Non-Playoff team that's closer to the championship than other non-playoff teams

[Dice]

NOW, this is to estimate those teams that we basically know that isn’t making the playoffs. So for this exercise, I’m gonna exclude some teams like the Knicks, Bucks, Rockets, T-Wolves and Suns because they still have realistic shots at making the playoffs. So for now, we’ll talk about the following teams who we know for sure aren’t in the running:
Bobcats
Hornets
Wizards
Kings
Warriors
Blazers
Nets
Cavs
Raptors
Pistons

So who do you see as contenders in the next couple of years?

[Nathan_OS]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dice

NOW, this is to estimate those teams that we basically know that isn’t making the playoffs. So for this exercise, I’m gonna exclude some teams like the Knicks, Bucks, Rockets, T-Wolves and Suns because they still have realistic shots at making the playoffs. So for now, we’ll talk about the following teams who we know for sure aren’t in the running: Bobcats Hornets Wizards Kings Warriors Blazers Nets Cavs Raptors Pistons So who do you see as contenders in the next couple of years?

I definitely will go with the Kings, Nets, and the Cavs

[Drewski]

Cavs without question. In a Eastern Conference that is historically letting average to below average teams into the 8 seed, Kyrie Irving/Tristan Thompson is a great starting point. Another solid draft pick, clearing out cap which they are on track to do and eventually signing some solid pieces to fit into what they have there, and they will be back in the playoffs very soon.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Nets by FAR but they will need some serious luck however.

And by that I mean Deron stays, Nets get a top 3 pick this year and the Rockets make the playoffs so they get an extra 1st rounder this year. Otherwise, my choice would be the Cavs, Wizards and Kings.

The rest of the teams it's hard to say because their future is kinda cloudy at this point.

[Kriech23]

East-Cavs
West-Kings

[SteelersFreak]

Easily the Cavs, Nets and Kings. I could see the Pistons making some moves with some more solid draft choices.

[phenom1990]

I don't see how it isn't the Blazers. They have Aldridge and they could have two lottery picks in this year's draft; unless I messed something up on the Gerald Wallace trade.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Quote:

Chad Buchanan, acting GM of the Trail Blazers tells Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com that if the Nets don't wind up with the #1, #2 or #3 pick in the Lottery, Portland may trade whatever pick they get. "A big part of acquiring that pick (from the Nets), we realize that there'll be value not only to us in the draft but also to other teams where you might be able to flip that high pick into a proven player that is ready to help your team now."

Even still, that depends on who they get back for it.