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The Top 5 NBA Sleeper Teams: Teams that could surprise the league in the playoffs this year
This NBA season has introduced countless surprises. From teams exceeding their expectations for this season, to players having breakout seasons, fans have been able to enjoy (or frown upon) the many unexpected happenings around the season this year. To make matters even more interesting, COVID has changed how the game is watched and played today. With full stadium crowds still a ways off, games lack the energetic atmosphere characteristic of America’s second most popular sport. Nonetheless, the playoffs will still proceed, so here are the top three teams that could surprise the league in the 2021 NBA Playoffs:
3. Portland Trailblazers
With the MVP caliber season that Damian Lillard has been having, averaging 29 PPG on 45% shooting, the Trailblazers are a team with the potential to make a deep playoff run. For the majority of the season, the Blazers were missing their second star player, CJ McCollum, a guard who provides the team with great shooting and playmaking. Despite his absence, the Trailblazers still finished the season with a winning record, winning 42 games and losing 30. In addition to their elite backcourt, the Blazers also have a deep frontcourt. Talented big men such as Jusuf Nurkić, Enes Kanter, and Robert Covington help stretch and space the floor and contribute strong rebounding and interior defense. Also, role players such as Derrick Jones Jr. and Carmelo Anthony greatly help this team’s depth, providing scoring sparks off the bench. The Blazers’ record and seeding, which has been affected by their injuries, is not an accurate representation of their depth and talent, and they have the potential to surprise the league this postseason.
2. Atlanta Hawks
Despite having no All-Stars on their roster this season, the Atlanta Hawks finished with an impressive 41-31 record, a drastic improvement from last year’s 20-47 season. Led by two talented players in Trae Young, a natural scorer averaging nearly 26 PPG this season, and John Collins, who is averaging 18 PPG, the Hawks are a team that could surprise many during the playoffs. Young and Collins are surrounded by a supporting cast of Bogdan Bogdanović and Kevin Heurter, two great shooters, and De’Andre Hunter, an athletic role player who is skilled at slashing and finishing around the basket. This strong young core is complemented by their invaluable center, Clint Capela, who currently leads the league in rebounds, averaging about 14 per game. Besides their talented starting lineup, Atlanta also has depth off the bench. Players like Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish supply scoring and shooting, and guard Lou Williams provides necessary veteran experience. The combination of a talented young core and scoring options off the bench give the Hawks potential to surprise many in the postseason.
1. New York Knicks
By taking a huge leap from the 12th seed to the 4th seed this season, the Knicks have surprised every NBA fan this season. Much of their improvement is due to the All Star season that Julius Randle is having and their new head coach, Tom Thibideau. Famous for emphasizing defense, Thibideau has unlocked the potential of players like RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and Nerlens Noel. The individual talent of each of these players, combined with the synergy and experience, gives the Knicks the potential to bounce a team like the Hawks or the Heat out of the playoffs. Ultimately, with Julius Randle at the helm and Thibideau in charge, the Knicks have the opportunity for a Cinderella Run this postseason.
