24. Oklahoma City Thunder
I truly feel that the Oklahoma City Thunder are a year away from emerging as a legit threat to make the playoffs in the Western Conference. Could they sneak into the Play-In Tournament this season? Sure, but I think there’s a far better chance of this team making some noise next season.
The big question is whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will continue to be patient as the other young players on this team continue to grow.
23. Washington Wizards
I continue to maintain that this team’s offseason plan is going to be a disaster, but this is the path that the Washington Wizards have elected for themselves. I don’t love the trio of Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma. They haven’t been very effective this season and are supposed to click over the next 2-3 years?
I don’t see it. And, ultimately, I believe that Beal could ask out soon. He may be the next big star that is traded, and it could come as soon as this offseason.