22. Orlando Magic
Similar to the Pistons, it was great to see the Orlando Magic crack the playoffs this year. Also similar to the Pistons, I don’t think they are here to stay. It’s really too bad too because I think the Magic are pretty well run and have really continued to be a bottom feeder just because the lottery has never gone their way. They always seem to land picks right after the best players are gone.
For example, in 2015, they got the 5th pick and Mario Hezojna, which was one pick after Kristaps Porzingis. in 2017 and 2018, they got the 6th pick both times, which was right after De’Aaron Fox and Trae Young were selected. Instead, they ended up with Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba. So here’s to hoping that they find a little MAGIC (pun) in those lotto balls. If anyone deserves a break in the lottery, it’s probably them.
21. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are without a doubt the most frustrating team in the league right now. The most frustrating part is that they have a really good young talent. Devin Booker is a high-level scorer, Deandre Ayton had a solid rookie year, and you won’t find a bigger Mikal Bridges fan than me. It’s unfortunate that their talent is being controlled by perhaps the most incompetent front office the league has to offer, especially in the past year or so.
Bill Simmons laid it all out perfectly in his twitter thread if you need a recap. If they can’t find some stability and figure something out here, they’re going to waste some really good young players.