Top 10 Up-And-Coming NBA Teams By Trevor [2 more lists]

This in no way reflects 2010-11 standings. It is simply a look at how the bottom of the league is slowly but surely shifting to the top.

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1

Memphis Grizzlies

As much as I can't stand this team, they're incredible. Next year, they won't be the underdog in their playoff series. Don't be surprised if this team is competing with the Lakers for top dog next year. And no, the Spurs won't be top dogs again. Trust me on that one.
2

Portland Trail Blazers

Brandon Roy is making sure this small-market team is a contender. Every year, the "experts" count them out, and every year they get better and better. The Blazers' fans are incredible, by the way.
3

Los Angeles Clippers

2 words: Blake Griffin.
4

Houston Rockets

Nobody had a clue that there was talent in Houston this year, but look at this team go! It's obvious that Yao Ming isn't being missed too much, as Houston would've made the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. This team is for real.
5

Golden State Warriors

Talk about an incredible fan base in the city of Oakland, California! Except for the A's. But the fans of the Golden State Warriors are for real, and so is their beloved team. Look for Golden State to rise up and contend, even in the West.
6

Indiana Pacers

Indiana, the laughing stock of the league, right? WRONG. Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Brandon Rush, Josh McRoberts, Darren Collison...the list goes on and on of some of the best college talent in the last decade. When you put that all together, you get the next Eastern Conference contender, a team that made the playoffs this year, and will continue to do so until this core group is separated.
7

New York Knicks

As much as I absolutely despise everything about this team, Carmelo and Amar'e should be able to win at least 1 game in the playoffs, something they have yet to do. This team should find itself and become much better than it is right now.
8

Minnesota Timberwolves

I don't feel like looking up the name, but the T'Wolves have an international sensation coming in this year. Coupled with K Love, they should get better than...last.
9

Washington Wizards

Although I don't believe all the hype about John Wall, I have to believe some of it. Plus they have the guy that dunked on 2 different rims at once. Look for the Wizards to rise up, at least some.
10

New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams and Brook Lopez will make things very interesting in the East next year.

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