Every year, there is a surprise team in the NBA. Most analysts do not expect the team to make much noise that season. But they come out of nowhere to compete from a playoff berth. Sometimes, these teams can cause great upsets. The We Believe Warriors are a perfect example. But what people do not realize is that when such teams come out of nowhere, other teams fall apart.
There are teams that go from being great one year to poor lottery teams the next. This can be due to multiple reasons. Sometimes, the best player leaves. Sometimes, injuries derail the season. Other times, it’s poor coaching or terrible chemistry. Here are the three teams most likely to fall apart in 2020/21 NBA Season.
Team #1: Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz have a young budding superstar in Donovan Mitchell. He has a great supporting cast and his co-star Gobert is only 27. A few more improvements and they could be contenders. But according to reports, Mitchell is extremely frustrated with Gobert over his approach to Covid-19. Many expect the relationship to further devolve.
This could lead to the Jazz to trade away Gobert. Gobert likely won’t bring a lion’s share for the Jazz in return. He is the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year. But he is very one-dimensional and he can’t guard the perimeter particularly well. Thus, Gobert won’t bring the Jazz another All-Star level player. Also, they can not even get someone who is as elite defensively. This is why the Jazz are likely to fall apart next season.
Team #2: Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have been a constant playoff presence for years. In 2019/20, they are currently 3.5 games out of the playoffs and will need to win play-in games to reach the playoffs. This is a season where the Warriors did not have their stars. With the Warriors returning to playoff contention and the Pelicans and the Grizzlies on the rise, the path becomes much more difficult.
There are easily 9 teams better than them right now. Moreover, teams like Phoenix and Sacramento might make the leap also. It is hard to imagine the Blazers making the playoffs next season. It is even harder to see them challenge in the next few years. Thus, the Blazers are likely to fall apart.
Team #3: Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers were lucky to get Embiid and Simmons. Those two vaulted them into title contention very quickly. But they also have a weird fit with each other. The 76ers, despite all their talent, have not been able to put it together. There are already rumours of the 76ers trading away one of their two stars. An early playoff exit this season would likely push the 76ers to make these changes and build the team again.
