NBA: Reasons for all 30 teams to be optimistic heading into 2021-22

One reason why every team should be optimistic heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. 

Well, we made it. The NBA storylines since the playoffs ended have been almost exclusively about things other than the on-court product, but now we finally have some basketball to watch.

At the end, only one team gets to finish the season happy, but right now all 30 fan bases can be optimistic. That optimism will go away for a lot of them in about a week, but right now we’ll just focus on the positives.

Houston Rockets: A really exciting rookie class

Even the most optimistic fan would have to admit Houston’s chances of even competing for a playoff spot are virtually non-existent. That being said, they may have done better in the NBA Draft than any other team.

Jalen Green has as good of a chance to win Rookie of the Year as anyone, Alperen Sengun is a crafty throwback big man who will be a plus offensively from day one, and Usman Garuba is probably my favorite non-lottery prospect from this class because of his defense and playmaking. Houston won’t win much, but they should be fun to watch.

Detroit Pistons: The young core is legit

Cade Cunningham is the one who will get the keys to the franchise, but he joins a core of young players that have already proven themselves as useful players in this league. Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart made All-Rookie teams last season and Killian Hayes showed some rare ability as a passer in his injury-shortened rookie season. Detroit is a sneaky-fun NBA League Pass choice this year.