At this point in the season, attention often focuses on the top teams in the NBA standings.
Which high seeds are the favorites for the championship? Which teams might cause upsets? What are the play-in tournament matchups?
This intense focus on the top of the league can easily overshadow the 10 teams at the bottom of the standings. Their seasons concluded before the play-in tournament, and they won`t be in the spotlight again until the draft lottery on May 12th. However, even these teams that didn`t make the playoffs deserve a final consideration.
Let`s take a final look at these 10 teams and find a positive aspect from each of their seasons. While many things may have gone wrong for these teams, over the course of a long season, each team has at least one positive takeaway.
Toronto Raptors
As a team, the Raptors didn`t have much to celebrate this season. However, several key players made significant individual progress. RJ Barrett demonstrated improved playmaking, increasing his assists to 5.4 per game from a previous high of 3.3.
Young players Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji both averaged double-digit scoring. Jakob Poeltl quietly became recognized as one of the league`s best two-way centers. Chris Boucher and rookie Jamal Shead also made valuable contributions off the bench.
With Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and newly extended Brandon Ingram, the Raptors possess a deep pool of talent for a non-playoff team. Although it didn`t translate to wins this season, this foundation, combined with the Raptors` position in the Eastern Conference, suggests they could be among the most likely teams on this list to reach the playoffs next season.
Brooklyn Nets
During their ongoing rebuild, the Nets made several smart moves in the past year. Trading Mikal Bridges brought in five future first-round picks and a pick swap, and they regained control of their own 2025 and 2026 first-round picks. Brooklyn now has four first-round picks in the promising 2025 draft.
The Nets further enhanced their flexibility by creating significant cap space for the upcoming summer. They also hired a highly-regarded coach, Jordi Fernandez. The challenge now is to utilize these resources to build a winning roster, as it`s uncertain how many current Nets fit into long-term plans. However, the groundwork is laid for a significant Nets turnaround in the coming years.
Philadelphia 76ers
Despite a challenging season, the 76ers saw notable developmental successes with Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes. McCain, before his injury, led all rookies with 15.3 points per game. Grimes averaged 21.9 points and career highs in rebounds and assists after being traded from Dallas.
McCain, Grimes, and Tyrese Maxey could form a formidable backcourt for Philadelphia as they aim to contend again. The 76ers exemplify finding positives in difficult situations, showing that even a disappointing season can yield reasons for future optimism.
Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball was among the top five guards in All-Star fan voting this season, demonstrating his popularity. While he didn`t make the All-Star team, he remains one of the most popular players in the NBA and is projected as a top offensive player going forward.
Ball brings excitement to the Hornets, a franchise seeking its first playoff series win since its Charlotte rebirth in 2004. This popularity and potential are significant for a team still building its success.
Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick, was the Wizards` first top-five pick since 2013. Despite a raw start, Sarr showed significant improvement as the season progressed.
After the All-Star break, Sarr averaged 15.6 points with a high usage rate for a rookie. His defensive performance also improved in the second half of the season. This development is a positive sign for the Wizards` future.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns` season was a major disappointment, failing to reach the play-in tournament after aiming for contention. Finding positives is challenging. However, Kevin Durant`s continued elite scoring at age 36 is a notable silver lining.
Durant ranked second in true shooting percentage among high-volume scorers, only behind Nikola Jokic. This high value could allow the Suns to acquire significant assets in a potential trade, helping rebuild their draft capital after previous trades.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers have been seeking reliable two-way wings for a decade. They appear to have found them in Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.
Avdija, acquired at a high price, has proven his worth with strong all-around play. Camara looks like a promising 3-and-D player acquired in a trade. Combined with Scoot Henderson`s development and improved team performance in the latter part of the season, the Trail Blazers show potential as a future playoff contender in the Western Conference.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are considered to be in the best rebuilding situation in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama made significant progress in his second season and was a contender for All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year.
Teammates like Stephon Castle and De`Aaron Fox also contribute to the optimism. Fox`s trade request to the Spurs indicates belief in their bright future. The Spurs are seen as a promising young team on the rise.
New Orleans Pelicans
Despite a season plagued by injuries, Trey Murphy III continued to develop after signing a contract extension. He increased his scoring and assists while maintaining efficiency.
Murphy is considered a key part of the Pelicans` core moving forward, regardless of other roster changes in the offseason. His continued growth is a significant positive for the team.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz achieved their primary goal this season: improving their lottery odds. This alone is a positive outcome for the franchise.
Beyond lottery positioning, young players like Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh showed promising development. Collier improved as a playmaker, and Sensabaugh demonstrated strong 3-point shooting. These young players offer supplementary pieces as the Jazz continue to seek a foundational star.