NBA Off-Season Analysis: Potential Playoff Contenders

By Michael Schneid

Here are several teams that missed the playoffs and have a chance to get there in 2013-14 as well as some teams that made the playoffs that have a chance to miss them depending on how this off-season plays out.


Teams that Could Make Playoffs in 2014

Rockets were the 8 seed in the west last year and took the Thunder to 6 games, in large part though because Russell Westbrook suffered an injury. So the Rockets don't exactly belong on this list. But they are becuase they have a chance to jump to the top 3 or 4 in the West if they add Dwight Howard and perhaps Josh Smith. Rumors are they might be shopping PG Jeremy Lin too. Rockets will look much different in 2013, but possibly much better.

Pelicans already made one bold move, trading two first round picks for PG Jrue Holiday. New Orleans now must focus on a wing player in FA - Tyreke Evans and Andre Iguodala are two names linked there. Holiday, Eric Gordon, Anthony Davis is a solid nucleus and adding one more big name could help propel the Pelicans into the postseason.

The Pistons are another team that might be a wing player away from playoff contention. They hired a veteran coach, Maurice Cheeks, instead of an up-and-coming assistant, like Brian Shaq. Detroit is poised to sign either Josh Smith or Andre Iguodala. They have Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe down low and Brandon Knight and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the backcourt. Cheeks' veteran leadership could help guide Detroit into the top 8 of the East in 2014.

Jazz forwards Al Jefferson and Paul Milsap are both free agents as is PG Mo Williams. Utah drafted Trey Burke and have young forwards Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter ready to step up. They are reportedly interested in a shooting guard - Kevin Martin, OJ Mayo are a couple names linked to the Jazz. They missed the playoffs last season by one game and have a chance to get back in 2014.

The Wizards have been on the cusp for years and have continued to fail miserably. With a young nucleus of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Washington has a very bright future. They have needs in the front court and if they can fill those, or if Nene and Emeka Okafor can stay healthy, the future could be now for the Wizards.

Teams That Made Playoffs in 2013 that Could Miss Them in 2014

The Hawks future is largely dependent on what they do with all their cap space. Dwight Howard is still a long shot. Josh Smith is as good as gone. They will have options and a first-year head coach so the Hawks are certainly a team that has and will undergo a large makeover.

Bucks may lose Brandon Jennings, although he is a restricted free agent and have said they will match any offer sheet. Monta Ellis is as good as gone. Milwaukee will have a new backcourt next year and with a new coach Larry Drew, Bucks are far from a lock to make playoffs again.

Lakers are expected to lose Dwight Howard and there isn't much youth or depth on this team. They will have to get creative to replace Howard. Maybe they can sign Andrew Bynum? Kobe and Steve Nash aren't getting any younger, but for LA's sake better get healthier. Players need to buy into Mike D'antoni's system or the Lakers will be in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs.

Celtics have completely gutted their team. Now it will be interested to see how far they go. Do they trade Rajon Rondo too? Or build around him. Danny Ainge has long been interested in Josh Smith. A lineup including Rondo, Jeff Green, Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace (maybe), Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk is far from terrible. But would they rather just be terrible and tank for Andrew Wiggins? The East is bad and Boston could still compete for a playoff spot with Josh Smith.

Nuggets fired the 2013 Coach of the Year, trade starting center Kostas Koufas, will likely lose Andre Iguodala and will be without Danilo Gallinari for the start of next season. With limited cap space, Denver will have to be creative in how they improve and will start internally with their young players.