Now that the 2021-2022 NBA regular season is over, we can all look back – and look forward.
There were several teams that came up short this year.
Some of those letdowns were surprising (looking at you, Lakers) and some were sadly expected (the Kings, yet again).
In reality, a few teams never even had a chance of making the postseason.
Sadly, that will be the case next year too.
Which NBA teams don’t have much of a chance of strong competition next season?
Who will probably be in the exact same position when the 2023 playoffs begin?
Detroit Pistons
There is no doubt that Detroit Pistons improved their win total in the 2021-2022 season, despite several injuries that plagued them.
There is also no doubt that they had one of the best rookies of the year, Cade Cunningham.
Cunningham really came into his own as the season carried on and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year.
Cade Cunningham has made first team all-rookie 🔥 pic.twitter.com/12KRVypRbs
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) May 19, 2022
However, there are a lot of choices the team needs to make in the near future, such as what to do with Jeremai Grant and a few other players on the roster.
They also have a big pick in the upcoming lottery, meaning more fresh, young talent is coming their way.
All of this means that some substantial changes are likely coming for the Pistons.
That’s a good thing, but changes like that take time to implement and build upon – which means next season might ultimately be as disappointing as this one.
However, the future is getting brighter for the Pistons.
Orlando Magic
Make no mistake: the Orlando Magic have some talented, impressive young stars in the making on their squad.
Franz Wagner is leading the way, with Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., and RJ Hampton all doing incredible work too.
You’d think they’d be one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league.
However, they are still a long way off from becoming a force to be reckoned with.
A team doesn’t go from dead-last place to playoff contention overnight.
Even with all the promising names on the roster, it will still be some time before we see the Magic performing anything close to their namesake.
Next season will have more flashes of greatness but it won’t be enough.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks might have a great season next year…or they might have a nightmare season.
Things did not go as expected for the team, with them ending the year in 11th place after a previous season when they were in 4th.
The New York Knicks have been eliminated from playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/J5VqU7fQv5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 1, 2022
There is a big chance that some enormous changes are awaiting the Knicks this offseason.
It could be a fire sale for the team, with rumors that even Julius Randle is on the chopping block.
If that happens, it could take time for a new team to find rhythm and chemistry.
And if he stays, the team may continue to struggle to figure itself out.
Is there a chance that any incarnation of the Knicks is able to overcome the Heat or Bucks or Celtics next year?
That’s unlikely, so next year will probably be a bummer too.
NEXT: Cade Cunningham Explains Why He Is The Rookie Of The Year