Suprise Teams of 2011-2012 Season(If there is one)

[boombaby1987]

Any thoughts on this? Seems like theres a lot of up and coming teams in the league. Which teams do you think are ready to take the next step?

[jameshues]

The Wolves might shock someone in 2 or 3 years. The entire team is TANKED with young people, just like the Thunder were. Not next season, but maybe in a few more years.

[WillC]

The Clippers should be a lot better this year. Obviously they've got Blake Griffin (who I expect to be even more of a monster this season) and hopefully and a healthy Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon, as well as nice youngsters such as Bledsoe, Jordan, etc.

In the East, I think the 76ers should improve. They looked good in the first round of the playoffs and have some nice young talent (Holiday, Turner), steady veterans (Iguodala, Brand) and good role players (Nocioni, Williams, etc).

[thekiddfan]

ill be going with the Jazz :)

If Favors blow up and Hayward ups his game...they would be really good!

Of course there is still Jefferson, Harris and potentially a surprise of the draft Alec Burks!

[coolz]

Cavs maybe??

[sunsfan8]

kings with tyreke cousins and jimmer i say make the playoffs this year

[gamboooler]

Surprise = Bobcats make the Playoffs.

Not really a surprise = Memphis is a top 4 team in the West.

[440shane]

kings with tyreke cousins and jimmer i say make the playoffs this year

this would be the greatest thing ever! not because I like the Kings but that would mean my Cavs would get Sacto's 1st rd pick after just one year and have 2 #1's in a loaded draft. c'mon Kings.............:D

[lb_sa]

I think the Clippers could very well make the playoffs.

[GA0]

Look at the Wizards and all the young talent on the team. We could sneak in this year (if there is a season), and potentially be a legit playoff team in a couple years.

[sunsfan8]

this would be the greatest thing ever! not because I like the Kings but that would mean my Cavs would get Sacto's 1st rd pick after just one year and have 2 #1's in a loaded draft. c'mon Kings.............:D
you're a cavs fan i'm so sorry

[WillC]

Look at the Wizards and all the young talent on the team. We could sneak in this year (if there is a season), and potentially be a legit playoff team in a couple years.

Good shout. I think the Wizards could be really good. They have a few headcases (McGee, Blatche), but the talent is certainly there. I also think that Vesely might surprise a few people.

[patschwen40]

can anyone give a shout out to the GRIZZLIES...i know they made a run this year and are better than any team anybody has said thus far but seriously, they could be dangerous...getting rudy gay back and having oj mayo actually buying into the team concept finally. so long as they get marc gasol signed they have zach randolph who is dang close to unstoppable. i think they are western conference finals bound call me crazy or not

[crazymj]

Maybe the Lakers? Everyone think they're going to suck, maybe they'll turn around and win another championship.

[crazymj]

Good shout. I think the Wizards could be really good. They have a few headcases (McGee, Blatche), but the talent is certainly there. I also think that Vesely might surprise a few people.

yea come on lets go Yi jianlian

[Black2k3svt]

I agree with the kings lots of young talent. The grizzles can't count. They were the team last year. I'd say it has to be a tram that didnt make the playoffs.

[sunsfan8]

Good shout. I think the Wizards could be really good. They have a few headcases (McGee, Blatche), but the talent is certainly there. I also think that Vesely might surprise a few people.

once wall develops they will make the playoffs 3-6 years in a row

[kuno]

Gonna throw the Pacers into the mix there. They have young players, made a trade for a young vet that could blow up, already made the playoffs and have a bit of experience under their belt. Why not send Granger to the Rockets for Scola? The Pacers can then start George at the 3 and give Hill good minutes at both guard positions. The Rockets can finally get out of their log jam at the 4 and start Granger with Budinger coming off the bench.

[jp98]

Golden State Warriors will be great.

[hasayrs]

ill be going with the Jazz :)

If Favors blow up and Hayward ups his game...they would be really good!

Of course there is still Jefferson, Harris and potentially a surprise of the draft Alec Burks!

How nice it would be! I hope they give Favors and Hayward more playing time whenever the next season is.

[sblez]

Honestly I don't see any big surprises. If the Clippers made the playoffs it wouldn't be a surprise with all that talent. If a team like the cavs or kings made the playoffs I would be shocked but thats not going to happen...

[440shane]

you're a cavs fan i'm so sorry

Why would you say that? LeBron left, but that was gonna happen no matter what the front office did. He wanted to play with his boys, right or wrong, that plan was in the works for years leading up to last summer.