then the former Timberwolf has proven the ability to play well in his new home.
The veteran additions of Andre Igoudala, Otto Porter Jr., and Nemanja Bjelica should help bolster their regular-season depth. Jordan Poole and Juan Toscano-Anderson emerged as legitimate NBA rotation players last season who could have another leap in them.
The wild card is the raw but supremely talented young trio in Golden State. James Wiseman still has a lot to figure out before he is a net positive. Jonathan Kuminga will likely need time to adjust to NBA physicality and find his way to contribute alongside the stars. Moses Moody is the only rookie I could see leaving a mark on the Warriors during his rookie campaign as someone with a very complementary skillset on the wing.
If all goes right for the Golden State Warriors, they have a shooter's chance of making it to the NBA Finals in 2021-22.
