If we’re talking about bright futures, we have to talk about the OKC Thunder. The youngest team in basketball made the play-in, and was one game shy of the playoffs. With MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the Thunder can expect a few changes in the next upcoming years.
The Magic are also a great candidate for brightest future. With Paulo Banchero as a rookie, he averaged more than 20 ppg, and with a chance to get Scoot Henderson or Victor Wembanyama, their future has never been better.
The Rockets also have great potential with Jabari Smith Jr, Jalen Green, and a 14% chance to get the before mentioned Victor or Scoot. They were battling with the Spurs for 15th in the Western Conference, which they tied, only winning a measly 22 games. For example, the Bucks won 58 games and lost 24.
The Detroit Pistons already were the worst team in all of basketball, but this season didn’t help. But, with rising stars like Cade Cunningham Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey, they only won 16 games. They could’ve done better, but their team leader, and the player they depend on most Cade Cunningham got injured after just 12 games. They went 3-9 with Cade, which is a win percentage of just 25%. It is still better than their season long percentage of 19%.
These next teams have the dimmest futures.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a problem no one is talking about. They have an average age of 29.47, and their lone star, Giannis Antetokounmpo is 28 years old, Jrue Holiday is 32, Khris Middleton is 31. They have traded almost all of their picks away, with only having 5 in the next 6 years. 3 of them are second rounders.
Miami Heat’s average age is 28.13. They too are experiencing the same problem as the Bucks. Only 4 draft picks in the next 4 years, none in this draft. On the bright side, 3 of the draft picks are first round draft picks. With star Jimmy Butler only doing good in the NBA playoffs, and Bam Adebayo’s being able to go into free agency in 2026, the Heat are in trouble.
The Phoenix Suns have one of the best current cores for a basketball team. 26 year old Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant, that trio is good for another year or so. Kevin Durant is now 34, CP3 is a whopping 38 years old,
