5. Philadelphia 76ers 13-19
Here is a team that has overachieved a bit to date but have been a tougher team to play than most expected. With five players (3 starters) averaging double figures, they have exhibited a pretty balanced attack. Although rookie Evan Turner is struggling early (6.8 PPG, 40.6% FG) he has not had to step in and be the man. His continued development will come with time. With a healthy Elton Brand leading the way, the Sixers have been able to get off to a much better start than anticipated. 21st in the league in scoring, the Sixers counter that by being 11th in opponent scoring. Don't expect them to make the playoffs and cause an upset, but the Sixers are poised to be in the hunt all year and will get a middle pick in the first round. Most likely they will be headed back to the lottery where they could hope to land a solid point guard.
4. Indiana Pacers 13-17
Indiana looks like it might finally be turning the corner from the 'Malace in the Palace' which launched their franchise overhaul. Solid drafting has brought in franchise anchors Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert, plus the much improved Brandon Rush and a savvy trade put Darren Collison in controls of the offense this season. When Granger struggles the Pacers struggle but they have shown signs of becoming very good, like their blowout of the then struggling Miami Heat in Miami. The Pacers should be able to stay around .500 and make the playoffs, where their defense could make some problems. Sixth in opponent's field goal percentage, 43.6% has kept the Pacers in a lot of games. Missing the playoffs allows them another lottery pick and yet another chance for their front office to add another key guy, most notably a second scorer who can ease the pressure on Granger.
After a rough start the Clippers are 5-2 over their last seven. The combo of Eric Gordon (23.8 PPG) and Blake Griffin (21.5 PPG and 12.5 RPG) is arguably the best under 23 year old duo in the NBA. These guys are clearly the future of the franchise, add in the solid play from vets Chris Kaman and Ryan Gomes to the play of rookies Al-Farouq Aminu and Eric Bledsoe and the Clippers are looking good for next year. All that remains now is trading Baron Davis and his large contract and finding a new owner dedicated to winning. Destined for yet another lottery player, in what could turn out to be a loaded draft, the Clippers have the potential to be among the best teams within two years. Look for them to finish the season strong and make playoff noise next year.
2. Washington Wizards 8-22
The Wizards officially ended the Gilbert Arenas era, a much needed move for both parties and has handed the franchise to rookie sensation John Wall. In addition more minutes were created for Nick Young who is having the best season of his career. Throw those guys together with Andray Blatche's coming out party (he's only 24 years old) an improved JaVale McGee and quality veteran leadership from Kirk Hinrich and the newly acquired Rashard Lewis and the Wizards have a bright futue. They probaly still need to clean house a little bit and move Josh Howard, who has played in six games, and with a certain lottery pick coming the Wizards have a great chance to reload. Imagine adding Jared Sullinger or Terrence Jones to this team next year, which desperately needs some help up front.
Michael Beasley and Kevin Love combine for 43 and 22 each game. The Timberwolves have tons of cap space and are enjoying Martell Webster's breakout season as well. Rookie Wesley Johnson has played solid (9.5 PPG) and an effective Darko Milic, the youngest team in the league is not far away from contention. Desperately needing a point guard (Johnny Flynn and Ricky Rubio over Steph Curry?) in this year's draft the Wolves should be in good position to get a player like Brandon Knight. Rubio is rumored to be coming next year but he isn't ready for the NBA's physical play. The Wolves have lost a large amountt of close games this year and is something that this young team needs to work on to reach that next level, but all they need now is a good point guard who can get Beasley and Love going offensively.
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