As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, 5 NBA Teams on the Edge are already salivating at the potential of landing a future star. The 2025 draft class, headlined by Duke’s sensational freshman Cooper Flagg, promises a treasure trove of talent. Other names like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe only add to the allure, making this draft one of the most tantalizing in recent memory.
Should They Tank or Try? 5 NBA Teams on the Edge for 2024-25
Teams like the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets have already started plotting their course to the bottom, eager to secure prime draft positions. The Wizards are setting up shop in the league’s basement, while the Nets are cleverly reclaiming their lost picks to ensure their path to a high draft spot. The Portland Trail Blazers are also eyeing the future with a keen focus, while the Charlotte Hornets seem content with their slow and steady approach to rebuilding.
However, not all potential tankers can afford to dive headfirst into the race. The Atlanta Hawks, had they retained their first-round pick, might have considered a full-scale teardown. Similarly, the Los Angeles Clippers could be stealthy contenders in this race if not for their 2025 pick being swapped with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The truth is, when a draft class appears this promising, even teams not initially inclined to tank may reconsider. If the following teams stumble out of the gate, they might just find themselves in the thick of the tank race.
Chicago Bulls: Time to Embrace the Inevitable?
The Chicago Bulls have been flirting with the idea of a rebuild, trading away Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan this summer. Yet, they’ve stopped short of a complete teardown. The sticking point? A general lack of interest in veterans like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević. But the writing is on the wall—this franchise is finally acknowledging that the future should be the priority.
General Manager Marc Eversley hinted at a shift in focus, saying, “We’re not so focused on being a top-six seed or being in the play-in. We’re focusing on developing this group every single day and seeing how much better they can get over the next year.” While development is crucial, expanding the young talent base is even more pressing. The current roster, featuring promising players like Coby White, Patrick Williams, and rookie Matas Buzelis, lacks a true cornerstone.
If the Bulls struggle early in the season, the organization might be wise to go all-in on tanking, even if it means parting ways with LaVine and Vučević for less-than-stellar returns. The franchise needs to fully embrace the tank, and a slow start could be the push they need.
Detroit Pistons: One Last Tank for a Brighter Future?
The Detroit Pistons are in a tricky spot. After years of languishing at the bottom, they added solid NBA talent this summer in Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. These additions won’t transform the Pistons into contenders, but they do provide much-needed scoring and spacing.
Yet, despite their new talent, the Pistons might benefit from one more season of losing. With Cade Cunningham leading a promising young core, Detroit is poised for a future turnaround. However, that future could be significantly brighter with another blue-chip prospect alongside Cunningham. If the Pistons falter early, they should consider tanking to secure a top pick in the 2025 draft.
San Antonio Spurs: Play the Long Game
The San Antonio Spurs have a potential superstar in Victor Wembanyama, but they also added veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes this offseason, signaling a desire for some improvement. However, rushing the process could be detrimental. Wembanyama’s development is the key, and patience will be essential.
If the Spurs struggle early, they should consider tanking once more to add another top-tier talent alongside Wembanyama. The 2025 draft offers a chance to secure a co-star for the next decade.
Toronto Raptors: Is the Play-In Really Worth It?
The Toronto Raptors have taken steps towards a rebuild by moving on from Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, but they stopped short of a full reset. With Scottie Barnes now the centerpiece of the franchise, the Raptors have a promising, yet incomplete, young core.
A potential play-in berth might not be worth sacrificing the opportunity to draft a game-changing talent. If Toronto struggles out of the gate, they should consider tanking to add another top prospect to their roster.
Utah Jazz: Don’t Let Markkanen’s Contract Derail the Tank
The Utah Jazz could have embraced a full tank this summer but chose to extend Lauri Markkanen instead. While Markkanen is a valuable player, keeping him might hinder the Jazz’s chances of securing a top pick in 2025. The Jazz should prioritize player development and clear out veterans like Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton to ensure they remain in the tank race.
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