While there are a number of teams gearing up for an NBA Finals run next season, there are a few whose hopes are pinned to the future.
Last week, BetOnline released the over/under win total projections for 2021-22.
Championship contenders like the Brooklyn Nets (55.5), Milwaukee Bucks (54.5), and Los Angeles Lakers (52.5) held the top spots.
At the bottom of the list languished rebuilding clubs.
The Oklahoma City Thunder checked in with the lowest over/under total (22.5).
They were followed by the Orlando Magic (23.5), Detroit Pistons (25.5), Houston Rockets (26.5), and Cleveland Cavaliers (26.5).
2. Houston Rockets
Although Orlando and Detroit both have lower over/under baselines at BetOnline, the Rockets seem to have less top-end talent on their roster.
The Pistons landed the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft, taking Cade Cunningham.
Detroit also sports a borderline All-Star who now holds a gold medal in Jerami Grant.
The Magic, meanwhile, landed Jalen Suggs in the draft, as well as fellow first-rounder Franz Wagner.
If Orlando can stay healthy, those two add to a potentially exciting young core with Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac.
But the Rockets are pinning their hopes full on Jalen Green, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft.
After a 17-55 season, Houston could linger in the upper teens in terms of win totals again.
How we feeling about this lineup? 👀 pic.twitter.com/hYSGcITETW
— jayden💥 (@hou_jayden) August 28, 2021
Like many rebuilding NBA clubs, the Rockets hold a number of future assets, but those do little to ease the coming difficulties of the next season.
Second-year head coach Stephen Silas sees another crop of young players cycle through, but select few have the potential to be game-changers.
Last season, the Rockets played a league-record 30 players due to various injuries and trades.
The team added four first-rounders in the draft, with Green, Alperen Sengun, Josh Christopher, and Usman Garuba.
To be competitive on a nightly basis, the Rockets will count on Christian Wood and their rookies, as well as the health of perpetually injured players like Eric Gordon and John Wall.
The combination of inexperienced players, inconsistent health, and a second-year head coach indicates a rough season ahead in Houston.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Coming off a 22-50 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued to horde future assets through the league’s latest draft season.
After sliding in the draft and missing out on the opportunity at two top-five picks this year, the Thunder surprised some when they reached for Australian teenager Josh Giddey with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The team stockpiled more future picks, having potentially nine upcoming first-round selections over the next two drafts.
The Thunder locked up their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a max extension this offseason, but sport little else in terms of front-line talent.
Breaking: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a five-year, $172 million max rookie contract extension with the Thunder, his agent tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/1kZI6m8Fww
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 3, 2021
Oklahoma City bought out veteran point guard Kemba Walker after acquiring him via trade.
Cutting bait with Walker allows the team’s young guards in Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, and Theo Maledon to get consistent playing time with the ball in their hands.
But beyond Gilgeous-Alexander, there are few players to be trusted in this lineup.
Luguentz Dort flashed his potential last season, so he’ll play a major role.
However, the remainder of the roster finds fringe veterans or unproven players needing to provide meaningful minutes.
The Thunder hope Giddey and fellow first-round pick Tre Mann emerge as rotational players, but there’s still significant work to do in this rebuild.
Cracking 20 wins seems like a stretch for this core right now.
NEXT: 3 Best Roster Decisions Lakers Have Made Since Adding LeBron James