NBA: 10 Thoughts As The Stretch Run Begins

Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as time winds down on a victory against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as time winds down on a victory against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Lottery Teams That Should Be Excited For Next Year

Most teams in the NBA lottery are disappointed on how their season went, but a few should be excited. They are excited because the future is bright. The first team is the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are getting better every game, and Karl-Anthony Towns is the real deal. Add another lottery pick to this young core and the future gets even brighter.

Their point differential is only -0.1, which means they struggle in close games. They are not far off, their young players will get better on defense and learn to close games. These things take times, but I expect them to take a big jump next year.

The other team is the Philadelphia 76ers. I understand the health concerns for Joel Embiid. That being said, he is a superstar when healthy. Pair him with Ben Simmons, another lottery pick this year, and the up-and-coming Dario Saric, you got a team.

They also have solid role player in T.J McConnell and Rovert Covington. This team will need time to gel and mature, but the future is really bright. I hope they all stay healthy, because I still trust the process.